[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 177 (Wednesday, September 14, 2022)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 56286-56289]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2022-19704]


-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2022-1159; Project Identifier AD-2022-00692-E]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Continental Aerospace Technologies, 
Inc. Reciprocating Engines

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 
2022-04-04, which applies to certain Continental Aerospace 
Technologies, Inc. (Continental) C-125, C145, IO-360, IO-470, IO-550, 
O-300, O-470, TSIO-360, and TSIO-520 series model reciprocating engines 
and certain Continental Motors IO-520 series model reciprocating 
engines with a certain oil filter adapter installed. AD 2022-04-04 
requires replacing the oil filter adapter fiber gasket (fiber gasket) 
with an oil filter adapter copper gasket (copper gasket). Since the FAA 
issued AD 2022-04-04, the FAA determined that the reciprocating engines 
identified in the applicability of AD 2022-04-04 are incorrect. This 
proposed AD would require replacing the fiber gasket with the copper 
gasket or the stainless steel embedded within polytetrafluoroethylene 
gasket (stainless steel PTFE gasket). This proposed AD would also 
revise the applicability to add and remove certain reciprocating engine 
models, update the required actions to add an additional part-numbered 
stainless steel PTFE gasket as a replacement part, and revise the 
special flight permit paragraph to expand the limitations. The FAA is 
proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: The FAA must receive comments on this proposed AD by October 31, 
2022.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR 
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to 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.

[[Page 56287]]

     Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail address above between 9 
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at regulations.gov by 
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2022-1159; 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 NPRM, any comments 
received, and other information. The street address for Docket 
Operations is listed above.
    Material Incorporated by Reference:
     For Stratus Tool Technologies service information 
identified in this NPRM, contact Stratus Tool Technologies, LLC, 2208 
Air Park Drive, Burlington, NC 27215; phone: (800) 822-3200; website: 
tempestplus.com.
     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.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: George Hanlin, Aviation Safety 
Engineer, Atlanta ACO, FAA, 1701 Columbia Avenue, College Park, GA 
30337; phone: (404) 474-5584; email: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

    The FAA invites you to send any written relevant data, views, or 
arguments about this proposal. Send your comments to an address listed 
under ADDRESSES. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2022-1159; Project Identifier 
AD-2022-00692-E'' at the beginning of your comments. The most helpful 
comments reference a specific portion of the proposal, explain the 
reason for any recommended change, and include supporting data. The FAA 
will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend 
the proposal because of those comments.
    Except for Confidential Business Information (CBI) as described in 
the following paragraph, and other information as described in 14 CFR 
11.35, the FAA will post all comments received, without change, to 
regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. The 
agency will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal 
contact received about this proposed NPRM.

Confidential Business Information

    CBI is commercial or financial information that is both customarily 
and actually treated as private by its owner. Under the Freedom of 
Information Act (FOIA) (5 U.S.C. 552), CBI is exempt from public 
disclosure. If your comments responsive to this NPRM contain commercial 
or financial information that is customarily treated as private, that 
you actually treat as private, and that is relevant or responsive to 
this NPRM, it is important that you clearly designate the submitted 
comments as CBI. Please mark each page of your submission containing 
CBI as ``PROPIN.'' The FAA will treat such marked submissions as 
confidential under the FOIA, and they will not be placed in the public 
docket of this NPRM. Submissions containing CBI should be sent to 
George Hanlin, Aviation Safety Engineer, Atlanta ACO, FAA, 1701 
Columbia Avenue, College Park, GA 30337. Any commentary that the FAA 
receives which is not specifically designated as CBI will be placed in 
the public docket for this rulemaking.

Background

    The FAA issued AD 2022-04-04, Amendment 39-21945 (87 FR 9435, 
February 22, 2022) (AD 2022-04-04), for certain Continental (Type 
Certificate previously held by Continental Motors, Inc., and Teledyne 
Continental Motors) C-125-1, C-125-2, C145-2, C145-2H, IO-360-C, IO-
360-D, IO-360-DB, IO-360-H, IO-360-HB, IO-360-K, IO-360-KB, IO-470-E, 
IO-470-S, IO-550-B, IO-550-G, O-300-B, O-300-C, O-300-D, O-300-E, O-
470-A, O-470-B, O-470-G, O-470-J, O-470-K, O-470-L, O-470-M, O-470-N, 
O-470-R, O-470-S, O-470-U, O-470-11, O-470-15, TSIO-360-E, TSIO-360-EB, 
TSIO-360-F, TSIO-360-FB, TSIO-360-GB, TSIO-360-LB, TSIO-360-MB, TSIO-
360-SB, TSIO-520-C, TSIO-520-CE, TSIO-520-E, and TSIO-520-UB model 
reciprocating engines; and certain Continental Motors (Type Certificate 
previously held by Teledyne Continental Motors) IO-520-A, IO-520-B, IO-
520-BA, IO-520-BB, IO-520-C, IO-520-D, IO-520-J, and IO-520-L model 
reciprocating engines. AD 2022-04-04 was prompted by reports of two 
accidents that were the result of power loss due to oil starvation. AD 
2022-04-04 requires replacing the fiber gasket with a copper gasket. 
The agency issued AD 2022-04-04 to prevent loss of engine power.

Actions Since AD 2022-04-04 Was Issued

    Since the FAA issued AD 2022-04-04, the FAA determined that the 
reciprocating engines identified in the applicability of AD 2022-04-04 
are incorrect. Certain model reciprocating engines were inadvertently 
included in the applicability paragraph of AD 2022-04-04; and certain 
other model reciprocating engines were inadvertently omitted in the 
applicability paragraph of AD 2022-04-04. Further, after the FAA issued 
AD 2022-04-04, the FAA approved an additional part-numbered stainless 
steel PTFE gasket, in addition to the copper gasket, which was 
previously approved as a replacement part. The FAA, therefore, is 
proposing to supersede AD 2022-04-04 to revise the applicability by 
adding and removing certain model reciprocating engines, to update the 
required actions by adding stainless steel PTFE gasket, part number 
ST07, as a replacement part, and to revise the special flight permit 
paragraph by expanding the limitations.

FAA's Determination

    The FAA is issuing this NPRM after determining that the unsafe 
condition described previously is likely to exist or develop on other 
products of the same type design.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    The FAA reviewed Stratus Tool Technologies Mandatory Service 
Bulletin SB-001 Rev B, dated June 17, 2021. This service information 
specifies procedures for removing a fiber gasket and replacing it with 
a copper gasket. The Director of the Federal Register previously 
approved the incorporation by reference of this service information as 
of March 29, 2022 (87 FR 9435, February 22, 2022). 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.

Proposed AD Requirements in This NPRM

    This proposed AD would retain certain requirements of AD 2022-04-
04. This proposed AD would require replacing the fiber gasket with the 
copper gasket or the stainless steel PTFE gasket. This proposed AD 
would also revise the applicability to add and remove certain 
reciprocating engine models, update the required actions to add an 
additional part-numbered stainless steel PTFE gasket as a replacement 
part, and revise the special flight permit paragraph to expand the 
limitations.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this AD, if adopted as proposed, would 
affect 6,300

[[Page 56288]]

engines installed on airplanes of U.S. registry.
    The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this proposed 
AD:

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                    Cost per       Cost on U.S.
               Action                        Labor cost           Parts cost        product         operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Replace fiber gasket with copper      2.5 work-hours x $85                $34          $246.50       $1,552,950
 gasket or stainless steel PTFE        per hour = $212.50.
 gasket.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

    The FAA 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) Would not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, 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.

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:
0
a. Removing Airworthiness Directive 2022-04-04, Amendment 39-21945 (87 
FR 9435, February 22, 2022); and
0
b. Adding the following new airworthiness directive:

Continental Aerospace Technologies, Inc.: Docket No. FAA-2022-1159; 
Project Identifier AD-2022-00692-E.

(a) Comments Due Date

    The FAA must receive comments on this airworthiness directive 
(AD) by October 31, 2022.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD replaces AD 2022-04-04, Amendment 39-21945 (87 FR 9435, 
February 22, 2022).

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Continental Aerospace Technologies, Inc. C-
125-1, C-125-2, C145-2, C145-2H, GO-300-A, GO-300-B, GO-300-C, GO-
300-D, GO-300-E, GO-300-F, IO-360-C, IO-360-D, IO-360-DB, IO-360-H, 
IO-360-HB, IO-360-K, IO-360-KB, IO-470-C, IO-470-D, IO-470-H, IO-
470-J, IO-470-K, IO-470-L, IO-470-M, IO-470-N, IO-470-S, IO-470-U, 
IO-470-V, IO-520-A, IO-520-D, IO-520-F, IO-520-J, IO-520-K, IO-520-
L, IO-550-D, IO-550-E, IO-550-F, O-300-A, O-300-B, O-300-C, O-300-D, 
O-300-E, O-470-A, O-470-B, O-470-G, O-470-J, O-470-K, O-470-L, O-
470-M, O-470-N, O-470-R, O-470-S, O-470-U, O-470-11, O-470-15, TSIO-
360-E, TSIO-360-EB, TSIO-360-F, TSIO-360-FB, TSIO-360-GB, TSIO-360-
LB, TSIO-360-MB, TSIO-360-SB, TSIO-470-C, TSIO-520-C, TSIO-520-G, 
and TSIO-520-H model reciprocating engines equipped with an F&M 
Enterprises, Inc. (F&M), or Stratus Tool Technologies, LLC (Stratus) 
oil filter adapter installed per Supplemental Type Certificate 
SE8409SW, SE09356SC, or SE10348SC.

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 8550, Reciprocating 
Engine Oil System.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by reports of two accidents that were the 
result of power loss due to oil starvation. The FAA is issuing this 
AD to prevent loss of engine power. The unsafe condition, if not 
addressed, could result in failure of the engine, in-flight 
shutdown, and loss of control of the airplane.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Required Actions

    Before accumulating 50 flight hours after the effective date of 
this AD or at the next scheduled oil change after the effective date 
of this AD, whichever occurs first, remove any F&M or Stratus oil 
filter adapter fiber gasket from service and replace it with an oil 
filter adapter copper gasket, part number (P/N) AN900-28, P/N AN900-
29, or a stainless steel polytetrafluoroethylene gasket, P/N ST07, 
as applicable, in accordance with the Compliance Instructions, 
paragraph 6., pages 7 through 10 (including all detailed 
instructions for Figure 5 through Figure 16), of Stratus Tool 
Technologies Mandatory Service Bulletin SB-001 Rev B, dated June 17, 
2021.

(h) Installation Prohibition

    After the effective date of this AD, do not install an F&M or 
Stratus oil filter adapter fiber gasket onto any affected engine.

(i) Special Flight Permit

    A special flight permit may be issued in accordance with 14 CFR 
21.197 and 21.199 to permit a one-time non-revenue ferry flight to 
operate the airplane to the nearest location where the maintenance 
action can be performed provided that the engine oil pressure and 
engine oil temperatures are in their allowable ranges and there is 
no noticeable increase in engine noise. This flight must be 
performed with no passengers on board.

(j) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, Atlanta ACO, 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 (k) of this AD.
    (2) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate 
principal inspector,

[[Page 56289]]

or lacking a principal inspector, the manager of the local flight 
standards district office/certificate holding district office.
    (3) AMOCs approved for AD 2022-04-04 (87 FR 9435, February 22, 
2022) are approved as AMOCs for the corresponding provisions of this 
AD.

(k) Related Information

    For more information about this AD, contact George Hanlin, 
Aviation Safety Engineer, Atlanta ACO, FAA, 1701 Columbia Avenue, 
College Park, GA 30337; phone: (404) 474-5584; email: [email protected].

(l) 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.
    (3) The following service information was approved for IBR on 
March 29, 2022 (87 FR 9435, February 22, 2022).
    (i) Stratus Tool Technologies Mandatory Service Bulletin SB-001 
Rev B, dated June 17, 2021.
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (4) For Stratus Tool Technologies, LLC, 2208 Air Park Drive, 
Burlington, NC 27215; phone: (800) 822-3200; website: 
tempestplus.com.
    (5) 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.
    (6) 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: www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued on September 7, 2022.
Christina Underwood,
Acting Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2022-19704 Filed 9-13-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P