Airworthiness Directives; BRP-Powertrain GmbH & Co. KG Reciprocating Engines

[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 235 (Wednesday, December 7, 2011)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 76293-76295]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-31501]



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Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 235 / Wednesday, December 7, 2011 / 
Rules and Regulations

[[Page 76293]]



DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2011-1299; Directorate Identifier 2011-NE-40-AD; 
Amendment 39-16878; AD 2011-25-02]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; BRP-Powertrain GmbH & Co. KG 
Reciprocating Engines

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for BRP-
Powertrain GmbH & Co. KG Rotax 912 F2, 912 F3, 912 F4, 912 S2, 912 S3, 
912 S4, 914 F2, 914 F3, and 914 F4 reciprocating engines. 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:

    During a production process review, a deviation in the 
manufacturing process of certain part number (P/N) 888164 
crankshafts has been detected, which may have resulted in a latent 
defect. This condition, if not corrected, could lead to crack 
formation on the power takeoff side of the crankshaft journal, 
possibly resulting in failure of the crankshaft support bearing, in-
flight engine shutdown and forced landing, damage to the aeroplane 
and injury to the occupants.

    We are issuing this AD to prevent in-flight failure of the engine 
and forced landing.

DATES: This AD becomes effective December 22, 2011.
    We must receive comments on this AD by January 6, 2012.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of BRP-Powertrain GmbH & Co. KG, Rotax Aircraft Engines, 
Mandatory Alert Service Bulletins (ASB) Nos. ASB-912-059 and ASB 914-
042 (combined in one document), dated November 15, 2011, listed in the 
AD as of December 22, 2011.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments by any of the following methods:
    <bullet> Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to http://www.regulations.gov and follow the instructions for sending your 
comments electronically.
    <bullet> Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, 1200 New Jersey 
Avenue SE., West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, Washington, DC 
20590-0001.
    <bullet> Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail address above between 9 
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    <bullet> Fax: (202) 493-2251.
    For service information identified in this AD, contact BRP-
Powertrain GmbH & Co. KG, Welser Strasse 32, A-4623 Gunskirchen, 
Austria, or go to: http://www.rotax-aircraft-engines.com. You may 
review copies of the referenced service information at the FAA, Engine 
& Propeller Directorate, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA. 
For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 
(781) 238-7125.

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 the same as the 
Mail address provided in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be 
available in the AD docket shortly after receipt.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Alan Strom, Aerospace Engineer, Engine 
Certification Office, FAA, Engine & Propeller Directorate, 12 New 
England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803; email: 
[email protected]; phone: (781) 238-7143; fax: (781) 238-7199.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Discussion

    The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical 
Agent for the Member States of the European Community, has issued EASA 
AD 2011-0222-E, dated November 15, 2011 (referred to after this as 
``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for the specified 
products. The MCAI states:

    During a production process review, a deviation in the 
manufacturing process of certain part number (P/N) 888164 
crankshafts has been detected, which may have resulted in a latent 
defect. This condition, if not corrected, could lead to crack 
formation on the power takeoff side of the crankshaft journal, 
possibly resulting in failure of the crankshaft support bearing, in-
flight engine shutdown and forced landing, damage to the aeroplane 
and injury to the occupants.

You may obtain further information by examining the MCAI in the AD 
docket.

Relevant Service Information

    We reviewed BRP-Powertrain GmbH & Co. KG, Rotax Aircraft Engines, 
Mandatory ASB Nos. ASB-912-059 and ASB 914-042 (combined in one 
document), dated November 15, 2011. The actions described in this 
service information are intended to correct the unsafe condition 
identified in the MCAI.

FAA's Determination and Requirements of this AD

    This product has been approved by the aviation authority of 
Austria, and is approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant 
to our bilateral agreement with the European Community, EASA has 
notified us of the unsafe condition described in the MCAI and service 
information referenced above. We are issuing this AD because we 
evaluated all information provided by EASA and determined the unsafe 
condition exists and is likely to exist or develop on other products of 
the same type design.

Differences Between the AD and the MCAI or Service Information

    None.

FAA's Determination of the Effective Date

    An unsafe condition exists that requires the immediate adoption of 
this AD. The FAA has found that the risk to the flying public justifies 
waiving notice and comment prior to adoption of this rule because of 
the short compliance

[[Page 76294]]

time of 4 operating hours, and the risk to single-engine airplanes 
affected. Therefore, we determined that notice and opportunity for 
public comment before issuing this AD are impracticable and that good 
cause exists for making this amendment effective in fewer than 30 days.

Comments Invited

    This AD is a final rule that involves requirements affecting flight 
safety, and we did not precede it by notice and opportunity for public 
comment. We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or 
arguments about this AD. Send your comments to an address listed under 
the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2011-1299; Directorate 
Identifier 2011-NE-40-AD'' at the beginning of your comments. We 
specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, economic, 
environmental, and energy aspects of this AD. We will consider all 
comments received by the closing date and may amend this AD because of 
those comments.
    We will post all comments we receive, without change, to http://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. We 
will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact 
with FAA personnel concerning this AD. Using the search function of the 
Web site, anyone can find and read the comments in any of our dockets, 
including, if provided, the name of the individual who sent the comment 
(or signed the comment on behalf of an association, business, labor 
union, etc.). You may review the DOT's complete Privacy Act Statement 
in the Federal Register published on April 11, 2000 (65 FR 19477-78).

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.
    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.

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.  39.13  [Amended]

0
2. The FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by adding the following new AD:

2011-25-02 BRP-Powertrain GmbH & Co. KG (formerly BRP-Rotax GmbH & 
Co KG, Bombardier-Rotax GmbH & Co. KG, and Bombardier-Rotax GmbH): 
Amendment 39-16878; Docket No. FAA-2011-1299; Directorate Identifier 
2011-NE-40-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective December 22, 
2011.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to BRP-Powertrain GmbH & Co. KG Rotax 912 F2, 
912 F3, 912 F4, 912 S2, 912 S3, 912 S4, 914 F2, 914 F3, and 914 F4 
reciprocating engines, with the following part number (P/N) 888164 
crankshafts installed.

       Table 1--Affected P/N 888164 Crankshaft Serial Nos. (S/Ns)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
S/Ns 40232 through 40267 inclusive.
S/Ns 40293 through 40374 inclusive.
S/Ns 40408 through 40433 inclusive.
S/Ns 40435 through 40507 inclusive.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

(d) Reason

    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:

    During a production process review, a deviation in the 
manufacturing process of certain part number (P/N) 888164 
crankshafts has been detected, which may have resulted in a latent 
defect. This condition, if not corrected, could lead to crack 
formation on the power takeoff side of the crankshaft journal, 
possibly resulting in failure of the crankshaft support bearing, in-
flight engine shutdown and forced landing, damage to the aeroplane 
and injury to the occupants.

    We are issuing this AD to prevent in-flight failure of the 
engine and forced landing.

(e) Actions and Compliance

    Unless already done, do the following actions.
    (1) Within 4 flight hours after the effective date of this AD, 
clean and fluorescent-penetrant-inspect the crankshaft for cracks, 
in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions paragraphs 
3.1)4., 3.1)6., and Figure 1 of BRP-Powertrain GmbH & Co. KG, Rotax 
Aircraft Engines, Mandatory Alert Service Bulletins (ASB) Nos. ASB-
912-059 and ASB 914-042 (combined in one document), dated November 
15, 2011.
    (2) If any crack is found, remove the crankshaft from service.

(f) Installation Prohibition

    (1) After the effective date of this AD, do not install an 
engine having an affected P/N 888164 crankshaft installed, listed in 
Table 1 of this AD, on any airplane, unless the crankshaft has 
passed the inspection specified in paragraph (e)(1) of this AD.
    (2) After the effective date of this AD, do not install an 
affected P/N 888164 crankshaft listed in Table 1 of this AD, in any 
engine, unless the crankshaft has passed the inspection specified in 
paragraph (e)(1) of this AD.

(g) FAA AD Differences

    None.

(h) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    The Manager, Engine Certification Office, may approve AMOCs for 
this AD. Use the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19 to make your 
request.

(i) Related Information

    (1) Refer to MCAI European Aviation Safety Agency AD 2011-0222-
E, dated November 15, 2011, for related information.
    (2) Contact Alan Strom, Aerospace Engineer, Engine Certification 
Office, FAA,

[[Page 76295]]

Engine & Propeller Directorate, 12 New England Executive Park, 
Burlington, MA 01803; email: [email protected]; phone: (781) 238-
7143; fax: (781) 238-7199, for more information about this AD.

(j) Material Incorporated by Reference

    You must use BRP-Powertrain GmbH & Co. KG, Rotax Aircraft 
Engines, Mandatory Alert Service Bulletins Nos. ASB 912-059 and ASB 
914-042 (combined in one document), dated November 15, 2011, 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 BRP-
Powertrain GmbH & Co. KG, Welser Strasse 32, A-4623 Gunskirchen, 
Austria, or go to: http://www.rotax-aircraft-engines.com.
    (3) You may review copies of the service information at the FAA, 
New England Region, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA. 
For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, 
call (781) 238-7125.
    (4) You may also review copies of the service information that 
is incorporated by reference at the National Archives and Records 
Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this 
material at an NARA facility, call (202) 741-6030, or go to http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on November 29, 2011.
Peter A. White,
Manager, Engine & Propeller Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2011-31501 Filed 12-6-11; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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