Document ID: FAA-2018-0723-0001
Agency: faa
Document Type: Rule
Title: Airworthiness Directives: GE Aviation Czech s.r.o. Turboprop Engines
Posted Date: 2018-08-28T04:00Z

[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 167 (Tuesday, August 28, 2018)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 43742-43744]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-18575]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2018-0723; Product Identifier 2018-NE-17-AD; Amendment 
39-19350; AD 2018-16-10]
RIN 2120-AA64

Airworthiness Directives; GE Aviation Czech s.r.o. Turboprop 
Engines

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

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SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain 
GE Aviation Czech H80-200 turboprop engines. This AD requires replacing 
the beta switch and adjusting the engine push-pull control to prevent 
the propeller governor control from going to a negative thrust 
position. This AD was prompted by an accident involving an Aircraft 
Industries (AI) L 410 UVP-E20 airplane caused by one propeller going to 
a negative thrust position during the landing approach. We are issuing 
this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective September 12, 2018.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of September 
12, 2018.
    We must receive comments on this AD by October 12, 2018.

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 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: 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 final rule, contact GE 
Aviation Czech s.r.o., Beranov[yacute]ch 65, 199 02 Praha 9--
Let[ncaron]any, Czech Republic; phone: +420 222 538 111; fax: +420 222 
538 222. You may view this service information at the FAA, Engine and 
Propeller Standards Branch, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803. 
For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 
781-238-7759. It is also available on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2018-
0723.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2018-
0723; 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), the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and other 
information. The address for Docket Operations (phone: 800-647-5527) is 
listed above. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after 
receipt.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Wego Wang, Aerospace Engineer, ECO 
Branch, FAA, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803; phone: 781-
238-7134; fax: 781-238-7199; email: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Discussion

    The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical 
Agent for the Member States of the European Community, has issued EASA 
AD 2018-0075, dated April 5, 2018 (referred to after this as ``the 
MCAI''), to address an unsafe condition for the specified products. The 
MCAI states:

    A fatal accident of an L 410 UVP-E20 aeroplane has been 
reported. Preliminary investigation determined that there was an 
annunciation of Beta mode on right hand engine, that the propeller 
went inadvertently behind the fine pitch position and reached a 
negative thrust position, and that the pitch lock system did not 
intervene.
    This event occurred on approach at a speed and altitude which 
did not allow the crew to recover this control system malfunction.
    This condition, if not corrected, could lead to reduced control 
or loss of control of the aeroplane.
    To address this unsafe condition, GE Aviation Czech issued the 
SB, providing modification instructions.
    For the reason described above, this [EASA] AD requires 
modification of the engine. Addressing the same unsafe condition at 
aeroplane level, EASA also issued AD 2018-0057, requiring 
modification of affected AI L 410 UVP-E20 and L 410 UVP-E20 CARGO 
aeroplanes, if equipped with GE Aviation H80-200 engines and Avia 
Propeller AV 725 propellers.

    You may obtain further information by examining the MCAI in the AD 
docket on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for 
and locating Docket No. FAA-2018-0723.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    We reviewed GE Aviation Czech Service Bulletin (SB) SB-H80-76-00-
00-0036, Revision No. 02, dated March 29, 2018. The SB describes 
procedures for inspecting and adjusting engine push-pull control, part 
number (P/N) M601-76.3, and replacing beta switch, P/N P-S-2, with beta 
switch, P/N P-S-2A. 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.

FAA's Determination

    This product has been approved by EASA, and is approved for 
operation in the United States. Pursuant to our bilateral agreement 
with the European Community, EASA has notified us of

[[Page 43743]]

the unsafe condition described in the MCAI and service information 
referenced above. We are issuing this AD because we evaluated all the 
relevant information provided by EASA and determined the unsafe 
condition described previously is likely to exist or develop in other 
products of the same type design.

AD Requirements

    This AD requires adjusting the engine push-pull control and 
replacing the beta switch to prevent the propeller governor control 
going to a negative thrust position.

FAA's Justification and Determination of the Effective Date

    No domestic operators use this product. Therefore, we find good 
cause that notice and opportunity for prior public comment are 
unnecessary. In addition, for the reason stated above, we find that 
good cause exists for making this amendment effective in less than 30 
days.

Comments Invited

    This AD is a final rule that involves requirements affecting flight 
safety and was not preceded by notice and an opportunity for public 
comment. However, we invite you to send any written data, views, or 
arguments about this final rule. Send your comments to an address 
listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include the docket number FAA-2018-
0723 and Product Identifier 2018-NE-17-AD at the beginning of your 
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this final rule. We will 
consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend this 
final rule 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 final rule.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD affects 0 engines installed on airplanes 
of U.S. registry.
    We estimate the following costs to comply with this AD:

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                     Cost per      Cost on U.S.
                Action                         Labor cost           Parts cost        product        operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inspection, adjustment of the engine    8 work-hours x $85 per            $1,916          $2,596              $0
 push-pull control, and replacement of   hour = $680.
 beta switch.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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 engines, propellers, and 
associated appliances to the Manager, Engine and Propeller Standards 
Branch, Policy and Innovation Division.

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 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.

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 airworthiness 
directive (AD):

2018-16-10 GE Aviation Czech s.r.o. (Type Certificate previously 
held by WALTER Engines a.s., Walter a.s., and MOTORLET a.s.): 
Amendment 39-19350; Docket No. FAA-2018-0723; Product Identifier 
2018-NE-17-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD is effective September 12, 2018.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to GE Aviation Czech H80-200 turboprop engines 
with propeller governor part number, (P/N) P-W22-1, and Avia 
Propeller AV-725 propellers installed. These engines are installed 
on Aircraft Industries (AI) L 410 UVP-E20 and L 410 UVP-E20 CARGO 
airplanes.

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 7600, Engine 
Controls.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by an accident on an AI L 410 UVP-E20 
airplane caused by one propeller going to a negative thrust position 
during the landing approach. We are issuing

[[Page 43744]]

this AD to require engine modification to prevent asymmetric thrust. 
The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in failure of 
the beta switch, loss of engine thrust control, and reduced control 
of the airplane.

(f) Compliance

    Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, 
unless already done.

(g) Required Actions

    Within 25 flight hours, 20 flight cycles, or 30 days, whichever 
occurs first after the effective date of this AD, inspect and adjust 
the engine push-pull control, P/N M601-76.3, and replace beta 
switch, P/N P-S-2, with beta switch, P/N P-S-2A, in accordance with 
paragraphs 1.6. and 1.7. of GE Aviation Czech Service Bulletin (SB) 
SB-H80-76-00-00-0036, Revision No. 02, dated March 29, 2018.

(h) Installation Prohibition

    After the effective date of this AD:
    (1) Do not install beta switch, P/N P-S-2, on any engine.
    (2) Do not install a GE Aviation Czech H80-200 turboprop engine 
on any airplane unless the required actions in paragraph (g) of this 
AD have been complied with. This engine installation prohibition 
does not apply to an engine removal and subsequent re-installation 
on the same airplane during an airplane maintenance visit.

(i) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, ECO 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 
certification office, send it to the attention of the person 
identified in paragraph (j)(1) of this AD. You may email your 
request 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.

(j) Related Information

    (1) For more information about this AD, contact Wego Wang, 
Aerospace Engineer, ECO Branch, FAA, 1200 District Avenue, 
Burlington, MA 01803; phone: 781-238-7134; fax: 781-238-7199; email: 
[email protected].
    (2) Refer to European Aviation Safety Agency AD 2018-0075, dated 
April 5, 2018, for more information. You may examine the European 
Aviation Safety Agency AD in the AD docket on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating it in Docket No. 
FAA-2018-0723.

(k) 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 the AD specifies otherwise.
    (i) GE Aviation Czech Service Bulletin SB-H80-76-00-00-0036, 
Revision No. 02, dated March 29, 2018.
    (ii) Reserved.
    (3) For service information identified in this AD, contact GE 
Aviation Czech s.r.o., Beranov[yacute]ch 65, 199 02 Praha 9--
Let[ncaron]any, Czech Republic; phone: +420 222 538 111; fax: +420 
222 538 222.
    (4) You may view this service information at FAA, Engine & 
Propeller Standards Branch, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA 
01803. For information on the availability of this material at the 
FAA, call 781-238-7759.
    (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: http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on August 21, 2018.
Karen M. Grant,
Acting Manager, Engine and Propeller Standards Branch, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2018-18575 Filed 8-27-18; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P