[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 141 (Thursday, July 23, 1998)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 39491-39492]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-19484]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 98-ANE-26-AD; Amendment 39-10667; AD 98-15-16]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Bombardier-Rotax GmbH 912 F Series
Reciprocating Engines
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.
ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.
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SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) that
is applicable to Bombardier-Rotax GmbH 912 F series reciprocating
engines. This action requires installation of an improved fuel pump and
fuel supply tube. This amendment is prompted by reports of fuel leaks
at the outlet port of the fuel pump. The actions specified in this AD
are intended to prevent fuel leaks from the fuel pump, which could
result in undetected loss of fuel in flight or, an engine fire.
DATES: Effective August 7, 1998.
The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as
of August 7, 1998.
Comments for inclusion in the Rules Docket must be received on or
before September 21, 1998.
ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), New England Region, Office of the Regional
Counsel, Attention: Rules Docket No. 98-ANE-26-AD, 12 New England
Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803-5299. Comments may also be sent
via the Internet using the following address: ``engineprop@faa.dot.gov''. Comments sent via the Internet must contain
the docket number in the subject line.
The service information referenced in this AD may be obtained from
Bombardier-Rotax GmbH, Welser Strasse 32, A-4623 Gunskirchen, Austria;
telephone 7246-601-232, fax 7246-601-370. This information may be
examined at the FAA, New England Region, Office of the Regional
Counsel, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA; or at the
Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite
700, Washington, DC.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: James Lawrence, Aerospace Engineer,
Engine Certification Office, FAA, Engine and Propeller Directorate, 12
New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803-5299; telephone (781)
238-7176, fax (781) 238-7199.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Austro Control GmbH (ACG), which is the
airworthiness authority for Austria, recently notified the FAA that an
unsafe condition may exist on Bombardier-Rotax GmbH 912 F series
reciprocating engines. The ACG advises that they have received reports
of fuel leaks at the outlet port of the fuel pump. One service
difficulty report indicated that up to approximately one half of the
fuel tank contents was lost in flight as a result of a large crack
forming at the base of the fuel pump outlet port. This was the second
occurrence of fuel leak on that particular engine. The investigation
revealed misalignment of the rigid tube connecting the fuel
distribution manifold and fuel pump. This condition, if not corrected,
could result in fuel leaks from the fuel pump, which could result in
undetected loss of fuel in flight or, an engine fire.
Bombardier-Rotax GmbH has issued Technical Bulletin (TB) No. 912-20
R1, dated February 10, 1998, that specifies procedures for installation
of an improved fuel pump and fuel supply tube. The ACG classified this
TB as mandatory and issued AD 94/1 in order to assure the airworthiness
of these engines in Austria.
This engine model is manufactured in Austria and is type
certificated for operation in the United States under the provisions of
section 21.29 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.29) and
the applicable bilateral airworthiness agreement. Pursuant to this
bilateral airworthiness agreement, the ACG has kept the FAA informed of
the situation described above. The FAA has examined the findings of the
ACG, reviewed all available information, and determined that AD action
is necessary for products of this type design that are certificated for
operation in the United States.
Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to
exist or develop on other engines of the same type design registered in
the United States, the AD requires installation of an improved fuel
pump and fuel supply tube. The actions would be required to be
accomplished in accordance with the TB described previously.
Since a situation exists that requires the immediate adoption of
this regulation, it is found that notice and opportunity for prior
public comment hereon are impracticable, and that good cause exists for
making this amendment effective in less than 30 days.
Comments Invited
Although this action is in the form of a final rule that involves
requirements affecting flight safety and, thus, was not preceded by
notice and an opportunity for public comment, comments are invited on
this rule. Interested persons are invited to comment on this rule by
submitting such written data, views, or arguments as they may desire.
Communications should identify the Rules Docket number and be submitted
in triplicate to the address specified under the caption ADDRESSES. All
communications received on or before the closing date for comments will
be considered, and this rule may be amended in light of the comments
received. Factual information that supports the commenter's ideas and
suggestions is extremely helpful in evaluating the effectiveness of the
AD
[[Page 39492]]
action and determining whether additional rulemaking action would be
needed.
Comments are specifically invited on the overall regulatory,
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the rule that might
suggest a need to modify the rule. All comments submitted will be
available, both before and after the closing date for comments, in the
Rules Docket for examination by interested persons. A report that
summarizes each FAA-public contact concerned with the substance of this
AD will be filed in the Rules Docket.
Commenters wishing the FAA to acknowledge receipt of their comments
submitted in response to this notice must submit a self-addressed,
stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: ``Comments
to Docket Number 98-ANE-26-AD.'' The postcard will be date stamped and
returned to the commenter.
The regulations adopted herein will not have substantial direct
effects 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. Therefore, in
accordance with Executive Order 12612, it is determined that this final
rule does not have sufficient federalism implications to warrant the
preparation of a Federalism Assessment.
The FAA has determined that this regulation is an emergency
regulation that must be issued immediately to correct an unsafe
condition in aircraft, and is not a ``significant regulatory action''
under Executive Order 12866. It has been determined further that this
action involves an emergency regulation under DOT Regulatory Policies
and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979). If it is determined
that this emergency regulation otherwise would be significant under DOT
Regulatory Policies and Procedures, a final regulatory evaluation will
be prepared and placed in the Rules Docket. A copy of it, if filed, may
be obtained from the Rules Docket at the location provided under the
caption ADDRESSES.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.
Adoption of the Amendment
Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration amends part 39 of
the Federal Aviation Regulations (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. Section 39.13 is amended by adding the following new
airworthiness directive:
98-15-16 Bombardier-Rotax GmbH: Amendment 39-10667. Docket 98-ANE-
26-AD.
Applicability: Bombardier-Rotax GmbH 912 F series reciprocating
engines, with serial numbers (S/Ns) 4,412.502 up to and including S/
N 4,412.764, installed on but not limited to Diamond Aircraft
Industries DA 20-A1 aircraft.
Note 1: This airworthiness directive (AD) applies to each engine
identified in the preceding applicability provision, regardless of
whether it has been modified, altered, or repaired in the area
subject to the requirements of this AD. For engines that have been
modified, altered, or repaired so that the performance of the
requirements of this AD is affected, the owner/operator must request
approval for an alternative method of compliance in accordance with
paragraph (b) of this AD. The request should include an assessment
of the effect of the modification, alteration, or repair on the
unsafe condition addressed by this AD; and, if the unsafe condition
has not been eliminated, the request should include specific
proposed actions to address it.
Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished
previously.
To prevent fuel leaks from the fuel pump, which could result in
undetected loss of fuel in flight or an engine fire, accomplish the
following:
(a) At the earliest of: prior to exceeding 25 hours time in
service (TIS) after the effective date of this AD, the next engine
maintenance action, or upon discovery of a fuel pump leak, install
an improved fuel pump and fuel supply tube in accordance with
Bombardier-Rotax GmbH Technical Bulletin (TB) No. 912-20 R1, dated
February 10, 1998.
(b) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the
compliance time that provides an acceptable level of safety may be
used if approved by the Manager, Engine Certification Office.
Operators shall submit their requests through an appropriate FAA
Principal Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send
it to the Manager, Engine Certification Office.
Note 2: Information concerning the existence of approved
alternative methods of compliance with this airworthiness directive,
if any, may be obtained from the Engine Certification Office.
(c) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with
sections 21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14
CFR 21.197 and 21.199) to operate the aircraft to a location where
the requirements of this AD can be accomplished.
Note 3: Special flight permits may only be issued to operators
who exceed the 25 hour TIS requirement.
(d) The actions required by this AD shall be performed in
accordance with the following Bombardier-Rotax GmbH TB:
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Document No. Pages Date
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912-20 R1........................ 1-5 February 10, 1998.
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Total pages: 5.
This incorporation by reference was approved by the Director of
the Federal Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR
part 51. Copies may be obtained from Bombardier-Rotax GmbH, Welser
Strasse 32, A-4623 Gunskirchen, Austria; telephone 7246-601-232, fax
7246-601-370. Copies may be inspected at the FAA, New England
Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, 12 New England Executive
Park, Burlington, MA; or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800
North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC.
(e) This amendment becomes effective on August 7, 1998.
Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on July 15, 1998.
Jay J. Pardee,
Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 98-19484 Filed 7-22-98; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
