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 87, Number 122 (Monday, June 27, 2022)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 37986-37989]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2022-13503]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2022-0459; Project Identifier MCAI-2021-00266-E; 
Amendment 39-22102; AD 2022-13-16]
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.

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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 model turboprop engines. This 
AD was prompted by the manufacturer revising the airworthiness 
limitations section (ALS) of the existing engine maintenance manual 
(EMM) to include a visual inspection of the centrifugal compressor case 
for cracks. This AD requires revising the ALS of the existing EMM to 
incorporate a visual inspection of the centrifugal compressor case. The 
FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these 
products.

DATES: This AD is effective August 1, 2022.

ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule, 
contact GE Aviation Czech, Beranov[yacute]ch 65, 199 02 Praha 9--
Let[ncaron]any, Czech Republic; phone: +420 222 538 999; email: 
[email protected]. 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 (817) 222-5110.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket at https://www.regulations.gov by 
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2022-0459; 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: Barbara Caufield, Aviation Safety 
Engineer, ECO Branch, FAA, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803; 
phone: (781) 238-7146; email: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Background

    The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 
CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to all GEAC M601D-11 model 
turboprop engines. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on April 
14, 2022 (87 FR 22149). The NPRM was prompted by the manufacturer 
revising the ALS of the existing EMM to include a visual inspection of 
the centrifugal compressor case for cracks. In the NPRM, the FAA 
proposed to require revising the ALS of the existing EMM to incorporate 
a visual inspection of the centrifugal compressor case for cracks. In 
the NPRM, the FAA proposed that an owner/operator (pilot) holding at 
least at least a private pilot certificate may revise the ALS of the 
existing EMM, and the owner/operator must enter compliance with the 
applicable paragraphs of the AD into the aircraft records in accordance 
with 14 CFR 43.9(a) and 14 CFR 91.417(a)(2)(v). This is an exception to 
the FAA's standard maintenance regulations. 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 Union, has issued 
EASA AD 2021-0060, dated March 3, 2021 (referred to after this as ``the 
MCAI''), to address the unsafe condition on these products. The MCAI 
states:

    The airworthiness limitations for certain M601 engine models, 
which are approved by EASA, are currently defined and published in 
the ALS.
    These instructions have been identified as mandatory for 
continued airworthiness.
    Failure to accomplish these instructions could result in an 
unsafe condition.
    Recently, GEAC published the ALS, as defined in this [EASA] AD, 
introducing a visual inspection of the Centrifugal Compressor Case.
    For the reason described above, this [EASA] AD requires 
accomplishment of the actions specified in the ALS.

    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-2022-0459.

Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive

Comments

    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 
requires adopting this AD as proposed. Accordingly, the FAA is issuing 
this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products. This AD is 
adopted as proposed in the NPRM.

Related Service Information

    The FAA reviewed GE Aviation Czech Airworthiness Limitations R18, 
Section 5. Mandatory Inspections, of the GE Aviation Czech EMM, Part 
No. 0982309, Revision No. 18, dated December 18, 2020 (Airworthiness 
Limitations R18, Section 5. Mandatory Inspections). Airworthiness 
Limitations R18, Section 5. Mandatory Inspections, of the EMM describe 
procedures for performing a visual inspection of the centrifugal 
compressor case for cracks.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this AD affects 7 engines installed on 
airplanes of U.S. registry.
    The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:

[[Page 37987]]



                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                     Cost per      Cost on U.S.
                Action                         Labor cost           Parts cost        product        operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Revise the ALS of the EMM.............  1 work-hour x $85 per                 $0             $85            $595
                                         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 
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.

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:

2022-13-16 GE Aviation Czech s.r.o (Type Certificate previously held 
by WALTER Engines a.s., Walter a.s., and MOTORLET a.s.): Amendment 
39-22102; Docket No. FAA-2022-0459; Project Identifier MCAI-2021-
00266-E.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective August 1, 2022.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to GE Aviation Czech s.r.o. M601D-11 model 
turboprop engines.

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 7230, Turbine Engine 
Compressor Section.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by the manufacturer revising the 
airworthiness limitations section (ALS) of the existing engine 
maintenance manual (EMM) to include a visual inspection of the 
centrifugal compressor case for cracks. The FAA is issuing this AD 
to prevent failure of the centrifugal compressor case. The unsafe 
condition, if not addressed, could result in failure of the 
centrifugal compressor case, engine separation, and loss of the 
airplane.

(f) Compliance

    Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, 
unless already done.

(g) Required Actions

    (1) Within 90 days after the effective date of this AD, revise 
the ALS of the existing EMM by incorporating Figure 1 to paragraph 
(g)(1) of this AD.

[[Page 37988]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR27JN22.000

    (2) After revising the ALS of the existing EMM required by 
paragraph (g)(1) of this AD, no alternative inspection intervals may 
be used unless they are approved as provided in paragraph (h) of 
this AD.
    (3) The action required by paragraph (g)(1) of this AD may be 
performed by the owner/operator (pilot) holding at least a private 
pilot certificate and must be entered into the aircraft records 
showing compliance with this AD in accordance with 14 CFR 43.9(a) 
and 14 CFR 91.417(a)(2)(v). The record must be maintained as 
required by 14 CFR 91.417, 121.380, or 135.439.

(h) 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 (i)(1) of this AD and email it 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.

(i) Related Information

    (1) 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; email: 
[email protected].
    (2) Refer to European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 
2021-0060, dated March 3, 2021, for more information. You may 
examine the EASA AD in the AD docket at https://www.regulations.gov 
by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2022-0459.

[[Page 37989]]

(j) Material Incorporated by Reference

    None.

    Issued on June 17, 2022.
Christina Underwood,
Acting Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2022-13503 Filed 6-24-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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