Airworthiness Directives; BRP-Rotax GmbH & Co KG Engines

[Federal Register Volume 84, Number 108 (Wednesday, June 5, 2019)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 25984-25986]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2019-11739]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2018-0916; Product Identifier 2018-NE-33-AD; Amendment 
39-19643; AD 2019-10-04]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; BRP-Rotax GmbH & Co KG Engines

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain 
BRP-Rotax GmbH & Co KG (Rotax) 912 and 914 model engines. This AD was 
prompted by power loss and engine revolutions per minute (RPM) drop on 
certain Rotax 912 and 914 model engines due to a quality control 
deficiency in the manufacturing process of certain valve push-rod 
assemblies resulting in partial wear on the rocker arm ball socket and 
possible malfunction of the valve. This AD requires one-time inspection 
and, depending on the findings, replacement of the affected parts with 
parts eligible for installation. We are issuing this AD to address the 
unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective July 10, 2019.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of July 10, 
2019.

ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule, 
contact BRP-Rotax GmbH & Co KG, Rotaxstrasse 1, A-4623 Gunskirchen, 
Austria; phone: +43 7246 601 0; fax: +43 7246 601 9130; email: 
[email protected]; internet: www.flyrotax.com. You may view this 
service information at the FAA, Engine and Propeller Standards 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 http://www.regulations.gov by searching 
for and locating Docket No. FAA-2018-0916.

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-2018-
0916; 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), the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and other 
information. The address for Docket Operations (phone: 800-647-5527) 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: Wego Wang, Aerospace Engineer, ECO 
Branch, FAA, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803; phone: 781-
238-7134; fax: 781-238-7199; email: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Discussion

    We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR 
part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to certain Rotax 912 and 914 
model engines. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on November 
6, 2018 (83 FR 55502). The NPRM was prompted by power loss and engine 
RPM drop on certain Rotax 912 and 914 model engines due to a quality 
control deficiency in the manufacturing process of certain valve push-
rod assemblies resulting in partial wear on the rocker arm ball socket 
and possible malfunction of the valve. The NPRM proposed to require a 
one-time inspection and, depending on the findings, replacement of the 
affected parts with parts eligible for installation. We are 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 2017-0208, dated October 13, 2017 (referred to after 
this as ``the MCAI''), to address the unsafe condition on these 
products. The MCAI states:

    Power loss and engine RPM drop have been reported on Rotax 912/
914 engines in service. It has been determined that, due to a 
quality control deficiency in the manufacturing process of certain 
valve push-rod assemblies, manufactured between 08 June 2016 and 02 
October 2017 inclusive, partial wear on the rocker arm ball socket

[[Page 25985]]

may occur, which may lead to malfunction of the valve train.
    This condition, if not detected and corrected, may lead to rough 
engine operation and loss of power, possibly resulting in a forced 
landing, with consequent damage to the aeroplane and injury to 
occupants.

Revision to Applicability Section

    We revised paragraph (c)(4), in the Applicability section of this 
AD, to refer to ``Rotax 912 F2, 912 F3, 912 F4, 912 S2, 912 S3, 912 S4, 
914 F2, 914 F3, and 914 F4 engines (all S/Ns) on which a valve push-rod 
assembly has been replaced with one manufactured between June 8, 2016, 
and October 2, 2017,'' rather than ``Rotax 912 F2, 912 F3, 912 F4, 912 
S2, 912 S3, 912 S4, 914 F2, 914 F3, and 914 F4 engines (all S/Ns) on 
which a valve push-rod assembly has been replaced between June 8, 2016, 
and the effective date of this AD,'' as proposed in the NPRM. This 
change clarifies the applicability and is consistent with the MCAI and 
with Rotax Service Bulletin (SB) SB-912 i-008 R1/SB-912-070 R1/SB-914-
052 R1 (single document), Revision 1, dated October 12, 2017. Our 
proposed wording would have unnecessarily extended the applicability of 
this AD to all valve push-rod assemblies that were replaced on the 
affected Rotax engines from October 2, 2017 until the effective date of 
this AD.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this final rule. We received no comments on the NPRM or on the 
determination of the cost to the public.

Conclusion

    We 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 and the changes to the Applicability 
section discussed above. We have determined that these minor changes:
    <bullet> Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the 
NPRM for addressing the unsafe condition; and
    <bullet> Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was 
already proposed in the NPRM.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    We reviewed Rotax SB SB-912 i-008 R1/SB-912-070 R1/SB-914-052 R1 
(single document), Revision 1, dated October 12, 2017. The SB describes 
procedures for inspection and replacement of the valve push-rod 
assembly and the left and right rocker arms. 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

    We estimate that this AD affects 150 engines installed on airplanes 
of U.S. registry.
    We estimate the following costs to comply with this AD:

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                     Cost per      Cost on U.S.
                Action                         Labor cost           Parts cost        product        operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inspect the push-rod rocker arm ball    1 work-hour x $85 per                 $0             $85         $12,750
 sockets.                                hour = $85.
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    We estimate the following costs to do any necessary replacements 
that would be required based on the results of the proposed inspection. 
We estimate that 50 engines will need this replacement.

                                               On-Condition Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                     Cost per      Cost on U.S.
                Action                         Labor cost           Parts cost        product        operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Replace the valve push-rod assembly     0.5 work-hours x $85 per          $3,000       $3,042.50        $152,125
 and rocker arm ball sockets.            hour = $42.50.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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.
    This AD is issued in accordance with authority delegated by the 
Executive Director, Aircraft Certification Service, as authorized by 
FAA Order 8000.51C. In accordance with that order, issuance of ADs is 
normally a function of the Compliance and Airworthiness Division, but 
during this transition period, the Executive Director has delegated the 
authority to issue ADs applicable to engines, propellers, and 
associated appliances to the Manager, Engine and Propeller Standards 
Branch, Policy and Innovation Division.

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) Is not a ``significant rule'' under the DOT Regulatory Policies 
and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979),

[[Page 25986]]

    (3) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, 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 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 airworthiness 
directive (AD):

2019-10-04 BRP-Rotax GmbH & Co KG (formerly BRP-Powertrain GmbH & Co 
KG; Bombardier-Rotax GmbH & Co KG; Bombardier-Rotax GmbH): Amendment 
39-19643; Docket No. FAA-2018-0916; Product Identifier 2018-NE-33-
AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD is effective July 10, 2019.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to:
    (1) BRP-Rotax GmbH & Co KG (Rotax) 912 F2, 912 F3, and 912 F4 
engines, with serial number (S/N) 4 413 066 to 4 413 067, inclusive; 
and S/N 4 413 101 to 4 413 111, inclusive;
    (2) Rotax 912 S2, 912 S3, and 912 S4 engines, with S/Ns 9 563 
826 to 9 563 849, inclusive; S/Ns 9 564 301 to 9 564 508, inclusive; 
and S/N 9 564 510 to 9 564 534, inclusive;
    (3) Rotax 914 F2, 914 F3, and 914 F4 engines, with S/Ns 4 421 
581 to 4 421 597, inclusive; and S/N 4 421 701 to 4 421 833, 
inclusive; and
    (4) Rotax 912 F2, 912 F3, 912 F4, 912 S2, 912 S3, 912 S4, 914 
F2, 914 F3, and 914 F4 engines (all S/Ns) on which a valve push-rod 
assembly has been replaced with one manufactured between June 8, 
2016, and October 2, 2017.

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 8530, Reciprocating 
Engine Cylinder Section.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by power loss and engine revolutions per 
minute drop on Rotax 912 and 914 model engines due to a quality 
control deficiency in the manufacturing process of certain valve 
push-rod assemblies resulting in partial wear on the rocker arm ball 
socket and possible malfunction of the valve. We are issuing this AD 
to prevent failure of the valve push-rod assembly and the left and 
right rocker arms. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could 
result in 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) Visually inspect the push-rod ball sockets of each valve 
push-rod assembly in accordance with the Accomplishment 
Instructions, paragraph 3.1.2, of BRP-Rotax Service Bulletin (SB) 
SB-912 i-008 R1/SB-912-070 R1/SB-914-052 R1 (single document), 
Revision 1, dated October 12, 2017, and within the following 
compliance times.
    (i) For engines with 160 engine flight hours (FHs) or fewer 
since new, inspect before exceeding 170 FHs since new, or within 
three months after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs 
first.
    (ii) For engines with greater than 160 engine FHs since new, 
inspect within 10 FHs, or three months after the effective date of 
this AD, whichever occurs first.
    (2) If the inspection required by paragraph (g)(1) of this AD 
finds a black surface color on a valve push-rod assembly, part 
number (P/N) 854861, then before further flight, remove the valve 
push-rod assembly and the left and right rocker arm ball sockets, P/
Ns 854383 and 854393, from service, and replace with parts eligible 
for installation.

(h) Installation Prohibition

    After the effective date of this AD, do not install a valve 
push-rod assembly, P/N 854861, that was manufactured between June 8, 
2016, and October 2, 2017, or that exhibits a black surface color on 
the push-rod rocker arm ball sockets, on any engine.

(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 Wego Wang, 
Aerospace Engineer, ECO Branch, FAA, 1200 District Avenue, 
Burlington, MA 01803; phone: 781-238-7134; fax: 781-238-7199; email: 
[email protected].
    (2) Refer to European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 
2017-0208, dated October 13, 2017, for more information. You may 
examine the EASA AD in the AD docket on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating it in Docket No. 
FAA-2018-0916.

(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) Rotax Service Bulletin (SB) SB-912 i-008 R1/SB-912-070 R1/
SB-914-052 R1 (single document), Revision 1, dated October 12, 2017.
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (3) For Rotax service information identified in this AD, contact 
BRP-Rotax GmbH & Co KG, Rotaxstrasse 1, A-4623 Gunskirchen, Austria; 
phone: +43 7246 601 0; fax: +43 7246 601 9130; email: 
[email protected]; internet: www.flyrotax.com.
    (4) You may view this service information at FAA, Engine & 
Propeller Standards 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, call 202-741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on May 24, 2019.
Karen M. Grant,
Acting Manager, Engine and Propeller Standards Branch, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2019-11739 Filed 6-4-19; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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