[Federal Register Volume 79, Number 161 (Wednesday, August 20, 2014)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 49249-49252]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2014-19729]
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Proposed Rules
Federal Register
________________________________________________________________________
This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains notices to the public of
the proposed issuance of rules and regulations. The purpose of these
notices is to give interested persons an opportunity to participate in
the rule making prior to the adoption of the final rules.
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Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 161 / Wednesday, August 20, 2014 /
Proposed Rules
[[Page 49249]]
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2014-0603; Directorate Identifier 2013-CE-026-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Meggitt (Troy), Inc. Combustion Heaters
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: We propose to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 81-09-09,
which applies to certain Meggitt (Troy), Inc. (previously known as
Stewart Warner South Wind Corporation and as Stewart Warner South Wind
Division) Model Series 8240 (Models 8240-A, 8240-C, 8240E, and 8248),
8253 (Models 8253-A, 8253-B, and 8253-C), 8259 (Models 8259-A, 8259-C,
8259-DL, 8259HL2, 8259HR2, 8259JR2, 8259L, and 8259M), and 8472 (Models
8472C and 8472D) combustion heaters. AD 81-09-09 currently requires
repetitive inspections of the combustion heater; repetitive general
inspections of the combustion heater installation; and, for combustion
heaters having 1,000 hours or more time-in-service (TIS), overhaul of
the combustion heater. Since we issued AD 81-09-09, there was an
airplane accident, and we received reports of the heater malfunction.
This proposed AD would retain most actions from AD 81-09-09, add a
calendar time to the repetitive inspections, and add more detailed
actions for the general inspection. We are proposing this AD to correct
the unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by October 6, 2014.
ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods:
Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
Fax: 202-493-2251.
Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New
Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590.
Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail address above between 9
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
For service information identified in this proposed AD, contact
Meggitt Control Systems, 3 Industrial Drive, Troy, Indiana 47588;
telephone: (812) 547-7071; fax: (812) 547-2488; email:
[email protected]; Internet: www.stewart-warner.com. You may view
this referenced service information at the FAA, Small Airplane
Directorate, 901 Locust, Kansas City, Missouri 64106. For information
on the availability of this material at the FAA, call (816) 329-4148.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2014-
0603; or in person at the Docket Management Facility between 9 a.m. and
5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket
contains this proposed AD, the regulatory evaluation, any comments
received, and other information. The street address for the Docket
Office (phone: 800-647-5527) is in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will
be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Chung-Der Young, Aerospace Engineer,
Chicago Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, Small Airplane Directorate,
2300 East Devon Avenue, Des Plaines, IL 60018-4696; telephone (847)
294-7309; fax (847) 294-7834 email: [email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or
arguments about this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address
listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2014-0603;
Directorate Identifier 2013-CE-026-AD'' at the beginning of your
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory,
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this proposed AD. We
will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend
this proposed AD because of those comments.
We will post all comments we receive, without change, to http://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. We
will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact we
receive about this proposed AD.
Discussion
On April 16, 1981, we issued AD 81-09-09, Amendment 39-4102 (46 FR
24936, May 4, 1981) (``AD 81-09-09''), for certain Meggitt (Troy), Inc.
(previously known as Stewart Warner South Wind Corporation and as
Stewart Warner South Wind Division) Model Series 8240 (Models 8240-A,
8240-C, 8240E, and 8248), 8253 (Models 8253-A, 8253-B, and 8253-C),
8259 (Models 8259-A, 8259-C, 8259-DL, 8259HL2, 8259HR2, 8259JR2, 8259L,
and 8259M), and 8472 (Models 8472C and 8472D) combustion heaters marked
as meeting the standards of FAA TSO-C20. AD 81-09-09 requires
repetitive inspection of the combustion heater and inspection of the
installation of the combustion heater. AD 81-09-09 resulted from a
hazardous condition caused by deterioration of the combustion heater.
We issued AD 81-09-09 to detect and correct a hazardous condition
caused by deterioration of the combustion heater, which could lead to
ignition of components and result in smoke and fumes in the cabin.
Actions Since AD 81-09-09 Was Issued
Since we issued AD 81-09-09, Amendment 39-4102 (46 FR 24936, May 4,
1981), we received a report of an airplane accident that resulted in
four fatalities and one serious injury. Only the survivor of the
accident provided a written statement of the accident. She reported
that when the pilot turned on the heater, a ``terrible smell'' was
detected. The pilot told the passengers that the smell was normal for
some heaters. When the pilot turned the heater off, dark, black smoke
began to enter the airplane, which made it difficult to see. In a
flight prior to the accident flight, the heater's overheat light
illuminated when the heater was
[[Page 49250]]
turned on. The airplane maintenance records indicated a previous
problem with the heater.
Regardless of whether the heater played a part in the above-
referenced accident, this condition of deteriorated ignition components
and smoke and fumes in the cabin could lead to passenger injury on
other airplanes incorporating such heaters if not inspected and
corrected.
Since the accident, Meggitt, Inc. issued new service information
for doing a pressure decay test (PDT). It was also identified that the
repetitive inspections for the combustion heater required only time-in-
service inspections and did not include a calendar time compliance.
Relevant Service Information
We reviewed:
Stewart-Warner South Wind Corporation South Wind Service
Manual for Stewart Warner South Wind Aircraft Heaters 8240-A, 8240-C,
8259-A, 8259-C, 8259-DL, 8259-FL1, 8259-GL1, 8259-GL2, Form No. 09-998,
revised: December 1969;
South Wind Division Stewart-Warner Corporation Beech
Aircraft Corporation Service Manual PM-20688, Part No. 404-001039
Heater Assy. (SW 8253-B), revised: April 1965;
South Wind Division Stewart-Warner Corporation Service
Manual South Wind Aircraft Heater 8472 Series, Form No. 09-1015,
issued: April 1975; and
Meggitt Inspection Procedure, Pressure Decay Test,
Aircraft Heaters, dated May 17, 2014.
The service information describes procedures for inspection of the
combustion heater, inspection of the installation of the combustion
heater, and the pressure decay test for aircraft heaters.
FAA's Determination
We are proposing this AD because we evaluated all the relevant
information and determined the unsafe condition described previously is
likely to exist or develop in other products of the same type design.
Proposed AD Requirements
This proposed AD would retain certain requirements of AD 81-09-09.
This proposed AD would continue requiring the inspection of the
combustion heater; however, the repair of the combustion tube would be
prohibited. This proposed AD would also require a repetitive combustion
heater pressure decay test and a more detailed inspection of the
combustion heater and components.
Change to AD 81-09-09
Since AD 81-09-09 was issued, the AD format has been revised, and
certain paragraphs have been rearranged. As a result, the corresponding
paragraph identifiers have been redesignated in this proposed AD, as
listed in the following table:
Revised Paragraph Identifiers
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Corresponding requirement in
Requirement in AD 81-09-09 this proposed AD
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Paragraph (a).......................... Paragraph (g).
Paragraph (b).......................... Paragraph (j).
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Differences Between This Proposed AD and the Service Information
The proposed AD would prohibit repair of any defective combustion
tube while the service information does not specify this.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this proposed AD affects 6,000 combustion heaters
installed on, but not limited to, Piper Aircraft, Inc. and Cessna
Aircraft Company airplanes of U.S. registry.
We estimate the following costs to comply with this proposed AD:
Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost on
Action Labor cost Parts cost Cost per U.S.
product operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Perform pressure decay test......... 2 work-hours x $85 per Not Applicable......... $170 $1,020,000
hour = $170.
Inspection of thermostat switch and 1 work-hour x $85 per Not Applicable......... 85 510,000
upper limit switch. hour = $85.
Inspection of solenoid valve and 2 work-hours x $85 per Not Applicable......... 170 1,020,000
fuel pump. hour = $170.
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We estimate the following costs to do any necessary combustion
heater overhaul/disable/related replacement that would be required
based on the results of the proposed inspection/test. We have no way of
determining the number of aircraft that might need a combustion heater
overhaul/disable/related replacement:
On-Condition Costs
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost per
Action Labor cost Parts cost product
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Overhaul heater with South 8 work-hours x $4,220 $4,900
Wind parts. $85 per hour =
$680.
Replace temperature switches. 1 work-hour x 320 405
$85 per hour =
$85.
Repair pump.................. 2 work-hours x 470 640
$85 per hour =
$170.
Disable heater............... 2 work-hours x (\1\) 170
$85 per hour =
$170.
Remove heater................ 3 work-hours x (\1\) 255
$85 per hour =
$255.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ Not applicable.
Authority for This Rulemaking
Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, Section 106, describes the
authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII, Aviation Programs,
describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's authority.
We are issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in
Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701, ``General
requirements.'' Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with
[[Page 49251]]
promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing
regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator
finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within
the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition
that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this
rulemaking action.
Regulatory Findings
We have determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism
implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would not
have a substantial direct effect on the States, on the relationship
between the national Government and the States, or on the distribution
of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government.
For the reasons discussed above, I certify that the proposed
regulation:
(1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive
Order 12866,
(2) Is not a ``significant rule'' under the DOT Regulatory Policies
and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979),
(3) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
(4) Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or
negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria
of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.
The Proposed Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part 39 as follows:
PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
0
1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
Sec. 39.13 [Amended]
0
2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by removing Airworthiness Directive (AD)
81-09-09, Amendment 39-4102 (46 FR 24936, May 4, 1981), and adding the
following new AD:
Meggitt (Troy), Inc.: Docket No. FAA-2014-0603; Directorate
Identifier 2013-CE-026-AD.
(a) Comments Due Date
The FAA must receive comments on this AD action by October 6,
2014.
(b) Affected ADs
This AD supersedes AD 81-09-09, Amendment 39-4102 (46 FR 24936,
May 4, 1981).
(c) Applicability
(1) This AD applies to Meggitt (Troy), Inc. (previously known as
Stewart Warner South Wind Corporation and as Stewart Warner South
Wind Division) Models 8240-A, 8240-C, 8240E, 8248, 8253-A, 8253-B,
8253-C, 8259-A, 8259-C, 8259-DL, 8259HL2, 8259HR2, 8259JR2, 8259L,
8259M, 8472C, and 8472D combustion heaters.
(2) This appliance is installed on, but not limited to, Piper
Aircraft, Inc. and Cessna Aircraft Company airplanes.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC)/Air Transport Association
(ATA) of America Code 2140; Heating System.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by an airplane accident and reports we
received that the combustion heater was malfunctioning. We are
issuing this AD to detect and correct a hazardous condition caused
by deterioration of the combustion heater, which could lead to
ignition of components and result in smoke and fumes in the cabin.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified in
paragraphs (g) through (j) of this AD, including all sub-paragraphs,
unless already done. If the hours of combustion heater operation
cannot be determined, use 50 percent of the airplane's hours time-
in-service (TIS).
(g) Combustion Heater Inspection
Within the next 10 hours TIS or two calendar months after the
effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first, and repetitively
thereafter at intervals not to exceed 250 hours of combustion heater
operation or two years, whichever occurs first, inspect the
combustion heater. If any discrepancies are found during the
inspection, before further flight, replace any defective combustion
tube and correct or replace other defective assemblies as necessary.
Follow, as applicable, Stewart-Warner South Wind Corporation South
Wind Service Manual for Stewart Warner South Wind Aircraft Heaters
8240-A, 8240-C, 8259-A, 8259-C, 8259-DL, 8259-FL1, 8259-GL1, 8259-
GL2, Form No. 09-998, revised: December 1969; South Wind Division
Stewart-Warner Corporation Beech Aircraft Corporation Service Manual
PM-20688, Part No. 404-001039 Heater Assy. (SW 8253-B), revised:
April 1965; or South Wind Division Stewart-Warner Corporation
Service Manual South Wind Aircraft Heater 8472 Series, Form No. 09-
1015, issued: April 1975.
Note 1 to paragraph (g) of this AD: The Model 8248 combustion
heater is part of the 8240 series of combustion heaters. The
Stewart-Warner South Wind Corporation South Wind Service Manual for
Stewart Warner South Wind Aircraft Heaters 8240-A, 8240-C, 8259-A,
8259-C, 8259-DL, 8259-FL1, 8259-GL1, 8259-GL2, Form No. 09-998,
revised: December 1969, is applicable service information.
(h) Detailed Combustion Heater Inspection Actions
(1) During the inspection required in paragraph (g) of this AD,
do the detailed inspection actions listed in paragraphs (h)(1)(i)
through (h)(1)(v) of this AD.
(i) Inspect the thermostat switch (external from heater) and
upper limit switch (located on the heater). In cold static
condition, both switches should be in closed position; in operation
(hot) condition, both switches should regulate their sensed
temperatures within 10 degrees F.
(ii) Inspect the solenoid valve and fuel pump for fuel leak,
corrosion, diaphragm crack, metal shavings, and excess grease.
(iii) With the heater operating, inspect the fuel pump output
pressure for proper gauge hook up and pressure range readings.
(iv) Inspect the combustion heater's fuel pump operating
pressure to assure it is not affected by other on-board pumps.
(v) Inspect the heater to assure it instantly responds to the
on/off switch.
(2) If any discrepancies are found during the inspections
required in paragraph (h)(1) of this AD, before further flight,
replace any defective combustion tube and correct or replace other
defective assemblies, or disable the combustion heater following
paragraph (k)(2) of this AD.
(i) Combustion Heater Installation Inspection
Within the next 10 hours TIS or two calendar months after the
effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first, and repetitively
thereafter at intervals not to exceed 250 hours of combustion heater
operation or two years, whichever occurs first, inspect the
combustion heater installation following the actions in paragraphs
(i)(1) through (i)(4) of this AD. If any discrepancies are found
during this inspection, before further flight, do any necessary
corrections or replacements.
(1) Inspect ventilating air and combustion air inlets and
exhaust outlet correcting any restrictions and ensure attachment
security.
(2) Inspect drain line and ensure it is free of obstruction.
(3) Check all fuel lines for security at joints and shrouds,
correcting/replacing those showing evidence of looseness or leakage.
(4) Check all electrical wiring for security at attachment
points, correcting conditions leading to arcing, chafing or
looseness.
(j) Combustion Heater Pressure Decay Test (PDT)
(1) Within the next 10 hours TIS or two calendar months after
the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first, and
repetitively thereafter at intervals not to exceed 250 hours of
combustion heater operation or two years, whichever occurs first, do
the PDT following Meggitt Inspection Procedure, Pressure Decay Test,
Aircraft Heaters, dated May 17, 2014.
Note 2 to paragraph (j)(1) of this AD: The Model 8248
combustion heater is part of the 8240 series of combustion heaters.
The Meggitt Inspection Procedure, Pressure Decay
[[Page 49252]]
Test, Aircraft Heaters, dated May 17, 2014, is applicable service
information.
(2) If the combustion heater fails the PDT, before further
flight, do one of the corrective actions listed in paragraphs (k)(1)
through (k)(3) of this AD.
(k) Combustion Heater Overhaul/Disable/Removal
If the combustion heater fails the PDT required in paragraph (j)
of this AD, before further flight, do one of the actions in
paragraphs (k)(1) through (k)(3), including all subparagraphs of
this AD:
(1) Overhaul the heater and all exterior supporting components.
No repairs to the combustion tube are allowed. Replace any defective
combustion tube with an FAA-approved airworthy combustion tube.
Follow, as applicable, Stewart-Warner South Wind Corporation South
Wind Service Manual for Stewart Warner South Wind Aircraft Heaters
8240-A, 8240-C, 8259-A, 8259-C, 8259-DL, 8259-FL1, 8259-GL1, 8259-
GL2, Form No. 09-998, revised: December 1969; South Wind Division
Stewart-Warner Corporation Beech Aircraft Corporation Service Manual
PM-20688, Part No. 404-001039 Heater Assy. (SW 8253-B), revised:
April 1965; or South Wind Division Stewart-Warner Corporation
Service Manual South Wind Aircraft Heater 8472 Series, Form No. 09-
1015, issued: April 1975.
Note 3 to paragraph (k)(1) of this AD: The Model 8248
combustion heater is part of the 8240 series of combustion heaters.
The Stewart-Warner South Wind Corporation South Wind Service Manual
for Stewart Warner South Wind Aircraft Heaters 8240-A, 8240-C, 8259-
A, 8259-C, 8259-DL, 8259-FL1, 8259-GL1, 8259-GL2, Form No. 09-998,
revised: December 1969, is applicable service information.
(2) Disable the heater by the following actions:
(i) Disconnect and cap the heater fuel supply;
(ii) Disconnect circuit breakers;
(iii) Tag the main switch ``Heater Inoperable''; and
(iv) The ventilation blower can stay functional.
(3) Remove the heater by the following actions:
(i) Disconnect and cap the heater fuel supply;
(ii) Disconnect/remove circuit breakers;
(iii) Remove exhaust pipe extension;
(iv) Cap the exhaust opening;
(v) Remove the heater; and
(vi) Do weight and balance for the aircraft.
(l) Credit for Actions Accomplished in Accordance With Previous Service
Information
(1) This paragraph provides credit for any inspection required
in paragraph (g) of this AD and any overhaul required in paragraph
(k)(1) of this AD based on any inspection of this AD if already done
before the effective date of this AD following, as applicable,
Stewart-Warner South Wind Corporation South Wind Service Manual for
Stewart Warner South Wind Aircraft Heaters 8240-A, 8240-C, 8259-A,
8259-C, 8259-DL, 8259-FL1, 8259-GL1, 8259-GL2, Form No. 09-998,
revised: December 1969; South Wind Division Stewart-Warner
Corporation Beech Aircraft Corporation Service Manual PM-20688, Part
No. 404-001039 Heater Assy. (SW 8253-B), revised: April 1965; or
South Wind Division Stewart-Warner Corporation Service Manual South
Wind Aircraft Heater 8472 Series, Form No. 09-1015, issued: April
1975.
Note 4 to paragraph (l)(1) of this AD: The Model 8248
combustion heater is part of the 8240 series of combustion heaters.
The Stewart-Warner South Wind Corporation South Wind Service Manual
for Stewart Warner South Wind Aircraft Heaters 8240-A, 8240-C, 8259-
A, 8259-C, 8259-DL, 8259-FL1, 8259-GL1, 8259-GL2, Form No. 09-998,
revised: December 1969, is applicable service information.
(2) Repair of the combustion tube is prohibited, and this AD
does not allow credit for any combustion tube repair.
(m) Special Flight Permit
Special flight permits are permitted in accordance with 14 CFR
39.23 with the following limitation: Use of the heater is not
allowed.
(n) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, Chicago Aircraft Certification Office (ACO),
FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested
using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14
CFR 39.19, send your request to your principal inspector or local
Flight Standards District Office, as appropriate. If sending
information directly to the manager of the ACO, send it to the
attention of the person identified in paragraph (n)(1) of this AD.
(2) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate
principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager
of the local flight standards district office/certificate holding
district office.
(3) AMOCs approved for AD 81-09-09 (46 FR 24936, May 4, 1981)
are approved as AMOCs for this AD.
(o) Related Information
(1) For more information about this AD, contact Chung-Der Young,
Aerospace Engineer, Chicago Aircraft Certification Office, FAA,
Small Airplane Directorate, 2300 East Devon Avenue, Des Plaines, IL
60018-4696; telephone (847) 294-7309; fax (847) 294-7834 email:
[email protected].
(2) For service information identified in this AD, contact
Meggitt Control Systems, 3 Industrial Drive, Troy, Indiana 47588;
telephone: (812) 547-7071; fax: (812) 547-2488; email:
[email protected]; Internet: www.stewart-warner.com. You may view
this referenced service information at the FAA, Small Airplane
Directorate, 901 Locust, Kansas City, Missouri 64106. For
information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call
(816) 329-4148.
Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on August 13, 2014.
Earl Lawrence,
Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2014-19729 Filed 8-19-14; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P