Airworthiness Directives; Continental Aerospace Technologies, Inc. Reciprocating Engines With a Certain Superior Air Parts, Inc. Intake Valve Installed

[Federal Register Volume 88, Number 22 (Thursday, February 2, 2023)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 6985-6988]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2023-02152]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2023-0027; Project Identifier AD-2022-01586-E; 
Amendment 39-22319; AD 2023-02-12]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Continental Aerospace Technologies, 
Inc. Reciprocating Engines With a Certain Superior Air Parts, Inc. 
Intake Valve Installed

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 
certain Continental Aerospace Technologies, Inc. (Continental) GTSIO-
520, IO-470, IO-520, IO-550, IOF-550, LIO-470, LIO-520, LTSIO-520, O-
470, TSIO-470, TSIO-520, TSIO-550, TSIOF-550, and TSIOL-550 model 
reciprocating engines with a certain Superior Air Parts, Inc. (SAP) 
cylinder assembly or intake valve installed. The affected cylinder 
assemblies and intake valves are installed as a replacement part under 
parts manufacturer approval (PMA) on certain affected Continental 
engines. This AD was prompted by three intake valve failures on 
reciprocating engines that resulted in engine damage and emergency 
landing or aborted takeoff. This AD requires replacement of the 
affected engine intake valve. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the 
unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective February 17, 2023.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of February 17, 
2023.
    The FAA must receive comments on this AD by March 20, 2023.

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 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.
    AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at regulations.gov by 
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2023-0027; 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 Docket 
Operations is listed above.
    Material Incorporated by Reference:
    <bullet> For service information identified in this final rule, 
contact Superior Air Parts, Inc., 621 S Royal Lane, Suite 100, Coppell, 
TX 75019; phone: (800) 420-4727; email: superiorairparts.com">sales@superiorairparts.com; 
website: superiorairparts.com.
    <bullet> 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. It is 
also

[[Page 6986]]

available at regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. 
FAA-2023-0027.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Justin Carter, Aviation Safety 
Engineer, Fort Worth ACO Branch, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Parkway, Fort 
Worth, TX 76177; phone: (817) 222-5146; email: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

    The FAA received reports of three intake valve failures on GTSIO-
520, IO-550, and TSIO-520 model reciprocating engines. The intake valve 
failure on the GTSIO-520 engine resulted in no loss of engine power, 
while the IO-550 engine experienced engine damage and aborted takeoff. 
The intake valve failure on the TSIO-520 engine resulted in engine 
damage and an emergency landing. Subsequent metallurgical analysis 
revealed that the intake valve material on SAP part number (P/N) 
SA539988, with lot number 19077 O, was out of specification and did not 
meet the minimum requirement for elongation; a condition that may cause 
rupture of the valve stem surface and valve head surface. SAP shipped 
the affected intake valves installed in cylinder assemblies between 
January 20, 2022 and March 22, 2022. SAP also shipped individual 
affected intake valves between January 20, 2022 and May 18, 2022. The 
affected cylinder assemblies and intake valves may be installed on 
certain Continental GTSIO-520-C, -D, -E, -F, -H, -K, -L, -M, and -N; 
IO-470-A, -C, -D, -E, -F, -G, -H, -J, -K, -L, -LO, -M, -N, -P, -R, -S, 
-T, -U, -V, and -VO; IO-520-A, -B, -BA, -BB, -C, -CB, -D, -E, -F, -J, -
K, -L, -M, -MB, -N, -NB, and -P; IO-550-A, -B, -C, -D, -E, -F, -G, -L, 
-N, -P, and -R; IOF-550-B, -C, -D, -E, -F, -L, -P, and -R; LIO-470-A; 
LIO-520-P; LTSIO-520-AE; O-470-A, -E, -G, -G-CI, -H, -J, -K, -K-CI, -L, 
-L-CI, -M, -M-CI, -N, -P, -R, -S, -T, and -U; TSIO-470-B, -C, and -D; 
TSIO-520-A, -AE, -AF, -B, -BB, -BE, -C, -CE, -D, -DB, -E, -EB, -G, -H, 
-J, -JB, -K, -KB, -L, -LB, -M, -N, -NB, -P, -R, -T, -U, -UB, -VB, and -
WB; TSIO-550-A, -B, -C, -E, -G, and -K; TSIOF-550-D, -J, and -K; and 
TSIOL-550-A, and -C model reciprocating engines. This condition, if not 
addressed, could result in failure of the engine, in-flight shutdown, 
and loss of the airplane. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the 
unsafe condition on these products.

FAA's Determination

    The FAA is issuing this AD because the agency has determined 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 SAP Mandatory Service Bulletin MSB22-01 A, dated 
December 16, 2022 (SAP MSB22-01 A). This service information provides a 
listing of the affected cylinder assemblies and affected engines. 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 from service and replacement of any 
affected engine intake valve installed, except as discussed under 
``Differences Between the AD and the Service Information.''

Differences Between the AD and the Service Information

    SAP MSB22-01 A specifies to remove and replace the affected intake 
valve before further flight, while this AD requires removal and 
replacement of the affected intake valve within 30 days from the 
effective date of this AD.

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, 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 
because the urgency of the unsafe condition requires removal of any 
affected intake valve installed within 30 days from the effective date 
of this AD. The material used to manufacture the intake valves was out 
of specification and did not meet the minimum requirement for 
elongation, a condition that may cause rupture of the valve stem 
surface and valve head surface. Intake valve rupture could lead to 
failure of the engine, in-flight shutdown, and loss of the airplane. 
Three intake valve failures on affected reciprocating engines have 
already been reported, which resulted in engine damage, emergency 
landing, and aborted takeoff. As the affected intake valve must be 
replaced within 30 days from the effective date of this AD, the 
compliance time for the required actions is shorter than the time 
necessary to allow for public comment and for the FAA to publish a 
final rule. Accordingly, notice and opportunity for prior public 
comment are impracticable and contrary to the public interest 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 ``Docket No. FAA-2023-0027 and Project Identifier 
AD-2022-01586-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 
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

[[Page 6987]]

will not be placed in the public docket of this AD. Submissions 
containing CBI should be sent to Justin Carter, Aviation Safety 
Engineer, Fort Worth ACO Branch, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Parkway, Fort 
Worth, TX 76177. 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 prior notice and 
comment, RFA analysis is not required.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this AD affects 450 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 affected cylinder assembly.....  4 work-hours x $85 per                $0            $340        $153,000
                                         hour = $340.
Remove and inspect intake valve for     4 work-hours x $85 per                 0             340         153,000
 existence of lot number 19077 O.        hour = $340.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The FAA estimates the following costs to do any necessary 
replacements that would be required based on the results of the 
inspection. The agency has no way of determining the number of aircraft 
that might need these replacements:

                                               On-Condition Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Cost per
                    Action                                 Labor cost               Parts cost        product
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Replace affected intake valve.................  1 work-hours x $85 per hour =               $106            $191
                                                 $85.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The FAA has included all known costs in its cost estimate. 
According to the manufacturer, however, some 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.
    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:

2023-02-12 Continental Aerospace Technologies, Inc.: Amendment 39-
22319; Docket No. FAA-2023-0027; Project Identifier AD-2022-01586-E.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective February 17, 
2023.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Continental Aerospace Technologies, Inc. 
(Continental) GTSIO-520, IO-470, IO-520, IO-550, IOF-550, LIO-470, 
LIO-520, LTSIO-520, O-470, TSIO-470, TSIO-520, TSIO-550, TSIOF-550, 
and TSIOL-550 model reciprocating engines listed in the Application 
Table, page 1, of Superior Air Parts, Inc. (SAP) Mandatory Service 
Bulletin MSB22-01 A, dated December 16, 2022 (SAP MSB22-01 A) with 
an installed:
    (1) SAP cylinder assembly having a part number (P/N) and serial 
number listed in Table 1 of SAP MSB22-01 A, installed on or after 
January 20, 2022; or
    (2) Cylinder assembly that was repaired and installed on or 
after January 20, 2022, with a SAP intake valve having P/N SA539988 
and lot number 19077 O; or
    (3) SAP intake valve with P/N SA539988 and lot number 19077 O.

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 7160, Engine Air 
Intake System.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by three intake valve failures on 
reciprocating engines that resulted in engine damage and emergency

[[Page 6988]]

landing or aborted takeoff. The FAA is issuing this AD to prevent 
failure of the engine intake valve. The unsafe condition, if not 
addressed, could result in failure of the engine, in-flight 
shutdown, and loss of the airplane.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Required Actions

    (1) For engines with an affected SAP cylinder assembly 
installed, as identified in paragraph (c)(1) of this AD, within 30 
days from the effective date of this AD, remove the affected 
cylinder assembly and replace any affected intake valve with an 
intake valve that is eligible for installation.
    (2) For engines with an affected repaired cylinder assembly 
installed, as identified in paragraph (c)(2) of this AD, within 30 
days from the effective date of this AD, inspect the affected 
cylinder assembly for installation of any intake valve marked with 
lot number 19077 O. If, during any inspection required by this 
paragraph, an intake valve is identified with lot number 19077 O, 
before further flight, replace the affected intake valve with an 
intake valve that is eligible for installation.
    (3) For engines with an affected SAP intake valve installed, as 
identified in paragraph (c)(3) of this AD, within 30 days from the 
effective date of this AD, remove the affected intake valve and 
replace with an intake valve that is eligible for installation.

(h) Definitions

    (1) For the purpose of this AD, an ``intake valve that is 
eligible for installation'' is an intake valve that is not SAP P/N 
SA539988 and lot number 19077 O.

(i) No Reporting Requirement

    Although SAP MSB22-01 A specifies to submit certain information 
and send certain parts to the manufacturer, this AD does not include 
that requirement.

(j) Special Flight Permit

    Special flight permits, as described in 14 CFR 21.197 and 
21.199, are prohibited.

(k) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, Fort Worth ACO 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 paragraph (l) of this AD.
    (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 Justin Carter, 
Aviation Safety Engineer, Fort Worth ACO Branch, FAA, 10101 Hillwood 
Parkway, Fort Worth, TX 76177; phone: (817) 222-5146; 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) Superior Air Parts, Inc. Mandatory Service Bulletin MSB22-01 
A, dated December 16, 2022.
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (3) For service information identified in this AD, contact SAP, 
621 S Royal Lane, Suite 100, Coppell, TX 75019; phone: (800) 420-
4727; email: superiorairparts.com">sales@superiorairparts.com; website: 
superiorairparts.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 (817) 222-5110.
    (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: www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued on January 25, 2023.
Christina Underwood,
Acting Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2023-02152 Filed 2-1-23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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