[Federal Register Volume 90, Number 64 (Friday, April 4, 2025)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 14719-14723]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2025-05852]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2025-0346; Project Identifier MCAI-2025-00052-E;
Amendment 39-23003; AD 2025-07-02]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; BRP-Rotax GmbH & Co KG (Formerly BRP-
POWERTRAIN GMBH & CO KG and Bombardier-Rotax GmbH) Engines
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.
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SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for
certain BRP-Rotax GmbH & Co KG (Rotax) Model 912 iSc2 Sport, 912 iSc3
Sport, 915 iSc2 C24, and 915 iSc3 C24 engines. This AD was prompted by
a report of deviations during the manufacturing process that caused
incorrect application of a certain thread-locker to certain sprag
clutch housing and oil spray nozzles. This AD requires repetitive
operational checks of the battery backup function with removal of the
engine from service if insufficient battery power is found, one-time
inspections of the oil spray nozzle and generator stator assembly, and,
depending on the results of the inspections, replacement with parts
eligible for installation. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the
unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective April 21, 2025.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of April 21,
2025.
The FAA must receive comments on this AD by May 19, 2025.
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
[[Page 14720]]
No. FAA-2025-0346; 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
street address for Docket Operations is listed above.
Material Incorporated by Reference:
For Rotax material identified in this AD, contact Rotax,
Rotaxstrasse 1, A-4623 Gunskirchen, Austria; phone: +43 7246 601 0;
website: flyrotax.com.
You may view this material 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-2025-0346.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kenneth Steeves, Aviation Safety
Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590;
phone: (781) 238-7765; email: [email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
The FAA invites you to send any written data, views, or arguments
about this final rule. Send your comments to an address listed under
ADDRESSES. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2025-0346; Project Identifier MCAI-
2025-00052-E'' at the beginning of your comments. The most helpful
comments reference a specific portion of the final rule, 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 final rule 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 final rule.
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 AD 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 AD, 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 AD. Submissions containing CBI should be sent to Kenneth
Steeves, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410,
Westbury, NY 11590. 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 Emergency AD 2025-0019-E, dated January 16, 2025 (referred to
after this as the MCAI), to address an unsafe condition on Rotax 912
iSc Sport, 915 iSc A, 915 iSc C24, 916 iSc A, 916 iSc B, and 916 iSc
C24 series engines, all models, all serial numbers. The MCAI states
that the manufacturer reported an occurrence from the production line
of an excessive amount of thread-locker applied at the sprag clutch
housing and oil spray nozzle of several engines. Further investigation
by the manufacturer revealed that this abnormality was caused by a
deviation in the manufacturing process. Improper application of thread-
locker can cause blockage of the oil nozzle, potentially leading to
inadequate cooling and damage to the generators. This condition, if not
corrected, could lead to engine in-flight shutdown and forced landing,
damage to the airplane, and injury to the occupants.
The FAA is also permitting the owner/operator (pilot) holding at
least a private pilot certificate to perform an operational check to
ensure the availability of the battery backup function in accordance
with paragraph (g)(1) of this AD. The FAA is also requiring that
compliance with the applicable paragraphs of this AD be entered into
the engine maintenance records in accordance with 14 CFR 43.9(a) and
91.417(a)(2)(v). This action could be performed equally well by a pilot
or a mechanic. This is an exception to the FAA's standard maintenance
regulations.
You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at regulations.gov under
Docket No. FAA-2025-0346.
Material Incorporated by Reference Under 1 CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed Rotax Alert Service Bulletin ASB-912 i-016 R1/ASB-
915 i-016 R1/ASB-916 i-006 R1, Revision 1, dated December 20, 2024
(published as a single document). This material specifies procedures
for performing an operational check of the battery backup function,
inspecting the oil spray nozzle and generator stator assembly, and
replacing the oil spray nozzle.
This material 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.
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 referenced above. The FAA is issuing this AD after determining
that the unsafe condition described previously is likely to exist or
develop on other products of the same type design.
AD Requirements
This AD requires repetitive operational checks of the battery
backup function with removal of the engine from service if insufficient
battery power is found, one-time inspections of the oil spray nozzle
and generator stator assembly, and, depending on the results of the
inspections, replacement with parts eligible for installation.
Differences Between This AD and the MCAI
Where the MCAI applies to Rotax Model 915 iSc A, 916 iSc A, 916 iSc
B and 916 iSc C24 series engines, all models, all serial numbers, this
AD does not, as these engine models do not have an FAA type
certificate.
Justification for Immediate Adoption and Determination of the Effective
Date
Section 553(b) of the Administrative Procedure Act (APA) (5 U.S.C.
551 et seq.) authorizes agencies to dispense with notice and comment
procedures for rules when the agency, for ``good cause,'' finds that
those procedures are ``impracticable, unnecessary, or contrary to the
public interest.'' Under this section, an agency, upon finding good
cause, may issue a final rule without providing notice and seeking
comment prior to issuance. Further, section 553(d) of the APA
authorizes agencies to
[[Page 14721]]
make rules effective in less than thirty days, upon a finding of good
cause.
An unsafe condition exists that requires the immediate adoption of
this AD without providing an opportunity for public comments prior to
adoption. The FAA has found that the risk to the flying public
justifies forgoing notice and comment prior to adoption of this rule
because deviations during the manufacturing process of certain sprag
clutch housing and oil spray nozzles could cause blockage of the oil
nozzle and damage to the generators which, if not corrected, could lead
to engine in-flight shutdown and forced landing, damage to the
airplane, and injury to the occupants. Since this condition can result
rapidly and without warning, the FAA has determined that these engines
will need to be inspected within 25 flight hours or within 12 months,
whichever occurs first after the effective date of this AD. These
compliance times are shorter than the time necessary for the public to
comment and for publication of the final rule. Accordingly, notice and
opportunity for prior public comment are impracticable and contrary to
the public interest pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553(b).
In addition, the FAA finds that good cause exists pursuant to 5
U.S.C. 553(d) for making this amendment effective in less than 30 days,
for the same reasons the FAA found good cause to forgo notice and
comment.
Regulatory Flexibility Act
The requirements of the Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA) do not
apply when an agency finds good cause pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553 to adopt
a rule without prior notice and comment. Because the FAA has determined
that it has good cause to adopt this rule without prior notice and
comment, RFA analysis is not required.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD affects 25 engines installed on
airplanes of U.S. registry.
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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Inspect oil spray nozzle and generator 8.50 work-hours x $85 $0 $722.50 $18,062.50
stator assembly. per hour = $722.50.
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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 engines
that might need these replacements:
On-Condition Costs
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Cost per
Action Labor cost Parts cost product
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Replace oil spray nozzle...................... 8 work-hours x $85 per hour = $500 $1,180
$680.
Replace generator stator assembly............. 8 work-hours x $85 per hour = 2,000 2,680
$680.
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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 that this AD:
(1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive
Order 12866, and
(2) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska.
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:
2025-07-02 BRP-Rotax GmbH & Co KG (formerly BRP-POWERTRAIN GMBH & CO
KG and Bombardier-Rotax GmbH): Amendment 39-23003; Docket No. FAA-
2025-0346; Project Identifier MCAI-2025-00052-E.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective April 21, 2025.
[[Page 14722]]
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to BRP-Rotax GmbH & Co KG (formerly BRP-
POWERTRAIN GMBH & CO KG and Bombardier-Rotax GmbH) (Rotax) Model 912
iSc2 Sport, 912 iSc3 Sport, 915 iSc2 C24, and 915 iSc3 C24 engines
that are equipped with an affected part as defined in paragraph
(h)(1) of this AD.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 8120, Exhaust
Turbocharger; 8550, Reciprocating Engine Oil System.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by a report of deviations during the
manufacturing process of certain sprag clutch housing and oil spray
nozzles, including incorrect application of a certain thread-locker.
The FAA is issuing this AD to prevent blockage of the oil nozzle,
inadequate cooling, and damage to the generators. 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) Before further flight after the effective date of this AD
and thereafter before each flight, perform a first start of the
battery prior to starting the engine under normal procedure as an
operational check to ensure the availability of the battery backup
function.
(i) In order to check the sufficient state of battery capacity,
do not use an additional external power source for this operational
check.
(ii) The owner/operator (pilot) holding at least a private pilot
certificate may perform the action required by paragraph (g)(1) of
this AD for your engine and must enter compliance with the
applicable paragraphs of this AD into the engine maintenance records
in accordance with 14 CFR 43.9(a) and 91.417(a)(2)(v). The record
must be maintained as required by 14 CFR 91.417, 121.380, or
135.439.
(2) If, during the operational check required by paragraph
(g)(1) of this AD, the battery capacity is determined to be
insufficient, before further flight, remove the engine from service.
(3) Within 25 flight hours or 12 months, whichever occurs first
after the effective date of this AD, perform a one-time inspection
of the oil spray nozzle in accordance with the Accomplishment/
Instructions, paragraph 3.4.1) of Rotax Alert Service Bulletin ASB-
912 i-016 R1/ASB-915 i-016 R1/ASB-916 i-006 R1, Revision 1, dated
December 20, 2024 (published as a single document) (Rotax ASB-912 i-
016 R1/ASB-915 i-016 R1/ASB-916 i-006 R1).
(4) If, during the inspection required by paragraph (g)(3) of
this AD, any oil spray nozzle fails to meet the serviceability
criteria specified in the Accomplishment/Instructions, paragraph
3.4.1) of Rotax ASB-912 i-016 R1/ASB-915 i-016 R1/ASB-916 i-006 R1,
before further flight, replace the oil spray nozzle with a part
eligible for installation, in accordance with the Accomplishment/
Instructions, paragraph 3.5.2) of Rotax ASB-912 i-016 R1/ASB-915 i-
016 R1/ASB-916 i-006 R1.
(5) Within 25 flight hours or 12 months, whichever occurs first
after the effective date of this AD, perform a one-time inspection
of the generator stator assembly in accordance with the
Accomplishment/Instructions, paragraph 3.5.1) of Rotax ASB-912 i-016
R1/ASB-915 i-016 R1/ASB-916 i-006 R1.
(6) If, during the inspection required by paragraph (g)(6) of
this AD, any generator stator assembly fails to meet the
serviceability criteria specified in the Accomplishment/
Instructions, paragraph 3.5.1) of Rotax ASB-912 i-016 R1/ASB-915 i-
016 R1/ASB-916 i-006 R1, before further flight, replace the
generator stator assembly with a part eligible for installation.
Note 1 to paragraph (g)(6): Guidance for removal and
installation of the generator stator assembly for Rotax Model 912
iSc2 Sport and 912 iSc3 Sport engines may be found in Rotax Heavy
Maintenance Manual MMH-912i, Part No. 898752, Chapter 24-20-00.
Guidance for removal and installation of the generator stator
assembly for Rotax Model 915 iSc2 C24 and 915 iSc3 C24 engines may
be found in the Rotax Heavy Maintenance Manual MMH-915 I A/C24, Part
No. 898861, Chapter 24-20-00.
(h) Definitions
(1) For the purpose of this AD, an ``affected part'' is a
generator stator assembly, or an oil spray nozzle assembly having
part number (P/N) 456540 manufactured before October 31, 2024, that
is:
(i) Installed on an engine with a serial number specified in the
Appendix to Rotax ASB-912 i-016 R1/ASB-915 i-016 R1/ASB-916 i-006
R1; or
(ii) Known to have been delivered as a spare part, as specified
in Planning Information, Paragraph 1.1, Criterion B), of Rotax ASB-
912 i-016 R1/ASB-915 i-016 R1/ASB-916 i-006 R1; or
(iii) Unable to be excluded from the criteria listed in
paragraph (h)(1)(i) or (ii) of this AD.
(iv) A generator stator assembly or an oil spray nozzle assembly
is not considered an ``affected part'' if it has been in operation
for 200 flight hours or more without a required maintenance action
due to generator stator assembly cooling issues.
(2) For the purpose of this AD, a ``part eligible for
installation'' is any of the following:
(i) An oil spray nozzle having P/N 456540, manufactured after
October 31, 2024.
(ii) For Rotax Model 912 iSc2 Sport and 912 iSc3 Sport engines,
a generator stator assembly having P/N 891095.
(iii) For Rotax Model 915 iSc2 C24 and 915 iSc3 C24 engines, a
generator stator assembly having P/N 889562.
(i) Terminating Action
The actions specified in paragraphs (g)(3) through (6) of this
AD constitute terminating action for all the requirements of
paragraph (g)(1) of this AD.
(j) Credit for Previous Actions
You may take credit for the actions required by paragraphs
(g)(3) through (6) of this AD if you performed those actions before
the effective date of this AD using Rotax Service Bulletin SB-912 i-
016/SB-915 i-016/SB-916 i-006, dated December 16, 2024 (published as
a single document).
(k) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
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)(1) of
this AD and email to: [email protected].
(l) Additional Information
(1) For more information about this AD, contact Kenneth Steeves,
Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410,
Westbury, NY 11590; phone: (781) 238-7765; email:
[email protected].
(2)) Material identified in this AD that is not incorporated by
reference is available at the address specified in paragraph (m)(3)
of this AD.
(m) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference (IBR) of the material listed in this
paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
(2) You must use this material as applicable to do the actions
required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
(i) BRP-Rotax GmbH & Co KG (Rotax) Alert Service Bulletin ASB-
912 i-016 R1/ASB-915 i-016 R1/ASB-916 i-006 R1, Revision 1, dated
December 20, 2024 (published as a single document).
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For Rotax material identified in this AD, contact BRP-Rotax
GmbH & Co KG, Rotaxstrasse 1, A-4623 Gunskirchen, Austria; phone:
+43 7246 601 0; website: flyrotax.com.
(4) You may view this material 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/ibr-locations or email [email protected].
[[Page 14723]]
Issued on April 1, 2025.
Steven W. Thompson,
Acting Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2025-05852 Filed 4-1-25; 4:15 pm]
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