Document ID: FAA-2009-0201-0013
Agency: faa
Document Type: Proposed Rule
Title: Airworthiness Directives: Thielert Aircraft Engines GmbH (TAE) Reciprocating Engines
Posted Date: 2011-11-22T05:00Z

[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 225 (Tuesday, November 22, 2011)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 72128-72130]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-30059]

 ========================================================================
 Proposed Rules
                                                 Federal Register
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 This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains notices to the public of 
 the proposed issuance of rules and regulations. The purpose of these 
 notices is to give interested persons an opportunity to participate in 
 the rule making prior to the adoption of the final rules.
 
 ========================================================================
 

  Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 225 / Tuesday, November 22, 2011 / 
Proposed Rules  

[[Page 72128]]

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2009-0201; Directorate Identifier 2008-NE-47-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64

Airworthiness Directives; Thielert Aircraft Engines GmbH (TAE) 
Reciprocating Engines

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: We propose to revise an existing airworthiness directive (AD) 
that applies to TAE models TAE 125-01 and TAE 125-02-99 reciprocating 
engines installed on, but not limited to, Diamond Aircraft Industries 
Model DA 42 airplanes. The existing AD currently requires initial and 
repetitive replacements of proportional pressure reducing valves 
(PPRVs) (also known as propeller control valves). Since we issued that 
AD, TAE has increased the life of the PPRV, part number (P/N) 05-7212-
E002801, on TAE 125-02-99 engines, from 300 hours to 600 hours. This 
proposed AD would relax the repetitive replacement interval from a 300-
hour interval to a 600-hour interval for PPRVs, P/N 05-7212-E002801, on 
TAE 125-02-99 engines. We are proposing this AD to prevent engine in-
flight shutdown, possibly resulting in reduced control of the aircraft.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by January 23, 
2012.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments by any of the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
     Fax: (202) 493-2251.
     Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590.
     Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail address above between 9 
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    For service information identified in this AD, contact Thielert 
Aircraft Engines GmbH, Platanenstrasse 14 D-09350, Lichtenstein, 
Germany; phone: +49-37204-696-0; fax: +49-37204-696-2912; email: 
engines.com">info@centurion-engines.com. You may review copies of the referenced 
service information at the FAA, Engine & Propeller Directorate, 12 New 
England Executive Park, Burlington, MA. For information on the 
availability of this material at the FAA, call (781) 238-7125.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov; or in person at the Docket Management Facility 
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal 
holidays. The AD docket contains this proposed AD, the regulatory 
evaluation, any comments received, and other information. The street 
address for the Docket Office (phone: (800) 647-5527) is in the 
ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly 
after receipt.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Alan Strom, Aerospace Engineer, Engine 
Certification Office, FAA, Engine & Propeller Directorate, 12 New 
England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803; phone: (781) 238-7143; 
fax: (781) 238-7199; email: alan.strom@faa.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Comments Invited

    We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or 
arguments about this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address 
listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2009-0201; 
Directorate Identifier 2008-NE-47-AD'' at the beginning of your 
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this proposed AD. We 
will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend 
this proposed AD because of those comments.
    We will post all comments we receive, without change, to http://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. We 
will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact we 
receive about this proposed AD.

Discussion

    On May 19, 2010, we issued AD 2010-11-09, Amendment 39-16314 (75 FR 
32253, June 8, 2010), for TAE Models TAE 125-01 and TAE 125-02-99 
reciprocating engines installed on, but not limited to, Diamond 
Aircraft Industries model DA 42 airplanes. That AD requires initial and 
repetitive replacements of PPRVs (also known as propeller control 
valves). That AD resulted from reports of in-flight shutdown (IFSD) 
incidents on Diamond Aircraft Industries DA 42 aircraft equipped with 
TAE 125 engines. Preliminary investigations showed that the IFSDs were 
mainly the result of failure of the PPRV. The European Aviation Safety 
Agency issued AD 2009-0224, dated October 20, 2009, to address this 
unsafe condition in Europe. We issued AD 2010-11-09 to prevent engine 
in-flight shutdown, possibly resulting in reduced control of the 
aircraft.

Actions Since Existing AD (75 FR 32253, June 8, 2010) Was Issued

    Since we issued AD 2010-11-09, TAE performed a successful 600-hour 
endurance test of the PPRV, P/N 05-7212-E002801, for TAE 125-02-99 
engines only, on a propeller test bench, The test also had the 
vibration isolator installed, which was introduced by AD 2010-11-09.

Relevant Service Information

    We reviewed TAE Service Bulletin (SB) No. TM TAE 125-1007 P1, 
Revision 3, dated October 17, 2011. The SB relaxes the PPRV repetitive 
replacement interval from 300 hours to 600 hours.

FAA's Determination

    We are proposing this AD revision, because we evaluated all the 
relevant information and determined the unsafe condition described 
previously is likely to exist or develop in other products of the same 
type design.

Proposed AD Requirements

    This proposed AD would retain all of the requirements of AD 2010-
11-09 (75 FR 32253, June 8, 2010), except the repetitive replacement 
interval in paragraph (e)(2). This proposed AD

[[Page 72129]]

would relax the repetitive 300-hour replacement interval to a 600 hour-
interval.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD would affect about 300 TAE 125-01 and TAE 
125-02-99 reciprocating engines installed in Diamond Aircraft 
Industries Model DA 42 airplanes of U.S. registry. We also estimate 
that it would take about 0.25 work-hour per engine to replace a PPRV 
and install a vibration isolator to the gearbox assembly. The average 
labor rate is $85 per work-hour. Required parts would cost about $275 
per product. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of the AD on 
U.S. operators to be $88,875.

Authority for This Rulemaking

    Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to 
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the 
authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII, Aviation Programs, 
describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's authority.
    We are issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in 
subtitle VII, part A, subpart III, section 44701, ``General 
requirements.'' Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with 
promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing 
regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator 
finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within 
the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition 
that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this 
rulemaking action.

Regulatory Findings

    We have determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism 
implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would not 
have a substantial direct effect on the States, on the relationship 
between the national Government and the States, or on the distribution 
of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify that the proposed 
regulation:
    (1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive 
Order 12866,
    (2) Is not a ``significant rule'' under the DOT Regulatory Policies 
and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979),
    (3) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
    (4) Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or 
negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria 
of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by 
reference, Safety.

The Proposed Amendment

    Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part 39 as follows:

PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

    1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:

    Authority:  49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.

Sec.  39.13  [Amended]

    2. The FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by removing airworthiness directive 
(AD) 2010-11-09, Amendment 39-16314 (75 FR 32253, June 8, 2010), and 
adding the following new AD:

Thielert Aircraft Engines GmbH: Docket No. FAA-2009-0201; 
Directorate Identifier 2008-NE-47-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    The FAA must receive comments on this AD action by January 23, 
2012.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD revises AD 2010-11-09, Amendment 39-16314 (75 FR 32253, 
June 8, 2010).

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Thielert Aircraft Engines GmbH (TAE) models 
TAE 125-01 and TAE 125-02-99 reciprocating engines designated with 
part number (P/N) 05-7200-K000301 or 02-7200-14017R1. The engines 
are installed on, but not limited to, Diamond Aircraft Industries 
Model DA 42 airplanes.

(d) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by engine in-flight shutdown incidents 
reported on Diamond Aircraft Industries DA 42 airplanes equipped 
with TAE 125 engines. The investigations showed that it was mainly 
the result of failure of the proportional pressure reducing valve 
(PPRV) (also known as the propeller control valve) due to high 
vibrations. Since the release of European Aviation Safety Agency 
(EASA) AD 2008-0145, the engine gearbox has been identified as the 
primary source of vibrations for the PPRV, and it has also been 
determined that failure of the electrical connection to the PPRV 
could have contributed to some power loss events or in-flight 
shutdowns. We are issuing this AD to prevent engine in-flight 
shutdown, possibly resulting in reduced control of the aircraft.

(e) Actions and Compliance

    Unless already done, do the following actions.

(f) TAE 125-02-99 Reciprocating Engines

    (1) For TAE 125-02-99 reciprocating engines with engine, P/N 05-
7200-K000301, within 55 flight hours after the effective date of 
this AD:
    (i) Replace the existing PPRV with PPRV, P/N 05-7212-E002801. 
Use paragraphs A. through B. of TAE Service Bulletin (SB) No. TM TAE 
125-1007 P1, Revision 3, dated October 17, 2011, or SB No. TM TAE 
125-1007 P1, Revision 2, dated April 29, 2009, to do the 
replacement.
    (ii) Install a vibration isolator, P/N 05-7212-K022302, to the 
gearbox assembly. Use paragraphs 1 through 20 of TAE SB No. TM TAE 
125-1009 P1, Revision 3, dated October 14, 2009, to do the 
installation.

(2) Repetitive PPRV Replacements

    Thereafter, within every 600 flight hours, replace the PPRV, P/N 
05-7212-E002801, with the same P/N PPRV.

(g) TAE 125-01 Reciprocating Engines

    (1) For TAE 125-01 reciprocating engines with engine, P/N 02-
7200-14017R1, within 55 flight hours after the effective date of 
this AD:
    (i) Replace the existing PPRV with a PPRV, P/N NM-0000-0124501 
or P/N 05-7212-K021401. Use paragraph 1 of TAE SB No. TM TAE 125-
0018, Revision 1, dated November 12, 2008, to do the replacement.
    (ii) Inspect the electrical connectors of the PPRV and replace 
the connectors if damaged, and install a vibration isolator, P/N 05-
7212-K023801, to the gearbox assembly. Use paragraphs 1 through 27 
of TAE SB No. TM TAE 125-0020, Revision 1, dated November 25, 2009, 
to do the inspection and installation.

(3) Repetitive PPRV Replacements

    Thereafter, within every 300 flight hours, replace the PPRV with 
a PPRV, P/N NM-0000-0124501 or P/N 05-7212-K021401.

(h) FAA Differences

    (1) We have found it necessary to not reference the second 
paragraph of the unsafe condition from the MCAI EASA AD 2009-0224. 
That sentence stated that the problem has only manifested itself on 
those TAE engines installed on Diamond Aircraft Industries DA 42 
aircraft. The affected engines which require a PPRV could be used on 
other make and model airplanes in the future.
    (2) We also did not reference the February 28, 2010 compliance 
date, which is in EASA AD 2009-0193R1, or the January 31, 2010 
compliance date which is in EASA AD 2009-0224.

(i) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    The Manager, Engine Certification Office, FAA, may approve AMOCs 
for this AD. Use the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19 to make your 
request.

(j) Related Information

    (1) Refer to EASA AD 2009-0224, dated October 20, 2009 (TAE 125-
02-99), and EASA AD 2009-0193R1, dated December 1, 2009 (TAE 125-
01), for related information.

[[Page 72130]]

    (2) Contact Alan Strom, Aerospace Engineer, Engine Certification 
Office, FAA, Engine & Propeller Directorate, 12 New England 
Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803; phone: (781) 238-7143; fax: 
(781) 238-7199; email: alan.strom@faa.gov, for more information 
about this AD.
    (3) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Thielert Aircraft Engines GmbH, Platanenstrasse 14 D-09350, 
Lichtenstein, Germany, phone: +49-37204-696-0; fax: +49-37204-696-
2912; email: engines.com">info@centurion-engines.com. You may review copies of 
the referenced service information at the FAA, Engine & Propeller 
Directorate, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA. For 
information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 
(781) 238-7125.

    Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on November 10, 2011.
Peter A. White,
Manager, Engine & Propeller Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.

[FR Doc. 2011-30059 Filed 11-21-11; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P