Airworthiness Directives; GE Aviation Czech s.r.o. (Type Certificate Previously Held by WALTER Engines a.s., Walter a.s., and MOTORLET a.s.) Turboprop Engines

[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 217 (Monday, November 9, 2020)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 71229-71232]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-24794]



[[Page 71229]]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2020-0979; Project Identifier MCAI-2020-01313-E; 
Amendment 39-21317; AD 2020-23-01]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; GE Aviation Czech s.r.o. (Type 
Certificate Previously Held by WALTER Engines a.s., Walter a.s., and 
MOTORLET a.s.) Turboprop Engines

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

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SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all 
GE Aviation Czech s.r.o. (GEAC) M601D-11, M601E-11, M601E-11A, M601E-
11AS, M601E-11S, M601F, H75-200, H80-100, H80-200, and H85-200 model 
turboprop engines. This AD was prompted by reports of engine power 
fluctuations occurring during ground tests. This AD requires the 
removal and replacement of the fuel control unit (FCU). The FAA is 
issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective November 24, 2020.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of November 24, 
2020.
    The FAA must receive comments on this AD by December 24, 2020.

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 https://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: Deliver to Mail address above between 9 
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    For service information identified in this final rule, contact GE 
Aviation Czech s.r.o., Beranov[yacute]ch 65, 199 02 Praha 9--
Let[ncaron]any, Czech Republic; phone: +420 222 538 111; fax +420 222 
538 222. 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 at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and 
locating Docket No. FAA-2020-0979.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket at https://www.regulations.gov by 
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2020-0979; 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, any 
comments received, and other information. The street address for the 
Docket Operations is listed above.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Barbara Caufield, Aviation Safety 
Engineer, ECO Branch, FAA, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803; 
phone: (781) 238-7146; fax: (781) 238-7199; email: 
[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

    The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the 
Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Community, has 
issued EASA AD 2020-0201R1, dated September 25, 2020 (referred to after 
this as ``the MCAI''), to address an unsafe condition for the specified 
products. The MCAI states:

    Several occurrences of engine power fluctuations have been 
reported during ground tests on engines equipped with an affected 
part. The investigation results determined that one or more rubber 
cuff sealings of the cage reinforcement inside the main metering 
valve of the FCU was wrongly installed, which reduced the cuff 
ability to properly seal the FCU working pressure.
    This condition, if not corrected, may lead to engine surge, 
fluctuations, or loss of engine power, possibly resulting in loss of 
control of control of the aeroplane.
    To address this potential unsafe condition, GEAC issued the ASB, 
providing replacement instructions, and EASA issued Emergency AD 
2020-0201-E to require, for engines having an affected part 
installed, replacement with a serviceable part. That [EASA] AD also 
prohibited (re)installation of an affected part.
    Since that [EASA] AD was issued, it was discovered that an FCU 
s/n was incorrectly specified in the ASB and, consequently, wrongly 
quoted in the EASA AD. GEAC revised the ASB to correct that error 
and this [EASA] AD is revised to amend Appendix 1 (Group 3, s/n 
903004 instead of 903008) accordingly.

    You may obtain further information by examining the MCAI in the AD 
docket at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating 
Docket No. FAA-2020-0979.

FAA's Determination

    This product has been approved by EASA 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. The FAA is issuing this AD because the 
agency evaluated all the relevant information provided by EASA and has 
determined that the unsafe condition described previously is likely to 
exist or develop in other products of the same type design.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    The FAA reviewed GE Aviation Czech Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) 
ASB-H75-73-00-00-0038 [01], ASB-H80-73-00-00-0074 [01], ASB-H85-73-00-
00-0032 [01], ASB-M601D-73-00-00-0066 [01], ASB-M601E-73-00-00-0097 
[01], ASB-M601F-73-00-00-0050 [01], and ASB-M601T-73-00-00-0040 [01] 
(single document; formatted as service bulletin identifier [revision 
number]), dated September 24, 2020. The ASB describes procedures for 
removing and replacing the FCU and identifies the affected FCUs. 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 ADDRESSES.

AD Requirements

    This AD requires the removal and replacement of the FCU.

Differences Between This AD and the MCAI

    EASA AD 2020-0201R1, dated September 25, 2020, applies to GEAC 
M601D, M601D-1, M601D-11, M601D-11NZ, M601E, M601E-11, M601E-11A, 
M601E-11AS, M601E-11S, M601E-21, M601F, M601F-22, M601F-32, M601FS, 
M601T, H75-200, H80-100, H80-200, and H85-200 model turboprop engines. 
This AD does not include GEAC M601D, M601D-1, M601D-11NZ, M601E, M601E-
21, M601F-22, M601F-32, M601FS, and M601T model turboprop engines as 
they are not type certificated in the U.S.

Justification for Immediate Adoption and Determination of the Effective 
Date

    Section 553(b)(3)(B) of the Administrative Procedure Act (APA) (5 
U.S.C. 551 et seq.) authorizes agencies to dispense with notice and 
comment procedures for rules when the agency, for ``good cause,'' finds 
that those procedures are ``impracticable, unnecessary, or contrary to 
the public interest.'' Under this section, an agency,

[[Page 71230]]

upon finding good cause, may issue a final rule without providing 
notice and seeking comment prior to issuance. Further, Section 553(d) 
of the APA authorizes agencies to make rules effective in less than 
thirty days, upon a finding of good cause.
    An unsafe condition exists that requires the immediate adoption of 
this AD without providing an opportunity for public comments prior to 
adoption. The FAA has found that the risk to the flying public 
justifies foregoing notice and comment prior to adoption of this rule. 
During ground tests performed by the manufacturer on engines equipped 
with affected FCUs, several occurrences of engine power fluctuations 
were reported. After investigation, the manufacturer determined that 
one or more rubber cuff sealings of the cage reinforcement inside the 
main metering valve of the FCU was incorrectly installed, which reduced 
the cuff sealing's ability to properly seal the FCU working pressure. 
This unsafe condition, caused by a manufacturing quality issue, may 
result in loss of engine thrust control and reduced control of the 
airplane.
    FCUs installed on Group 1 engines have the highest risk of 
malfunction. To maintain an acceptable level of safety, these FCUs must 
be replaced within 10 flight hours (FHs) after the effective date of 
this AD. FCUs installed on Group 2 and Group 3 engines have a lower 
risk of malfunction than those installed on Group 1 engines. Therefore, 
for Group 2 engines, FCUs must be replaced within 50 FHs or 60 days 
after the effective day of this AD, whichever occurs first. For Group 3 
engines, FCUs must be replaced within 100 FHs or 180 days after the 
effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first.
    The FAA considers the removal of the affected FCUs to be an urgent 
safety issue. Accordingly, notice and opportunity for prior public 
comment are impracticable, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553(b)(3)(B).
    In addition, the FAA finds that good cause exists pursuant to 5 
U.S.C. 553(d) for making this amendment effective in less than 30 days, 
for the same reasons the FAA found good cause to forego notice and 
comment.

Comments Invited

    The FAA invites you to send any written data, views, or arguments 
about this final rule. Send your comments to an address listed under 
ADDRESSES. Include the docket number FAA-2020-0979 and Project 
Identifier MCAI-2020-01313-E at the beginning of your comments. The 
most helpful comments reference a specific portion of the final rule, 
explain the reason for any recommended change, and include supporting 
data. The FAA will consider all comments received by the closing date 
and may amend this final rule because of those comments.
    Except for Confidential Business Information (CBI) as described in 
the following paragraph, and other information as described in 14 CFR 
11.35, the FAA will post all comments received, without change, to 
https://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you 
provide. The agency will also post a report summarizing each 
substantive verbal contact received about this final rule.

Confidential Business Information

    CBI is commercial or financial information that is both customarily 
and actually treated as private by its owner. Under the Freedom of 
Information Act (FOIA) (5 U.S.C. 552), CBI is exempt from public 
disclosure. If your comments responsive to this AD contain commercial 
or financial information that is customarily treated as private, that 
you actually treat as private, and that is relevant or responsive to 
this AD, it is important that you clearly designate the submitted 
comments as CBI. Please mark each page of your submission containing 
CBI as ``PROPIN.'' The FAA will treat such marked submissions as 
confidential under the FOIA, and they will not be placed in the public 
docket of this AD. Submissions containing CBI should be sent to Barbara 
Caufield, Aviation Safety Engineer, ECO Branch, FAA, 1200 District 
Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803. Any commentary that the FAA receives 
which is not specifically designated as CBI will be placed in the 
public docket for this rulemaking.

Regulatory Flexibility Act

    The requirements of the Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA) do not 
apply when an agency finds good cause pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553 to adopt 
a rule without prior notice and comment. Because the FAA has determined 
that it has good cause to adopt this rule without notice and comment, 
RFA analysis is not required.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this AD affects 12 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
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Remove and replace FCU................  5 work-hours x $85 per           $25,000         $25,425        $305,100
                                         hour = $425.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The FAA has included all known costs in its cost estimate. 
According to the manufacturer, however, all of the costs of this AD may 
be covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost impact on affected 
operators.

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 
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.

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    For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this AD:
    (1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive 
Order 12866, and
    (2) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by 
reference, Safety.

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:

2020-23-01 GE Aviation Czech s.r.o (Type Certificate previously held 
by WALTER Engines a.s., Walter a.s., and MOTORLET a.s.): Amendment 
39-21317; Docket No. FAA-2020-0979; Project Identifier MCAI-2020-
01313-E.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective November 24, 
2020.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to all GE Aviation Czech s.r.o. (GEAC) M601D-11, 
M601E-11, M601E-11A, M601E-11AS, M601E-11S, M601F, H75-200, H80-100, 
H80-200, and H85-200 model turboprop engines, with a fuel control 
unit (FCU) part number (P/N) and serial number (S/N) listed in 
Appendix 1--Affected Parts of GE Aviation Czech Alert Service 
Bulletin (ASB) ASB-H75-73-00-00-0038 [01], ASB-H80-73-00-00-0074 
[01], ASB-H85-73-00-00-0032 [01], ASB-M601D-73-00-00-0066 [01], ASB-
M601E-73-00-00-0097 [01], ASB-M601F-73-00-00-0050 [01], and ASB-
M601T-73-00-00-0040 [01] (single document; formatted as service 
bulletin identifier [revision number]), dated September 24, 2020 
(the ASB), installed.

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 7321, Fuel Control/
Turbine Engines.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by incorrect installation by the 
manufacturer of one or more rubber cuff sealings of the cage 
reinforcement inside the main metering valve of the FCU, which 
reduces the cuff sealing's ability to properly seal the FCU working 
pressure. The FAA is issuing this AD to prevent the malfunction of 
the FCU, which could cause engine parameter oscillation or 
overshoots. 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

    Before exceeding the applicable compliance time in Table 1 to 
paragraph (g) of this AD, remove the affected FCU and replace it 
with a part eligible for installation using the Accomplishment 
Instructions, paragraph 2, of the ASB.
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR09NO20.003

(h) Installation Prohibition

    After the effective date of this AD, do not install onto any 
engine an affected FCU with a P/N and S/N identified in Appendix 1--
Affected Parts of the ASB.

(i) No Repair Requirement

    The repair requirement in the Accomplishment Instructions, 
paragraph 2, of the ASB is not required by this AD.

(j) Definitions

    (1) For the purpose of this AD, a ``part eligible for 
installation'' is a FCU with a P/N and S/N that is not identified in 
Appendix 1--Affected Parts of the ASB.
    (2) For the purpose of this AD, a ``Group 1 engine'' is a GEAC 
model turboprop engine that has a FCU P/N and S/N listed in Appendix 
1--Affected Parts, Group 1, of the ASB.
    (3) For the purpose of this AD, a ``Group 2 engine'' is a GEAC 
model turboprop engine that has a FCU P/N and S/N listed in Appendix 
1--Affected Parts, Group 2, of the ASB.
    (4) For the purpose of this AD, a ``Group 3 engine is a GEAC 
model turboprop engine that has a FCU P/N and S/N listed in Appendix 
1--Affected Parts, Group 3, of the ASB.

(k) 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 
certification office, send it to the attention of the person 
identified in Related Information. 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.

(l) Related Information

    For more information about this AD, contact Barbara Caufield, 
Aviation Safety Engineer, ECO Branch, FAA, 1200 District Avenue, 
Burlington, MA 01803; phone: (781) 238-7146; fax: (781) 238-7199; 
email: [email protected].

(m) 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) GE Aviation Czech Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) ASB-H75-73-
00-00-0038 [01], ASB-H80-73-00-00-0074 [01], ASB-H85-73-00-00-0032 
[01], ASB-M601D-73-00-00-0066 [01], ASB-M601E-73-00-00-0097 [01], 
ASB-M601F-73-00-00-0050 [01], and ASB-M601T-73-00-00-0040 [01] 
(single document; formatted as service bulletin identifier [revision 
number]), dated September 24, 2020.
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (3) For GE Aviation Czech service information identified in this 
AD, contact GE Aviation Czech s.r.o., Beranov[yacute]ch 65, 199 02 
Praha 9--Let[ncaron]any, Czech Republic; phone: +420 222 538 111.
    (4) You may view this service information at FAA, Airworthiness 
Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 1200 District Avenue, 
Burlington, MA 01803. For

[[Page 71232]]

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 October 27, 2020.
Gaetano A. Sciortino,
Deputy Director for Strategic Initiatives, Compliance & Airworthiness 
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2020-24794 Filed 11-6-20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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