[Federal Register Volume 88, Number 213 (Monday, November 6, 2023)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 76104-76107]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2023-24385]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2023-1412; Project Identifier MCAI-2022-01588-E;
Amendment 39-22562; AD 2023-20-03]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Austro Engine GmbH Engines
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for
certain Austro Engine GmbH Model E4 and E4P engines. This AD is
prompted by reports of piston failures and the determination that
certain batches of pistons were manufactured with a dimensional
deviation in the piston pin bore and piston diameter. This AD requires
repetitive engine oil analysis for aluminum content outside the
acceptable limits and, if necessary, replacement of the pistons, piston
rings, con-rods assembly, and crankcase or, as an alternative,
replacement of the engine core. The FAA is issuing this AD to address
the unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective December 11, 2023.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of December 11,
2023.
ADDRESSES:
AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at regulations.gov under
Docket No.FAA-2023-1412; 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.
Material Incorporated by Reference:
For service information identified in this final rule,
contact Austro Engine GmbH, Rudolf-Diesel-Strasse 11, A-2700 Weiner
Neustadt, Austria; phone: +43 2622 23000; website: austroengine.at.
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 regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA-2023-1412.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Barbara Caufield, Aviation Safety
Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590;
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 Austro Engine
GmbH Model E4 and E4P engines. The NPRM published in the Federal
Register on July 14, 2023 (88 FR 45118). The NPRM was prompted by
European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2022-0240R1, dated
December 15, 2022 (referred to after this as the MCAI), issued by EASA,
which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European
Union. The MCAI states that a manufacturer investigation into reports
of piston failures determined that certain batches of pistons were
manufactured with a dimensional deviation in the piston pin bore and in
the piston diameter, which could cause piston failure, with consequent
loss of oil, loss of engine power, and reduced control of the airplane.
To address the unsafe condition, EASA issued EASA AD 2022-0240, dated
December 6, 2022 (EASA AD 2022-0240), to specify repetitive oil
analyses and replacement of the pistons, piston rings, con-rods
assembly, and crankcase, or as an alternative, replacement of the
engine core. EASA AD 2022-0240 also prohibited release to service of an
airplane until receipt of the results for each oil analysis.
Since EASA AD 2022-0240 was issued, the manufacturer determined
that aluminum levels outside of the acceptable limits would be found
during the first oil analysis, and are unlikely to be found during
subsequent oil analyses. As a result, EASA revised
[[Page 76105]]
EASA AD 2022-0240 and issued the MCAI to allow release to service of
airplanes for a limited number of flight hours immediately after the
second and subsequent oil samples are taken for analyses.
In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to require initial and repetitive
engine oil analysis for aluminum content outside the acceptable limits
and, if necessary, replacement of the pistons, piston rings, con-rods
assembly, and crankcase, or as an alternative, replacement of the
engine core. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition
on these products.
You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at regulations.gov under
Docket No. FAA-2023-1412.
Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive
Comments
The FAA received no comments on the NPRM or on the determination of
the costs.
Conclusion
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 referenced above. 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.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed Austro Engine GmbH Mandatory Service Bulletin No.
MSB-E4-039/1, Revision 1, dated April 24, 2023, which specifies
procedures for oil analysis and replacement of the pistons, piston
rings, con-rods assembly, crankcase, and engine core.
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 357 engines installed on
airplanes of U.S. registry.
The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:
Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost per Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost product operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Oil Analysis........................ .25 work-hours x $85 $0 $21.25 $7,586.25
per hour = $21.25.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The FAA estimates the following costs to do any necessary
replacements that would be required based on the results of the
inspection. The agency has no way of determining the number of aircraft
that might need these replacements:
On-Condition Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost per
Action Labor cost Parts cost product
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Replace engine core........................... 50 work-hours x $85 per hour = $15,524 $19,774
$4,250.
Replace pistons, piston rings, and con-rods 60 work-hours x 85 per hour = 2,216 7,316
assembly. 5,100.
Replace pistons, piston rings, con-rods 70 work-hours x 85 per hour = 4,141 10,091
assembly, and crankcase. 5,950.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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 that 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:
[[Page 76106]]
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:
2023-20-03 Austro Engine GmbH: Amendment 39-22562; Docket No. FAA-
2023-1412; Project Identifier MCAI-2022-01588-E.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective December 11,
2023.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Austro Engine GmbH Model E4 and E4P engines
with a serial number listed in Tables 1, 2, 3, and 4 of Austro
Engine GmbH Mandatory Service Bulletin No. MSB-E4-039/1, Revision 1,
dated April 24, 2023 (MSB-E4-039/1).
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Codes 8530, Reciprocating
Engine Cylinder Section; 8550, Reciprocating Engine Oil System.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by reports of piston failures and the
determination that certain batches of pistons were manufactured with
a dimensional deviation in the piston pin bore and piston diameter.
The FAA is issuing this AD to prevent piston failure. The unsafe
condition, if not addressed, could result in loss of oil, loss of
engine power, 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 all affected engines, within the applicable compliance
times specified in Table 1 to paragraph (g)(1) of this AD, perform
an oil analysis in accordance with paragraph 2., Technical Details,
Engine Oil Analysis of MSB-E4-039/1, and do not return the engine to
service until the results of the oil analysis have been determined.
Table 1 to Paragraph (g)(1)--Oil Analysis for All Affected Engines
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Engine group Compliance time Interval
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Group 1 and Group 3......... Within 15 flight Before exceeding 50
hours (FHs) from FHs since last oil
the effective date analysis.
of this AD.
Group 2 and Group 4......... Within 25 FHs from Before exceeding 100
the effective date FHs since last oil
of this AD. analysis.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(2) Thereafter, repeat the oil analysis required by paragraph
(g)(1) of this AD before exceeding the applicable interval specified
in Table 1 to paragraph (g)(1) of this AD.
(3) Following each repetitive oil analysis, the engine may be
returned to service for no more than the applicable interval
specified in Table 1 to paragraph (g)(1) of this AD, until receipt
of the oil analysis result.
(4) If the result of any oil analysis required by paragraph
(g)(1) of this AD indicates the aluminum content of the oil is
greater than the limit specified in paragraph 2., Technical Details,
Engine Oil Analysis, Table 5--Oil check analysis--Aluminum PPM
allowable of MSB-E4-039/1, before further flight, replace the
pistons, piston rings, con-rods assembly, and crankcase, or replace
the engine core in accordance with paragraph 2., Technical Details,
Engine core replacement; or Pistons, piston rings, crankcase and
con-rod assy replacement; as applicable, of MSB-E4-039/1.
(5) For Group 3 and Group 4 engines, within the applicable
compliance times specified in Table 2 to paragraph (g)(5) of this
AD, replace the pistons, piston rings, and con-rods assembly, or
replace the engine core in accordance with paragraph 2., Technical
Details, Engine core replacement; or Pistons, piston rings and con-
rod assy replacement, as applicable, of MSB-E4-039/1.
Table 2 to Paragraph (g)(5)--Replacement for Groups 3 and 4 Engines
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Engine group Compliance time
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Group 3............................ Before exceeding 900 FHs since new,
or within 15 FHs after the
effective date of this AD,
whichever occurs later.
Group 4............................ Before exceeding 1,000 FHs since
new, or within 25 FHs after the
effective date of this AD,
whichever occurs later.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Note 1 to paragraph (g)(5): FHs since new indicated in Table 2
to paragraph (g)(5) of this AD are FHs accumulated by the engine
since first installation on an airplane or since last overhaul as of
the effective date of this AD.
(h) Terminating Action
(1) Replacement of the pistons, piston rings, con-rods assembly,
and crankcase, or replacement of the engine core, as specified in
paragraph (g)(4) of this AD, constitutes terminating action for the
repetitive oil analysis required by paragraph (g)(2) of this AD.
(2) Replacement of the pistons, piston rings, and con-rods
assembly, or replacement of the engine core, as specified in
paragraph (g)(5) of this AD, constitutes terminating action for the
repetitive oil analysis required by paragraph (g)(2) of this AD.
(i) Definitions
(1) For the purpose of this AD, Group 1 engines are engines
having a serial number (S/N) listed in Table 1 of MSB-E4-039/1.
(2) For the purpose of this AD, Group 2 engines are engines
having an S/N listed in Table 2 of MSB-E4-039/1.
(3) For the purpose of this AD, Group 3 engines are engines
having an S/N listed in Table 3 of MSB-E4-039/1.
(4) For the purpose of this AD, Group 4 engines are engines
having an S/N listed in Table 4 of MSB-E4-039/1.
(j) Credit for Previous Actions
You may take credit for the actions required by paragraph
(g)(1), (4), or (5) of this AD, if you performed those actions
before the effective date of this AD using Austro Engine Mandatory
Service Bulletin MSB-E4-039/0, dated October 24, 2022.
(k) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, International Validation 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 International Validation Branch, send
it to the attention of the person identified in paragraph (l)(2) 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.
[[Page 76107]]
(l) Additional Information
(1) Refer to European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD
2022-0240R1, dated December 15, 2022, for related information. This
EASA AD may be found in the AD docket at regulations.gov under
Docket No. FAA-2023-1412.
(2) For more information about this AD, contact Barbara
Caufield, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite
410, Westbury, NY 11590; phone: (781) 238-7146; email:
[email protected].
(m) 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) Austro Engine GmbH Mandatory Service Bulletin No. MSB-E4-
039/1, Revision 1, dated April 24, 2023.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For service information identified in this AD, contact
Austro Engine GmbH, Rudolf-Diesel-Strasse 11, A-2700 Weiner
Neustadt, Austria; phone: +43 2622 23000; website: austroengine.at.
(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 material at the National Archives and
Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability
of this material at NARA, visit www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/[email protected]">www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/[email protected].
Issued on October 20, 2023.
Ross Landes,
Deputy Director for Regulatory Operations, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2023-24385 Filed 11-3-23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P