[Federal Register Volume 69, Number 155 (Thursday, August 12, 2004)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 49829-49832]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 04-18440]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2002-NE-33-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Bombardier-Rotax GmbH Type 912 F, 912 
S, and 914 F Series Reciprocating Engines

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to supersede an existing airworthiness 
directive (AD) for Bombardier-Rotax GmbH Type 912 F, 912 S, and 914 F 
series reciprocating engines. That AD currently requires venting of the 
lubrication system and inspection of the valve train on all engines. 
That AD 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 wrong 
direction. This proposed AD would require similar actions, and also 
require removing the existing part number oil dipstick from service and 
installing a new oil dipstick. This proposed AD results from the need 
to clarify the mandated procedures for inspections and venting. This 
proposed AD also results from the manufacturer discovering that under 
certain circumstances, the oil level in the oil tank can fall below the 
minimum level required to sustain proper engine lubrication. We are 
proposing this AD 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: We must receive any comments on this proposed AD by October 12, 
2004.

ADDRESSES: Use one of the following addresses to submit comments on 
this proposed AD:
     By mail: 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.
     By fax: (781) 238-7055.
     By e-mail: [email protected].
    You can get the service information identified in this proposed AD 
from Bombardier-Rotax GmbH, Gunskirchen,

[[Page 49830]]

Austria; telephone 7246-601-423; fax 7246-601-760.
    You may examine the AD docket at the FAA, New England Region, 
Office of the Regional Counsel, 12 New England Executive Park, 
Burlington, MA.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Richard Woldan, Aerospace Engineer, 
Engine Certification Office, FAA, Engine and Propeller Directorate, 12 
New England Executive Park; telephone (781) 238-7136; fax (781) 238-
7199.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

    We invite you to submit any written relevant data, views, or 
arguments regarding this proposal. Send your comments to an address 
listed under ADDRESSES. Include ``AD Docket No. 2002-NE-33-AD'' in the 
subject line of your comments. If you want us to acknowledge receipt of 
your mailed comments, send us a self-addressed, stamped postcard with 
the docket number written on it; we will date-stamp your postcard and 
mail it back to you. We specifically invite comments on the overall 
regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the proposed 
AD. If a person contacts us verbally, and that contact relates to a 
substantive part of this proposed AD, we will summarize the contact and 
place the summary in the docket. We will consider all comments received 
by the closing date and may amend the proposed AD in light of those 
comments.
    We are reviewing the writing style we currently use in regulatory 
documents. We are interested in your comments on whether the style of 
this document is clear, and your suggestions to improve the clarity of 
our communications that affect you. You may get more information about 
plain language at http://www.faa.gov/language and http://www.plainlanguage.gov.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD Docket (including any comments and service 
information), by appointment, between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday 
through Friday, except Federal holidays. See ADDRESSES for the 
location.

Discussion

    On October 17, 2002, we issued AD 2002-21-16, Amendment 39-12923 
(67 FR 65033, October 23, 2002). That AD requires:
     Before further flight, inspecting the engine valve train, 
venting the lubrication system, and inspecting for the correct venting 
of the oil system.
     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, allowing air to be ingested into the valve train components.

Austro Control, which is the airworthiness authority for Austria, 
notified us that an unsafe condition may exist on Bombardier-Rotax GmbH 
912 F, 912 S, and 914 F series reciprocating engines. Austro Control 
advised 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 indicate 
that the failures were due to inadequate venting of the lubrication 
systems. Inadequate venting of the lubrication system can cause damage 
to the engine valve train as a result of compression of trapped air 
while at maximum camshaft speed resulting in high impact stresses to 
valve train components.

Actions After AD 2002-21-16 Was Issued

    After AD 2002-21-16 was issued, Austro Control advised that there 
have been 11 in-flight engine failures due to an oil tank level that is 
too low causing induction of air into the oil system and higher than 
anticipated pressures through the valve push rods. Investigations by 
Austro Control indicate that the failures were due to slower than 
anticipated return of oil from the engine crankcase back to the oil 
tank. Changes to the viscous properties of the oil cause a slower 
return of oil to the oil tank. This slow return results in the oil 
level in the oil tank falling below the minimum level required. An oil 
level that is too low causes induction of air into the oil system and 
higher than anticipated pressures through the valve push rods. That 
higher pressure causes damage to the components of the engine valve 
train. To help prevent this condition, Rotax introduced a new engine 
oil dipstick that has higher level indicator marks, which requires a 
greater quantity of oil in the oil tank. This increased quantity of oil 
helps prevent the induction of air into the oil system.
    Also, after AD 2002-21-16 was issued, we found that some 
corrections and clarifications are required. In the ADDRESSES 
paragraph, this proposal corrects the address and telephone numbers for 
the Rotax service information. Also, this proposal revises the 
compliance section for clarification of the inspections and venting to 
more closely match the related Austro Control AD.

Relevant Service Information

    We have reviewed and approved the technical contents of Bombardier-
Rotax GmbH Mandatory Service Bulletin (MSB) No. SB-912-036/SB-914-022, 
Revision 1, dated August 2002. This MSB 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.

Differences Between the Proposed AD and the 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 50 hours or less TIS since the lubrication 
system has been opened and drained, since an oil change was performed 
using improper procedures, or since the propeller was rotated more than 
one turn in the wrong direction of rotation. We have determined that 
the venting and inspecting of the valve train must be done before the 
next engine start.

Bilateral Agreement Information

    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. In keeping with this 
bilateral airworthiness agreement, Austro Control has kept us informed 
of the situation described above. We have 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 and Requirements of the Proposed AD

    We have evaluated all pertinent information and identified an 
unsafe condition that is likely to exist or develop on other products 
of this same type design. Therefore, we are proposing this AD, which 
would require:
     Before the next engine start for engines with 50 hours or 
less TIS on the effective date of the AD, since the engine had the oil 
system opened, or the oil was changed using other than

[[Page 49831]]

specified procedures, or the propeller was rotated more than one turn 
in the wrong direction of rotation, inspecting for valve train damage, 
properly venting the lubrication system and inspecting for the correct 
venting of the hydraulic valve tappets.
     Thereafter, for all engines, before engine start, properly 
venting the lubrication system after initial installation of a new or 
overhauled engine, after opening the oil system, after changing the oil 
using improper procedures, or after the propeller was rotated more than 
one turn in the wrong direction of rotation, allowing air to be 
ingested into the valve train components.
     At the next oil change, or within 100 hours TIS after the 
effective date of the AD, whichever is later, removing the oil 
dipstick, part number (P/N) 956150, from service, and installing a 
serviceable dipstick that has a different P/N.

The proposed AD would require that you do the venting of the 
lubrication system using the service information described previously.

Costs of Compliance

    There are about 624 Bombardier-Rotax GmbH Type 912 F, 912 S, and 
914 F series reciprocating engines of the affected design in the 
worldwide fleet. We estimate that 282 engines installed on aircraft of 
U.S. registry would be affected by this proposed AD. We also estimate 
that it would take about one work hour per engine to perform one oil 
system inspection and venting, and that the average labor rate is $65 
per work hour. Required parts would cost about $0.85 per engine. Based 
on these figures, we estimate the total cost of the proposed AD to U.S. 
operators to be $18,570.

Regulatory Findings

    We have 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 that the 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. Would 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 summary of the costs to comply with this proposal and 
placed it in the AD Docket. You may get a copy of this summary by 
sending a request to us at the address listed under ADDRESSES. Include 
``AD Docket No. 2002-NE-33-AD'' in your request.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Safety.

The Proposed Amendment

    Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration 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 Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) amends Sec.  39.13 by 
removing Amendment 39-12923 (67 FR 65033, October 23, 2002) and by 
adding a new airworthiness directive, to read as follows:

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

Comments Due Date

    (a) The FAA must receive comments on this airworthiness 
directive (AD) action by October 12, 2004.

Affected ADs

    (b) This AD supersedes AD 2002-21-16, Amendment 39-12923.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies 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.

Unsafe Condition

    (d) This AD results from the manufacturer discovering that under 
certain circumstances, the oil level in the oil tank can fall below 
the minimum level required to sustain proper engine lubrication. 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.

Compliance

    (e) You are responsible for having the actions required by this 
AD performed within the compliance times specified unless the 
actions have already been done.

Initial Venting and Inspection for Correct Venting

    (f) Before the next engine start, for all Bombardier-Rotax GmbH 
912 F, 912 S, and 914 F series reciprocating engines that have not 
been operated since doing any of the actions identified in Section 
1.5 (a) of Rotax Mandatory Service Bulletin (MSB) SB-912-036/SB-914-
022, Revision 1, dated August 2002, do the following:
    (1) Perform venting of the lubrication system; and
    (2) Perform inspection for correct venting of the hydraulic 
valve tappets. Use Section 3.1.1 through Section 3.1.4 of the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Rotax MSB SB-912-036/SB-914-022, 
Revision 1, dated August 2002 to do the venting and inspection.

Inspection of Engine Valve Train

    (g) Before the next engine start, for all Bombardier-Rotax GmbH 
912 F, 912 S, and 914 F series reciprocating engines that have been 
operated for 50 hours or less on the effective date of this AD since 
doing any of the actions identified in Section 1.5 (b) of Rotax 
Mandatory Service bulletin (MSB) SB-912-036/SB-914-022, Revision 1, 
dated August 2002, do the following:
    (1) Disassemble and perform inspection of the engine valve 
train; and
    (2) Reassemble, vent the lubrication system, and inspect for 
correct venting of the hydraulic valve tappets. Use Section 3.1.5 
through Section 3.1.7 of the Accomplishment Instructions of Rotax 
MSB SB-912-036/SB-914-022, Revision 1, dated August 2002.

Repetitive Venting of the Lubrication System

    (h) Thereafter, for all Bombardier-Rotax GmbH 912 F, 912 S, and 
914 F series reciprocating engines, after doing any of the actions 
in the following paragraphs (h)(1) through (h)(4), vent the 
lubrication system and inspect for correct venting of the hydraulic 
valve tappets before starting the engine. Use Section 3.1.1 through 
Section 3.1.4 of the Accomplishment Instructions of Rotax MSB SB-
912-036/SB-914-022, Revision 1, dated August 2002 to do the venting 
and inspecting.
    (1) The installation of a new or overhauled engine.
    (2) The oil system has been opened allowing air to enter the 
valve train (e.g. oil pump, oil cooler, oil suction line removed 
which allows oil to drain from the engine oil galleries).
    (3) The engine oil was changed using procedures other than those 
included in Section 1.2 of Rotax MSB SB-912-036/SB-914-022 Revision 
1, dated August 2002.
    (4) The propeller was turned more than one turn in the wrong 
direction of rotation.

Removal of Existing Oil Dipstick From Service

    (i) At the next oil change or within 100 hours TIS after the 
effective date of this AD,

[[Page 49832]]

whichever is later, remove the oil dipstick, part number (P/N) 
956150, from service, and install a dipstick that has a different P/
N. Information on removing oil dipstick P/N 956150 from service can 
be found in Rotax Service Bulletin SB-912-040/SB-914-026, Revision 
1, dated August 2003.

Prohibition of Oil Dipstick, P/N 956150

    (j) After the effective date of this AD, do not use dipstick P/N 
956150 after complying with paragraph (i) of this AD.

Alternative Methods of Compliance

    (k) The Manager, Engine Certification Office, has the authority 
to approve alternative methods of compliance for this AD if 
requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19.

Special Flight Permits

    (l) Special flight permits are not permitted.

Material Incorporated by Reference

    (m) None.

Related Information

    (n) Austro Control airworthiness directives No. 113R1, dated 
August 30, 2002, and No. 116, dated September 15, 2003, Rotax 
Service Bulletin SB-912-040/SB-914-026, Revision 1, dated August 
2003, and Rotax Service Instruction SI-04-1997, Revision 3, dated 
September 2002 also address the subject of this AD.

    Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on August 6, 2004.
Jay J. Pardee,
Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 04-18440 Filed 8-11-04; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P