[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 225 (Tuesday, November 22, 2011)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 72128-72130]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-30059]
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Proposed Rules
Federal Register
________________________________________________________________________
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. 76, No. 225 / Tuesday, November 22, 2011 /
Proposed Rules
[[Page 72128]]
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2009-0201; Directorate Identifier 2008-NE-47-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Thielert Aircraft Engines GmbH (TAE)
Reciprocating Engines
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
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SUMMARY: We propose to revise an existing airworthiness directive (AD)
that applies to TAE models TAE 125-01 and TAE 125-02-99 reciprocating
engines installed on, but not limited to, Diamond Aircraft Industries
Model DA 42 airplanes. The existing AD currently requires initial and
repetitive replacements of proportional pressure reducing valves
(PPRVs) (also known as propeller control valves). Since we issued that
AD, TAE has increased the life of the PPRV, part number (P/N) 05-7212-
E002801, on TAE 125-02-99 engines, from 300 hours to 600 hours. This
proposed AD would relax the repetitive replacement interval from a 300-
hour interval to a 600-hour interval for PPRVs, P/N 05-7212-E002801, on
TAE 125-02-99 engines. We are proposing this AD to prevent engine in-
flight shutdown, possibly resulting in reduced control of the aircraft.
DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by January 23,
2012.
ADDRESSES: You may send comments by any of the following methods:
Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to http://www.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.
For service information identified in this AD, contact Thielert
Aircraft Engines GmbH, Platanenstrasse 14 D-09350, Lichtenstein,
Germany; phone: +49-37204-696-0; fax: +49-37204-696-2912; email:
engines.com">info@centurion-engines.com. You may review copies of the referenced
service information at the FAA, Engine & Propeller Directorate, 12 New
England Executive Park, Burlington, MA. For information on the
availability of this material at the FAA, call (781) 238-7125.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov; or in person at the Docket Management Facility
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal
holidays. The AD docket contains this proposed AD, the regulatory
evaluation, any comments received, and other information. The street
address for the Docket Office (phone: (800) 647-5527) is in the
ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly
after receipt.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Alan Strom, Aerospace Engineer, Engine
Certification Office, FAA, Engine & Propeller Directorate, 12 New
England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803; phone: (781) 238-7143;
fax: (781) 238-7199; email: [email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or
arguments about this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address
listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2009-0201;
Directorate Identifier 2008-NE-47-AD'' at the beginning of your
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory,
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this proposed AD. We
will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend
this proposed AD because of those comments.
We will post all comments we receive, without change, to http://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. We
will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact we
receive about this proposed AD.
Discussion
On May 19, 2010, we issued AD 2010-11-09, Amendment 39-16314 (75 FR
32253, June 8, 2010), for TAE Models TAE 125-01 and TAE 125-02-99
reciprocating engines installed on, but not limited to, Diamond
Aircraft Industries model DA 42 airplanes. That AD requires initial and
repetitive replacements of PPRVs (also known as propeller control
valves). That AD resulted from reports of in-flight shutdown (IFSD)
incidents on Diamond Aircraft Industries DA 42 aircraft equipped with
TAE 125 engines. Preliminary investigations showed that the IFSDs were
mainly the result of failure of the PPRV. The European Aviation Safety
Agency issued AD 2009-0224, dated October 20, 2009, to address this
unsafe condition in Europe. We issued AD 2010-11-09 to prevent engine
in-flight shutdown, possibly resulting in reduced control of the
aircraft.
Actions Since Existing AD (75 FR 32253, June 8, 2010) Was Issued
Since we issued AD 2010-11-09, TAE performed a successful 600-hour
endurance test of the PPRV, P/N 05-7212-E002801, for TAE 125-02-99
engines only, on a propeller test bench, The test also had the
vibration isolator installed, which was introduced by AD 2010-11-09.
Relevant Service Information
We reviewed TAE Service Bulletin (SB) No. TM TAE 125-1007 P1,
Revision 3, dated October 17, 2011. The SB relaxes the PPRV repetitive
replacement interval from 300 hours to 600 hours.
FAA's Determination
We are proposing this AD revision, because we evaluated all the
relevant information and determined the unsafe condition described
previously is likely to exist or develop in other products of the same
type design.
Proposed AD Requirements
This proposed AD would retain all of the requirements of AD 2010-
11-09 (75 FR 32253, June 8, 2010), except the repetitive replacement
interval in paragraph (e)(2). This proposed AD
[[Page 72129]]
would relax the repetitive 300-hour replacement interval to a 600 hour-
interval.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this AD would affect about 300 TAE 125-01 and TAE
125-02-99 reciprocating engines installed in Diamond Aircraft
Industries Model DA 42 airplanes of U.S. registry. We also estimate
that it would take about 0.25 work-hour per engine to replace a PPRV
and install a vibration isolator to the gearbox assembly. The average
labor rate is $85 per work-hour. Required parts would cost about $275
per product. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of the AD on
U.S. operators to be $88,875.
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.
We are 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
We have 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) Is not a ``significant rule'' under the DOT Regulatory Policies
and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979),
(3) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
(4) 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
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]
2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by removing airworthiness directive
(AD) 2010-11-09, Amendment 39-16314 (75 FR 32253, June 8, 2010), and
adding the following new AD:
Thielert Aircraft Engines GmbH: Docket No. FAA-2009-0201;
Directorate Identifier 2008-NE-47-AD.
(a) Comments Due Date
The FAA must receive comments on this AD action by January 23,
2012.
(b) Affected ADs
This AD revises AD 2010-11-09, Amendment 39-16314 (75 FR 32253,
June 8, 2010).
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Thielert Aircraft Engines GmbH (TAE) models
TAE 125-01 and TAE 125-02-99 reciprocating engines designated with
part number (P/N) 05-7200-K000301 or 02-7200-14017R1. The engines
are installed on, but not limited to, Diamond Aircraft Industries
Model DA 42 airplanes.
(d) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by engine in-flight shutdown incidents
reported on Diamond Aircraft Industries DA 42 airplanes equipped
with TAE 125 engines. The investigations showed that it was mainly
the result of failure of the proportional pressure reducing valve
(PPRV) (also known as the propeller control valve) due to high
vibrations. Since the release of European Aviation Safety Agency
(EASA) AD 2008-0145, the engine gearbox has been identified as the
primary source of vibrations for the PPRV, and it has also been
determined that failure of the electrical connection to the PPRV
could have contributed to some power loss events or in-flight
shutdowns. We are issuing this AD to prevent engine in-flight
shutdown, possibly resulting in reduced control of the aircraft.
(e) Actions and Compliance
Unless already done, do the following actions.
(f) TAE 125-02-99 Reciprocating Engines
(1) For TAE 125-02-99 reciprocating engines with engine, P/N 05-
7200-K000301, within 55 flight hours after the effective date of
this AD:
(i) Replace the existing PPRV with PPRV, P/N 05-7212-E002801.
Use paragraphs A. through B. of TAE Service Bulletin (SB) No. TM TAE
125-1007 P1, Revision 3, dated October 17, 2011, or SB No. TM TAE
125-1007 P1, Revision 2, dated April 29, 2009, to do the
replacement.
(ii) Install a vibration isolator, P/N 05-7212-K022302, to the
gearbox assembly. Use paragraphs 1 through 20 of TAE SB No. TM TAE
125-1009 P1, Revision 3, dated October 14, 2009, to do the
installation.
(2) Repetitive PPRV Replacements
Thereafter, within every 600 flight hours, replace the PPRV, P/N
05-7212-E002801, with the same P/N PPRV.
(g) TAE 125-01 Reciprocating Engines
(1) For TAE 125-01 reciprocating engines with engine, P/N 02-
7200-14017R1, within 55 flight hours after the effective date of
this AD:
(i) Replace the existing PPRV with a PPRV, P/N NM-0000-0124501
or P/N 05-7212-K021401. Use paragraph 1 of TAE SB No. TM TAE 125-
0018, Revision 1, dated November 12, 2008, to do the replacement.
(ii) Inspect the electrical connectors of the PPRV and replace
the connectors if damaged, and install a vibration isolator, P/N 05-
7212-K023801, to the gearbox assembly. Use paragraphs 1 through 27
of TAE SB No. TM TAE 125-0020, Revision 1, dated November 25, 2009,
to do the inspection and installation.
(3) Repetitive PPRV Replacements
Thereafter, within every 300 flight hours, replace the PPRV with
a PPRV, P/N NM-0000-0124501 or P/N 05-7212-K021401.
(h) FAA Differences
(1) We have found it necessary to not reference the second
paragraph of the unsafe condition from the MCAI EASA AD 2009-0224.
That sentence stated that the problem has only manifested itself on
those TAE engines installed on Diamond Aircraft Industries DA 42
aircraft. The affected engines which require a PPRV could be used on
other make and model airplanes in the future.
(2) We also did not reference the February 28, 2010 compliance
date, which is in EASA AD 2009-0193R1, or the January 31, 2010
compliance date which is in EASA AD 2009-0224.
(i) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
The Manager, Engine Certification Office, FAA, may approve AMOCs
for this AD. Use the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19 to make your
request.
(j) Related Information
(1) Refer to EASA AD 2009-0224, dated October 20, 2009 (TAE 125-
02-99), and EASA AD 2009-0193R1, dated December 1, 2009 (TAE 125-
01), for related information.
[[Page 72130]]
(2) Contact Alan Strom, Aerospace Engineer, Engine Certification
Office, FAA, Engine & Propeller Directorate, 12 New England
Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803; phone: (781) 238-7143; fax:
(781) 238-7199; email: [email protected], for more information
about this AD.
(3) For service information identified in this AD, contact
Thielert Aircraft Engines GmbH, Platanenstrasse 14 D-09350,
Lichtenstein, Germany, phone: +49-37204-696-0; fax: +49-37204-696-
2912; email: engines.com">info@centurion-engines.com. You may review copies of
the referenced service information at the FAA, Engine & Propeller
Directorate, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA. For
information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call
(781) 238-7125.
Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on November 10, 2011.
Peter A. White,
Manager, Engine & Propeller Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2011-30059 Filed 11-21-11; 8:45 am]
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