[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 216 (Wednesday, November 9, 2022)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 67572-67575]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2022-24390]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2022-1413; Project Identifier MCAI-2021-00077-E]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Continental Aerospace Technologies GmbH 
Reciprocating Engines

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) 
for certain Continental Aerospace

[[Page 67573]]

Technologies GmbH TAE 125-02-99 and TAE 125-02-114 model reciprocating 
engines. This proposed AD was prompted by manufacturer reports of 
fractured main bearing studs. This proposed AD would require the 
removal and replacement of certain main bearing studs. The FAA is 
proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: The FAA must receive comments on this NPRM by December 27, 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.
     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 under 
Docket No. FAA-2022-1413; 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, the mandatory continuing airworthiness 
information (MCAI), any comments received, and other information. The 
street address for Docket Operations is listed above.
    Material Incorporated by Reference:
     For service information identified in this NPRM, contact 
Continental Aerospace Technologies GmbH, Platanenstrasse 14, 09356 
Sankt Egidien, Germany; phone: +49 37204 696 0; email: 
continentaldiesel.com">support@continentaldiesel.com; website: continentaldiesel.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: Barbara Caufield, Aviation Safety 
Engineer, ECO Branch, FAA, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803; 
phone: (781) 238-7146; 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-2022-1413; Project Identifier 
MCAI-2021-00077-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 
this 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 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 
Barbara Caufield, Aviation Safety Engineer, ECO Branch, FAA, 1200 
District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803. 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 European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the 
Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued 
EASA AD 2021-0022, dated January 18, 2021 (referred to after this as 
``the MCAI''), to address an unsafe condition on certain Continental 
Aerospace Technologies GmbH (Type Certificate previously held by 
Technify Motors GmbH and Thielert Aircraft Engines GmbH) TAE 125-02-99 
and TAE 125-02-114 model reciprocating engines. The MCAI states that 
the manufacturer has received reports of fractured main bearing studs. 
A fractured main bearing stud provides improper support to the 
crankshaft and increases crankshaft clearance, resulting in crankshaft 
sensor failures and potential crankshaft fracture. The manufacturer is 
investigating the root cause of main bearing stud failures. To address 
this unsafe condition, Continental Aerospace Technologies GmbH 
published service information to identify the serial numbers (S/Ns) of 
the affected engines and specify procedures for replacement of certain 
main bearing studs. The MCAI specifies actions to replace main bearing 
studs and specifies certain main bearing studs that are not to be 
installed onto any engine. This condition, if not addressed, could 
result in engine in-flight shutdown and forced landing, damage to the 
airplane, and injury to the occupants. The FAA is issuing this AD to 
address the unsafe condition.
    You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at regulations.gov under 
Docket No. FAA-2022-1413.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    The FAA reviewed Continental Aerospace Technologies GmbH Service 
Bulletin (SB) CG 125-1027 P1, Revision 1, dated May 28, 2021. This 
service information identifies the S/Ns of the affected engines and 
specifies procedures for replacing the main bearing studs. The FAA also 
reviewed Continental Aerospace Technologies GmbH Repair Instruction RI-
05-0017-04, Revision 4, dated April 1, 2021. This service information 
provides instructions for replacing the main bearing studs.
    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.

FAA's Determination

    These products have been approved by the aviation authority of 
another country and are approved for operation in the United States. 
Pursuant to the FAA's bilateral agreement with this State of Design 
Authority, it has notified the FAA of the unsafe condition described in 
the MCAI and service information described above. The FAA is issuing 
this NPRM after determining that the unsafe condition described 
previously is likely to exist or develop on other products of these 
same type designs.

Proposed AD Requirements in This NPRM

    This proposed AD would require the removal of certain main bearing 
studs

[[Page 67574]]

from service and replacement with parts eligible for installation. This 
proposed AD would also prohibit the installation of certain main 
bearing studs.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this AD, if adopted as proposed, would 
affect 92 engines installed on aircraft 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 main bearing studs............  16 work-hours x $85 per           $5,500          $6,860        $631,120
                                         hour = $1,360.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The FAA has included all known costs in its cost estimate. 
According to the manufacturer, however, some of the costs of this 
proposed 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

    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 this 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 adding the following new airworthiness 
directive:

Continental Aerospace Technologies GmbH (Type Certificate previously 
held by Technify Motors GmbH and Thielert Aircraft Engines GmbH): 
Docket No. FAA-2022-1413; Project Identifier MCAI-2021-00077-E.

(a) Comments Due Date

    The FAA must receive comments on this airworthiness directive 
(AD) by December 27, 2022.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Continental Aerospace Technologies GmbH (Type 
Certificate previously held by Technify Motors GmbH and Thielert 
Aircraft Engines GmbH) TAE 125-02-99 and TAE 125-02-114 model 
reciprocating engines with an engine serial number (S/N) identified 
in Models Affected, Continental Aerospace Technologies GmbH Service 
Bulletin (SB) CG 125-1027 P1, Revision 1, dated May 28, 2021.

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 7200, Engine 
(Turbine/Turboprop).

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by manufacturer reports of fractured main 
bearing studs. The FAA is issuing this AD to prevent failure of the 
main bearing stud. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could 
result in engine in-flight shutdown and forced landing, damage to 
the airplane, and injury to the occupants.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Required Actions

    (1) For Group 1 and Group 2 engines, before exceeding the 
applicable compliance time in Table 1 to paragraph (g)(1) of this 
AD, remove all main bearing studs from service if one or more main 
bearing studs with part number (P/N) 05-7211-K009801 and batch 
number B180703/1, B184216/1, B184216/2, or B191277/1 are installed 
on the engine and replace with parts eligible for installation in 
accordance with Instructions, paragraphs 4.2 through 4.2.17 of 
Continental Aerospace Technologies GmbH Repair Instruction RI-05-
0017-04, Revision 4, dated April 1, 2021 (Continental Aerospace 
Technologies GmbH RI-05-0017-04, Revision 4).

       Table 1 to Paragraph (g)(1)--Main Bearing Stud Replacement
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                      Flight hours (FHs)
      Group               since new                Compliance time
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1................  100 FHs or less........  Before exceeding 115 FHs
                                             since new, or during the
                                             next scheduled maintenance,
                                             whichever occurs first
                                             after the effective date of
                                             this AD.
1................  More than 100 FHs......  Before exceeding 15 FHs from
                                             the effective date of this
                                             AD, or during the next
                                             scheduled maintenance,
                                             whichever occurs first
                                             after the effective date of
                                             this AD.
2................  100 FHs or less........  Before exceeding 200 FHs
                                             since new, or during the
                                             next scheduled maintenance
                                             whichever occurs first
                                             after the effective date of
                                             this AD.

[[Page 67575]]

 
2................  More than 100 FHs......  Before exceeding 100 FHs
                                             from the effective date of
                                             this AD, or during the next
                                             scheduled maintenance,
                                             whichever occurs first
                                             after the effective date of
                                             this AD.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Note 1 to paragraph (g)(1): FHs since new indicated in Table 1 
to paragraph (g)(1) of this AD are FHs accumulated by the engine 
since first installation on an airplane, on the effective date of 
this AD.
    (2) For engines not installed on an airplane as of the effective 
date of this AD, before further flight, remove all main bearing 
studs if one or more main bearing studs with P/N 05-7211-K009801 and 
batch number B180703/1, B184216/1, B184216/2, or B191277/1 are 
installed on the engine and replace with parts eligible for 
installation in accordance with Instructions, paragraphs 4.2 through 
4.2.17 of Continental Aerospace Technologies GmbH RI-05-0017-04, 
Revision 4.

(h) Installation Prohibition

    After the effective date of this AD, do not install onto any 
engine a main bearing stud with P/N 05-7211-K009801 and batch number 
B180703/1, B184216/1, B184216/2, or B191277/1.

(i) Definitions

    (1) For the purpose of this AD, Group 1 engines are affected 
engines installed on single-engine airplanes, with main bearing stud 
with P/N 05-7211-K009801 and batch number B180703/1, B184216/1, 
B184216/2, or B191277/1 installed on the engine, and affected 
engines installed on twin-engine airplanes, with main bearing stud 
with P/N 05-7211-K009801 and batch number B180703/1, B184216/1, 
B184216/2, or B191277/1 installed on both engines.
    (2) For the purpose of this AD, Group 2 engines are affected 
engines installed on twin-engine airplanes, with main bearing stud 
with P/N 05-7211-K009801 and batch number B180703/1, B184216/1, 
B184216/2, or B191277/1 installed on only one engine.
    (3) For the purpose of this AD, parts eligible for installation 
are any main bearing studs that do not have P/N 05-7211-K009801 and 
batch number B180703/1, B184216/1, B184216/2, or B191277/1.

(j) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    The Manager, ECO Branch, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs 
for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in Sec.  39.19. 
In accordance with Sec.  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)(2) of this AD and email to: [email protected]. 
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.

(k) Additional Information

    (1) Refer to European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 
2021-0022, dated January 18, 2021, for related information. This 
EASA AD may be found in the AD docket at regulations.gov under 
Docket No. FAA-2022-1413.
    (2) 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].

(l) Material Incorporated by Reference

    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference 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) Continental Aerospace Technologies GmbH Service Bulletin CG 
125-1027 P1, Revision 1, dated May 28, 2021.
    (ii) Continental Aerospace Technologies GmbH Repair Instruction 
RI-05-0017-04, Revision 4, dated April 1, 2021.
    (3) For Continental Aerospace Technologies GmbH service 
information identified in this AD, contact Continental Aerospace 
Technologies GmbH, Platanenstrasse 14, 09356 Sankt Egidien, Germany; 
phone: +49 37204 696 0; email: continentaldiesel.com">support@continentaldiesel.com; 
website: continentaldiesel.com.
    (4) 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.
    (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: www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued on November 3, 2022.
Christina Underwood,
Acting Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2022-24390 Filed 11-8-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P