AD 2005-01-14

This AD becomes effective February 15, 2005. The Director of the Federal Register previously approved the incorporation by reference of certain publications as listed in the regulations as of October 28, 2002 (67 FR 65033, October 23, 2002).

You can get the service information identified in this AD from Bombardier-Rotax GmbH, Gunskirchen, Austria; telephone 7246-601-423; fax 7246-601-760.

You may examine the AD docket at the FAA, New England Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA. You may examine the service information, at the FAA, New England Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, 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/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html.

Richard Woldan, Aerospace Engineer, Engine Certification Office, FAA, Engine and Propeller Directorate, 12 New England Executive Park; telephone (781) 238-7136; fax (781) 238-7199.

The FAA proposed to amend 14 CFR Part 39 with a proposed airworthiness directive (AD) to supersede AD 2002-21-16. The proposed AD applies to Bombardier-Rotax GmbH Type 912 F, 912 S, and 914 F series reciprocating engines. We published the proposed AD in the Federal Register on August 12, 2004 (69 FR 49829). That action proposed to do the following:

• At the next oil change, or within 100 hours TIS after the effective date of the AD, whichever is later, remove the oil dipstick, part number (P/N) 956150, from service, and install a serviceable dipstick that has a different P/N.

• Before the next engine start for engines with 50 hours or less time-in-service (TIS) on the effective date of the AD, since the engine had the oil system opened, or the oil was changed using other than specified procedures, or the propeller was rotated more than one turn in the wrong direction of rotation, inspect for valve train damage, proper venting of the lubrication system and inspect for the correct venting of the hydraulic valve tappets.

• Thereafter, for all engines, properly vent the lubrication system before starting the engine, after any of the following:

• Initial installation of a new or overhauled engine;

• Opening the oil system;

• Changing the oil using improper procedures;

• The propeller was rotated more than one turn in the wrong direction of rotation, allowing air to be ingested into the valve train components.

You may examine the AD Docket (including any comments and service information), by appointment, between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. See ADDRESSES for the location.

We provided the public the opportunity to participate in the development of this AD. We received no comments on the proposal or on the determination of the cost to the public.

We have carefully reviewed the available data and determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting the AD as proposed.

There are about 624 Bombardier-Rotax GmbH Type 912 F, 912 S, and 914 F series reciprocating engines of the affected design in the worldwide fleet. We estimate that 282 engines installed on aircraft of U.S. registry will be affected by this AD. We also estimate that it will take about one work hour per engine to perform one oil system inspection and venting, and that the average labor rate is $65 per work hour. Required parts will cost about $0.85 per engine. Based on these figures, we estimate the total cost of the AD to U.S. operators to be $18,570.

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.

We have 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.

For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this AD:

(1) Is not a “significant regulatory action” under Executive Order 12866;

(2) Is not a “significant rule” under 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 summary of the costs to comply with this AD and placed it in the AD Docket. You may get a copy of this summary by sending a request to us at the address listed under ADDRESSES. Include “AD Docket No. 2002-NE-33-AD” in your request.

Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows:

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

2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by removing Amendment 39-12923 (67 FR 65033, October 23, 2002) and by adding a new airworthiness directive, Amendment 39-13939, to read as follows: