[Federal Register Volume 67, Number 186 (Wednesday, September 25, 2002)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 60120-60122]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 02-24280]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 2002-NE-18-AD; Amendment 39-12889; AD 2002-19-09]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Bombardier-Rotax GmbH 912 F and 912 S
Series Reciprocating Engines
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.
ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.
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SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) that
is applicable to all Bombardier-Rotax GmbH 912 F series and 912 S
series reciprocating engines with fuel pump assembly part number (P/N)
996.596 installed. This action requires initial and repetitive visual
inspections and tests of the fuel pump assembly for fuel leakage. This
amendment is prompted by two reports of fuel pump assembly fuel leaks.
The actions specified in this AD are intended to prevent in-flight fuel
leaks of the fuel pump assembly, which could result in an engine fire.
DATES: Effective October 10, 2002. The incorporation by reference of
certain publications listed in the rule is approved by the Director of
the Federal Register as of October 10, 2002.
Comments for inclusion in the Rules Docket must be received on or
before November 25, 2002.
ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), New England Region, Office of the Regional
Counsel, Attention: Rules Docket No. 2002-NE-18-AD, 12 New England
Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803-5299. Comments may be inspected at
this location, by appointment, between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday
through Friday, except Federal holidays. Comments may also be sent via
the Internet using the following address: ``[email protected]''.
Comments sent via the Internet must contain the docket number in the
subject line.
The service information referenced in this AD may be obtained from
Bombardier-Rotax GmbH, Welser Strasse 32, A-4623 Gunskirchen, Austria;
telephone 7246-601-232; fax 7246-601-370. This information may be
examined, by appointment, at the FAA, New England Region, Office of the
Regional Counsel, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA; or at
the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW.,
Suite 700, Washington, DC.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: James Lawrence, Aerospace Engineer,
Engine Certification Office, FAA, Engine and Propeller Directorate, 12
New England Executive Park; Burlington, MA 01803-5299; telephone (781)
238-7176; fax (781) 238-7199.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Austro Control, which is the airworthiness
authority for Austria, notified the FAA that an unsafe condition may
exist on Bombardier-Rotax GmbH 912 F and 912 S series reciprocating
engines with fuel pump assembly P/N 996.596 installed. Austro Control
advises that they have received two reports of in-service fuel leaks at
the fuel pump assembly pressure hose nipple. To date, there have been
no in-flight engine fires due to fuel pump assembly fuel leaks.
However, Austro Control has determined that Bombardier-Rotax GmbH 912 F
and 912 S engines having fuel pump assembly P/N 996.596 installed could
possibly experience fuel pump assembly fuel leaks which could result in
an in-flight engine fire.
Manufacturer's Service Information
Bombardier-Rotax GmbH has issued mandatory service bulletin (MSB)
No. SB-912-031, dated October 2001, that specifies procedures for
initial and repetitive visual inspections and tests for fuel leakage of
fuel pump assembly P/N 996.596, installed on Rotax GmbH type 912 F
series reciprocating engines, SN's 4,412.808 to 4,412.815, and type 912
S series reciprocating engines SN's 4,922.504 to 4,922.743. The Austro
Control classified this service bulletin as mandatory and issued AD No.
109, in order to assure the airworthiness of
[[Page 60121]]
these Bombardier-Rotax GmbH engines in Austria.
Bilateral Airworthiness Agreement
This engine model is manufactured in Austria and is type
certificated for operation in the United States under the provisions of
Sec. 21.29 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.29) and the
applicable bilateral airworthiness agreement. Pursuant to this
bilateral airworthiness agreement, the Austro Control has kept the FAA
informed of the situation described above. The FAA has examined the
findings of the Austro Control, reviewed all available information, and
determined that AD action is necessary for products of this type design
that are certificated for operation in the United States.
FAA's Determination of an Unsafe Condition and Required Actions
Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to
exist or develop on other Bombardier-Rotax GmbH 912 F and 912 S series
reciprocating engines of the same type design, this AD is being issued
to prevent in-flight fuel leaks of the fuel pump assembly, which could
result in an engine fire. This AD requires initial and repetitive
visual inspections and tests for fuel leakage of the fuel pump assembly
P/N 996.596. The actions must be done in accordance with the service
bulletin described previously.
Immediate Adoption of This AD
Since a situation exists that requires the immediate adoption of
this regulation, it is found that notice and opportunity for prior
public comment hereon are impracticable, and that good cause exists for
making this amendment effective in less than 30 days.
Comments Invited
Although this action is in the form of a final rule that involves
requirements affecting flight safety and, thus, was not preceded by
notice and an opportunity for public comment, comments are invited on
this rule. Interested persons are invited to comment on this rule by
submitting such written data, views, or arguments as they may desire.
Communications should identify the Rules Docket number and be submitted
in triplicate to the address specified under the caption ADDRESSES. All
communications received on or before the closing date for comments will
be considered, and this rule may be amended in light of the comments
received. Factual information that supports the commenter's ideas and
suggestions is extremely helpful in evaluating the effectiveness of the
AD action and determining whether additional rulemaking action would be
needed.
Comments are specifically invited on the overall regulatory,
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the rule that might
suggest a need to modify the rule. All comments submitted will be
available, both before and after the closing date for comments, in the
Rules Docket for examination by interested persons. A report that
summarizes each FAA-public contact concerned with the substance of this
AD will be filed in the Rules Docket.
Commenters wishing the FAA to acknowledge receipt of their comments
submitted in response to this action must submit a self-addressed,
stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: ``Comments
to Docket Number 2002-NE-18-AD.'' The postcard will be date stamped and
returned to the commenter.
Regulatory Analysis
This final rule does not have federalism implications, as defined
in Executive Order 13132, because it 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. Accordingly,
the FAA has not consulted with state authorities prior to publication
of this final rule.
The FAA has determined that this regulation is an emergency
regulation that must be issued immediately to correct an unsafe
condition in aircraft, and is not a ``significant regulatory action''
under Executive Order 12866. It has been determined further that this
action involves an emergency regulation under DOT Regulatory Policies
and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979). If it is determined
that this emergency regulation otherwise would be significant under DOT
Regulatory Policies and Procedures, a final regulatory evaluation will
be prepared and placed in the Rules Docket. A copy of it, if filed, may
be obtained from 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 the following new
airworthiness directive:
2002-19-09 Bombardier-Rotax GmbH: Amendment 39-12889. Docket No.
2002-NE-18-AD.
Applicability: This airworthiness directive (AD) is applicable
to all Bombardier-Rotax GmbH 912 F series and 912 S series
reciprocating engines with fuel pump assembly part number (P/N)
996.596 installed. These engines are installed on, but not limited
to Diamond Aircraft Industries, DA20-A1, Aeromot-Industria Mecanico
Metalurgica Itda., Model AMT-200S, and Iniziative Industriali
Italiane S.p.A. Sky Arrow 650 TCN and Sky Arrow 650 TC aircraft.
Note 1: This AD applies to each engine 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 engines 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 (d) of
this AD. The request should include an assessment of the effect of
the modification, alteration, or repair on the unsafe condition
addressed by this AD; and, if the unsafe condition has not been
eliminated, the request should include specific proposed actions to
address it.
Compliance: Compliance with this AD is required as indicated,
unless already done.
To prevent in-flight fuel leaks of the fuel pump assembly, which
could result in an engine fire, do the following:
Initial Visual Inspection and Leakage Test
(a) Perform an initial visual inspection and a test for fuel
leakage of the fuel pump assembly part number (P/N) 996.596, within
10 hours time-in-service (TIS) from the effective date of this AD,
as follows:
(1) Visually inspect the fuel pump assembly feeding hose and
pressure hose for cracks, in accordance with 3.1.1 of the
accomplishment instructions of Rotax GmbH mandatory service bulletin
(MSB) No. SB-912-031, dated October 2001. Replace the fuel pump
assembly before further flight if any cracks are found.
(2) Conduct a leakage test of the fuel pump assembly, in
accordance with 3.1.2 of the accomplishment instructions of Rotax
GmbH MSB No. SB-912-031, dated October 2001. Replace the fuel pump
assembly before further flight if any leaks are found.
(3) Perform an operational test run of the engine if any
maintenance was performed
[[Page 60122]]
that removed or replaced any components of the fuel pump system.
Information regarding instructions on the engine test run can be
found in the accomplishment instructions of Rotax GmbH MSB No. SB-
912-031, dated October 2001.
Repetitive Inspections and Leakage Tests
(b) Visually inspect and test the fuel pump assembly at each
100-hour, annual, or progressive inspection, or within 110 hours
time-in-service since last inspection, whichever occurs first, in
accordance with paragraph (a)(1) through (a)(3) of this AD.
Optional Terminating Action
(c) Installation of a fuel pump assembly other than fuel pump
assembly P/N 996.596 constitutes terminating action to the
repetitive inspections specified in paragraph (b) of this AD.
Alternative Methods of Compliance
(d) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the
compliance time that provides an acceptable level of safety may be
used if approved by the Manager, Engine Certification Office (ECO).
Operators must submit their requests through an appropriate FAA
Principal Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send
it to the Manager, ECO.
Note 2: Information concerning the existence of approved
alternative methods of compliance with this airworthiness directive,
if any, may be obtained from the ECO.
Special Flight Permits
(e) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with
Sec. Sec. 21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14
CFR 21.197 and 21.199) to operate the aircraft to a location where
the requirements of this AD can be done.
Documents That Have Been Incorporated by Reference
(f) The inspections and tests must be done in accordance with
Rotax GmbH mandatory service bulletin No. SB-912-031, dated October
2001. 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 Bombardier-Rotax GmbH, Welser
Strasse 32, A-4623 Gunskirchen, Austria; telephone 7246-601-232; fax
7246-601-370. Copies may be inspected at the FAA, New England
Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, 12 New England Executive
Park, Burlington, MA; 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 Austro Control
airworthiness directive No. 109, dated November 15, 2001.
Effective Date
(g) This amendment becomes effective on October 10, 2002.
Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on September 16, 2002.
Francis A. Favara,
Acting Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 02-24280 Filed 9-24-02; 8:45 am]
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