Airworthiness Directives; Various Aircraft Equipped With BRP-Rotax GmbH & Co KG 912 A Series Engine, 6107-6110 [2018-02747]
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6107
Rules and Regulations
Federal Register
Vol. 83, No. 30
Tuesday, February 13, 2018
This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER
contains regulatory documents having general
applicability and legal effect, most of which
are keyed to and codified in the Code of
Federal Regulations, which is published under
50 titles pursuant to 44 U.S.C. 1510.
The Code of Federal Regulations is sold by
the Superintendent of Documents.
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2017–1078; Product
Identifier 2017–CE–038–AD; Amendment
39–19178; AD 2018–03–05]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Various
Aircraft Equipped With BRP-Rotax
GmbH & Co KG 912 A Series Engine
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with RULES
Discussion
We are adopting a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for various
aircraft equipped with a BRP-Rotax
GmbH & Co. KG (formerly BRPPowertrain GmbH & Co. KG;
Bombardier-Rotax GmbH & Co. KG;
Bombardier-Rotax GmbH) 912 A series
engine. This AD results from mandatory
continuing airworthiness information
(MCAI) issued by an aviation authority
of another country to identify and
address an unsafe condition on an
aviation product. The MCAI describes
the unsafe condition as defective valve
push-rod assemblies manufactured from
June 8, 2016, through October 2, 2017.
We are issuing this AD to require
actions to address the unsafe condition
on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective March 20,
2018.
The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
of a certain publication listed in this AD
as of March 20, 2018.
ADDRESSES: You may examine the AD
docket on the internet at https://
www.regulations.gov by searching for
and locating Docket No. FAA–2017–
1078; or in person at Docket Operations,
U.S. Department of Transportation, M–
30, West Building Ground Floor, Room
SUMMARY:
VerDate Sep<11>2014
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W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE,
Washington, DC 20590.
For service information identified in
this AD, contact BRP-Rotax GmbH & Co.
KG, Rotaxstrasse 1, A–4623
Gunskirchen, Austria; phone: +43 7246
601 0; fax: +43 7246 6370; internet:
https://www.flyrotax.com. You may view
this referenced service information at
the FAA, Policy and Innovation
Division, 901 Locust, Kansas City,
Missouri 64106. For information on the
availability of this material at the FAA,
call (816) 329–4148. It is also available
on the internet at https://
www.regulations.gov by searching for
Docket No. FAA–2017–1078.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jim
Rutherford, Aerospace Engineer, FAA,
Small Airplane Standards Branch, 901
Locust, Room 301, Kansas City,
Missouri 64106; telephone: (816) 329–
4165; fax: (816) 329–4090; email:
jim.rutherford@faa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
We issued a notice of proposed
rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR
part 39 by adding an AD that would
apply to various aircraft equipped with
a BRP-Rotax GmbH & Co. KG (formerly
BRP-Powertrain GmbH & Co. KG;
Bombardier-Rotax GmbH & Co. KG;
Bombardier-Rotax GmbH) 912 A series
engine. The NPRM was published in the
Federal Register on November 22, 2017
(82 FR 55527). The NPRM proposed to
address an unsafe condition for the
specified products and was based on
mandatory continuing airworthiness
information (MCAI) originated by an
aviation authority of another country.
The MCAI states:
Power loss and engine RPM drop have
been reported on Rotax 912/914 engines in
service. It has been determined that, due to
a quality control deficiency in the
manufacturing process of certain valve pushrod assemblies, manufactured between 08
June 2016 and 02 October 2017 inclusive,
partial wear on the rocker arm ball socket
may occur, which may lead to malfunction
of the valve train.
This condition, if not detected and
corrected, may lead to rough engine
operation and loss of power, possibly
resulting in a forced landing, with
consequent damage to the aeroplane and
injury to occupants.
To address this potential unsafe condition,
BRP-Rotax issued Service Bulletin (SB) SB–
912 i–008/SB–912–070/SB–914–052 (single
PO 00000
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Sfmt 4700
document), providing applicable
instructions.
For the reason described above, this
[EASA] AD requires a one-time inspection
and, depending on findings, replacement of
affected parts. This [EASA] AD also prohibits
installation of affected parts on an engine].
The MCAI can be found in the AD
docket on the internet at https://
www.regulations.gov/
document?D=FAA-2017-1078-0002.
Comments
We gave the public the opportunity to
participate in developing this AD. We
received no comments on the NPRM or
on the determination of the cost to the
public.
Conclusion
We reviewed the relevant data and
determined that air safety and the
public interest require adopting this AD
as proposed except for minor editorial
changes. We have determined that these
minor changes:
• Are consistent with the intent that
was proposed in the NPRM for
addressing the unsafe condition; and
• Do not add any additional burden
upon the public than was already
proposed in the NPRM.
Related Service Information Under 1
CFR Part 51
We reviewed BRP-Rotax GmbH & Co
KG Rotax Aircraft Engines BRP Service
Bulletin SB–912 i–008 R1/SB–912–070
R1/SB–914–052 R1 (co-published as one
document), Revision 1, dated October
12, 2017. The service information
describes procedures for inspecting and,
if necessary, replacing the valve pushrod assembly on the left and/or right
rocker arms. 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 of this AD.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this AD will affect
63 products of U.S. registry. We also
estimate that it will take about 1 workhour per product to comply with the
basic inspection requirement of this AD.
The average labor rate is $85 per workhour. Required parts will cost about $70
per product.
Based on these figures, we estimate
the cost of this AD on U.S. operators to
be $9,765, or $155 per product.
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Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 30 / Tuesday, February 13, 2018 / Rules and Regulations
In addition, we estimate that any
necessary follow-on actions will take
about 2 work-hours to replace all 8
valve push-rod assemblies and
associated parts on all 4 cylinders and
require parts costing $3,093, for a cost
of $3,263 per product. We have no way
of determining the number of products
that may need these actions.
sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with RULES
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.
This AD is issued in accordance with
authority delegated by the Executive
Director, Aircraft Certification Service,
as authorized by FAA Order 8000.51C.
In accordance with that order, issuance
of ADs is normally a function of the
Compliance and Airworthiness
Division, but during this transition
period, the Executive Director has
delegated the authority to issue ADs
applicable to small airplanes, gliders,
balloons, airships, domestic business jet
transport airplanes, and associated
appliances to the Director of the Policy
and Innovation Division.
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Regulatory Findings
Adoption of the Amendment
We determined that 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 this AD:
(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.
Accordingly, under the authority
delegated to me by the Administrator,
the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as
follows:
You may examine the AD docket on
the Internet at https://
www.regulations.gov by searching for
and locating Docket No. FAA–2017–
1078; or in person at the Docket
Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.,
Monday through Friday, except Federal
holidays. The AD docket contains the
NPRM, the regulatory evaluation, any
comments received, and other
information. The street address for the
Docket Operations (telephone (800)
647–5527) is in the ADDRESSES section.
Comments will be available in the AD
docket shortly after receipt.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation
safety, Incorporation by reference,
Safety.
Frm 00002
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
1. The authority citation for part 39
continues to read as follows:
■
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
§ 39.13
[Amended]
2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding
the following new AD:
■
2018–03–05 Various Aircraft: Amendment
39–19178; Docket No. FAA–2017–1078;
Product Identifier 2017–CE–038–AD.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes
effective March 20, 2018.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
Examining the AD Docket
PO 00000
PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS
DIRECTIVES
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to all serial numbers of the
airplanes listed in table 1 to paragraph (c) of
this AD, certificated in any category that are
either:
(1) Equipped with a BRP-Rotax GmbH &
Co. KG (formerly BRP-Powertrain GmbH &
Co. KG; Bombardier-Rotax GmbH & Co. KG;
Bombardier-Rotax GmbH) 912 A series
engine (Rotax 912 A series engine) with a
serial number (S/N) listed in table 2 to
paragraph (c) of this AD; or
(2) equipped with a Rotax 912 A series
engine with any S/N that has had a part
number (P/N) 854861 valve push-rod
assembly replaced in-service (e.g., during
engine repair, maintenance, or general
overhaul) during the time frame of June 8,
2016, to the effective date of this AD.
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Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 30 / Tuesday, February 13, 2018 / Rules and Regulations
(f) Actions and Compliance
Unless already done, do the following
actions:
(1) For aircraft with engines that have 160
hours time-in-service (TIS) or less since first
installed: Before exceeding 170 hours TIS on
the engine since first installed or within the
next 3 months after March 20, 2018 (the
effective date of this AD), whichever occurs
first, visually inspect the valve push-rod ball
sockets of each valve push-rod using the
Accomplishment Instructions in Rotax
Aircraft Engines BRP Service Bulletin SB–
912 i–008 R1/SB–912–070 R1/SB–914–052
R1 (co-published as one document), Revision
1, dated October 12, 2017 (Rotax SB SB–912
i–008 R1/SB–912–070 R1/SB–914–052 R1).
(2) For airplanes with engines that have
160 hours TIS or more since first installed:
Within the next 10 hours TIS after March 20,
2018 (the effective date of this AD) or within
the next 3 months after March 20, 2018 (the
effective date of this AD), whichever occurs
first, visually inspect the valve push-rod ball
(g) Other FAA AD Provisions
The following provisions also apply to this
AD:
(1) Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs): The Manager, Small Airplane
Standards Branch, FAA, has the authority to
approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested
using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19.
Send information to ATTN: Jim Rutherford,
Aerospace Engineer, FAA, Small Airplane
Standards Branch, 901 Locust, Room 301,
Kansas City, Missouri 64106; telephone:
(816) 329–4165; fax: (816) 329–4090; email:
jim.rutherford@faa.gov. Before using any
approved AMOC on any airplane to which
the AMOC applies, notify your appropriate
principal inspector (PI) in the FAA Flight
Standards District Office (FSDO), or lacking
a PI, your local FSDO.
(2) Contacting the Manufacturer: For any
requirement in this AD to obtain corrective
actions from a manufacturer, the action must
be accomplished using a method approved
by the Manager, Small Airplane Standards
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Branch, FAA; or European Aviation Safety
Agency (EASA), which is the Technical
Agent for the Member States of the European
Community.
(h) Related Information
Refer to MCAI EASA AD No. 2017–0208,
dated October 13, 2017, for related
information. You may examine the MCAI on
the Internet at https://www.regulations.gov/
document?D=FAA-2017-1078-0002.
(i) 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 this AD specifies otherwise.
(i) Rotax Aircraft Engines BRP Service
Bulletin SB–912 i–008 R1/SB–912–070 R1/
SB–914–052 R1 (co-published as one
document), Revision 1, dated October 12,
2017.
(ii) Reserved.
(3) For BRP-Rotax GmbH & Co KG service
information identified in this AD, contact
BRP-Rotax GmbH & Co. KG, Rotaxstrasse 1,
A–4623 Gunskirchen, Austria; phone: +43
7246 601 0; fax: +43 7246 6370; Internet:
https://www.flyrotax.com.
(4) You may view this service information
at the FAA, Policy and Innovation Division,
901 Locust, Kansas City, Missouri 64106. For
information on the availability of this
material at the FAA, call (816) 329–4148. In
addition, you can access this service
information on the Internet at https://
www.regulations.gov by searching for and
locating Docket No. FAA–2017–1078.
E:\FR\FM\13FER1.SGM
13FER1
ER13FE18.004</GPH> ER13FE18.005</GPH>
(e) Reason
This AD was prompted by mandatory
continuing airworthiness information (MCAI)
originated by an aviation authority of another
country to identify and address an unsafe
condition on an aviation product. The MCAI
describes the unsafe condition as defective
valve push-rod assemblies manufactured
from June 8, 2016, through October 2, 2017.
We are issuing this AD to prevent rough
engine operation, which could cause loss of
power and result in loss of control.
sockets of each valve push-rod using the
Accomplishment Instructions in Rotax SB
SB–912 i–008 R1/SB–912–070 R1/SB–914–
052 R1.
(3) For all affected airplanes: If a valve
push-rod with a black surface is found during
the inspection required in paragraph (f)(1) or
(f)(2) of this AD, before further flight, replace
the valve push-rod and its affected parts with
airworthy parts using the Accomplishment
Instructions in Rotax SB SB–912 i–008 R1/
SB–912–070 R1/SB–914–052 R1.
(4) For all affected airplanes: As of March
20, 2018 (the effective date of this AD), do
not install a valve push-rod that was
manufactured from June 8, 2016, through
October 2, 2017.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association of America
(ATA) Code 72: Reciprocating Engine.
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Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 30 / Tuesday, February 13, 2018 / Rules and Regulations
(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, call
202–741–6030, or go to: https://
www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibrlocations.html.
Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on
February 5, 2018.
Melvin J. Johnson,
Deputy Director, Policy & Innovation Division,
Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2018–02747 Filed 2–12–18; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2018–0067; Product
Identifier 2017–CE–048–AD; Amendment
39–19188; AD 2018–03–15]
Examining the AD Docket
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Pacific
Aerospace Limited Airplanes
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule; request for
comments.
AGENCY:
We are adopting a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for Pacific
Aerospace Limited Model 750XL
airplanes. This AD results from
mandatory continuing airworthiness
information (MCAI) issued by the
aviation authority of another country to
identify and correct an unsafe condition
on an aviation product. The MCAI
describes the unsafe condition as
abrasion damage of components or
wiring behind the instrument panel. We
are issuing this AD to require actions to
address the unsafe condition on these
products.
DATES: This AD is effective March 5,
2018.
The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
of a certain publication listed in the AD
as of March 5, 2018.
We must receive comments on this
AD by March 30, 2018.
ADDRESSES: You may send comments by
any of the following methods:
• Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to
https://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.
sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with RULES
SUMMARY:
VerDate Sep<11>2014
15:52 Feb 12, 2018
• Hand Delivery: U.S. Department of
Transportation, Docket Operations, M–
30, West Building Ground Floor, Room
W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE,
Washington, DC 20590, between 9 a.m.
and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday,
except Federal holidays.
For service information identified in
this AD, contact Pacific Aerospace
Limited, Airport Road, Hamilton,
Private Bag 3027, Hamilton 3240, New
Zealand; phone: +64 7843 6144; fax: +64
843 6134; email: pacific@
aerospace.co.nz; internet:
www.aerospace.co.nz. You may view
this referenced service information at
the FAA, Policy and Innovation
Division, 901 Locust, Kansas City,
Missouri 64106. For information on the
availability of this material at the FAA,
call (816) 329–4148. It is also available
on the internet at https://
www.regulations.gov by searching for
locating Docket No. FAA–2018–0067.
Jkt 244001
You may examine the AD docket on
the internet at https://
www.regulations.gov by searching for
and locating Docket No. FAA–2018–
0067; 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 AD, the
regulatory evaluation, any comments
received, and other information. The
street address for Docket Operations
(telephone (800) 647–5527) is in the
ADDRESSES section. Comments will be
available in the AD docket shortly after
receipt.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Mike Kiesov, Aerospace Engineer, FAA,
Small Airplane Standards Branch, 901
Locust, Room 301, Kansas City,
Missouri 64106; telephone: (816) 329–
4144; fax: (816) 329–4090; email:
mike.kiesov@faa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Discussion
The Civil Aviation Authority, which
is the aviation authority for New
Zealand, has issued CAA AD DCA/
750XL/22, dated December 19, 2017
(referred to after this as ‘‘the MCAI’’), to
correct an unsafe condition for Pacific
Aerospace Limited Model 750XL
airplanes. To accompany that MCAI, the
CAA issued Notification of
Airworthiness Directive issued for New
Zealand Aeronautical Products IAW
ICAO Annex 8, dated December 19,
2017; the Notification states:
This [CAA] AD with effective date 28
December 2017 mandates an inspection of
components and wiring behind the
instrument panel for possible abrasion
PO 00000
Frm 00004
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
damage caused by ventilation hose chafing
per the instructions in Pacific Aerospace
Mandatory Service Bulletin (MSB) PACSB/
XL/083 issue 1, dated 15 December 2017, or
later approved revision.
The [CAA] AD is prompted by two reports
of finding abrasion damage behind the
instrument panel caused by ventilation hose
chafing.
In addition to the required inspection,
this AD requires wrapping the
ventilation hose with anti-abrasion tape
and rerouting the hose. This AD also
requires contacting the manufacturer for
corrective action if abrasion damage is
found during the required inspection.
You may examine the MCAI on the
internet at https://www.regulations.gov
by searching for and locating Docket No.
FAA–2018–0067.
Related Service Information Under 1
CFR Part 51
Pacific Aerospace Limited has issued
Pacific Aerospace Mandatory Service
Bulletin PACSB/XL/083, Issue 1, dated
December 15, 2017. The service
information describes procedures for
inspection of the ventilation hose
behind the instrument panel, wrapping
the ventilation hose with anti-abrasion
tape, and rerouting the hose. 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 of
the AD.
FAA’s Determination and Requirements
of the AD
This product has been approved by
the aviation authority of another
country, and is approved for operation
in the United States. Pursuant to our
bilateral agreement with this State of
Design Authority, they have notified us
of the unsafe condition described in the
MCAI and service information
referenced above. We are issuing this
AD because we evaluated all
information provided by the State of
Design Authority and determined the
unsafe condition exists and is likely to
exist or develop on other products of the
same type design.
FAA’s Determination of the Effective
Date
An unsafe condition exists that
requires the immediate adoption of this
AD. The FAA has found that the risk to
the flying public justifies waiving notice
and comment prior to adoption of this
rule because chafing of the ventilation
hose on instrument components and
wiring could cause abrasion damage and
lead to short circuit, smoke, and/or fire.
Therefore, we determined that notice
E:\FR\FM\13FER1.SGM
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]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 30 (Tuesday, February 13, 2018)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 6107-6110]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-02747]
========================================================================
Rules and Regulations
Federal Register
________________________________________________________________________
This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains regulatory documents
having general applicability and legal effect, most of which are keyed
to and codified in the Code of Federal Regulations, which is published
under 50 titles pursuant to 44 U.S.C. 1510.
The Code of Federal Regulations is sold by the Superintendent of Documents.
========================================================================
Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 30 / Tuesday, February 13, 2018 /
Rules and Regulations
[[Page 6107]]
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2017-1078; Product Identifier 2017-CE-038-AD; Amendment
39-19178; AD 2018-03-05]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Various Aircraft Equipped With BRP-
Rotax GmbH & Co KG 912 A Series Engine
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Final rule.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for various
aircraft equipped with a BRP-Rotax GmbH & Co. KG (formerly BRP-
Powertrain GmbH & Co. KG; Bombardier-Rotax GmbH & Co. KG; Bombardier-
Rotax GmbH) 912 A series engine. This AD results from mandatory
continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) issued by an aviation
authority of another country to identify and address an unsafe
condition on an aviation product. The MCAI describes the unsafe
condition as defective valve push-rod assemblies manufactured from June
8, 2016, through October 2, 2017. We are issuing this AD to require
actions to address the unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective March 20, 2018.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of March 20,
2018.
ADDRESSES: You may examine the AD docket on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2017-
1078; or in person at Docket Operations, U.S. Department of
Transportation, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200
New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590.
For service information identified in this AD, contact BRP-Rotax
GmbH & Co. KG, Rotaxstrasse 1, A-4623 Gunskirchen, Austria; phone: +43
7246 601 0; fax: +43 7246 6370; internet: https://www.flyrotax.com. You
may view this referenced service information at the FAA, Policy and
Innovation Division, 901 Locust, Kansas City, Missouri 64106. For
information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call (816)
329-4148. It is also available on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for Docket No. FAA-2017-1078.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jim Rutherford, Aerospace Engineer,
FAA, Small Airplane Standards Branch, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas
City, Missouri 64106; telephone: (816) 329-4165; fax: (816) 329-4090;
email: [email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Discussion
We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR
part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to various aircraft equipped
with a BRP-Rotax GmbH & Co. KG (formerly BRP-Powertrain GmbH & Co. KG;
Bombardier-Rotax GmbH & Co. KG; Bombardier-Rotax GmbH) 912 A series
engine. The NPRM was published in the Federal Register on November 22,
2017 (82 FR 55527). The NPRM proposed to address an unsafe condition
for the specified products and was based on mandatory continuing
airworthiness information (MCAI) originated by an aviation authority of
another country.
The MCAI states:
Power loss and engine RPM drop have been reported on Rotax 912/
914 engines in service. It has been determined that, due to a
quality control deficiency in the manufacturing process of certain
valve push-rod assemblies, manufactured between 08 June 2016 and 02
October 2017 inclusive, partial wear on the rocker arm ball socket
may occur, which may lead to malfunction of the valve train.
This condition, if not detected and corrected, may lead to rough
engine operation and loss of power, possibly resulting in a forced
landing, with consequent damage to the aeroplane and injury to
occupants.
To address this potential unsafe condition, BRP-Rotax issued
Service Bulletin (SB) SB-912 i-008/SB-912-070/SB-914-052 (single
document), providing applicable instructions.
For the reason described above, this [EASA] AD requires a one-
time inspection and, depending on findings, replacement of affected
parts. This [EASA] AD also prohibits installation of affected parts
on an engine].
The MCAI can be found in the AD docket on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov/document?D=FAA-2017-1078-0002.
Comments
We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing
this AD. We received no comments on the NPRM or on the determination of
the cost to the public.
Conclusion
We reviewed the relevant data and determined that air safety and
the public interest require adopting this AD as proposed except for
minor editorial changes. We have determined that these minor changes:
Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the
NPRM for addressing the unsafe condition; and
Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was
already proposed in the NPRM.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
We reviewed BRP-Rotax GmbH & Co KG Rotax Aircraft Engines BRP
Service Bulletin SB-912 i-008 R1/SB-912-070 R1/SB-914-052 R1 (co-
published as one document), Revision 1, dated October 12, 2017. The
service information describes procedures for inspecting and, if
necessary, replacing the valve push-rod assembly on the left and/or
right rocker arms. 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
of this AD.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this AD will affect 63 products of U.S. registry.
We also estimate that it will take about 1 work-hour per product to
comply with the basic inspection requirement of this AD. The average
labor rate is $85 per work-hour. Required parts will cost about $70 per
product.
Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of this AD on U.S.
operators to be $9,765, or $155 per product.
[[Page 6108]]
In addition, we estimate that any necessary follow-on actions will
take about 2 work-hours to replace all 8 valve push-rod assemblies and
associated parts on all 4 cylinders and require parts costing $3,093,
for a cost of $3,263 per product. We have no way of determining the
number of products that may need these actions.
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.
This AD is issued in accordance with authority delegated by the
Executive Director, Aircraft Certification Service, as authorized by
FAA Order 8000.51C. In accordance with that order, issuance of ADs is
normally a function of the Compliance and Airworthiness Division, but
during this transition period, the Executive Director has delegated the
authority to issue ADs applicable to small airplanes, gliders,
balloons, airships, domestic business jet transport airplanes, and
associated appliances to the Director of the Policy and Innovation
Division.
Regulatory Findings
We determined that 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 this AD:
(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.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2017-
1078; or in person at the Docket Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.,
Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains
the NPRM, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and other
information. The street address for the Docket Operations (telephone
(800) 647-5527) is in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available
in the AD docket shortly after receipt.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.
Adoption of 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 AD:
2018-03-05 Various Aircraft: Amendment 39-19178; Docket No. FAA-
2017-1078; Product Identifier 2017-CE-038-AD.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective March 20,
2018.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to all serial numbers of the airplanes listed in
table 1 to paragraph (c) of this AD, certificated in any category
that are either:
(1) Equipped with a BRP-Rotax GmbH & Co. KG (formerly BRP-
Powertrain GmbH & Co. KG; Bombardier-Rotax GmbH & Co. KG;
Bombardier-Rotax GmbH) 912 A series engine (Rotax 912 A series
engine) with a serial number (S/N) listed in table 2 to paragraph
(c) of this AD; or
(2) equipped with a Rotax 912 A series engine with any S/N that
has had a part number (P/N) 854861 valve push-rod assembly replaced
in-service (e.g., during engine repair, maintenance, or general
overhaul) during the time frame of June 8, 2016, to the effective
date of this AD.
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[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR13FE18.005
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association of America (ATA) Code 72:
Reciprocating Engine.
(e) Reason
This AD was prompted by mandatory continuing airworthiness
information (MCAI) originated by an aviation authority of another
country to identify and address an unsafe condition on an aviation
product. The MCAI describes the unsafe condition as defective valve
push-rod assemblies manufactured from June 8, 2016, through October
2, 2017. We are issuing this AD to prevent rough engine operation,
which could cause loss of power and result in loss of control.
(f) Actions and Compliance
Unless already done, do the following actions:
(1) For aircraft with engines that have 160 hours time-in-
service (TIS) or less since first installed: Before exceeding 170
hours TIS on the engine since first installed or within the next 3
months after March 20, 2018 (the effective date of this AD),
whichever occurs first, visually inspect the valve push-rod ball
sockets of each valve push-rod using the Accomplishment Instructions
in Rotax Aircraft Engines BRP Service Bulletin SB-912 i-008 R1/SB-
912-070 R1/SB-914-052 R1 (co-published as one document), Revision 1,
dated October 12, 2017 (Rotax SB SB-912 i-008 R1/SB-912-070 R1/SB-
914-052 R1).
(2) For airplanes with engines that have 160 hours TIS or more
since first installed: Within the next 10 hours TIS after March 20,
2018 (the effective date of this AD) or within the next 3 months
after March 20, 2018 (the effective date of this AD), whichever
occurs first, visually inspect the valve push-rod ball sockets of
each valve push-rod using the Accomplishment Instructions in Rotax
SB SB-912 i-008 R1/SB-912-070 R1/SB-914-052 R1.
(3) For all affected airplanes: If a valve push-rod with a black
surface is found during the inspection required in paragraph (f)(1)
or (f)(2) of this AD, before further flight, replace the valve push-
rod and its affected parts with airworthy parts using the
Accomplishment Instructions in Rotax SB SB-912 i-008 R1/SB-912-070
R1/SB-914-052 R1.
(4) For all affected airplanes: As of March 20, 2018 (the
effective date of this AD), do not install a valve push-rod that was
manufactured from June 8, 2016, through October 2, 2017.
(g) Other FAA AD Provisions
The following provisions also apply to this AD:
(1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager,
Small Airplane Standards Branch, FAA, has the authority to approve
AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR
39.19. Send information to ATTN: Jim Rutherford, Aerospace Engineer,
FAA, Small Airplane Standards Branch, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas
City, Missouri 64106; telephone: (816) 329-4165; fax: (816) 329-
4090; email: [email protected]. Before using any approved AMOC
on any airplane to which the AMOC applies, notify your appropriate
principal inspector (PI) in the FAA Flight Standards District Office
(FSDO), or lacking a PI, your local FSDO.
(2) Contacting the Manufacturer: For any requirement in this AD
to obtain corrective actions from a manufacturer, the action must be
accomplished using a method approved by the Manager, Small Airplane
Standards Branch, FAA; or European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA),
which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European
Community.
(h) Related Information
Refer to MCAI EASA AD No. 2017-0208, dated October 13, 2017, for
related information. You may examine the MCAI on the Internet at
https://www.regulations.gov/document?D=FAA-2017-1078-0002.
(i) 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 this AD specifies otherwise.
(i) Rotax Aircraft Engines BRP Service Bulletin SB-912 i-008 R1/
SB-912-070 R1/SB-914-052 R1 (co-published as one document), Revision
1, dated October 12, 2017.
(ii) Reserved.
(3) For BRP-Rotax GmbH & Co KG service information identified in
this AD, contact BRP-Rotax GmbH & Co. KG, Rotaxstrasse 1, A-4623
Gunskirchen, Austria; phone: +43 7246 601 0; fax: +43 7246 6370;
Internet: https://www.flyrotax.com.
(4) You may view this service information at the FAA, Policy and
Innovation Division, 901 Locust, Kansas City, Missouri 64106. For
information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call
(816) 329-4148. In addition, you can access this service information
on the Internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and
locating Docket No. FAA-2017-1078.
[[Page 6110]]
(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, call 202-741-6030, or go to: https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.
Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on February 5, 2018.
Melvin J. Johnson,
Deputy Director, Policy & Innovation Division, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2018-02747 Filed 2-12-18; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
