AD 96-12-04

This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to certain Superior Air Parts, Inc. Parts Manufacturer Approval (PMA) pistons installed on Teledyne Continental Motors O-470 series reciprocating engines, that requires removal from service of certain pistons. This amendment is prompted by piston failures. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent piston failure, which can result in engine power loss, engine failure and loss of the aircraft.

Final rule.

96-12-04 Superior Air Parts, Inc.: Amendment 39-9646. Docket 94-ANE-30.

Applicability: Superior Air Parts, Inc. Parts Manufacturer Approval (PMA) pistons, Part Numbers (P/N's) SA626992 and SA626992P15, installed on Teledyne Continental Motors Model O-470-K, -L, -R reciprocating engines. These engines are installed on but not limited to Cessna 182 series aircraft. NOTE: This airworthiness directive (AD) applies to each piston identified in the preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been modified, altered, or repaired in the area subject to the requirements of this AD. For pistons that have been modified, altered, or repaired so that the performance of the requirements of this AD is affected, the owner/operator must use the authority provided in paragraph (b) to request approval from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). This approval may address either no action, if the current configuration eliminates the unsafe condition, or different actions necessary to address the unsafe condition described in this AD. Such a request should include an assessment of the effect of the changed configuration on the unsafe condition addressed by this AD. In no case does the presence of any modification, alteration, or repair remove any piston from the applicability of this AD.

Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished previously.

To prevent piston failure, which can result in engine power loss, engine failure and loss of the aircraft, accomplish the following:

(a) At the next access to the piston, top overhaul, or major overhaul after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first, remove pistons, P/N SA626992, from service and replace with a serviceable part. NOTE: The affected pistons can be identified by either a stamped-in P/N on the piston dome (SA626992 or SA626992P15) or, by a raised casting number (SA632932) along one of the piston pin bosses on the underside of the piston.

(b) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the compliance time that provides an acceptable level of safety may be used if approved by the Manager, Fort Worth Special Certification Office. The request should be forwarded through an appropriate FAA Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send it to the Manager, Fort Worth Special Certification Office. NOTE: Information concerning the existence of approved alternative methods of compliance with this airworthiness directive, if any, may be obtained from the Fort Worth Special Certification Office.

(c) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with sections 21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.197 and 21.199) to operate the aircraft to a location where the requirements of this AD can be accomplished.

(d) This amendment becomes effective on August 12, 1996.

A proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) to include an airworthiness directive (AD) that is applicable to Superior Air Parts, Inc. Parts Manufacturer Approval (PMA) pistons installed on Teledyne Continental Motors O-470 series reciprocating engines was published in the Federal Register on February 22, 1995 (60 FR 9800). That action proposed to require removal from service of Superior Air Parts, Inc. pistons, Part Number (P/N) SA626992, at the next access to the piston, top overhaul, or major overhaul. The affected pistons can be identified by either a stamped-in P/N on the piston dome (SA626992 or SA626992P15) or, by a raised casting number (SA632932) along one of the piston pin bosses on the underside of the piston.

Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate in the making of this amendment. No comments were received on the proposal or the FAA's determination of the cost to the public.The FAA has determined that air safety and the public interest require the adoption of the rule as proposed.

The manufacturer has informed the FAA that 5,585 pistons were shipped between December 1976 and June 1981 and will be affected by this AD. The FAA estimates that it will take approximately 2 work hours per piston to accomplish the required actions, and that the average labor rate is $60 per work hour. Required parts will cost approximately $156 per piston. Based on these figures, the total cost impact of the AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be $1,541,460.

The regulations adopted herein will not have substantial direct effects 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. Therefore, in accordance with Executive Order 12612, it is determined that this final rule does not have sufficient federalism implications to warrant the preparation of a Federalism Assessment.

For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this action (1) is not a "significant regulatory action" under Executive Order 12866; (2) is not a "significant rule" under DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); and (3) 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. A final evaluation has been prepared for this action and it is contained in the Rules Docket. A copy of it may be obtained from the Rules Docket at the location provided under the caption "ADDRESSES."

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air Transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Safety.

Adoption of the Amendment
Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration amends part 39 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) as follows:

PART 39 - AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 49 USC 106(g), 40113, 44701.

39.13 - [AMENDED]
2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding the following new airworthiness directive: