[Federal Register Volume 75, Number 35 (Tuesday, February 23, 2010)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 7996-7998]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2010-3484]
[[Page 7996]]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2009-0201; Directorate Identifier 2008-NE-47-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Thielert Aircraft Engines GmbH (TAE)
Models TAE 125-01 and TAE 125-02-99 Reciprocating Engines Installed in,
But Not Limited to, Diamond Aircraft Industries Model DA 42 Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Supplemental Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM); reopening of
comment period.
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SUMMARY: This supplemental NPRM revises an earlier proposed
airworthiness directive (AD) for the products listed above. This
proposed AD results from additional mandatory continuing airworthiness
information (MCAI) issued by an aviation authority of another country
to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an aviation product. The
MCAI describes the unsafe condition as: Engine in-flight shutdown
incidents have been reported on Diamond Aircraft Industries DA 42
airplanes equipped with TAE 125 engines. The investigations showed that
it was mainly the result of failure of the Proportional Pressure
Reducing Valve (PPRV) (also known as Propeller Control Valve) due to
high vibrations. This condition, if not corrected, could lead to
further cases of engine in-flight shutdown, possibly resulting in
reduced control of the aircraft. Since the release of European Aviation
Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2008-0145, the engine gearbox has been
identified as the primary source of vibrations for the PPRV, and it has
also been determined that failure of the electrical connection to the
PPRV could have contributed to some power loss events or in-flight
shutdowns. We are proposing this AD to prevent engine in-flight
shutdown, possibly resulting in reduced control of the aircraft.
DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by March 25, 2010.
ADDRESSES: You may send comments by any of the following methods:
Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to http://www.regulations.gov and follow the instructions for sending your
comments electronically.
Mail: Docket Management Facility, U.S. Department of
Transportation, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., West Building Ground
Floor, Room W12-140, Washington, DC 20590-0001.
Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail address above between 9
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
Fax: (202) 493-2251.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov; or in person at the Docket Operations office
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal
holidays. The AD docket contains this proposed AD, the regulatory
evaluation, any comments received, and other information. The street
address for the Docket Operations office (telephone (800) 647-5527) is
the same as the Mail address provided in the ADDRESSES section.
Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Tara Chaidez, Aerospace Engineer,
Engine Certification Office, FAA, Engine and Propeller Directorate, 12
New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803; e-mail:
[email protected]; telephone (781) 238-7773; fax (781) 238-7199.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or
arguments about this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address
listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2009-0201;
Directorate Identifier 2008-NE-47-AD'' at the beginning of your
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory,
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this proposed AD. We
will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend
this proposed AD based on those comments.
We will post all comments we receive, without change, to http://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. We
will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact
with FAA personnel concerning this proposed AD. Using the search
function of the Web site, anyone can find and read the comments in any
of our dockets, including, if provided, the name of the individual who
sent the comment (or signed the comment on behalf of an association,
business, labor union, etc.). You may review the DOT's complete Privacy
Act Statement in the Federal Register published on April 11, 2000 (65
FR 19477-78).
Discussion
EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the
European Community, has issued AD 2009-0224, dated October 20, 2009, AD
2009-0193, dated August 27, 2009, and AD 2009-0193R1, dated December 1,
2009 (referred to after this as ``the MCAIs''), to correct an unsafe
condition for the specified products. These MCAIs state:
Engine in-flight shutdown incidents have been reported on
Diamond Aircraft Industries DA 42 airplanes equipped with TAE 125
engines. The investigations showed that it was mainly the result of
failure of the PPRV due to high vibrations. This condition, if not
corrected, could lead to further cases of engine in-flight shutdown,
possibly resulting in reduced control of the aircraft.
Since the release of EASA AD 2008-0145, the engine gearbox has
been identified as the primary source of vibrations for the PPRV,
and it has also been determined that failure of the electrical
connection to the PPRV could have contributed to some power loss
events or in-flight shutdowns.
Since we issued the original proposed AD on April 13, 2009 (74 FR
17795, April 17, 2009):
TAE has identified the gearbox as the primary source of
vibrations causing the failures of the propeller control valves.
EASA revised AD 2008-0145 with AD 2008-0145R1, which
reduced the applicability to cover only TAE 125-01 engines, superseded
AD 2008-0145R1 with AD 2009-0193, and revised that AD with AD 2009-
0193R1. AD 2009-0193R1 requires, for TAE 125-01 engines, initial and
repetitive replacements of the PPRV, inspection of the electrical
connectors of the PPRV and replacement of the connectors if damaged,
installation of a vibration isolator between the engine gearbox and the
propeller's constant speed unit, replacement of the aluminum pipe that
connects the PPRV to the constant speed unit with a flexible hose, and
replacement of the de-icing nozzle bracket with a redesigned bracket.
EASA also issued AD 2009-0151 and superseded it with AD
2009-0224, which requires for TAE 125-02-99 engines, initial and
repetitive replacements of the PPRV, and installation of a vibration
isolator between the engine gearbox and the propeller's constant speed
unit.
You may obtain further information by examining the MCAIs in the AD
docket.
Relevant Service Information
Thielert Aircraft Engines GmbH has issued Service Bulletin (SB) No.
TM TAE 125-1007 P1, Revision 2, dated April 29, 2009, SB No. TM TAE
125-1009 P1, Revision 3, dated October 14,
[[Page 7997]]
2009, SB No. TM TAE 125-0018, Revision 1, dated November 12, 2008, and
SB No. TM TAE 125-0020, Revision 1, dated November 25, 2009. The
actions described in this service information are intended to correct
the unsafe condition identified in the MCAI.
Differences Between This Proposed AD and the MCAI
We have reviewed the MCAIs and, in general, agree with their
substance. But we have found it necessary to not reference the second
paragraph of the unsafe condition from EASA AD 2009-0224. That sentence
stated that the problem has only manifested itself on those Thielert
engines installed on Diamond Aircraft Industries DA 42 aircraft. The
affected engines which require a PPRV could be used on other make and
model airplanes in the future.
We also did not incorporate the February 28, 2010 compliance date
which is in EASA AD 2009-0193R1, or the January 31, 2010 compliance
date which is in EASA AD 2009-0224.
FAA's Determination and Requirements of This Proposed AD
This product has been approved by the aviation authority of Germany
and is approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant to our
bilateral agreement with Germany, EASA has notified us of the unsafe
condition described in the MCAI. We are proposing this AD because we
evaluated all information provided by EASA and determined the unsafe
condition exists and is likely to exist or develop on other products of
the same type design. This proposed AD would require initial and
repetitive replacements of the PPRV and installation of a vibration
isolator to the gearbox assembly.
Costs of Compliance
Based on the service information, we estimate that this proposed AD
would affect about 300 TAE 125-01 and TAE 125-02-99 reciprocating
engines installed in Diamond Aircraft Industries Model DA 42 airplanes
of U.S. registry. We also estimate that it would take about 0.25 work-
hour per engine to replace a PPRV and install a vibration isolator to
the gearbox assembly. The average labor rate is $85 per work-hour.
Required parts would cost about $275 per product. Based on these
figures, we estimate the cost of the proposed AD on U.S. operators to
be $88,875.
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.
Regulatory Findings
We determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism
implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would 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 proposed
regulation:
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); 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.
We prepared a regulatory evaluation of the estimated costs to
comply with this proposed AD and placed it in the AD docket.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.
The Proposed Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part 39 as follows:
PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
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]
2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new AD:
Thielert Aircraft Engines GmbH: Docket No. FAA-2009-0201;
Directorate Identifier 2008-NE-47-AD.
Comments Due Date
(a) We must receive comments by March 25, 2010.
Affected Airworthiness Directives (ADs)
(b) None.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to Thielert Aircraft Engines GmbH (TAE)
models TAE 125-01 and TAE 125-02-99 reciprocating engines designated
with part number (P/N) 05-7200-K000301 or 02-7200-1401R1. The
engines are installed on, but not limited to, Diamond Aircraft
Industries Model DA 42 airplanes.
Reason
(d) Engine in-flight shutdown incidents have been reported on
Diamond Aircraft Industries DA 42 airplanes equipped with TAE 125
engines. The investigations showed that it was mainly the result of
failure of the Proportional Pressure Reducing Valve (PPRV) (also
known as Propeller Control Valve) due to high vibrations. This
condition, if not corrected, could lead to further cases of engine
in-flight shutdown, possibly resulting in reduced control of the
aircraft.
Since the release of European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD
2008-0145, the engine gearbox has been identified as the primary
source of vibrations for the PPRV, and it has also been determined
that failure of the electrical connection to the PPRV could have
contributed to some power loss events or in-flight shutdowns.
We are issuing this AD to prevent engine in-flight shutdown,
possibly resulting in reduced control of the aircraft.
Actions and Compliance
(e) Unless already done, do the following actions:
TAE 125-02-99 Reciprocating Engines
(1) For TAE 125-02-99 reciprocating engines with engine P/N 05-
7200-K000301, within 55 flight hours after the effective date of
this AD:
(i) Replace the existing PPRV with PPRV, P/N 05-7212-E002801.
Use paragraphs A. through B. of Thielert Service Bulletin (SB) No.
TM TAE 125-1007 P1, Revision 2, dated April 29, 2009, to do the
replacement.
(ii) Install a vibration isolator, P/N 05-7212-K022302, to the
gearbox assembly. Use paragraphs 1 through 20 of Thielert SB No. TM
TAE 125-1009 P1, Revision 3, dated October 14, 2009, to do the
installation.
Repetitive PPRV Replacements
(2) Thereafter, within every 300 flight hours, replace the PPRV,
P/N 05-7212-E002801, with the same P/N PPRV.
TAE 125-01 Reciprocating Engines
(3) For TAE 125-01 reciprocating engines with engine P/N 02-
7200-1401R1, within 55 flight hours after the effective date of this
AD:
(i) Replace the existing PPRV with a PPRV, P/N NM-0000-0124501
or P/N 05-7212-K021401. Use paragraph 1 of Thielert SB No. TM TAE
125-0018, Revision 1, dated November 12, 2008, to do the
replacement.
[[Page 7998]]
(ii) Inspect the electrical connectors of the PPRV and replace
the connectors if damaged, and install a vibration isolator, P/N 05-
7212-K023801, to the gearbox assembly. Use paragraphs 1 through 27
of Thielert SB No. TM TAE 125-0020, Revision 1, dated November 25,
2009, to do the inspection and installation.
Repetitive PPRV Replacements
(4) Thereafter, within every 300 flight hours, replace the PPRV
with a PPRV, P/N NM-0000-0124501 or P/N 05-7212-K021401.
FAA Differences
(f) We have found it necessary to not reference the second
paragraph of the unsafe condition from the MCAI EASA AD 2009-0224.
That sentence stated that the problem has only manifested itself on
those Thielert engines installed on Diamond Aircraft Industries DA
42 aircraft. The affected engines which require a PPRV could be used
on other make and model airplanes in the future.
(g) We also did not reference the February 28, 2010 compliance
date, which is in EASA AD 2009-0193R1, or the January 31, 2010
compliance date which is in EASA AD 2009-0224.
Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(h) The Manager, Engine Certification Office, FAA, has the
authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the
procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19.
Related Information
(i) Refer to EASA AD 2009-0224, dated October 20, 2009 (TAE 125-
02-99), and EASA AD 2009-0193R1, dated December 1, 2009 (TAE 125-
01), for related information.
(j) Refer to Thielert SB No. TM TAE 125-1007 P1, Revision 2,
dated April 29, 2009, and Thielert SB No. TM TAE 125-1009 P1,
Revision 3, dated October 14, 2009 (TAE 125-02-99), for related
information.
(k) Refer to Thielert SB No. TM TAE 125-0018, Revision 1, dated
November 12, 2008, and Thielert SB No. TM TAE 125-0020, Revision 1,
dated November 25, 2009 (TAE 125-01), for related information.
(l) Contact Thielert Aircraft Engines GmbH, Platanenstrasse 14
D-09350, Lichtenstein, Germany, telephone: +49-37204-696-0; fax:
+49-37204-696-2912; e-mail: engines.com">info@centurion-engines.com, for a copy
of the service information referenced in this AD.
(m) Contact Tara Chaidez, Aerospace Engineer, Engine
Certification Office, FAA, Engine and Propeller Directorate, 12 New
England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803; e-mail:
[email protected]; telephone (781) 238-7773; fax (781) 238-7199,
for more information about this AD.
Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on February 16, 2010.
Francis A. Favara,
Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2010-3484 Filed 2-22-10; 8:45 am]
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