Airworthiness Directives; Technify Motors GmbH (Type Certificate Previously Held by Thielert Aircraft Engines GmbH) Reciprocating Engines

[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 19 (Thursday, January 29, 2015)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 4764-4767]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2015-00991]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2010-0683; Directorate Identifier 2010-NE-25-AD; 
Amendment 39-18065; AD 2015-02-01]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Technify Motors GmbH (Type Certificate 
Previously Held by Thielert Aircraft Engines GmbH) Reciprocating 
Engines

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

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SUMMARY: We are superseding airworthiness directive (AD) 2011-23-01 for 
all Technify Motors GmbH (TMG) models TAE 125-01 and TAE 125-02-99 
reciprocating engines with certain part number (P/N) and serial number 
(S/N) clutch assemblies installed. AD 2011-23-01 required replacement 
of certain P/N and S/N clutch assemblies. This AD requires the same 
actions but

[[Page 4765]]

expands the population of affected P/N and S/N clutch assemblies. This 
AD was prompted by an additional report of a clutch assembly that 
malfunctioned due to disk springs that received a nonconforming heat 
treatment process. We are issuing this AD to prevent failure of the 
clutch assembly, which could lead to failure of the engine, in-flight 
shutdown, and loss of control of the airplane.

DATES: This AD is effective February 13, 2015.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of February 13, 
2015.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain other publication listed in this AD as of 
November 22, 2011 (76 FR 68636, November 7, 2011).
    We must receive any comments on this AD by March 16, 2015.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR 
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods:
    <bullet> Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
    <bullet> Fax: 202-493-2251.
    <bullet> Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590.
    <bullet> Hand Delivery: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., 
Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    For service information identified in this AD, contact Technify 
Motors GmbH, Platanenstrasse 14, D-09356 Sankt Egidien, Germany; phone: 
+49-37204-696-0; fax: +49-37204-696-55; email: engines.com">info@centurion-engines.com. You may view this 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 by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2010-
0683; or in person at the Docket Management Facility between 9 a.m. and 
5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket 
contains this AD, the mandatory continuing airworthiness information, 
regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and other information. 
The address for the Docket Office (phone: 800-647-5527) is in the 
ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly 
after receipt.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Christopher McGuire, Aerospace 
Engineer, Engine Certification Office, FAA, Engine & Propeller 
Directorate, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803; 
phone: 781-238-7120; fax: (781) 238-7199; email: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

    This AD is a final rule that involves requirements affecting flight 
safety, and we did not provide you with notice and an opportunity to 
provide your comments before it becomes effective. However, we invite 
you to send any written data, views, or arguments about this AD. Send 
your comments to an address listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include 
``Docket No. FAA-2010-0683; Directorate Identifier 2010-NE-25-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 we 
receive about this AD.

Discussion

    On August 16, 2010, we issued AD 2010-18-02, Amendment 39-16415 (75 
FR 52240, August 25, 2010), (``AD 2010-18-02''), for certain Thielert 
Aircraft Engines GmbH (TAE) (previous certificate holder) models TAE 
125-01 and TAE 125-02-99 reciprocating engines. AD 2010-18-02 resulted 
from reports of engine in-flight shutdowns. Preliminary investigation 
showed that nonconforming disc springs used in a certain production 
batch of the clutch caused the shutdowns. AD 2010-18-02 required 
replacement of certain clutch assemblies.
    On October 19, 2011, we superseded AD 2010-18-02, issuing AD 2011-
23-01, Amendment 39-16852 (76 FR 68636, November 7, 2011), for certain 
TAE models TAE 125-01 and TAE 125-02-99 reciprocating engines. AD 2011-
23-01 required replacement of certain P/N and S/N clutch assemblies due 
to clutch failure. AD 2011-23-01 resulted from TAE identifying 
additional clutch assemblies with nonconforming disc springs.

Actions Since AD 2011-23-01 Was Issued

    Since we issued AD 2011-23-01, Amendment 39-16852 (76 FR 68636, 
November 7, 2011), we received an additional report of a malfunctioning 
clutch assembly. Investigation found that the same unsafe condition 
exists on approximately 40 additional S/N clutch assemblies that have 
nonconforming disk springs. Those additional nonconforming disc springs 
are identified in TMG Service Bulletin No. TM TAE 125-0021, Revision 2, 
dated October 13, 2014.

FAA's Determination

    We are issuing this AD because we evaluated all the relevant 
information and determined the unsafe condition described previously is 
likely to exist or develop in other products of these same type 
designs.

AD Requirements

    This AD requires, for engines with affected clutch assemblies with 
more than 100 hours time since new (TSN), replacement of affected 
clutch assemblies before further flight. This AD also requires, for 
those engines with affected clutch assemblies that have accumulated 
less than 100 hours TSN, replacement of affected clutch assemblies 
before accumulating 100 hours TSN.

FAA's Justification and 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 TMG 
identified additional clutch assemblies with nonconforming disc springs 
and the need for operators to comply with some of the AD actions before 
further flight. Therefore, we find that notice and opportunity for 
prior public comment are impracticable and that good cause exists for 
making this amendment effective in less than 30 days.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD will affect about 111 engines installed on 
airplanes of U.S. registry. We also estimate that it will take about 16 
hours per engine to perform the clutch assembly replacement. The 
average labor rate is $85 per hour. Required parts will cost about 
$1,796. Based on these figures, we

[[Page 4766]]

estimate the cost of the AD on U.S. operators to be $350,316.

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

    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 that this AD:
    (1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive 
Order 12866,
    (2) Is not a ``significant rule'' under DOT Regulatory Policies and 
Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979),
    (3) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska to the extent 
that it justifies making a regulatory distinction, and
    (4) 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 part 39 of the Federal Aviation 
Regulations (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 removing airworthiness directive (AD) 
2011-23-01, Amendment 39-16852 (76 FR 68636, November 7, 2011), and 
adding the following new AD:

2015-02-01 Technify Motors GmbH (Type Certificate previously held by 
Thielert Aircraft Engines GmbH): Amendment 39-18065; Docket No. FAA-
2010-0683; Directorate Identifier 2010-NE-25-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD is effective February 13, 2015.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD supersedes AD 2011-23-01, Amendment 39-16852 (76 FR 
68636, November 7, 2011).

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Technify Motors GmbH (TMG) models TAE 125-01 
and TAE 125-02-99 reciprocating engines, with a clutch assembly part 
number (P/N) listed in paragraphs (c)(i) through (c)(v) of this AD, 
and with a serial number (S/N) listed in either TMG Service Bulletin 
(SB) No. TM TAE 125-0021, Revision 2, dated October 13, 2014, or 
Thielert Aircraft Engines GmbH (TAE) SB No. TM TAE 125-1011 P1, 
Revision 2, dated August 31, 2011, installed.

(i) P/N 02-7210-11001R11
(ii) P/N 02-7210-11001R11-AT
(iii) P/N 02-7210-11001R13
(iv) P/N 05-7211-K006001
(v) P/N 05-7211-K006002

(d) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by TMG identifying 40 additional S/N clutch 
assemblies with nonconforming disk springs for TMG TAE 125-01 
reciprocating engines. We are issuing this AD to prevent failure of 
the clutch assembly, which could lead to failure of the engine, in-
flight shutdown, and loss of control of the airplane.

(e) Compliance

    Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, 
unless already done.
    After the effective date of this AD:
    (1) For engines with affected clutch assemblies that have 
accumulated 100 hours time since new (TSN) or more, replace the 
clutch assembly before further flight.
    (2) For engines with affected clutch assemblies that have 
accumulated less than 100 hours TSN, replace the clutch assembly 
before accumulating 100 hours TSN.

(f) Installation Prohibition

    After the effective date of this AD, do not install onto any 
airplane any engine having a clutch assembly, P/N 02-7210-11001R11, 
P/N 02-7210-11001R11-AT, P/N 02-7210-11001R13, P/N 05-7211-K006001, 
or P/N 05-7211-K006002, installed, that has an S/N listed in TMG SB 
No. TM TAE 125-0021, Revision 2, dated October 13, 2014, or in TAE 
SB No. TM TAE 125-1011 P1, Revision 2, dated August 31, 2011.

(g) Credit for Previous Actions

    If before the effective date of this AD you replaced an affected 
clutch assembly with a clutch assembly not listed in this AD, or 
with one not listed in either TMG SB No. TM TAE 125-0021, Revision 
2, dated October 13, 2014, or TAE SB No. TM TAE 125-1011 P1, 
Revision 2, dated August 31, 2011, then you met the requirements of 
paragraph (e) of this AD and no further action is required to comply 
with this AD.

(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. You may email your request to: [email protected].

(i) Related Information

    (1) For more information about this AD, contact Christopher 
McGuire, Aerospace Engineer, Engine Certification Office, FAA, 
Engine & Propeller Directorate, 12 New England Executive Park, 
Burlington, MA 01803; phone: 781-238-7120; fax: (781) 238-7199; 
email: [email protected].
    (2) Refer to MCAI European Aviation Safety Agency AD 2014-0232, 
dated October 22, 2014 and corrected on November 4, 2014, for more 
information. You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket on the 
Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating 
it in Docket No. FAA-2010-0683.

(j) 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.
    (3) The following service information was approved for IBR on 
February 13, 2015.
    (i) Technify Motors GmbH (TMG) Service Bulletin (SB) No. TM TAE 
125-0021, Revision 2, dated October 13, 2014.
    (ii) Reserved.
    (4) The following service information was approved for IBR on 
November 22, 2011.
    (i) Thielert Aircraft Engines GmbH (TAE) SB No. TM TAE 125-1011 
P1, Revision 2, dated August 31, 2011.
    (ii) Reserved.
    (5) For TMG and TAE service information identified in this AD, 
contact Technify Motors GmbH, Platanenstrasse 14, D-09356 Sankt 
Egidien, Germany; phone: +49-37204-696-0; fax: +49-37204-696-55; 
email: engines.com">info@centurion-engines.com.
    (6) You may view this service information at 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.
    (7) You may view this service information at the National 
Archives and Records

[[Page 4767]]

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.

    Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on January 8, 2015.
Colleen M. D'Alessandro,
Assistant Directorate Manager, Engine & Propeller Directorate, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2015-00991 Filed 1-28-15; 8:45 am]
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