[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 225 (Monday, November 23, 1998)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 64602-64603]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-30894]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 97-CE-83-AD; Amendment 39-10891; AD 98-24-05]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; HOAC-Austria Model DV-20 Katana 
Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) that 
applies to certain HOAC-Austria (HOAC) Model DV-20 airplanes equipped 
with ROTAX 912 A3 engines. This AD requires replacing the engine 
electronic modules. This AD is the result of mandatory continuing 
airworthiness information (MCAI) issued by the airworthiness authority 
for Austria. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent 
electromagnetic interference (EMI) on the engine electronic module, 
which could cause the airplane engine to stop due to the interruption 
of the airplane's ignition system and result in loss of control of the 
airplane.

DATES: Effective January 4, 1999.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of January 4, 1999.

ADDRESSES: Service information that applies to this AD may be obtained 
from HOAC-Austria, N.A. Otto-StraBe 5, A-2700 Wiener, Neustadt, 
Austria. This information may also be examined at the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), Central Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, 
Attention: Rules Docket No. 97-CE-83-AD, Room 1558, 601 E. 12th Street, 
Kansas City, Missouri 64106; or at the Office of the Federal Register, 
800 North Capitol Street, NW, suite 700, Washington, DC.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Roger Chudy, Aerospace Engineer, 
FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 1201 Walnut, suite 900, Kansas City, 
Missouri 64106; telephone: (816) 426-6934; facsimile: (816) 426-2169.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Events Leading to the Issuance of This AD

    A proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 
CFR part 39) to include an AD that would apply to certain HOAC Model 
DV-20 airplanes equipped with ROTAX 912 A3 engines was published in the 
Federal Register as a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) on August 
25, 1998 (63 FR 45189). The NPRM proposed to require replacing the 
electronic ignition module with one of improved design. Accomplishment 
of the proposed action as specified in the NPRM would be in accordance 
with Bombardier-ROTAX Technical Bulletin No. 912-08, dated August 16, 
1995.
    The NPRM was the result of mandatory continuing airworthiness 
information (MCAI) issued by the airworthiness authority for Austria.
    Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate 
in the making of this amendment. No comments were received on the 
proposed rule or the FAA's determination of the cost to the public.

The FAA's Determination

    After careful review of all available information related to the 
subject presented above, the FAA has determined that air safety and the 
public interest require the adoption of the rule as proposed except for 
minor editorial corrections. The FAA has determined that these minor 
corrections will not change the meaning of the AD and will not add any 
additional burden upon the public than was already proposed.

Cost Impact

    The FAA estimates that 20 airplanes in the U.S. registry will be 
affected by this AD, that it will take approximately 1 workhour per 
airplane to accomplish this action, and that the average labor rate is 
approximately $60 an hour. Parts cost approximately $5,600 per 
airplane. Based on these figures, the total cost impact of this AD on 
U.S. operators is estimated to be $113,200 or $5,660 per airplane.
    The manufacturer has informed the FAA that all of the affected 
airplanes registered in the U.S. have accomplished this action, 
therefore, the estimated cost impact of this AD on U.S. operators is 
eliminated.

Regulatory Impact

    The regulations adopted herein will not have substantial direct 
effects 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. Therefore, in 
accordance with Executive Order 12612, it is determined that this final 
rule does not have sufficient federalism implications to warrant the 
preparation of a Federalism Assessment.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this action (1) is 
not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order 12866; 
(2) is not a ``significant rule'' under 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. A copy of the final evaluation prepared for this 
action is contained in the Rules Docket. A copy of it may be obtained 
by contacting the Rules Docket at the location provided under the 
caption ADDRESSES.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

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

Adoption of the Amendment

    Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration amends part 39 of 
the Federal Aviation Regulations (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. Section 39.13 is amended by adding a new airworthiness directive 
(AD) to read as follows:

98-24-05  HOAC-Austria: Amendment 39-10891; Docket No. 97-CE-83-AD.

    Applicability: Model DV-20 Katana airplanes, certificated in any 
category, equipped with ROTAX 912-A3 series engines having serial 
numbers 4,076.064 through 4,380.753.

    Note 1: This AD applies to each airplane identified in the 
preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been 
modified, altered, or repaired in the area subject to the 
requirements of this AD. For airplanes that have been modified, 
altered, or repaired so that the performance of the requirements of 
this AD is affected, the owner/operator must request approval for an 
alternative method of compliance in accordance with paragraph (c) of 
this AD. The request should include an assessment of the effect of 
the modification, alteration, or repair on the unsafe condition 
addressed by

[[Page 64603]]

this AD; and, if the unsafe condition has not been eliminated, the 
request should include specific proposed actions to address it.

    Compliance: Required within the next 100 hours time-in-service 
(TIS) after the effective date of this AD, unless already 
accomplished.
    To prevent electromagnetic interference (EMI) on the engine 
electronic module, which could cause the airplane engine to stop due 
to the interruption of the airplane's ignition system and result in 
loss of control of the airplane, accomplish the following:
    (a) Replace the engine electronic module, part number (P/N) 965 
356 or an FAA-approved equivalent part number, with a new engine 
electronic module, P/N 965 358, in accordance with the Instructions 
section of the Bombardier-ROTAX Technical Bulletin No. 912-08, dated 
August 16, 1995.
    (b) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with 
sections 21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 
CFR 21.197 and 21.199) to operate the airplane to a location where 
the requirements of this AD can be accomplished.
    (c) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the 
compliance time that provides an equivalent level of safety may be 
approved by the Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft 
Certification Service, 1201 Walnut, suite 900, Kansas City, Missouri 
64106. The request shall be forwarded through an appropriate FAA 
Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send it to the 
Manager, Small Airplane Directorate.

    Note 2: Information concerning the existence of approved 
alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be 
obtained from the Small Airplane Directorate.

    (d) Questions or technical information related to Bombardier-
ROTAX Technical Bulletin No. 912-08, dated August 16, 1995, should 
be directed to HOAC-Austria, N.A. Otto-StraBe 5, A-2700 Wiener. 
Neustadt, Austria. This service information may be examined at the 
FAA, Central Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, Room 1558, 601 
E. 12th Street, Kansas City, Missouri.
    (e) The replacement required by this AD shall be done in 
accordance with Bombardier-ROTAX Technical Bulletin No. 912-08, 
dated August 16, 1995. This incorporation by reference was approved 
by the Director of the Federal Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 
552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. Copies may be obtained from HOAC-Austria, 
N.A. Otto-StraBe 5, A-2700 Wiener. Neustadt, Austria. Copies may be 
inspected at the FAA, Central Region, Office of the Regional 
Counsel, Room 1558, 601 E. 12th Street, Kansas City, Missouri, or at 
the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW, 
suite 700, Washington, DC.

    Note 3: The subject of this AD is addressed in Austrian AD No. 
84, dated October 4, 1995.

    (f) This amendment becomes effective on January 4, 1999.

    Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on November 10, 1998.
Michael Gallagher,
Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 98-30894 Filed 11-20-98; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U