AD 2010-11-09

[Federal Register Volume 75, Number 109 (Tuesday, June 8, 2010)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 32253-32255]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2010-12540]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION


Federal Aviation Administration


14 CFR Part 39


[Docket No. FAA-2009-0201; Directorate Identifier 2008-NE-47-AD; 

Amendment 39-16314; AD 2010-11-09]

RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Thielert Aircraft Engines GmbH (TAE) 

Models TAE 125-01 and TAE 125-02-99 Reciprocating Engines Installed in, 

but Not Limited to, Diamond Aircraft Industries Model DA 42 Airplanes


AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.


ACTION: Final rule.


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SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the 

products listed above. This AD results from mandatory continuing 

airworthiness information (MCAI) issued by an aviation authority of 

another country to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an 

aviation product. The MCAI describes the unsafe condition as:


    Engine in-flight shutdown incidents have been 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 Propeller Control Valve) due to high vibrations. This 

condition, if not corrected, could lead to further cases of engine 

in-flight shutdown, possibly resulting in reduced control of the 

aircraft.

    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.


DATES: This AD becomes effective July 13, 2010. The Director of the 

Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of certain 

publications listed in this AD as of July 13, 2010.


ADDRESSES: The Docket Operations office is located at Docket Management 

Facility, U.S. Department of Transportation, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, 

SE., West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, Washington, DC 20590-

0001.


FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Tara Chaidez, Aerospace Engineer, 

Engine Certification Office, FAA, Engine and Propeller Directorate, 12 

New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803; e-mail: 

[email protected]; telephone (781) 238-7773; fax (781) 238-7199.


SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:


Discussion


    We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) and a supplemental 

NPRM to amend 14 CFR part 39 to include an AD that would apply to the 

specified products. That NPRM was published in the Federal Register on 

April 17, 2009 (74 FR 17795) and that supplemental NPRM was published 

in the Federal Register on February 23, 2010 (75 FR 7996). That 

supplemental NPRM proposed to correct an unsafe condition for the 

specified products. The MCAI states that:


    Engine in-flight shutdown incidents have been 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 Propeller Control Valve) due to high vibrations. This 

condition, if not corrected, could lead to further cases of engine 

in-flight shutdown, possibly resulting in reduced control of the 

aircraft.

    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.


Comments


    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 

this AD. We received no comments on the supplemental NPRM or on the 

determination of the cost to the public.


Conclusion


    We reviewed the available data and determined that air safety and 

the public interest require adopting the AD as proposed.


Differences Between This AD and the MCAI or Service Information


    We have reviewed the MCAIs and, in general, agree with their 

substance. But we have found it necessary to not reference the second 

paragraph of the unsafe condition from EASA AD 2009-0224. That sentence 

stated that the problem has only manifested itself on those Thielert 

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.

    We also did not incorporate 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.


Costs of Compliance


    Based on the service information, we estimate that this AD will 

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 will 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 will 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 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.


[[Page 32254]]


    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); 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.

    We prepared a regulatory evaluation of the estimated costs to 

comply with this AD and placed it in the AD docket.


Examining the AD Docket


    You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov; or in person at the Docket Operations office 

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 

the Docket Operations office (phone (800) 647-5527) is provided 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


0

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:


2010-11-09 Thielert Aircraft Engines GmbH: Amendment 39-16314. 

Docket No. FAA-2009-0201; Directorate Identifier 2008-NE-47-AD.


Effective Date


    (a) This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective July 13, 

2010.


Affected ADs


    (b) None.


Applicability


    (c) 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 02-7200-1401R1. The 

engines are installed on, but not limited to, Diamond Aircraft 

Industries Model DA 42 airplanes.


Reason


    (d) Engine in-flight shutdown incidents have been 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 Propeller Control Valve) due to high vibrations. This 

condition, if not corrected, could lead to further cases of engine 

in-flight shutdown, possibly resulting in reduced control of the 

aircraft.

    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.


Actions and Compliance


    (e) Unless already done, do the following actions:


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 Thielert Service Bulletin (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 Thielert SB No. TM 

TAE 125-1009 P1, Revision 3, dated October 14, 2009, to do the 

installation.


Repetitive PPRV Replacements


    (2) Thereafter, within every 300 flight hours, replace the PPRV, 

P/N 05-7212-E002801, with the same P/N PPRV.


TAE 125-01 Reciprocating Engines


    (3) For TAE 125-01 reciprocating engines with engine P/N 02-

7200-1401R1, 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 Thielert 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 Thielert SB No. TM TAE 125-0020, Revision 1, dated November 25, 

2009, to do the inspection and installation.


Repetitive PPRV Replacements


    (4) Thereafter, within every 300 flight hours, replace the PPRV 

with a PPRV, P/N NM-0000-0124501 or P/N 05-7212-K021401.


FAA Differences


    (f) 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 Thielert 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.

    (g) 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.


Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)


    (h) The Manager, Engine Certification Office, FAA, has the 

authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the 

procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19.


Related Information


    (i) 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.

    (j) Contact Tara Chaidez, Aerospace Engineer, Engine 

Certification Office, FAA, Engine and Propeller Directorate, 12 New 

England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803; e-mail: 

[email protected]; telephone (781) 238-7773; fax (781) 238-7199, 

for more information about this AD.


Material Incorporated by Reference


    (k) You must use the service information specified in Table 1 of 

this AD to do the actions required by this AD, unless the AD 

specifies otherwise.

    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 

incorporation by reference of this service information under 5 

U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.

    (2) For service information identified in this AD, contact 

Thielert Aircraft Engines GmbH, Platanenstrasse 14 D-09350, 

Lichtenstein, Germany, telephone: +49-37204-696-0; fax: +49-37204-

696-2912; e-mail: engines.com">info@centurion-engines.com.

    (3) You may review copies at the FAA, New England Region, 12 New 

England Executive Park, Burlington, MA; or 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: http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.


[[Page 32255]]


                                   Table 1--Material Incorporated by Reference

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    Thielert Service Bulletin No.               Page              Revision                    Date

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TM TAE 125-1007 P1..................  ALL....................               2  April 29, 2009.

    Total Pages: 4

TM TAE 125-1009 P1..................  ALL....................               3  October 14, 2009.

    Total Pages: 26

TM TAE 125-0018.....................  ALL....................               1  November 12, 2008.

    Total Pages: 2

TM TAE 125-0020, including Annexes A  ALL....................               1  November 25, 2009.

 and B.

    Total Pages: TM TAE 125-0020,

     42; Annex A, 3; Annex B, 4

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    Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on May 19, 2010.

Tracy Murphy,

Acting Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft 

Certification Service.

[FR Doc. 2010-12540 Filed 6-7-10; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 4910-13-P