Airworthiness Directives; Austro Engine GmbH Engines

[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 144 (Monday, July 27, 2020)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 45075-45078]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-16127]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2020-0136; Project Identifier MCAI-2019-00114-E; 
Amendment 39-21168; AD 2020-15-05]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Austro Engine GmbH Engines

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2018-18-02 
for certain Austro Engine GmbH model E4 engines and all Austro Engine 
GmbH model E4P engines. AD 2018-18-02 required replacement of the 
timing chain and amending certain airplane flight manuals (AFMs) to 
limit the use of windmill restarts. This AD requires amendment of 
certain existing AFMs to limit the use of windmill restarts and removes 
the timing chain replacement requirement in AD 2018-18-02. This AD was 
prompted by reports of considerable wear of the timing chain on the 
affected engines. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe 
condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective August 31, 2020.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference

[[Page 45076]]

of certain publications listed in this AD as of August 31, 2020.

ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule, 
contact Diamond Aircraft Industries, N. A., Otto-Stra[beta]e 5, A-2700 
Wiener Neustadt, A2700, Austria; phone: +43 2622 26700; fax: +43 2622 
26780; website: www.diamondaircraft.com. You may view this service 
information at the FAA, Airworthiness Products Section, Operational 
Safety 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 https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2020-
0136.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2020-
0136; 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), any comments received, and other information. The address for 
Docket Operations 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: Mehdi Lamnyi, Aerospace Engineer, ECO 
Branch, FAA, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803; phone: 781-
238-7743; fax: 781-238-7199; email: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Discussion

    The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 
CFR part 39 to supersede AD 2018-18-02, Amendment 39-19381 (83 FR 
53802, October 25, 2018), (``AD 2018-18-02''). AD 2018-18-02 applied to 
certain Austro Engine GmbH model E4 engines and all Austro Engine GmbH 
model E4P engines. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on March 
17, 2020 (85 FR 15079). The NPRM was prompted by reports of 
considerable wear of the timing chain on the affected engines. The NPRM 
proposed to retain the requirements of AD 2018-18-02 for amending 
certain AFMs to limit the use of windmill restarts to emergency 
procedures. The NPRM also proposed to remove the requirement in AD 
2018-18-02 for replacing the timing chain. The FAA is 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 2017-0103R1, dated February 25, 2019 (referred to after 
this as ``the MCAI''), to address the unsafe condition on these 
products. The MCAI states:

    Considerable wear of the timing chain has been detected on some 
engines. This may have been caused by windmilling restarts, which 
are known to cause high stress to the timing chain. This condition, 
if not detected and corrected, could lead to failure of the timing 
chain and consequent engine power loss, possibly resulting in 
reduced control of the aeroplane.
    To address this potential unsafe condition, AE included 
instructions in the engine maintenance manual to periodically 
inspect the condition of the timing chain and, depending on 
findings, to replace the timing chain and the chain wheel. The 
operation manual was updated to allow windmilling restart only as an 
emergency procedure. AE also published Mandatory Service Bulletin 
(MSB) MSB-E4-017/2, providing instructions to replace the timing 
chain for engines with known windmilling restarts, and EASA issued 
AD 2017-0103, requiring replacement of the timing chain for engines 
with known windmilling restarts, and amendment of the applicable 
Aircraft Flight Manual (AFM). Since that [EASA] AD was issued, AE 
revised the applicable Airworthiness Limitation Section (ALS) 
including, among others, the limitation required by that AD. 
Consequently, EASA published AD 2019-0041, requiring accomplishment 
of the actions specified in the ALS.
    For the reason described above, this [EASA] AD is revised 
accordingly, removing the requirement of timing chain replacement. 
This action remain required through EASA AD 2019-0041.

    You may obtain further information by examining the MCAI in the AD 
docket on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for 
and locating Docket No. FAA-2020-0136.

Comments

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

Conclusion

    The FAA 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. The FAA has 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

    The FAA reviewed Diamond Aircraft (DA) Temporary Revision (TR) TR-
M[Auml]M-42-973, dated August 12, 2016, for the Diamond Aircraft 
Industries (DAI) model DA 42 NG Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) and DA TR 
TR-M[Auml]M-62-240, dated August 12, 2016, for the DAI model DA 62 AFM. 
These TRs define the removal of the normal operation procedure for 
windmilling restart for the respective airplanes. 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

    The FAA estimates that this AD affects 211 engines installed on 
airplanes of U.S. registry.
    The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                     Cost per      Cost on U.S.
                Action                         Labor cost           Parts cost        product        operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Amend AFM.............................  1 work-hour x $85 per                 $0             $85         $17,935
                                         hour = $85.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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.
    The FAA is issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in

[[Page 45077]]

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 this AD:
    (1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive 
Order 12866,
    (2) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, 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.

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.  9.13  [Amended]

0
2. The FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by:
0
a. Removing AD 2018-18-02, Amendment 39-19381 (83 FR 53802, October 25, 
2018); and
0
b. Adding the following new airworthiness directive (AD):

2020-15-05 Austro Engine GmbH: Amendment 39-21168; Docket No. FAA-
2020-0136; Project Identifier MCAI-2019-00114-E.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD is effective August 31, 2020.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD replaces AD 2018-18-02, Amendment 39-19381 (83 FR 53802, 
October 25, 2018).

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Austro Engine GmbH model E4 engines with 
serial numbers that have a ``-B'' or ``-C'' configuration and to 
model E4P engines, all serial numbers.

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 8520, Reciprocating 
Engine Power Section.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by reports of considerable wear of the 
timing chain on the affected engines. The FAA is issuing this AD to 
prevent failure of the engine timing chain. The unsafe condition, if 
not addressed, could result in failure of the engine timing chain, 
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) Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD, under 
the Emergency Procedures chapter, amend the applicable airplane 
flight manual (AFM) by adding the information in Figure 1 to 
paragraph (g)(1) of this AD to limit the use of a windmilling 
restart to only an emergency procedure.

[[Page 45078]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR27JY20.001

    (2) For affected Austro Engine GmbH model E4 engines installed 
on Diamond Aircraft Industries (DAI) model Diamond Aircraft (DA) 42 
NG and DA 42 M-NG airplanes, and for Austro Engine GmbH model E4P 
engines installed on DAI model DA 62 airplanes, using DA AFM 
Temporary Revision (TR) TR-M[Auml]M-42-973, and DA AFM TR TR-
M[Auml]M-62-240, both dated August 12, 2016, to update the 
applicable AFM is an acceptable method to comply with paragraph 
(g)(1) of this AD.

(h) Credit for Previous Actions

    You may take credit for actions required by paragraph (g) of 
this AD if you amended the applicable AFM for the airplane with the 
affected engine installed before the effective date of this AD in 
accordance with AD 2018-18-02.

(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 Mehdi Lamnyi, 
Aerospace Engineer, ECO Branch, FAA, 1200 District Avenue, 
Burlington, MA, 01803; phone: 781-238-7743; fax: 781-238-7199; 
email: [email protected].
    (2) Refer to European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 
2017-0103R1, dated February 25, 2019, for more information. You may 
examine the EASA AD in the AD docket on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating it in Docket No. 
FAA-2020-0136.

(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) Diamond Aircraft (DA) Temporary Revision (TR) TR-M[Auml]M-
42-973, dated August 12, 2016, for the Diamond Aircraft Industries 
(DAI) model DA 42 NG Airplane Flight Manual (AFM).
    (ii) DA AFM TR TR-M[Auml]M-62-240, dated August 12, 2016, for 
the DAI model DA 62 AFM.
    (3) For Diamond Aircraft Industries service information 
identified in this AD, contact Diamond Aircraft Industries, N.A., 
Otto-Stra[beta]e 5, A-2700 Wiener Neustadt, A2700, Austria; phone: 
+43 2622 26700; fax: +43 2622 26780; website: 
www.diamondaircraft.com.
    (4) You may view this service information at the FAA, 
Airworthiness Products Section, Operational Safety 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, email: [email protected], or go to: https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued on July 9, 2020.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2020-16127 Filed 7-24-20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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