What Events Have Caused This AD?
The FAA has received several reports of wear of the fuel pressure transducer at the threads due to vibration and the consequent abrasion in the mount. There was one report of a failure of the mount with a resulting fuel leak in a Lancair Model LC40-550FG with about 370 hours time-in-service.
What Is the Potential Impact if FAA Took No Action?
This fuel leak could lead to engine power loss or fire.
Is There Service Information That Applies to This Subject?
Lancair has issued:
--Service Bulletin No. SB-04-002B, dated March 10, 2004; and
--Compliance Kit Instruction No. CK-002, dated March 10, 2004.
What Are the Provisions of This Service Information?
The service information includes procedures for:
--Repetitively inspecting the fuel pressure transducer and related parts for evidence of chafing;
--measuring the diameter of the transducer if chafing is found; and
--installing Compliance Kit Instruction No. CK-002.
FAA's Determination and Requirements of the AD
What Has FAA Decided?
We have evaluated all pertinent information and identified an unsafe condition that is likely to exist or develop on other products of this same type design.
Since the unsafe condition described previously is likely to exist or develop on other Lancair Models LC40-550FG and LC42-550FG airplanes of the same type design, we are issuing this AD to detect and correct chafing and wear of the fuel pressure transducer, which could result in failure of the transducer threaded fitting with a resulting fuel leak. These fuel leaks could lead to engine power loss or fire.
What Does This AD Require?
This AD requires you to incorporate the actions in the previously- referenced service bulletin.
In preparing this rule, we contacted type clubs and aircraft operators to get technical information and information on operational and economic impacts. We did not receive anyinformation through these contacts. If received, we would have included a discussion of any information that may have influenced this action in the rulemaking docket.
How Does the Revision to 14 CFR Part 39 Affect This AD?
On July 10, 2002, we published a new version of 14 CFR part 39 (67 FR 47997, July 22, 2002), which governs FAA's AD system. This regulation now includes material that relates to altered products, special flight permits, and alternative methods of compliance. This material previously was included in each individual AD. Since this material is included in 14 CFR part 39, we will not include it in future AD actions.
Comments Invited
Will I Have the Opportunity to Comment Before You Issue the Rule?
This AD is a final rule that involves requirements affecting flight safety and was not preceded by notice and an opportunity for public comment; however, we invite you to submit any written relevant data, views, or arguments regarding this AD. Send your comments to an address listed under ADDRESSES. Include "AD Docket No. 2004-CE-07-AD" in the subject line of your comments. If you want us to acknowledge receipt of your mailed comments, send us a self-addressed, stamped postcard with the docket number written on it; we will date-stamp your postcard and mail it back to you. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the rule that might suggest a need to modify it. If a person contacts us through a nonwritten communication, and that contact relates to a substantive part of this AD, we will summarize the contact and place the summary in the docket. We will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend the AD in light of those comments.
Regulatory Findings
Will This AD Impact Various Entities?
We have determined that this AD will not have federalism implications under Executive Order 13132. This AD will 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.
Will This AD Involve a Significant Rule or Regulatory Action?
For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this AD:
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); 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.
We prepared a summary of the costs to comply with this AD and placed it in the AD Docket. You may get a copy of this summary by sending a request to us at the address listed under ADDRESSES. Include "AD Docket No. 2004-CE-07-AD" in your request.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by reference, Safety.
Adoption of the Amendment
Accordingly, under 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 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
39.13 [Amended]
2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness directive (AD):