[Federal Register Volume 67, Number 205 (Wednesday, October 23, 2002)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 65033-65035]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 02-26912]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2002-NE-33-AD; Amendment 39-12923; AD 2002-21-16]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Bombardier-Rotax GmbH Type 912 F, 912 S 
and 914 F 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 Bombardier-Rotax GmbH Type 912 F, 912 S and 914 F 
series reciprocating engines. This action requires venting of the 
lubrication system and inspection of the valve train on all engines. 
This action also requires venting of the lubrication system of all 
engines on which the lubrication system has been opened, and any engine 
on which the propeller has been rotated one full turn in the reverse 
direction. This amendment is prompted by reports of several in-flight 
engine failures, all of which resulted in forced landings. The actions 
specified in this AD are intended to prevent damage to the engine valve 
train due to inadequate venting of the lubrication system which can 
result in an in-flight engine failure and forced landing.

DATES: Effective October 28, 2002. The incorporation by reference of 
certain publications listed in the rule is approved by the Director of 
the Federal Register as of October 28, 2002.
    Comments for inclusion in the Rules Docket must be received on or 
before December 23, 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-33-AD, 12 New England 
Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803-5299. Comments may be inspected at 
this location, by appointment, between 8:00 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, 912 S and 914 F series 
reciprocating engines. Austro Control advises that there have been 
seven in-flight engine failures that occurred within 50 hours time-in-
service (TIS) after installation of a new or overhauled engine. 
Investigations by Austro Control have indicated that the failures were 
due to inadequate venting

[[Page 65034]]

of the lubrication systems. Inadequate venting of the lubrication 
system can cause damage to the engine valve train as a result of low-
pressure compression of trapped air while at maximum camshaft speed 
resulting in high impact stresses to valve train components.

Manufacturer's Service Information

    Bombardier-Rotax GmbH has issued Mandatory Service Bulletin (MSB) 
No. SB-912-036/SB-914-022, Revision 1, dated August 2002, and Service 
Instruction SI-04-1997, Revision 3, dated September 2002. MSB No. SB 
SB-912-036/SB-914-022, Revision 1, dated August 2002, provides 
procedures for inspecting engines for correct venting of the oil system 
and procedures for inspecting the valve train for damage caused by 
inadequate venting. Austro Control has classified this service bulletin 
as mandatory and issued AD No.113R1 in order to assure the 
airworthiness of these Bombardier-Rotax GmbH engines in Austria. The 
manufacturer has also issued Service Instruction SI-04-1997 that 
provides instructions for venting the oil lubrication system after 
installation of the engine, after the lubrication system has been 
opened or drained during maintenance work, and after turning the 
propeller one full turn in the wrong direction of rotation.

Differences Between This AD and the Manufacturer's Service Information

    Bombardier-Rotax GmbH MSB SB-912-036/SB-914-022 allows up to 5 
hours TIS before venting and inspecting for correct venting of the oil 
system on engines with less than 50 TIS since the lubrication system 
has been opened and drained, since an oil change was performed, or 
since the propeller was rotated one full turn in the wrong direction of 
rotation. The FAA has determined that the venting and inspecting of the 
valve train must be done before further flight.

Bilateral Airworthiness Agreement

    This engine model is manufactured in Austria and is type 
certificated for operation in the United States under the provisions of 
section 21.29 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.29) and 
the applicable bilateral airworthiness agreement. Pursuant to this 
bilateral airworthiness agreement, Austro Control has kept the FAA 
informed of the situation described above. The FAA has examined the 
findings of 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, 912 S and 914 F 
series reciprocating engines of the same type design, this AD is being 
issued to prevent damage to the engine valve train due to inadequate 
venting of the lubrication system which can result in an in-flight 
engine failure and forced landing. This AD requires:
    [sbull] Before further flight, venting the lubrication system and 
inspecting for the correct venting of the oil system.
    [sbull] Thereafter, before engine start, properly venting the 
lubrication system after initial installation of a new or overhauled 
engine, after opening the oil system, after an engine oil change, and 
after the propeller was rotated one full turn in the wrong direction of 
rotation.

The actions must be done in accordance with the mandatory service 
bulletin and service instruction 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-33-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.

[[Page 65035]]

Sec.  39.13  [Amended]

    2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding the following new 
airworthiness directive:

2002-21-16 Bombardier-Rotax GmbH: Amendment 39-12923. Docket No. 
2002-NE-33-AD.

    Applicability: This airworthiness directive (AD) is applicable 
to Bombardier-Rotax GmbH 912 F, 912 S and 914 F series reciprocating 
engines. These engines are installed on, but not limited to, Diamond 
Aircraft Industries, DA20-A1, Diamond Aircraft Industries GmbH Model 
HK 36 TTS, Model HK 36TTC, and Model HK 36 TTC-ECO, Iniziative 
Industriali Italiane S.p.A. Sky Arrow 650 TC and Sky Arrow 650 TCN, 
Aeromot-Industria Mecanico Metalurgica ltda., Models AMT-300 and 
AMT-200S, and Stemme S10-VT 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 (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 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 damage to the engine valve train due to inadequate 
venting of the lubrication system which can result in an in-flight 
engine failure and forced landing, do the following:

Initial Venting and Inspection for Correct Venting

    (a) Before further flight, for all Bombardier-Rotax GmbH 912 F, 
912 S and 914 F series reciprocating engines, do the following:
    (1) Perform venting and inspection for venting of the hydraulic 
valve tappets in accordance with section 3.1.1 through section 3.1.4 
of the Accomplishment Instructions of Rotax Mandatory Service 
Bulletin (MSB) SB-912-036/SB-914-022, Revision 1, dated August 2002.
    (2) Inspect the engine valve train in accordance with section 
3.1.5 through section 3.2 of the Accomplishment Instructions of 
Rotax MSB SB-912-036/SB-914-022, Revision 1, dated August 2002.

Repetitive Venting of the Lubrication System

    (b) Thereafter, for all Bombardier-Rotax GmbH 912 F, 912 S and 
914 F series reciprocating engines, before starting the engine, vent 
the lubrication system in accordance with section 3 Accomplishment 
Instructions of Rotax Service Instruction, No. SI-04-1997, Revision 
3, dated September 2002, after any of the following:
    (1) The installation of a new or overhauled engine.
    (2) The oil system has been opened allowing air to be ingested 
into the valve train (e.g. an oil change, or the oil pump, oil 
cooler, or suction line was removed and oil drained from the oil 
galleries).
    (3) The engine oil was changed.
    (4) The propeller was rotated one full turn in the wrong 
direction of rotation.

Alternative Methods of Compliance

    (c) 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

    (d) Special flight permits are not permitted.

Manufacture's Service Information that has been Incorporated by 
Reference

    (e) The venting and inspection must be done in accordance with 
the following Rotax mandatory service bulletin (MSB) and service 
instruction (SI):

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             Document No.                        Pages             Revision                  Date
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MSB SB-912-036/SB-914-022............  All.....................            1  August 2002.
Total pages: 6
SI SI-04-1997........................  All.....................            3  September 2002.
Total pages: 6
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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. 113R1.

Effective Date

    (f) This amendment becomes effective on October 28, 2002.

    Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on October 17, 2002.
Jay J. Pardee,
Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 02-26912 Filed 10-18-02; 2:39 pm]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P