[Federal Register: August 12, 2004 (Volume 69, Number 155)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Page 49829-49832]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr12au04-19]
=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 2002-NE-33-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Bombardier-Rotax GmbH Type 912 F, 912
S, and 914 F Series Reciprocating Engines
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to supersede an existing airworthiness
directive (AD) for Bombardier-Rotax GmbH Type 912 F, 912 S, and 914 F
series reciprocating engines. That AD currently requires venting of the
lubrication system and inspection of the valve train on all engines.
That AD also requires venting of the lubrication system of all engines
on which the lubrication system has been opened, and any engine on
which the propeller has been rotated one full turn in the wrong
direction. This proposed AD would require similar actions, and also
require removing the existing part number oil dipstick from service and
installing a new oil dipstick. This proposed AD results from the need
to clarify the mandated procedures for inspections and venting. This
proposed AD also results from the manufacturer discovering that under
certain circumstances, the oil level in the oil tank can fall below the
minimum level required to sustain proper engine lubrication. We are
proposing this AD to prevent damage to the engine valve train due to
inadequate venting of the lubrication system, which can result in an
in-flight engine failure and forced landing.
DATES: We must receive any comments on this proposed AD by October 12,
2004.
ADDRESSES: Use one of the following addresses to submit comments on
this proposed AD:
By mail: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), New
England Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, Attention: Rules Docket
No. 2002-NE-33-AD, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803-
5299.
By fax: (781) 238-7055.
By e-mail: 9-ane-adcomment@faa.gov.
You can get the service information identified in this proposed AD
from Bombardier-Rotax GmbH, Gunskirchen,
[[Page 49830]]
Austria; telephone 7246-601-423; fax 7246-601-760.
You may examine the AD docket at the FAA, New England Region,
Office of the Regional Counsel, 12 New England Executive Park,
Burlington, MA.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Richard Woldan, Aerospace Engineer,
Engine Certification Office, FAA, Engine and Propeller Directorate, 12
New England Executive Park; telephone (781) 238-7136; fax (781) 238-
7199.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
We invite you to submit any written relevant data, views, or
arguments regarding this proposal. Send your comments to an address
listed under ADDRESSES. Include ``AD Docket No. 2002-NE-33-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 proposed
AD. If a person contacts us verbally, and that contact relates to a
substantive part of this proposed 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 proposed AD in light of those
comments.
We are reviewing the writing style we currently use in regulatory
documents. We are interested in your comments on whether the style of
this document is clear, and your suggestions to improve the clarity of
our communications that affect you. You may get more information about
plain language at http://www.faa.gov/language and http://www.plainlanguage.gov.Examining
the AD Docket
You may examine the AD Docket (including any comments and service
information), by appointment, between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday
through Friday, except Federal holidays. See ADDRESSES for the
location.
Discussion
On October 17, 2002, we issued AD 2002-21-16, Amendment 39-12923
(67 FR 65033, October 23, 2002). That AD requires:
Before further flight, inspecting the engine valve train,
venting the lubrication system, and inspecting for the correct venting
of the oil system.
Thereafter, before engine start, properly venting the
lubrication system after initial installation of a new or overhauled
engine, after opening the oil system, after an engine oil change, and
after the propeller was rotated one full turn in the wrong direction of
rotation, allowing air to be ingested into the valve train components.
Austro Control, which is the airworthiness authority for Austria,
notified us that an unsafe condition may exist on Bombardier-Rotax GmbH
912 F, 912 S, and 914 F series reciprocating engines. Austro Control
advised that there have been seven in-flight engine failures that
occurred within 50 hours time-in-service (TIS) after installation of a
new or overhauled engine. Investigations by Austro Control indicate
that the failures were due to inadequate venting of the lubrication
systems. Inadequate venting of the lubrication system can cause damage
to the engine valve train as a result of compression of trapped air
while at maximum camshaft speed resulting in high impact stresses to
valve train components.
Actions After AD 2002-21-16 Was Issued
After AD 2002-21-16 was issued, Austro Control advised that there
have been 11 in-flight engine failures due to an oil tank level that is
too low causing induction of air into the oil system and higher than
anticipated pressures through the valve push rods. Investigations by
Austro Control indicate that the failures were due to slower than
anticipated return of oil from the engine crankcase back to the oil
tank. Changes to the viscous properties of the oil cause a slower
return of oil to the oil tank. This slow return results in the oil
level in the oil tank falling below the minimum level required. An oil
level that is too low causes induction of air into the oil system and
higher than anticipated pressures through the valve push rods. That
higher pressure causes damage to the components of the engine valve
train. To help prevent this condition, Rotax introduced a new engine
oil dipstick that has higher level indicator marks, which requires a
greater quantity of oil in the oil tank. This increased quantity of oil
helps prevent the induction of air into the oil system.
Also, after AD 2002-21-16 was issued, we found that some
corrections and clarifications are required. In the ADDRESSES
paragraph, this proposal corrects the address and telephone numbers for
the Rotax service information. Also, this proposal revises the
compliance section for clarification of the inspections and venting to
more closely match the related Austro Control AD.
Relevant Service Information
We have reviewed and approved the technical contents of Bombardier-
Rotax GmbH Mandatory Service Bulletin (MSB) No. SB-912-036/SB-914-022,
Revision 1, dated August 2002. This MSB provides procedures for
inspecting engines for correct venting of the oil system and procedures
for inspecting the valve train for damage caused by inadequate venting.
Austro Control has classified this service bulletin as mandatory and
issued AD No.113R1 in order to assure the airworthiness of these
Bombardier-Rotax GmbH engines in Austria.
Differences Between the Proposed AD and the Service Information
Bombardier-Rotax GmbH MSB SB-912-036/SB-914-022 allows up to 5
hours TIS before venting and inspecting for correct venting of the oil
system on engines with 50 hours or less TIS since the lubrication
system has been opened and drained, since an oil change was performed
using improper procedures, or since the propeller was rotated more than
one turn in the wrong direction of rotation. We have determined that
the venting and inspecting of the valve train must be done before the
next engine start.
Bilateral Agreement Information
This engine model is manufactured in Austria and is type
certificated for operation in the United States under the provisions of
Section 21.29 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.29) and
the applicable bilateral airworthiness agreement. In keeping with this
bilateral airworthiness agreement, Austro Control has kept us informed
of the situation described above. We have examined the findings of
Austro Control, reviewed all available information, and determined that
AD action is necessary for products of this type design that are
certificated for operation in the United States.
FAA's Determination and Requirements of the Proposed AD
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. Therefore, we are proposing this AD, which
would require:
Before the next engine start for engines with 50 hours or
less TIS on the effective date of the AD, since the engine had the oil
system opened, or the oil was changed using other than
[[Page 49831]]
specified procedures, or the propeller was rotated more than one turn
in the wrong direction of rotation, inspecting for valve train damage,
properly venting the lubrication system and inspecting for the correct
venting of the hydraulic valve tappets.
Thereafter, for all engines, before engine start, properly
venting the lubrication system after initial installation of a new or
overhauled engine, after opening the oil system, after changing the oil
using improper procedures, or after the propeller was rotated more than
one turn in the wrong direction of rotation, allowing air to be
ingested into the valve train components.
At the next oil change, or within 100 hours TIS after the
effective date of the AD, whichever is later, removing the oil
dipstick, part number (P/N) 956150, from service, and installing a
serviceable dipstick that has a different P/N.
The proposed AD would require that you do the venting of the
lubrication system using the service information described previously.
Costs of Compliance
There are about 624 Bombardier-Rotax GmbH Type 912 F, 912 S, and
914 F series reciprocating engines of the affected design in the
worldwide fleet. We estimate that 282 engines installed on aircraft of
U.S. registry would be affected by this proposed AD. We also estimate
that it would take about one work hour per engine to perform one oil
system inspection and venting, and that the average labor rate is $65
per work hour. Required parts would cost about $0.85 per engine. Based
on these figures, we estimate the total cost of the proposed AD to U.S.
operators to be $18,570.
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); and
3. Would 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 proposal 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. 2002-NE-33-AD'' in your request.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Safety.
The Proposed Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration proposes to amend 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.
Sec. 39.13 [Amended]
2. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) amends Sec. 39.13 by
removing Amendment 39-12923 (67 FR 65033, October 23, 2002) and by
adding a new airworthiness directive, to read as follows:
Bombardier-Rotax GmbH: Docket No. 2002-NE-33-AD. Supersedes AD 2002-
21-16, Amendment 39-12923.
Comments Due Date
(a) The FAA must receive comments on this airworthiness
directive (AD) action by October 12, 2004.
Affected ADs
(b) This AD supersedes AD 2002-21-16, Amendment 39-12923.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to Bombardier-Rotax GmbH 912 F, 912 S, and
914 F series reciprocating engines. These engines are installed on,
but not limited to, Diamond Aircraft Industries, DA20-A1, Diamond
Aircraft Industries GmbH Model HK 36 TTS, Model HK 36TTC, and Model
HK 36 TTC-ECO, Iniziative Industriali Italiane S.p.A. Sky Arrow 650
TC and Sky Arrow 650 TCN, Aeromot-Industria Mecanico Metalurgica
ltda., Models AMT-300 and AMT-200S, and Stemme S10-VT aircraft.
Unsafe Condition
(d) This AD results from the manufacturer discovering that under
certain circumstances, the oil level in the oil tank can fall below
the minimum level required to sustain proper engine lubrication. The
actions specified in this AD are intended to prevent damage to the
engine valve train due to inadequate venting of the lubrication
system, which can result in an in-flight engine failure and forced
landing.
Compliance
(e) You are responsible for having the actions required by this
AD performed within the compliance times specified unless the
actions have already been done.
Initial Venting and Inspection for Correct Venting
(f) Before the next engine start, for all Bombardier-Rotax GmbH
912 F, 912 S, and 914 F series reciprocating engines that have not
been operated since doing any of the actions identified in Section
1.5 (a) of Rotax Mandatory Service Bulletin (MSB) SB-912-036/SB-914-
022, Revision 1, dated August 2002, do the following:
(1) Perform venting of the lubrication system; and
(2) Perform inspection for correct venting of the hydraulic
valve tappets. Use Section 3.1.1 through Section 3.1.4 of the
Accomplishment Instructions of Rotax MSB SB-912-036/SB-914-022,
Revision 1, dated August 2002 to do the venting and inspection.
Inspection of Engine Valve Train
(g) Before the next engine start, for all Bombardier-Rotax GmbH
912 F, 912 S, and 914 F series reciprocating engines that have been
operated for 50 hours or less on the effective date of this AD since
doing any of the actions identified in Section 1.5 (b) of Rotax
Mandatory Service bulletin (MSB) SB-912-036/SB-914-022, Revision 1,
dated August 2002, do the following:
(1) Disassemble and perform inspection of the engine valve
train; and
(2) Reassemble, vent the lubrication system, and inspect for
correct venting of the hydraulic valve tappets. Use Section 3.1.5
through Section 3.1.7 of the Accomplishment Instructions of Rotax
MSB SB-912-036/SB-914-022, Revision 1, dated August 2002.
Repetitive Venting of the Lubrication System
(h) Thereafter, for all Bombardier-Rotax GmbH 912 F, 912 S, and
914 F series reciprocating engines, after doing any of the actions
in the following paragraphs (h)(1) through (h)(4), vent the
lubrication system and inspect for correct venting of the hydraulic
valve tappets before starting the engine. Use Section 3.1.1 through
Section 3.1.4 of the Accomplishment Instructions of Rotax MSB SB-
912-036/SB-914-022, Revision 1, dated August 2002 to do the venting
and inspecting.
(1) The installation of a new or overhauled engine.
(2) The oil system has been opened allowing air to enter the
valve train (e.g. oil pump, oil cooler, oil suction line removed
which allows oil to drain from the engine oil galleries).
(3) The engine oil was changed using procedures other than those
included in Section 1.2 of Rotax MSB SB-912-036/SB-914-022 Revision
1, dated August 2002.
(4) The propeller was turned more than one turn in the wrong
direction of rotation.
Removal of Existing Oil Dipstick From Service
(i) At the next oil change or within 100 hours TIS after the
effective date of this AD,
[[Page 49832]]
whichever is later, remove the oil dipstick, part number (P/N)
956150, from service, and install a dipstick that has a different P/
N. Information on removing oil dipstick P/N 956150 from service can
be found in Rotax Service Bulletin SB-912-040/SB-914-026, Revision
1, dated August 2003.
Prohibition of Oil Dipstick, P/N 956150
(j) After the effective date of this AD, do not use dipstick P/N
956150 after complying with paragraph (i) of this AD.
Alternative Methods of Compliance
(k) The Manager, Engine Certification Office, has the authority
to approve alternative methods of compliance for this AD if
requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19.
Special Flight Permits
(l) Special flight permits are not permitted.
Material Incorporated by Reference
(m) None.
Related Information
(n) Austro Control airworthiness directives No. 113R1, dated
August 30, 2002, and No. 116, dated September 15, 2003, Rotax
Service Bulletin SB-912-040/SB-914-026, Revision 1, dated August
2003, and Rotax Service Instruction SI-04-1997, Revision 3, dated
September 2002 also address the subject of this AD.
Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on August 6, 2004.
Jay J. Pardee,
Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 04-18440 Filed 8-11-04; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P