[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 144 (Monday, July 27, 2020)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 45075-45078]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-16127]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2020-0136; Project Identifier MCAI-2019-00114-E;
Amendment 39-21168; AD 2020-15-05]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Austro Engine GmbH Engines
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2018-18-02
for certain Austro Engine GmbH model E4 engines and all Austro Engine
GmbH model E4P engines. AD 2018-18-02 required replacement of the
timing chain and amending certain airplane flight manuals (AFMs) to
limit the use of windmill restarts. This AD requires amendment of
certain existing AFMs to limit the use of windmill restarts and removes
the timing chain replacement requirement in AD 2018-18-02. This AD was
prompted by reports of considerable wear of the timing chain on the
affected engines. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe
condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective August 31, 2020.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference
[[Page 45076]]
of certain publications listed in this AD as of August 31, 2020.
ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule,
contact Diamond Aircraft Industries, N. A., Otto-Stra[beta]e 5, A-2700
Wiener Neustadt, A2700, Austria; phone: +43 2622 26700; fax: +43 2622
26780; website: www.diamondaircraft.com. You may view this service
information at the FAA, Airworthiness Products Section, Operational
Safety Branch, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA, 01803. For
information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 781-
238-7759. It is also available on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2020-
0136.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2020-
0136; or in person at Docket Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.,
Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains
this final rule, the mandatory continuing airworthiness information
(MCAI), any comments received, and other information. The address for
Docket Operations is U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New
Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mehdi Lamnyi, Aerospace Engineer, ECO
Branch, FAA, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803; phone: 781-
238-7743; fax: 781-238-7199; email: [email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Discussion
The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14
CFR part 39 to supersede AD 2018-18-02, Amendment 39-19381 (83 FR
53802, October 25, 2018), (``AD 2018-18-02''). AD 2018-18-02 applied to
certain Austro Engine GmbH model E4 engines and all Austro Engine GmbH
model E4P engines. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on March
17, 2020 (85 FR 15079). The NPRM was prompted by reports of
considerable wear of the timing chain on the affected engines. The NPRM
proposed to retain the requirements of AD 2018-18-02 for amending
certain AFMs to limit the use of windmill restarts to emergency
procedures. The NPRM also proposed to remove the requirement in AD
2018-18-02 for replacing the timing chain. The FAA is issuing this AD
to address the unsafe condition on these products.
The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the
Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Community, has
issued EASA AD 2017-0103R1, dated February 25, 2019 (referred to after
this as ``the MCAI''), to address the unsafe condition on these
products. The MCAI states:
Considerable wear of the timing chain has been detected on some
engines. This may have been caused by windmilling restarts, which
are known to cause high stress to the timing chain. This condition,
if not detected and corrected, could lead to failure of the timing
chain and consequent engine power loss, possibly resulting in
reduced control of the aeroplane.
To address this potential unsafe condition, AE included
instructions in the engine maintenance manual to periodically
inspect the condition of the timing chain and, depending on
findings, to replace the timing chain and the chain wheel. The
operation manual was updated to allow windmilling restart only as an
emergency procedure. AE also published Mandatory Service Bulletin
(MSB) MSB-E4-017/2, providing instructions to replace the timing
chain for engines with known windmilling restarts, and EASA issued
AD 2017-0103, requiring replacement of the timing chain for engines
with known windmilling restarts, and amendment of the applicable
Aircraft Flight Manual (AFM). Since that [EASA] AD was issued, AE
revised the applicable Airworthiness Limitation Section (ALS)
including, among others, the limitation required by that AD.
Consequently, EASA published AD 2019-0041, requiring accomplishment
of the actions specified in the ALS.
For the reason described above, this [EASA] AD is revised
accordingly, removing the requirement of timing chain replacement.
This action remain required through EASA AD 2019-0041.
You may obtain further information by examining the MCAI in the AD
docket on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for
and locating Docket No. FAA-2020-0136.
Comments
The FAA gave the public the opportunity to participate in
developing this final rule. The FAA received no comments on the NPRM or
on the determination of the cost to the public.
Conclusion
The FAA reviewed the relevant data and determined that air safety
and the public interest require adopting this final rule as proposed
except for minor editorial changes. The FAA has determined that these
minor changes:
Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the
NPRM for addressing the unsafe condition; and
Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was
already proposed in the NPRM.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed Diamond Aircraft (DA) Temporary Revision (TR) TR-
M[Auml]M-42-973, dated August 12, 2016, for the Diamond Aircraft
Industries (DAI) model DA 42 NG Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) and DA TR
TR-M[Auml]M-62-240, dated August 12, 2016, for the DAI model DA 62 AFM.
These TRs define the removal of the normal operation procedure for
windmilling restart for the respective airplanes. This service
information is reasonably available because the interested parties have
access to it through their normal course of business or by the means
identified in the ADDRESSES section.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD affects 211 engines installed on
airplanes of U.S. registry.
The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:
Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost per Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost product operators
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Amend AFM............................. 1 work-hour x $85 per $0 $85 $17,935
hour = $85.
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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.
The FAA is issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in
[[Page 45077]]
Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: ``General
requirements.'' Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with
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
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.
For the reasons discussed above, I certify this AD:
(1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive
Order 12866,
(2) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, 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.
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 FAA amends 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. 9.13 [Amended]
0
2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by:
0
a. Removing AD 2018-18-02, Amendment 39-19381 (83 FR 53802, October 25,
2018); and
0
b. Adding the following new airworthiness directive (AD):
2020-15-05 Austro Engine GmbH: Amendment 39-21168; Docket No. FAA-
2020-0136; Project Identifier MCAI-2019-00114-E.
(a) Effective Date
This AD is effective August 31, 2020.
(b) Affected ADs
This AD replaces AD 2018-18-02, Amendment 39-19381 (83 FR 53802,
October 25, 2018).
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Austro Engine GmbH model E4 engines with
serial numbers that have a ``-B'' or ``-C'' configuration and to
model E4P engines, all serial numbers.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 8520, Reciprocating
Engine Power Section.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by reports of considerable wear of the
timing chain on the affected engines. The FAA is issuing this AD to
prevent failure of the engine timing chain. The unsafe condition, if
not addressed, could result in failure of the engine timing chain,
loss of engine thrust control, and reduced control of the airplane.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Required Actions
(1) Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD, under
the Emergency Procedures chapter, amend the applicable airplane
flight manual (AFM) by adding the information in Figure 1 to
paragraph (g)(1) of this AD to limit the use of a windmilling
restart to only an emergency procedure.
[[Page 45078]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR27JY20.001
(2) For affected Austro Engine GmbH model E4 engines installed
on Diamond Aircraft Industries (DAI) model Diamond Aircraft (DA) 42
NG and DA 42 M-NG airplanes, and for Austro Engine GmbH model E4P
engines installed on DAI model DA 62 airplanes, using DA AFM
Temporary Revision (TR) TR-M[Auml]M-42-973, and DA AFM TR TR-
M[Auml]M-62-240, both dated August 12, 2016, to update the
applicable AFM is an acceptable method to comply with paragraph
(g)(1) of this AD.
(h) Credit for Previous Actions
You may take credit for actions required by paragraph (g) of
this AD if you amended the applicable AFM for the airplane with the
affected engine installed before the effective date of this AD in
accordance with AD 2018-18-02.
(i) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, ECO Branch, 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
ECO Branch, send it to the attention of the person identified in
paragraph (j)(1) of this AD. You may email your request to: [email protected].
(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.
(j) Related Information
(1) For more information about this AD, contact Mehdi Lamnyi,
Aerospace Engineer, ECO Branch, FAA, 1200 District Avenue,
Burlington, MA, 01803; phone: 781-238-7743; fax: 781-238-7199;
email: [email protected].
(2) Refer to European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD
2017-0103R1, dated February 25, 2019, for more information. You may
examine the EASA AD in the AD docket on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating it in Docket No.
FAA-2020-0136.
(k) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference (IBR) of the service information listed
in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
(2) You must use this service information as applicable to do
the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
(i) Diamond Aircraft (DA) Temporary Revision (TR) TR-M[Auml]M-
42-973, dated August 12, 2016, for the Diamond Aircraft Industries
(DAI) model DA 42 NG Airplane Flight Manual (AFM).
(ii) DA AFM TR TR-M[Auml]M-62-240, dated August 12, 2016, for
the DAI model DA 62 AFM.
(3) For Diamond Aircraft Industries service information
identified in this AD, contact Diamond Aircraft Industries, N.A.,
Otto-Stra[beta]e 5, A-2700 Wiener Neustadt, A2700, Austria; phone:
+43 2622 26700; fax: +43 2622 26780; website:
www.diamondaircraft.com.
(4) You may view this service information at the FAA,
Airworthiness Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 1200
District Avenue, Burlington, MA, 01803. For information on the
availability of this material at the FAA, call 781-238-7759.
(5) You may view this service information that is incorporated
by reference at the National Archives and Records Administration
(NARA). For information on the availability of this material at
NARA, email: [email protected], or go to: https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.
Issued on July 9, 2020.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2020-16127 Filed 7-24-20; 8:45 am]
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