[Federal Register Volume 88, Number 106 (Friday, June 2, 2023)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 36258-36261]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2023-11630]


 ========================================================================
 Proposed Rules
                                                 Federal Register
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 This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains notices to the public of 
 the proposed issuance of rules and regulations. The purpose of these 
 notices is to give interested persons an opportunity to participate in 
 the rule making prior to the adoption of the final rules.
 
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  Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 106 / Friday, June 2, 2023 / Proposed 
Rules  

[[Page 36258]]



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. Engines

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking (SNPRM).

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

SUMMARY: The FAA is revising a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) 
that applied to certain Continental Aerospace Technologies, Inc. 
(Continental) Model C-125, C145, GO-300, IO-360, IO-470, IO-520, IO-
550, O-300, O-470, TSIO-360, and TSIO-520 series engines with a certain 
oil filter adapter installed. The NPRM proposed to supersede AD 2022-
04-04. This action revises the NPRM by updating the applicability to 
include Continental model engines with certain oil filter adapters 
installed and updating the service information references. The FAA is 
proposing this airworthiness directive (AD) to address the unsafe 
condition on these products. Since these actions would impose an 
additional burden by expanding the applicability, the agency is 
requesting comments on this SNPRM.

DATES: The FAA must receive comments on this SNPRM by July 17, 2023.

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 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 the NPRM, this SNPRM, 
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 SNPRM, 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, East Certification Branch, 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 the ADDRESSES section. 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 again revise 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 proposed AD.

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 SNPRM 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 SNPRM, 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 SNPRM. Submissions containing CBI should 
be sent to George Hanlin, Aviation Safety Engineer, East Certification 
Branch, 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 an NPRM to amend 14 CFR part 39 by adding an AD that 
would apply to certain Continental Model 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 engines with a certain oil filter adapter 
installed. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on September 14, 
2022 (87 FR 56286). The NPRM was prompted by

[[Page 36259]]

reports of two accidents that were the result of power loss due to oil 
starvation. In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to supersede and retain 
certain requirements of AD 2022-04-04, Amendment 39-21945 (87 FR 9435, 
February 22, 2022). In the NPRM, the FAA also proposed to require 
replacing the oil filter adapter fiber gasket (fiber gasket) with an 
oil filter adapter copper gasket (copper gasket) or a stainless steel 
embedded within polytetrafluoroethylene gasket (stainless steel PTFE 
gasket). In the NPRM, the FAA also proposed to revise the applicability 
by adding and removing certain model engines and revise the special 
flight permit paragraph by expanding the limitations. In the NPRM, the 
FAA also proposed to update the required actions by adding an 
additional part-numbered stainless steel PTFE gasket as a replacement 
part.

Actions Since the NPRM Was Issued

    Since the FAA issued the NPRM, the FAA received a comment from an 
individual commenter noting that certain engine models were missing 
from the NPRM's applicability. The commenter also specified that the 
referenced service information in the NPRM has been revised by the 
manufacturer. In response to this comment, the FAA determined that 
additional model engines are affected by the unsafe condition and, as a 
result, should be added to the applicability paragraph of the NPRM. The 
FAA also discovered that certain model engines, with permold type 
crankcases, were inadvertently included in the applicability paragraph 
of the NPRM. Therefore, the FAA revised the applicability of this 
proposed AD to include Continental model engines equipped with an F&M 
Enterprises, Inc. (F&M) or a Stratus Tool Technologies, LLC (Stratus) 
oil filter adapter installed per Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) 
SE8409SW, SE09356SC, or SE10348SC. In addition, the manufacturer has 
published revised service information, which includes the alternative 
use of a stainless steel PTFE gasket, part number (P/N) ST07, as a 
replacement part.

Comments

    The following discussion presents the comments received on the NPRM 
and the FAA's response.

Revision to the Applicability

    An individual commenter noted that paragraph (c), Applicability, of 
the NPRM, excluded Continental Model IO-360-G, IO-360-J, IO-360-JB, IO-
360-LB, IO-470-E, and IO-470-F engines. The commenter also noted that a 
review of Continental's online Illustrated Parts Catalog shows that 
these model engines use the same accessory housing as other IO-360 
model engines, which can accommodate a Stratus oil filter adapter that 
is included in the NPRM.
    The FAA agrees and has revised paragraph (c), Applicability, of 
this proposed AD to include any Continental model engine equipped with 
an F&M or a Stratus oil filter adapter installed per STC SE8409SW, 
SE09356SC, or SE10348SC.

Request To Reference Revised Service Information

    An individual commenter stated that the Stratus Tool Technologies 
Mandatory Service Bulletin SB-001 Rev B has been updated to Rev C, 
which allows the use of a stainless steel PTFE gasket, P/N ST07. The 
FAA infers that the commenter is requesting that this proposed AD be 
revised to reference Stratus Tool Technologies Mandatory Service 
Bulletin SB-001 Rev C, dated June 16, 2022 (the NPRM refers to Stratus 
Tool Technologies Mandatory Service Bulletin SB-001 Rev B, dated June 
17, 2021).
    The FAA agrees and has revised this proposed AD to include 
reference to Stratus Tool Technologies Mandatory Service Bulletin SB-
001 Rev C, dated June 16, 2022, and added paragraph (i), Credit for 
Previous Actions, which would provide credit for the replacement of a 
fiber gasket with a copper gasket in accordance with Stratus Tool 
Technologies Mandatory Service Bulletin SB-001 Rev B, dated June 17, 
2021.

FAA's Determination

    The FAA is proposing this AD after determining the unsafe condition 
described previously is likely to exist or develop in other products of 
the same type design. Certain changes described above expand the scope 
of the NPRM. As a result, it is necessary to reopen the comment period 
to provide additional opportunity for the public to comment on this 
SNPRM.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    The FAA reviewed Stratus Tool Technologies Mandatory Service 
Bulletin SB-001 Rev C, dated June 16, 2022. This service information 
specifies procedures for removing a fiber gasket and replacing it with 
a copper gasket, P/N AN900-28 or P/N AN900-29, or a stainless steel 
PTFE gasket, P/N ST07, as an improved alternative to the copper gasket.
    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 the ADDRESSES section.

Proposed AD Requirements in This SNPRM

    This proposed AD would retain certain requirements of AD 2022-04-
04. This proposed AD would require replacing the fiber gasket with a 
copper or stainless steel PTFE gasket. This proposed AD would also 
revise the applicability to include Continental model engines equipped 
with an F&M or a Stratus oil filter adapter installed per STC SE8409SW, 
SE09356SC, or SE10348SC in accordance with the service information 
previously described.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this AD, if adopted as proposed, would 
affect 6,300 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 per             $34         $246.50      $1,552,950
 gasket or stainless steel PTFE gasket.  hour = $212.50.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


[[Page 36260]]

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) Will not affect intrastate aviation in, 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 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 July 17, 2023.

(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. 
(Continental) model engines equipped with an F&M Enterprises, Inc. 
(F&M) or a Stratus Tool Technologies, LLC (Stratus) oil filter 
adapter installed per Supplemental Type Certificate SE8409SW, 
SE09356SC, or SE10348SC.

    Note 1 to paragraph (c): These F&M and Stratus oil filter 
adapters are known to be installed on Continental Model C-125, C-
145, GO-300, IO-360, IO-470, IO-520, IO-550, O-300, O-470, TSIO-360, 
and TSIO-520 series engines.

(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 or P/N 
AN900-29, or a stainless steel polytetrafluoroethylene gasket, P/N 
ST07, as applicable, in accordance with the Compliance Instructions, 
paragraph 6., pages 6 through 10 (including all detailed 
instructions for Figure 5 through Figure 16), of Stratus Tool 
Technologies Mandatory Service Bulletin SB-001 Rev C, dated June 16, 
2022.

(h) Installation Prohibition

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

(i) Credit for Previous Actions

    You may take credit for the actions required by paragraph (g) of 
this AD if you performed those actions before the effective date of 
this AD using Stratus Tool Technologies Mandatory Service Bulletin 
SB-001 Rev B, dated June 17, 2021, which was previously approved for 
IBR on March 29, 2022 (87 FR 9435, February 22, 2022), but is not 
incorporated by reference in this AD.

(j) 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.

(k) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, East Certification 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 branch, send it to the 
attention of the person identified in paragraph (l)(1) of this AD.
    (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.
    (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.

(l) Related Information

    (1) For more information about this AD, contact George Hanlin, 
Aviation Safety Engineer, East Certification Branch, FAA, 1701 
Columbia Avenue, College Park, GA 30337; phone: (404) 474-5584; 
email: [email protected].
    (2) Service information identified in this AD that is not 
incorporated by reference is available at the addresses specified in 
paragraphs (m)(4) and (5) of this AD.

(m) 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) Stratus Tool Technologies Mandatory Service Bulletin SB-001 
Rev C, dated June 16, 2022.
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (3) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Stratus Tool Technologies, LLC, 2208 Air Park Drive, Burlington, NC 
27215; phone: (800) 822-3200; website: tempestplus.com.
    (4) You may view this service information at the FAA, 
Airworthiness Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 1200 
District

[[Page 36261]]

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 May 25, 2023.
Ross Landes,
Deputy Director for Regulatory Operations, Compliance & Airworthiness 
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2023-11630 Filed 6-1-23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P