Document ID: FAA-2023-0435-0001
Agency: faa
Document Type: Rule
Title: Airworthiness Directives: Continental Aerospace Technologies, Inc., Reciprocating Engines
Posted Date: 2023-03-15T04:00Z

[Federal Register Volume 88, Number 50 (Wednesday, March 15, 2023)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 15901-15905]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2023-05339]

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 Rules and Regulations
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  Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 50 / Wednesday, March 15, 2023 / 
Rules and Regulations  

[[Page 15901]]

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2023-0435; Project Identifier AD-2023-00384-E; 
Amendment 39-22385; AD 2023-05-16]
RIN 2120-AA64

Airworthiness Directives; Continental Aerospace Technologies, 
Inc., Reciprocating Engines

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2023-04-08 
which applied to certain Continental Aerospace Technologies, Inc. 
(Continental) GTSIO-520-C, -D, -H, -K, -L, -M, -N, and -S; IO-360-A, -
AB, -AF, -C, -CB, -D, -DB, -E, -ES, -G, -GB, -H, -HB, -J, -JB, -K, and 
-KB; IO-470-D, -E, -G, -H, -J, -K, -L, -M, -N, -P, -R, -S, -T, -U, -V, 
and -VO; IO-520-A, -B, -BA, -BB, -C, -CB, -D, -E, -F, -J, -K, -L, -M, 
and -MB; IO-550-A, -B, -C, -D, -E, -F, -G, -L, -N, -P, and -R; LTSIO-
360-E, -EB, -KB, and -RB; LTSIO-520-AE; O-470-A, -B, -E, -G, -H, -J, -
K, -L, -M, -N, -R, -S, -T, and -U; TSIO-360-A, -AB, -B, -BB, -C, -CB, -
D, -DB, -E, -EB, -G, -GB, -H, -HB, -JB, -KB, -LB, -MB, -RB, and -SB; 
TSIO-520-A, -AE, -AF, -B, -BB, -BE, -C, -CE, -D, -DB, -E, -EB, -G, -H, 
-J, -JB, -K, -KB, -L, -LB, -M, -NB, -P, -R, -T, -UB, -VB, and -WB; 
TSIO-550-A, -B, -C, -E, -G, -K, and -N; TSIOF-550-K; and TSIOL-550-A, -
B, and -C model reciprocating engines. AD 2023-04-08 required 
inspection of the crankshaft assembly for proper installation of the 
counterweight retaining rings in the counterweight groove and, 
depending on the results of the inspection, corrective actions if 
improper installation was found. This AD continues to require 
inspection of the crankshaft assembly for proper installation of the 
counterweight retaining rings in the counterweight groove, and 
corrective actions if improper installation is found. Since the FAA 
issued AD 2023-04-08, operators notified the FAA, and Continental 
confirmed, that certain affected model reciprocating engines not 
included in the applicability of AD 2023-04-08 are also affected by the 
unsafe condition. Additionally, the FAA determined the special flight 
permit paragraph required revision. This AD was prompted by a report of 
a quality escape involving improper installation of counterweight 
retaining rings in the engine crankshaft counterweight groove during 
manufacture. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition 
on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective March 15, 2023.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of February 23, 
2023 (88 FR 11383, February 23, 2023).
    The FAA must receive any comments on this AD by May 1, 2023.

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 by 
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2023-0435; 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, any 
comments received, and other information. The street address for Docket 
Operations is listed above.
    Material Incorporated by Reference:
     For Continental service information identified in this 
final rule, contact Continental Aerospace Technologies, Inc., 2039 
South Broad Street, Mobile, AL 36615; phone: (251) 308-9100; email: 
[email protected]; website: continental.aero.
     You may view this service information 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 by searching for and locating Docket 
No. FAA-2023-0435.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Nicholas Reid, Aviation Safety 
Engineer, Atlanta ACO Branch, FAA, 1701 Columbia Avenue, College Park, 
GA 30337; phone: (404) 474-5650; email: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

    The FAA issued AD 2023-04-08, Amendment 39-22355 (88 FR 11383, 
February 23, 2023) (AD 2023-04-08), for Continental GTSIO-520-C, -D, -
H, -K, -L, -M, -N, and -S; IO-360-A, -AB, -AF, -C, -CB, -D, -DB, -E, -
ES, -G, -GB, -H, -HB, -J, -JB, -K, and -KB; IO-470-D, -E, -G, -H, -J, -
K, -L, -M, -N, -P, -R, -S, -T, -U, -V, and -VO; IO-520-A, -B, -BA, -BB, 
-C, -CB, -D, -E, -F, -J, -K, -L, -M, and -MB; IO-550-A, -B, -C, -D, -E, 
-F, -G, -L, -N, -P, and -R; LTSIO-360-E, -EB, -KB, and -RB; LTSIO-520-
AE; O-470-A, -B, -E, -G, -H, -J, -K, -L, -M, -N, -R, -S, -T, and -U; 
TSIO-360-A, -AB, -B, -BB, -C, -CB, -D, -DB, -E, -EB, -G, -GB, -H, -HB, 
-JB, -KB, -LB, -MB, -RB, and -SB; TSIO-520-A, -AE, -AF, -B, -BB, -BE, -
C, -CE, -D, -DB, -E, -EB, -G, -H, -J, -JB, -K, -KB, -L, -LB, -M, -NB, -
P, -R, -T, -UB, -VB, and -WB; TSIO-550-A, -B, -C, -E, -G, -K, and -N; 
TSIOF-550-K; and TSIOL-550-A, -B, and -C model reciprocating engines. 
AD 2023-04-08 required accomplishing the actions specified in paragraph 
III, Action Required, of Continental Aerospace Technologies, Inc. 
Mandatory Service Bulletin MSB23-01, Revision A, dated February 16, 
2023 (MSB23-01A), except as discussed in ``Exception to the Service 
Information.'' AD 2023-04-08 resulted from a report of a quality escape 
involving improper installation and inspection of counterweight 
retaining rings in the engine crankshaft counterweight groove during 
manufacture. AD 2023-04-08 also resulted from reports of two ground

[[Page 15902]]

engine seizures and one in-flight loss of engine oil pressure due to 
improper installation of the counterweight retaining rings during 
manufacture. The counterweight retaining rings are part of the engine 
crankshaft counterweight assembly retention system. Loosening of a 
counterweight retaining ring may result in the loss of retention of the 
counterweight. The FAA issued AD 2023-04-08 to prevent departure of 
counterweight and retaining hardware from the crankshaft assembly, 
which could result in loss of engine oil pressure, catastrophic engine 
damage, engine seizure, and consequent loss of the aircraft.

Actions Since AD 2023-04-08 Was Issued

    Since the FAA issued AD 2023-04-08, the FAA has determined, and 
Continental has confirmed that IO-470-A, -C, -F, and -LO; TSIO-360-F; 
and TSIO-360-FB model reciprocating engines are also affected by the 
unsafe condition and should be added to the applicability. 
Additionally, the FAA determined that the limitations in the special 
flight permit paragraph, specifying no metal contamination in the oil 
filter, did not account for trace metal particles that may be found in 
newer engines due to break-in of the engine.
    Accordingly, Continental IO-470-A, -C, -F, and -LO; TSIO-360-F; and 
TSIO-360-FB model reciprocating engines are added to the applicability 
paragraph of this AD. Also, the special flight permit paragraph of this 
AD has been revised, removing the limitation of ``no metal 
contamination.'' The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe 
condition on these products.

Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive

Comments on AD 2023-04-08

    The FAA received comments from seven individual commenters. The 
following presents the comments received on AD 2023-04-08 and the FAA's 
response to each comment.

Request To Add Engine Models to Applicability

    Two individual commenters noted that there are engine models listed 
in the appendices of MSB23-01A that are omitted from the applicability 
of AD 2023-04-08.
    The FAA agrees, and has revised the applicability paragraph of this 
AD to include Continental IO-470-A, -C, -F, and -LO; TSIO-360-F; and 
TSIO-360-FB model reciprocating engines.

Request To Include Part Listing and Serial Numbers in the AD

    Two individual commenters requested that the list of affected parts 
and production dates should be included in the AD. Another individual 
commenter requested that the serial numbers of affected crankshafts and 
applicable manufacture date range of the affected engines should be 
included in the AD.
    The FAA disagrees with the requests. MSB23-01A, which is 
incorporated by reference into this AD, contains the list of affected 
engines and crankshafts. Therefore, duplicating the appendix 
information from the service information into the AD is unnecessary. 
The FAA notes that paragraph (g)(2) of the required actions specifies 
``crankshaft assembly that was repaired or installed on or after June 
1, 2021.'' The FAA did not change this AD as a result of this comment.

Request To Correct Text in the Required Actions Paragraph

    One individual commenter stated that AD 2023-04-08 has incorrect 
language in the required actions, paragraph (g)(1), which reads; ``(1) 
Crankshaft assembly having a crankshaft serial number listed in 
Appendix 1 of MSB23-01A; or''. The commenter noted that Appendix 1 of 
MSB23-01A lists engine assembly serial numbers with associated 
installed crankshaft serial numbers.
    The FAA disagrees that the language in paragraph (g)(1) is 
incorrect. MSB23-01A contains the affected engine serial numbers and 
crankshaft serial numbers, differentiated by engine model. The FAA did 
not change this AD as a result of this comment.

Request To Review Labor Cost

    Two individual commenters stated that the $85 labor rate in the 
estimated costs section of the AD is outdated. One commenter noted that 
the rate is well below the average shop rate for other trades, and 
suggested that by endorsing this rate, the FAA may be attracting less 
detail-oriented employees, thereby creating an unsafe condition.
    The FAA disagrees. The FAA Office of Aviation Policy and Plans 
provides the labor rate of $85 per work-hour for the FAA to use when 
estimating the labor costs of complying with AD requirements. The FAA 
did not change this AD as a result of this comment.

Request To Include Cost of Individual Parts

    An individual commenter noted that costs of complete seal and 
gasket kits for each cylinder (valve cover, induction, push rods x 4, 
cylinder) are not included in the cost estimate in AD-2023-04-08.
    The FAA acknowledges the commenter's concerns. The FAA recognizes 
that in accomplishing the requirements of any AD, operators might incur 
``incidental'' costs in addition to the ``direct'' costs that are 
reflected in the cost analysis presented in the AD. However, the cost 
analysis in ADs typically does not include incidental costs. No change 
was made to this AD regarding this issue.

Request To Add Information on Cylinder Ring Seating

    An individual commenter stated they have a factory new Continental 
IO-470-N engine that is affected by this AD. The commenter stated their 
new motor was run at the factory before being shipped to them, so ring 
scoring had taken place. The commenter suggested that the AD might 
serve the impacted population by pointing out that cylinder rings may 
not seat. The commenter also expressed concern over the potential need 
to install new counterweight retaining rings on their factory new 
Continental IO-470-N engine.
    The FAA disagrees with adding additional language to the AD 
regarding cylinder ring seating. The AD requires inspection of the 
counterweight retaining rings on affected engines using the referenced 
service information. MSB23-01A Paragraph III, note to paragraph 2(c) 
specifies that if counterweight retaining ring(s) are removed from the 
counterweight, new retaining ring(s) are required for reassembly. The 
FAA did not change this AD as a result of this comment.

Revision of Special Flight Permit Paragraph

    The FAA revised the special flight permit paragraph of this AD by 
modifying the requirement to inspect the engine oil filter pleats or 
screen for evidence of metal contamination. The revised special flight 
permit paragraph in this AD requires that the engine first undergoes, 
or has undergone within the previous five flight hours, an oil change 
and filter/screen replacement that was accomplished by an appropriately 
rated mechanic or repair station, and any material found in the spent 
oil and oil filter pleats or oil screen has been evaluated to assess 
the engine's condition.

FAA's Determination

    The FAA is issuing this AD because the agency determined the unsafe 
condition described previously is likely to exist or develop in other 
products of the same type design.

[[Page 15903]]

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    The FAA reviewed MSB23-01A. This service information specifies 
procedures for inspection of the crankshaft assembly for improper 
installation of the counterweight retaining rings in the counterweight, 
and corrective actions if improper installation is found. 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 ADDRESSES.

AD Requirements

    This AD requires accomplishing the actions specified in paragraph 
III, Action Required, of MSB23-01A, except as discussed in ``Exception 
to the Service Information.''

Differences Between This AD and the Service Information

    The service information specifies compliance for engines with less 
than 200 operating hours, while this AD requires compliance for all 
affected engines, regardless of the operating hours. The FAA has 
determined that this unsafe condition, of improperly installed 
counterweight retaining rings, is likely to exist on affected engines. 
While the manufacturer's service information excludes engines 
accumulating 200 or more operating hours, the FAA has not, as of yet, 
been provided with adequate data to support that exclusion. In the 
event the FAA receives data to support the exclusion of engines with 
more than 200 operating hours, or to make other changes to this AD, the 
FAA may consider further rulemaking.
    The service information excludes Continental IO-470-A, -C, -F, and 
-LO; TSIO-360-F; and TSIO-360-FB model reciprocating engines from its 
list of affected engine models, while this AD includes these engines in 
the applicability paragraph.

Justification for Immediate Adoption and Determination of the Effective 
Date

    Section 553(b)(3)(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 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 foregoing notice and comment prior to adoption of this rule 
because the manufacturer discovered an assembly error for the affected 
engines. It is possible that one or more counterweight retaining rings 
were not properly seated in the crankshaft counterweight groove of the 
engine. This condition could allow the counterweight to depart from the 
crankshaft during engine operation. Because of the urgency of the 
unsafe condition, this AD requires inspection of any affected 
crankshaft assembly before further flight.
    Since the FAA issued AD 2023-04-08, the FAA has determined, and 
Continental has confirmed that Continental IO-470-A, -C, -F, and -LO; 
TSIO-360-F; and TSIO-360-FB model reciprocating engines were 
inadvertently left off of the list of affected engine models in MSB23-
01A. Due to this omission, Continental IO-470-A, -C, -F, and -LO; TSIO-
360-F; and TSIO-360-FB model reciprocating engines with affected 
crankshafts were not captured by the applicability of AD 2023-04-08. 
Because the urgency of the unsafe condition applies to these additional 
model engines, this AD also requires inspection of the crankshaft 
assemblies on these engines before further flight, in addition to the 
population originally captured by AD 2023-04-08.
    The manufacturing quality escape has resulted in ground engine 
seizures and an in-flight loss of engine oil pressure, which could lead 
to catastrophic engine damage, engine seizure, and consequent loss of 
the aircraft. Due to the low operational hours on the known crankshaft 
assembly failures, the short-term risk to the fleet is such that 
expeditious action must be taken and therefore this AD is effective 
upon publication.
    Accordingly, notice and opportunity for prior public comment are 
impracticable and contrary to the public interest pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 
553(b)(3)(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.

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-2023-0435 and Project Identifier 
AD-2023-00384-E'' at the beginning of your comments. The most helpful 
comments reference a specific portion of the proposal, 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 
Nicholas Reid, Aviation Safety Engineer, Atlanta ACO Branch, FAA, 1701 
Columbia Avenue, College Park, GA 30337. Any commentary that the FAA 
receives which is not specifically designated as CBI will be placed in 
the public docket for this rulemaking.

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 FAA has determined 
that it has good cause to adopt this rule without prior notice and 
comment, RFA analysis is not required.

[[Page 15904]]

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA has revised the cost estimate of AD 2023-04-08 based on 
updated information from the manufacturer. The model engines added to 
the applicability of this superseding AD were accounted for in the cost 
estimate of AD 2023-04-08, as that cost estimate was based on the list 
of affected engines and crankshafts in the appendices of MSB23-01A, not 
on the list of model engines in MSB23-01A.
    The manufacturer has notified the FAA that 2,211 crankshaft 
assemblies are subject to the unsafe condition. The FAA estimates that 
of those 2,211 crankshaft assemblies, 1,659 are installed on aircraft 
of U.S. registry. The FAA estimates that 553 engines will need to 
remove one cylinder, 553 engines will need to remove two cylinders, and 
553 engines will need to remove three cylinders for compliance with 
this AD.
    The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                     Cost per      Cost on U.S.
                Action                         Labor cost           Parts cost        product        operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Remove one cylinder...................  10 work-hours x $85 per               $0            $850        $470,050
                                         hour = $850.
Remove two cylinders..................  18 work-hours x $85 per                0           1,530         846,090
                                         hour = $1,530.
Remove three cylinders................  22 work-hours x $85 per                0           1,870       1,034,110
                                         hour = $1,870.
Inspect crankshaft counterweight        0.75 work-hours x $85                  0              64         106,176
 retaining rings.                        per hour = $64.
Reposition, repeat, or remove/install   1.5 work-hours x $85 per               0          127.50      211,522.50
 counterweight assemblies.               hour = $127.50.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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:
0
a. Removing Airworthiness Directive 2023-04-08, Amendment 39-22355 (88 
FR 11383, February 23, 2023); and
0
b. Adding the following new airworthiness directive:

2023-05-16 Continental Aerospace Technologies, Inc.: Amendment 39-
22385; Docket No. FAA-2023-0435; Project Identifier AD-2023-00384-E.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective March 15, 2023.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD replaces AD 2023-04-08, Amendment 39-22355 (88 FR 11383, 
February 23, 2023).

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Continental Aerospace Technologies, Inc. 
(Continental) GTSIO-520-C, -D, -H, -K, -L, -M, -N, and -S; IO-360-A, 
-AB, -AF, -C, -CB, -D, -DB, -E, -ES, -G, -GB, -H, -HB, -J, -JB, -K, 
and -KB; IO-470-A, -C, -D, -E, -F, -G, -H, -J, -K, -L, -LO, -M, -N, 
-P, -R, -S, -T, -U, -V, and -VO; IO-520-A, -B, -BA, -BB, -C, -CB, -
D, -E, -F, -J, -K, -L, -M, and -MB; IO-550-A, -B, -C, -D, -E, -F, -
G, -L, -N, -P, and -R; LTSIO-360-E, -EB, -KB, and -RB; LTSIO-520-AE; 
O-470-A, -B, -E, -G, -H, -J, -K, -L, -M, -N, -R, -S, -T, and -U; 
TSIO-360-A, -AB, -B, -BB, -C, -CB, -D, -DB, -E, -EB, -F, -FB, -G, -
GB, -H, -HB, -JB, -KB, -LB, -MB, -RB, and -SB; TSIO-520-A, -AE, -AF, 
-B, -BB, -BE, -C, -CE, -D, -DB, -E, -EB, -G, -H, -J, -JB, -K, -KB, -
L, -LB, -M, -NB, -P, -R, -T, -UB, -VB, and -WB; TSIO-550-A, -B, -C, 
-E, -G, -K, and -N; TSIOF-550-K; and TSIOL-550-A, -B, and -C model 
reciprocating engines.

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 8520, Reciprocating 
Engine Power Section.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by a report of a quality escape involving 
improper installation of counterweight retaining rings in the 
counterweight groove during manufacture. The FAA is issuing this AD 
to prevent departure of counterweight and retaining hardware from 
the crankshaft assembly. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, 
could result in loss of engine oil pressure, catastrophic engine 
damage, engine seizure, and consequent loss of the aircraft.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Required Action

    For affected engines with an installed crankshaft assembly 
identified in paragraphs

[[Page 15905]]

(g)(1) or (2) of this AD, before further flight, do the actions 
identified in, and in accordance with paragraph III, Action 
Required, of Continental Mandatory Service Bulletin MSB23-01, 
Revision A, dated February 16, 2023 (MSB23-01A).
    (1) Crankshaft assembly having a crankshaft serial number listed 
in Appendix 1 of MSB23-01A; or
    (2) Crankshaft assembly that was repaired or installed on or 
after June 1, 2021, having a part number and crankshaft serial 
number listed in Appendix 2 of MSB23-01A.

(h) Exception to the Service Information

    Where paragraph III.1.a. of MSB23-01A specifies actions for 
spare crankshaft assemblies, this AD does not require those actions.

(i) Parts Installation Prohibition

    After the effective date of this AD, do not install on any 
engine a crankshaft assembly having a crankshaft serial number 
identified in Appendix 1 or Appendix 2 of MSB23-01A, unless the 
actions required by paragraph (g) of this AD have first been 
accomplished for that crankshaft assembly.

(j) Credit for Previous Actions

    This paragraph provides credit for the actions specified in 
paragraph (g) of this AD, if those actions were performed before the 
effective date of this AD using Continental Mandatory Service 
Bulletin MSB23-01, dated February 13, 2023.

(k) Special Flight Permit

    Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with 14 CFR 
21.197 and 21.199 to only permit a one-time, non-revenue ferry 
flight to operate the aircraft to a location where the maintenance 
actions can be performed, provided that the engine first undergoes, 
or has undergone within the previous five flight hours, an oil 
change and filter/screen replacement that was accomplished by an 
appropriately rated mechanic or repair station, and any material 
found in the spent oil and oil filter pleats or oil screen has been 
evaluated to assess the engine's condition.

    Note 1 to paragraph (k) of this AD: Guidance for accomplishing 
the actions required by paragraph (k) of this AD can be found in 
Section 6-4.8.2 and Section 6-4.8.5.1 of Continental Aerospace 
Technologies Standard Practice Maintenance Manual, Revision 1, 
Change 3, dated January 6, 2023 (also known as M-0).

(l) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, Atlanta ACO 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 (m)(1) of this AD.
    (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.

(m) Related Information

    (1) For more information about this AD, contact Nicholas Reid, 
Aviation Safety Engineer, Atlanta ACO Branch, FAA, 1701 Columbia 
Avenue, College Park, GA 30337; phone: (404) 474-5650; email: 
[email protected].
    (2) Service information identified in this AD that is not 
incorporated by reference is available at the addresses specified in 
paragraphs (n)(4) and (5) of this AD.

(n) 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.
    (3) The following service information was approved for IBR on 
February 23, 2023 (88 FR 11383, February 23, 2023).
    (i) Continental Aerospace Technologies, Inc. Mandatory Service 
Bulletin MSB23-01, Revision A, dated February 16, 2023.
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (4) For Continental service information identified in this AD, 
contact Continental Aerospace Technologies, Inc., 2039 South Broad 
Street, Mobile, AL 36615; phone: (251) 308-9100; email: 
[email protected]; website: continental.aero.
    (5) You may view this service information 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.
    (6) 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, email: [email protected], or go to: www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued on March 9, 2023.
Christina Underwood,
Acting Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2023-05339 Filed 3-13-23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P