[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 215 (Wednesday, November 6, 2013)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 66666-66668]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-26571]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2013-0937; Directorate Identifier 2013-CE-029-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Diamond Aircraft Industries GmbH 
Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of 
Transportation (DOT).

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
certain Diamond Aircraft Industries GmbH Models DA 42 NG and DA 42 M-NG 
airplanes. This proposed AD results from mandatory continuing 
airworthiness information (MCAI) originated 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 the 
failure of the alternator indication system to indicate warning when 
one alternator is inoperative. We are issuing this proposed AD to 
require actions to address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by December 23, 
2013.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments by any of the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
     Fax: (202) 493-2251.
     Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590.
     Hand Delivery: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., 
Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    For service information identified in this proposed AD, contact 
Diamond Aircraft Industries GmbH, N.A. Otto-

[[Page 66667]]

Stra[szlig]e 5, A-2700 Wiener Neustadt, Austria, telephone: +43 2622 
26700; fax: +43 2622 26700 1369; email: [email protected]; 
Internet: http://www.diamond-air.at. You may review copies of the 
referenced service information at the FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 
901 Locust, Kansas City, Missouri 64106. For information on the 
availability of this material at the FAA, call (816) 329-4148.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating it in Docket No. FAA-
2013-0937; or in person at the Docket Management Facility 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 Office (telephone (800) 647-5527) is in the ADDRESSES section. 
Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mike Kiesov, Aerospace Engineer, FAA, 
Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas City, Missouri 
64106; telephone: (816) 329-4144; fax: (816) 329-4090; email: 
[email protected].

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-2013-0937; 
Directorate Identifier 2013-CE-029-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 because of those comments.
    We will post all comments we receive, without change, to http://regulations.gov in Docket No. FAA-2013-0937, including any personal 
information you provide. We will also post a report summarizing each 
substantive verbal contact we receive about this proposed AD.

Discussion

    The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical 
Agent for the Member States of the European Community, has issued AD 
No.: 2013-0224, dated September 19, 2013 (referred to after this as 
``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for the specified 
products. The MCAI states:

    During maintenance troubleshooting of the DA 42 NG alternator 
indication system it has been discovered that, with one alternator 
inoperative, the system did not give a warning indication as 
described in the Airplane Flight Manual.
    Subsequent investigation results showed that the voltage 
regulator warning circuit, which is part of the engine, monitors Bus 
Voltage and is the only trigger for the alternator fail 
annunciation. As a result, one alternator may fail but the related 
voltage regulator does not trigger the alternator fail annunciation 
as the voltage is being held at the regular level by the second 
alternator on board.
    The remaining generating system indication for the pilot is 
unaffected. The ampere-meter is indicating a load on each alternator 
and in case of a Low Voltage condition a caution message will be 
displayed.
    This condition, if not corrected, could lead to an undetected 
loss of one engine alternator and reduced capability of the 
electrical generating power system, possibly impairing safe 
continuation of the flight.
    Prompted by this event, Diamond Aircraft Industries (DAI) 
introduced at airframe level an additional independent alternator 
fail caution trigger by using the G1000 ampere-meter signals. The 
trigger is set once an alternator provides less than 5A and thus 
indicates electrical power supply failure to the ship system.
    DAI issued Mandatory Service Bulletin (MSB) 42NG-003/12 
providing instructions for installation of the Secondary 
Configuration Card Part Number (P/N) 010-12074-02 ``Additional ALTN 
FAIL trigger'' with system software P/N 010-00670-10 applicable for 
all DA 42 NG and DA 42 M-NG aeroplanes.
    In addition, model DA 42 M-NG now incorporates an output of the 
GEA 71 to activate the alternator fail relay. DAI issued Mandatory 
Service Bulletin (MSB) 42MNG-006 to provide instructions for 
installation of that additional control cable P/N D62-2510-97-00-SB.
    For the reasons described above, this AD requires installation 
of the Secondary Configuration Card P/N 010-12074-02 ``Additional 
ALTN FAIL trigger'' and System Software P/N 010-00670-10 for all DA 
42 NG and DA 42 M-NG aeroplanes and installation of GEA Alternator 
fail control cable P/N D62-2510-97-00-SB on certain model DA 42 M-NG 
aeroplanes.
    This AD also prohibits installation of System Software prior to 
P/N 010-00670-10.

You may examine the MCAI on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov 
by searching for and locating it in Docket No. FAA-2013-0937.

Relevant Service Information

    Diamond Aircraft Industries GmbH has issued Mandatory Service 
Bulletin No. MSB 42NG-003/12; Mandatory Service Bulletin MSB 42MNG-006; 
and Work Instruction WI-MSB 42MNG-006, all dated July 8, 2013. The 
actions described in this service information are intended to correct 
the unsafe condition identified in the MCAI.

FAA's Determination and Requirements of the Proposed AD

    This product has been approved by the aviation authority of another 
country, and is approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant 
to our bilateral agreement with this State of Design Authority, they 
have notified us of the unsafe condition described in the MCAI and 
service information referenced above. We are proposing this AD because 
we evaluated all information and determined the unsafe condition exists 
and is likely to exist or develop on other products of the same type 
design.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD will affect 26 products of U.S. 
registry. We also estimate that it would take about 2 work-hours per 
product to comply with the basic requirements of this proposed AD. The 
average labor rate is $85 per work-hour. Required parts would cost 
about $115 per product.
    Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of the proposed AD on 
U.S. operators to be $7,410, or $285 per product.

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 proposed 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

[[Page 66668]]

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),
    (3) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
    (4) 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.

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

0
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]

0
2. The FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by adding the following new AD:

Diamond Aircraft Industries GmbH: Docket No. FAA-2013-0937; 
Directorate Identifier 2013-CE-029-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by December 23, 2013.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Diamond Aircraft Industries GmbH Models DA 42 
NG and DA 42 M-NG airplanes, all serial numbers certificated in any 
category, except those that have Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) 
SA02725NY (http://rgl.faa.gov/Regulatory_and_Guidance_Library/rgstc.nsf/0/286A29A0C46D66048625764900624649?OpenDocument&Highlight=sa02725ny) 
incorporated.

    Note 1 to paragraph (c) of this AD: STC SA02725NY uses a 
different electrical system architecture and the unsafe condition 
addressed in this AD does not apply to that system.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association of America (ATA) Code 24: Electric 
Power.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by mandatory continuing airworthiness 
information (MCAI) originated 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 failure of the 
alternator indication system to indicate warning when one alternator 
is inoperative. We are issuing this proposed AD to prevent the 
undetected loss of one engine alternator, which could result in 
reduced capability of the electrical generating power system.

(f) Actions and Compliance

    Unless already done, do the following actions as specified in 
paragraphs (f)(1) through (f)(3) of this AD, including all 
subparagraphs:
    (1) For all DA 42 NG airplanes: Within 12 months after the 
effective date of this AD, install Secondary Configuration Card part 
number (P/N) 010-12074-02 ``Additional ALTN FAIL trigger'' and 
System Software P/N 010-00670-10 following the Accomplishment/
Instructions section of Diamond Aircraft Industries GmbH Mandatory 
Service Bulletin No. MSB 42NG-003/13, dated October 11, 2013; or the 
Accomplishment/Instructions section of Diamond Aircraft Industries 
GmbH Mandatory Service Bulletin No. MSB 42NG-003/12, dated July 8, 
2013.
    (2) For DA 42 M-NG airplanes, serial numbers (S/Ns) 42.339, 
42.MN001 through 42.MN0026, and all S/Ns modified through Optional 
Service Bulletin (OSB) 42-081, using Work Instruction (WI) OSB-42-
081 up to Revision 1 inclusive: Within 100 hours time-in-service 
after the effective date of this AD or within 12 months after the 
effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first:
    (i) Install GEA Alternator fail control cable P/N D62-2510-97-
00-SB following the Instructions section of Diamond Aircraft 
Industries GmbH Work Instruction WI-MSB 42MNG-006, dated July 8, 
2013, as specified in the Accomplishments/Instructions section of 
Diamond Aircraft Industries GmbH Mandatory Service Bulletin No. MSB 
42MNG-006, July 8, 2013; and
    (ii) Install Secondary Configuration Card P/N 010-12074-02 
``Additional ALTN FAIL trigger'' and System Software P/N 010-00670-
10 following the Accomplishment/Instructions section of Diamond 
Aircraft Industries GmbH Mandatory Service Bulletin No. MSB 42NG-
003/13, dated October 11, 2013; or the Accomplishment/Instructions 
section of Diamond Aircraft Industries GmbH Mandatory Service 
Bulletin No. MSB 42NG-003/12, dated July 8, 2013.
    (3) For all airplanes: As of the effective date of this AD, do 
not install on any airplane System Software prior to P/N 010-00670-
10.

(g) Other FAA AD Provisions

    The following provisions also apply to this AD:
    (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, 
Standards Office, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this 
AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. Send 
information to ATTN: Mike Kiesov, Aerospace Engineer, FAA, Small 
Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas City, Missouri 
64106; telephone: (816) 329-4144; fax: (816) 329-4090; email: 
[email protected]. Before using any approved AMOC on any airplane 
to which the AMOC applies, notify your appropriate principal 
inspector (PI) in the FAA Flight Standards District Office (FSDO), 
or lacking a PI, your local FSDO.
    (2) Airworthy Product: For any requirement in this AD to obtain 
corrective actions from a manufacturer or other source, use these 
actions if they are FAA-approved. Corrective actions are considered 
FAA-approved if they are approved by the State of Design Authority 
(or their delegated agent). You are required to assure the product 
is airworthy before it is returned to service.

(h) Related Information

    Refer to MCAI European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD No.: 
2013-0224, dated September 19, 2013; Diamond Aircraft Industries 
GmbH Optional Service Bulletin OSB 42-081/1; Diamond Aircraft 
Industries GmbH Work Instruction WI-OSB 42-081, Rev. 1, both dated 
December 23, 2010; Diamond Aircraft Industries GmbH Optional Service 
Bulletin OSB 42-081; and Diamond Aircraft Industries GmbH Work 
Instruction WI-OSB 42-081, Rev. 0, both dated March 17, 2010, for 
related information. You may examine the MCAI on the Internet at 
http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating it in 
Docket No. FAA-2013-0937. For service information related to this 
AD, contact Diamond Aircraft Industries GmbH, N.A. Otto-Stra[szlig]e 
5, A-2700 Wiener Neustadt, Austria, telephone: +43 2622 26700; fax: 
+43 2622 26700 1369; email: [email protected]; Internet: 
http://www.diamond-air.at. You may review copies of the referenced 
service information at the FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 901 
Locust, Kansas City, Missouri 64106. For information on the 
availability of this material at the FAA, call (816) 329-4148.

    Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on October 30, 2013.
Earl Lawrence,
Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2013-26571 Filed 11-5-13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P