[Federal Register Volume 79, Number 41 (Monday, March 3, 2014)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 11695-11697]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2014-03604]


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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; 
Amendment 39-17762; AD 2014-04-04]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Diamond Aircraft Industries GmbH 
Airplanes

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

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain 
Diamond Aircraft Industries GmbH Models DA 42 NG and DA 42 M-NG 
airplanes. This AD results from mandatory continuing airworthiness 
information (MCAI) issued 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 AD to require actions to address the 
unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective April 7, 2014.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in the AD as of April 7, 2014.

ADDRESSES: 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 Document Management Facility, U.S. 
Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West Building 
Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 
20590.
    For service information identified in 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 view this 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.

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: 

Discussion

    We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR 
part 39 to include an AD that would apply to certain Diamond Aircraft 
Industries GmbH Models DA 42 NG and DA 42 M-NG airplanes. That NPRM was 
published in the Federal Register on November 6, 2013 (78 FR 66666). 
That NPRM proposed to correct an unsafe condition for the specified 
products and was based on mandatory continuing airworthiness 
information (MCAI) originated by an aviation authority of another 
country. 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,

[[Page 11696]]

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.

The MCAI can be found in the AD docket on the Internet at: http://www.regulations.gov/#!documentDetail;D=FAA-2013-0937-0002.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this AD. We received no comments on the NPRM (78 FR 66666, November 6, 
2013) or on the determination of the cost to the public.

Conclusion

    We reviewed the relevant data, considered the comments received, 
and determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting 
the AD as proposed except for minor editorial changes. We have 
determined that these minor changes:
     Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the 
NPRM (78 FR 66666, November 6, 2013) for correcting the unsafe 
condition; and
     Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was 
already proposed in the NPRM (78 FR 66666, November 6, 2013).

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this 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 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 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 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 AD will not have federalism implications 
under Executive Order 13132. This AD will 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 this AD:
    (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.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov; 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 the NPRM, 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.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

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

Adoption of the Amendment

    Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the FAA amends 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:

2014-04-04 Diamond Aircraft Industries GmbH: Amendment 39-17762; 
Docket No. FAA-2013-0937; Directorate Identifier 2013-CE-029-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective April 7, 
2014.

(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 incorporated Supplemental Type 
Certificate (STC) SA02725NY (http://rgl.faa.gov/Regulatory_and_Guidance_Library/rgstc.nsf/0/286A29A0C46D66048625764900624649?OpenDocument&Highlight=sa02725ny).

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


[[Page 11697]]



(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 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 the next 12 months after 
April 7, 2014 (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 in Diamond Aircraft Industries GmbH 
Mandatory Service Bulletin No. MSB 42NG-003/13, dated October 11, 
2013; or the Accomplishment/Instructions in 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 the next 100 hours time-in-
service after April 7, 2014 (the effective date of this AD) or 
within the next 12 months after April 7, 2014 (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 in Diamond Aircraft Industries GmbH 
Work Instruction WI-MSB 42MNG-006, dated July 8, 2013, as specified 
in the Accomplishments/Instructions in 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 in Diamond Aircraft 
Industries GmbH Mandatory Service Bulletin No. MSB 42NG-003/13, 
dated October 11, 2013; or the Accomplishment/Instructions in 
Diamond Aircraft Industries GmbH Mandatory Service Bulletin No. MSB 
42NG-003/12, dated July 8, 2013.
    (3) For all airplanes: As of April 7, 2014 (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, for more information. The MCAI 
can be found in the AD docket on the Internet at: http://www.regulations.gov/#!documentDetail;D=FAA-2013-0937-0002. You may 
also refer to Diamond Aircraft Industries GmbH Optional Service 
Bulletin OSB 42-081/1 and Diamond Aircraft Industries GmbH Work 
Instruction WI-OSB 42-081, Rev. 1, both dated December 23, 2010; and 
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 more information. For 
service information related to this AD, you may contact the 
manufacturer using the information found in paragraph (i)(3) of this 
AD.

(i) Material Incorporated by Reference

    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference (IBR) of the service information listed 
in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
    (2) You must use this service information as applicable to do 
the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
    (i) Diamond Aircraft Industries GmbH Mandatory Service Bulletin 
No. MSB 42NG-003/13, dated October 11, 2013.
    (ii) Diamond Aircraft Industries GmbH Mandatory Service Bulletin 
No. MSB 42NG-003/12, dated July 8, 2013.
    (iii) Diamond Aircraft Industries GmbH Mandatory Service 
Bulletin MSB 42MNG-006, dated July 8, 2013.
    (iv) Diamond Aircraft Industries GmbH Work Instruction WI-MSB 
42MNG-006, dated July 8, 2013.
    (3) For Diamond Aircraft Industries GmbH service information 
identified in 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.
    (4) You may view this 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.
    (5) You may view this service information that is incorporated 
by reference at the National Archives and Records Administration 
(NARA). For information on the availability of this material at 
NARA, call 202-741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on February 12, 2014.
Steven W. Thompson,
Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2014-03604 Filed 2-28-14; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P