[Federal Register Volume 75, Number 109 (Tuesday, June 8, 2010)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 32253-32255]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2010-12540]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2009-0201; Directorate Identifier 2008-NE-47-AD;
Amendment 39-16314; AD 2010-11-09]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Thielert Aircraft Engines GmbH (TAE)
Models TAE 125-01 and TAE 125-02-99 Reciprocating Engines Installed in,
but Not Limited to, Diamond Aircraft Industries Model DA 42 Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the
products listed above. This AD results from mandatory continuing
airworthiness information (MCAI) issued by an aviation authority of
another country to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an
aviation product. The MCAI describes the unsafe condition as:
Engine in-flight shutdown incidents have been reported on
Diamond Aircraft Industries DA 42 airplanes equipped with TAE 125
engines. The investigations showed that it was mainly the result of
failure of the Proportional Pressure Reducing Valve (PPRV) (also
known as Propeller Control Valve) due to high vibrations. This
condition, if not corrected, could lead to further cases of engine
in-flight shutdown, possibly resulting in reduced control of the
aircraft.
Since the release of European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD
2008-0145, the engine gearbox has been identified as the primary
source of vibrations for the PPRV, and it has also been determined
that failure of the electrical connection to the PPRV could have
contributed to some power loss events or in-flight shutdowns.
We are issuing this AD to prevent engine in-flight shutdown, possibly
resulting in reduced control of the aircraft.
DATES: This AD becomes effective July 13, 2010. The Director of the
Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of certain
publications listed in this AD as of July 13, 2010.
ADDRESSES: The Docket Operations office is located at Docket Management
Facility, U.S. Department of Transportation, 1200 New Jersey Avenue,
SE., West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, Washington, DC 20590-
0001.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Tara Chaidez, Aerospace Engineer,
Engine Certification Office, FAA, Engine and Propeller Directorate, 12
New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803; e-mail:
[email protected]; telephone (781) 238-7773; fax (781) 238-7199.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Discussion
We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) and a supplemental
NPRM to amend 14 CFR part 39 to include an AD that would apply to the
specified products. That NPRM was published in the Federal Register on
April 17, 2009 (74 FR 17795) and that supplemental NPRM was published
in the Federal Register on February 23, 2010 (75 FR 7996). That
supplemental NPRM proposed to correct an unsafe condition for the
specified products. The MCAI states that:
Engine in-flight shutdown incidents have been reported on
Diamond Aircraft Industries DA 42 airplanes equipped with TAE 125
engines. The investigations showed that it was mainly the result of
failure of the Proportional Pressure Reducing Valve (PPRV) (also
known as Propeller Control Valve) due to high vibrations. This
condition, if not corrected, could lead to further cases of engine
in-flight shutdown, possibly resulting in reduced control of the
aircraft.
Since the release of European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD
2008-0145, the engine gearbox has been identified as the primary
source of vibrations for the PPRV, and it has also been determined
that failure of the electrical connection to the PPRV could have
contributed to some power loss events or in-flight shutdowns.
Comments
We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing
this AD. We received no comments on the supplemental NPRM or on the
determination of the cost to the public.
Conclusion
We reviewed the available data and determined that air safety and
the public interest require adopting the AD as proposed.
Differences Between This AD and the MCAI or Service Information
We have reviewed the MCAIs and, in general, agree with their
substance. But we have found it necessary to not reference the second
paragraph of the unsafe condition from EASA AD 2009-0224. That sentence
stated that the problem has only manifested itself on those Thielert
engines installed on Diamond Aircraft Industries DA 42 aircraft. The
affected engines which require a PPRV could be used on other make and
model airplanes in the future.
We also did not incorporate the February 28, 2010 compliance date
which is in EASA AD 2009-0193R1, or the January 31, 2010 compliance
date which is in EASA AD 2009-0224.
Costs of Compliance
Based on the service information, we estimate that this AD will
affect about 300 TAE 125-01 and TAE 125-02-99 reciprocating engines
installed in Diamond Aircraft Industries Model DA 42 airplanes of U.S.
registry. We also estimate that it will take about 0.25 work-hour per
engine to replace a PPRV and install a vibration isolator to the
gearbox assembly. The average labor rate is $85 per work-hour. Required
parts will cost about $275 per product. Based on these figures, we
estimate the cost of the AD on U.S. operators to be $88,875.
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
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 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.
[[Page 32254]]
For the reasons discussed above, I certify 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 regulatory evaluation of the estimated costs to
comply with this AD and placed it in the AD docket.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov; or in person at the Docket Operations office
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal
holidays. The AD docket contains this AD, the regulatory evaluation,
any comments received, and other information. The street address for
the Docket Operations office (phone (800) 647-5527) is provided in the
ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly
after receipt.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.
Adoption of the Amendment
0
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. 39.13 [Amended]
0
2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new AD:
2010-11-09 Thielert Aircraft Engines GmbH: Amendment 39-16314.
Docket No. FAA-2009-0201; Directorate Identifier 2008-NE-47-AD.
Effective Date
(a) This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective July 13,
2010.
Affected ADs
(b) None.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to Thielert Aircraft Engines GmbH (TAE)
models TAE 125-01 and TAE 125-02-99 reciprocating engines designated
with part number (P/N) 05-7200-K000301 or 02-7200-1401R1. The
engines are installed on, but not limited to, Diamond Aircraft
Industries Model DA 42 airplanes.
Reason
(d) Engine in-flight shutdown incidents have been reported on
Diamond Aircraft Industries DA 42 airplanes equipped with TAE 125
engines. The investigations showed that it was mainly the result of
failure of the Proportional Pressure Reducing Valve (PPRV) (also
known as Propeller Control Valve) due to high vibrations. This
condition, if not corrected, could lead to further cases of engine
in-flight shutdown, possibly resulting in reduced control of the
aircraft.
Since the release of European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD
2008-0145, the engine gearbox has been identified as the primary
source of vibrations for the PPRV, and it has also been determined
that failure of the electrical connection to the PPRV could have
contributed to some power loss events or in-flight shutdowns.
We are issuing this AD to prevent engine in-flight shutdown,
possibly resulting in reduced control of the aircraft.
Actions and Compliance
(e) Unless already done, do the following actions:
TAE 125-02-99 Reciprocating Engines
(1) For TAE 125-02-99 reciprocating engines with engine P/N 05-
7200-K000301, within 55 flight hours after the effective date of
this AD:
(i) Replace the existing PPRV with PPRV, P/N 05-7212-E002801.
Use paragraphs A. through B. of Thielert Service Bulletin (SB) No.
TM TAE 125-1007 P1, Revision 2, dated April 29, 2009, to do the
replacement.
(ii) Install a vibration isolator, P/N 05-7212-K022302, to the
gearbox assembly. Use paragraphs 1 through 20 of Thielert SB No. TM
TAE 125-1009 P1, Revision 3, dated October 14, 2009, to do the
installation.
Repetitive PPRV Replacements
(2) Thereafter, within every 300 flight hours, replace the PPRV,
P/N 05-7212-E002801, with the same P/N PPRV.
TAE 125-01 Reciprocating Engines
(3) For TAE 125-01 reciprocating engines with engine P/N 02-
7200-1401R1, within 55 flight hours after the effective date of this
AD:
(i) Replace the existing PPRV with a PPRV, P/N NM-0000-0124501
or P/N 05-7212-K021401. Use paragraph 1 of Thielert SB No. TM TAE
125-0018, Revision 1, dated November 12, 2008, to do the
replacement.
(ii) Inspect the electrical connectors of the PPRV and replace
the connectors if damaged, and install a vibration isolator, P/N 05-
7212-K023801, to the gearbox assembly. Use paragraphs 1 through 27
of Thielert SB No. TM TAE 125-0020, Revision 1, dated November 25,
2009, to do the inspection and installation.
Repetitive PPRV Replacements
(4) Thereafter, within every 300 flight hours, replace the PPRV
with a PPRV, P/N NM-0000-0124501 or P/N 05-7212-K021401.
FAA Differences
(f) We have found it necessary to not reference the second
paragraph of the unsafe condition from the MCAI EASA AD 2009-0224.
That sentence stated that the problem has only manifested itself on
those Thielert engines installed on Diamond Aircraft Industries DA
42 aircraft. The affected engines which require a PPRV could be used
on other make and model airplanes in the future.
(g) We also did not reference the February 28, 2010 compliance
date, which is in EASA AD 2009-0193R1, or the January 31, 2010
compliance date which is in EASA AD 2009-0224.
Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(h) The Manager, Engine Certification Office, FAA, has the
authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the
procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19.
Related Information
(i) Refer to EASA AD 2009-0224, dated October 20, 2009 (TAE 125-
02-99), and EASA AD 2009-0193R1, dated December 1, 2009 (TAE 125-
01), for related information.
(j) Contact Tara Chaidez, Aerospace Engineer, Engine
Certification Office, FAA, Engine and Propeller Directorate, 12 New
England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803; e-mail:
[email protected]; telephone (781) 238-7773; fax (781) 238-7199,
for more information about this AD.
Material Incorporated by Reference
(k) You must use the service information specified in Table 1 of
this AD to do the actions required by this AD, unless the AD
specifies otherwise.
(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference of this service information under 5
U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
(2) For service information identified in this AD, contact
Thielert Aircraft Engines GmbH, Platanenstrasse 14 D-09350,
Lichtenstein, Germany, telephone: +49-37204-696-0; fax: +49-37204-
696-2912; e-mail: engines.com">info@centurion-engines.com.
(3) You may review copies at the FAA, New England Region, 12 New
England Executive Park, Burlington, MA; or at the National Archives
and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the
availability of this material at NARA, call (202) 741-6030, or go
to: http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.
[[Page 32255]]
Table 1--Material Incorporated by Reference
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Thielert Service Bulletin No. Page Revision Date
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TM TAE 125-1007 P1.................. ALL.................... 2 April 29, 2009.
Total Pages: 4
TM TAE 125-1009 P1.................. ALL.................... 3 October 14, 2009.
Total Pages: 26
TM TAE 125-0018..................... ALL.................... 1 November 12, 2008.
Total Pages: 2
TM TAE 125-0020, including Annexes A ALL.................... 1 November 25, 2009.
and B.
Total Pages: TM TAE 125-0020,
42; Annex A, 3; Annex B, 4
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Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on May 19, 2010.
Tracy Murphy,
Acting Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2010-12540 Filed 6-7-10; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P