[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 134 (Thursday, July 14, 2022)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 42066-42068]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2022-15025]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2022-0385; Project Identifier MCAI-2021-00786-E; 
Amendment 39-22117; AD 2022-14-12]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; GE Aviation Czech s.r.o. (Type 
Certificate Previously Held by WALTER Engines a.s., Walter a.s., and 
MOTORLET a.s.) Turboprop Engines

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
certain GE Aviation Czech s.r.o. (GEAC) M601D-11, M601E-11, M601E-11A, 
M601E-11AS, M601E-11S, and M601F model turboprop engines. This AD was 
prompted by the absence of life limits for propeller shaft part number 
(P/N) M601-6081.6 in the airworthiness limitations section (ALS) of the 
applicable GEAC M601 Engine Shop Manual. This AD was also prompted by a 
report that operators may not have been provided with enough data to 
determine the accumulated life of certain propeller shafts. For M601F 
model turboprop engines, this AD requires removal and replacement of 
the propeller shaft before the propeller shaft accumulates 12,000 
flight hours (FHs) since first installation on an engine, or before 
accumulating 350 FHs after the effective date of this AD, whichever 
occurs later, with a part eligible for installation. For M601D-11, 
M601E-11, M601E-11A, M601E-11AS, and M601E-11S model turboprop engines, 
this AD requires calculation of the accumulated life of the propeller 
shaft and, depending on the number of accumulated FHs removal and 
replacement of the propeller shaft with a part eligible for 
installation. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe 
condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective August 18, 2022.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of August 18, 
2022.

ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule, 
contact GE Aviation Czech s.r.o., Beranov[yacute]ch 65, 199 02 Praha 9, 
Let[ncaron]any, Czech Republic; phone: +420 222 538 111. You may view 
this service information at the FAA, Airworthiness Products Section, 
Operational Safety Branch, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803. 
For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 
(817) 222-5110. It is also available at https://www.regulations.gov by 
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2022-0385.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket at https://www.regulations.gov by 
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2022-0385; or in person at 
Docket Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, 
except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains this final rule, the 
mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI), any comments 
received, and other information. The address for Docket Operations is 
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 FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Barbara Caufield, Aviation Safety 
Engineer, ECO Branch, FAA, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803; 
phone: (781) 238-7146; email: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

    The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 
CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to certain GEAC M601D-11, 
M601E-11, M601E-11A, M601E-11AS, M601E-11S, and M601F model turboprop 
engines. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on April 01, 2022 
(87 FR 19029). The NPRM was prompted by the absence of life limits for 
propeller shaft P/N M601-6081.6 in the ALS of the applicable GEAC M601 
Engine Shop Manual. The NPRM was also prompted by a report that 
operators may not have been provided with enough data to determine the 
accumulated life of certain propeller shafts. For M601F model turboprop 
engines, the NPRM proposed to require removal and replacement of the 
propeller shaft with a part eligible for installation before the 
propeller shaft accumulates 12,000 FHs since first installation on an 
engine, or before accumulating 350 FHs after the effective date of this 
AD, whichever occurs later. For M601D-11, M601E-11, M601E-11A, M601E-
11AS, and M601E-11S model turboprop engines, the NPRM proposed to 
require calculation of the accumulated life of the propeller shaft and, 
depending on the number of accumulated FHs, removal and replacement of 
the propeller shaft with a part eligible for installation. The FAA is 
issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
    The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the 
Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued 
EASA AD 2021-0154, dated July 1, 2021 (referred to after this as ``the 
MCAI''), to address the unsafe condition on these products. The MCAI 
states:

    It has been determined that the life limit for the propeller 
shaft P/N M601-6081.6 is not published in the applicable ALS for 
M601 engines. In addition, it has also been reported that some data, 
which can be used to determine the accumulated life of certain 
propeller shafts, may have not been provided to operators, so the 
propeller shaft life limit may not have been implemented correctly.
    These conditions, if not corrected, may lead to failure of a 
propeller shaft, possibly resulting in detachment of the propeller 
and consequent damage to the engine and/or the aircraft, and reduced 
control of the aeroplane.
    To address this potential unsafe condition, GEAC issued the 
original issue of the ASB, providing applicable instructions, and 
EASA issued AD 2021-0052 to require implementation of the applicable 
life limit and replacing each propeller shaft with a serviceable 
propeller shaft.
    Since that [EASA] AD was issued, additional data, which can be 
used to determine the accumulated life of certain propeller shafts, 
and to support an extended compliance time for Group 1 engines, has 
been made available; GEAC revised accordingly the ASB (now at 
revision 02).
    For the reasons described above, this [EASA] AD partially 
retains the requirements of EASA AD 2021-0052, which is superseded, 
introducing updated affected population and different compliance 
times.

    You may obtain further information by examining the MCAI in the AD 
docket at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating 
Docket No. FAA-2022-0385.

[[Page 42067]]

Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive

Comments

    The FAA received no comments on the NPRM or on the determination of 
the costs.

Conclusion

    The FAA reviewed the relevant data and determined that air safety 
requires adopting this AD as proposed. Accordingly, the FAA is issuing 
this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products. Except for 
minor editorial changes, this AD is adopted as proposed in the NPRM. 
None of the changes will increase the economic burden on any operator.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    The FAA reviewed GE Aviation Czech Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) 
ASB-M601F-72-10-00-0056 [02], ASB-M601D-72-10-00-0072 [02], ASB-M601E-
72-10-00-0103 [02], and ASB-M601Z-72-10-00-0056 [02] (single document; 
formatted as service bulletin identifier [revision number]), dated May 
31, 2021. This service information specifies procedures for calculating 
the accumulated life of certain propeller shafts and also specifies 
procedures for replacing certain propeller shafts. This service 
information is reasonably available because the interested parties have 
access to it through their normal course of business or by the means 
identified in ADDRESSES.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this AD affects 14 engines installed on 
airplanes of U.S. registry. The FAA estimates that 7 M601D-11 and 7 
M601E-11 model turboprop engines installed on airplanes of U.S. 
registry require calculation of the time since new (TSN) of the 
propeller shaft and removal and replacement of the propeller shaft. The 
FAA estimates that zero M601E-11A, M601E-11AS, M601E-11S, and M601F 
model turboprop engines installed on airplanes of U.S. registry require 
replacement of the propeller shaft.
    The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:

                                                 Estimated Costs
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                                                                                     Cost per      Cost on U.S.
                Action                         Labor cost           Parts cost        product        operators
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Calculate the total TSN of the          1 work-hours x $85 per                $0             $85          $1,190
 propeller shaft.                        hour = $85.
Remove and replace the propeller shaft  105 work-hours x $85 per          17,827          26,752         374,528
                                         hour = $8,925.
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    The FAA has included all known costs in its cost estimate. 
According to the manufacturer, however, some of the costs of this AD 
may be covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost impact on 
affected operators.

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.
    The FAA is 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

    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) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
    (3) 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 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 airworthiness 
directive:

2022-14-12 GE Aviation Czech s.r.o. (Type Certificate previously 
held by WALTER Engines a.s., Walter a.s., and MOTORLET a.s.): Docket 
No. FAA-2022-0385; Project Identifier MCAI-2021-00786-E.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective August 18, 2022.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to:
    (1) GE Aviation Czech s.r.o. (GEAC) M601F model turboprop 
engines with an engine serial number (ESN) listed in Attachment 1, 
List of Affected Engines--Group 1, of GE Aviation Czech Alert 
Service Bulletin (ASB) ASB-M601F-72-10-00-0056 [02], ASB-M601D-72-
10-00-0072 [02], ASB-M601E-72-10-00-0103 [02], and ASB-M601Z-72-10-
00-0056 [02] (single document; formatted as service bulletin 
identifier [revision number]), dated May 31, 2021 (the ASB);
    (2) M601E-11 and M601E-11A model turboprop engines with an ESN 
listed in Attachment 2, List of Affected Parts--Group 2, of the ASB; 
and
    (3) M601D-11, M601E-11AS, and M601E-11S model turboprop engines 
with propeller shaft part number (P/N) M601-6081.2 or P/N M601-
6081.4.

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 7210, Turbine Engine 
Reduction Gear.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by the absence of life limits for propeller 
shaft P/N M601-6081.6 in the airworthiness limitations section of 
the applicable GEAC M601 Engine Shop Manual. This AD was also 
prompted by

[[Page 42068]]

a report that operators may not have been provided with enough data 
to determine the accumulated life of certain propeller shafts. The 
FAA is issuing this AD to prevent the failure of the propeller 
shaft. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in 
damage to the engine, damage to the airplane, and reduced control of 
the airplane.

(f) Compliance

    Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, 
unless already done.

(g) Required Actions

    (1) For affected M601F model turboprop engines, before the 
propeller shaft accumulates 12,000 flight hours (FHs) since first 
installation on an engine, or before accumulating 350 FHs after the 
effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later, remove the 
propeller shaft and replace with a part eligible for installation.
    (2) For affected M601D-11, M601E-11, M601E-11A, M601E-11AS, and 
M601E-11S model turboprop engines:
    (i) Within 100 FHs after the effective date of this AD, 
calculate the total time since new of the propeller shaft in 
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions, section 2.2 Group 2 
Engines, paragraph 1., of the ASB.
    (ii) Remove the propeller shaft prior to reaching its applicable 
life limit and replace with a part eligible for installation in 
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions, section 2.2 Group 2 
Engines, paragraph 2., of the ASB.

(h) Definitions

    (1) For the purpose of this AD, a ``part eligible for 
installation'' on M601F, M601E-11, and M601E-11A model turboprop 
engines is a propeller shaft identified in the Configuration 
Description, paragraph 1.5, Table 1, of the ASB, as applicable to 
the engine model, with a calculated life that has not exceeded the 
applicable life limit.
    (2) For the purpose of this AD, a ``part eligible for 
installation'' on M601D-11 model turboprop engines is a propeller 
shaft with P/N M601-6081.2, P/N M601-6081.4, or P/N M601-6081.5, 
with a calculated life that has not exceeded the applicable life 
limit.
    (3) For the purpose of this AD, a ``part eligible for 
installation'' on M601E-11AS and M601E-11S model turboprop engines 
is a propeller shaft with P/N M601-6081.2, P/N M601-6081.5, or P/N 
M601-6081.6, with a calculated life that has not exceeded the 
applicable life limit.

(i) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, ECO Branch, FAA, has the authority to approve 
AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 
39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, send your request to your 
principal inspector or local Flight Standards District Office, as 
appropriate. If sending information directly to the manager of the 
certification office, send it to the attention of the person 
identified in paragraph (j)(1) of this AD and email to: [email protected].
    (2) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate 
principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager 
of the local flight standards district office/certificate holding 
district office.

(j) Related Information

    (1) For more information about this AD, contact Barbara 
Caufield, Aviation Safety Engineer, ECO Branch, FAA, 1200 District 
Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803; phone: (781) 238-7146; email: 
[email protected].
    (2) Refer to European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 
2021-0154, dated July 1, 2021, for more information. You may examine 
the EASA AD in the AD docket at https://www.regulations.gov by 
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2022-0385.

(k) 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) GE Aviation Czech Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) ASB-M601F-72-
10-00-0056 [02], ASB-M601D-72-10-00-0072 [02], ASB-M601E-72-10-00-
0103 [02], and ASB-M601Z-72-10-00-0056 [02] (single document; 
formatted as service bulletin identifier [revision number]), dated 
May 31, 2021.
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (3) For GE Aviation Czech service information identified in this 
AD, contact GE Aviation Czech s.r.o., Beranov[yacute]ch 65, 199 02 
Praha 9, Let[ncaron]any, Czech Republic; phone: +420 222 538 111.
    (4) You may view this service information at FAA, Airworthiness 
Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 1200 District Avenue, 
Burlington, MA 01803. For information on the availability of this 
material at the FAA, call (817) 222-5110.
    (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, email: [email protected], or go to: https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued on June 29, 2022.
Christina Underwood,
Acting Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2022-15025 Filed 7-13-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P