Rule2025-03010
Airworthiness Directives; Austro Engine GmbH Engines
Primary source
Metadata and text below are from the Federal Register, a public-domain U.S. government work. Always verify the official published version before relying on it for any legal matter.
Published
February 25, 2025
Effective
April 1, 2025
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2023-20-03 for certain Austro Engine GmbH Model E4 and E4P engines. AD 2023-20-03 required repetitive engine oil analysis for aluminum content outside the acceptable limits and, if necessary, replacement of the pistons, piston rings, con-rods assembly, and crankcase or, as an alternative, replacement of the engine core. Since the FAA issued AD 2023-20-03, the manufacturer identified errors in the lists of affected engines and provided updated information, which prompted this AD. This AD retains the requirements of AD 2023-20-03, adds compliance times for additional affected engine serial numbers, and removes certain engine serial numbers from the applicability of the existing AD. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Full Text
<html>
<head>
<title>Federal Register, Volume 90 Issue 36 (Tuesday, February 25, 2025)</title>
</head>
<body><pre>
[Federal Register Volume 90, Number 36 (Tuesday, February 25, 2025)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 10587-10590]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2025-03010]
========================================================================
Rules and Regulations
Federal Register
________________________________________________________________________
This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains regulatory documents
having general applicability and legal effect, most of which are keyed
to and codified in the Code of Federal Regulations, which is published
under 50 titles pursuant to 44 U.S.C. 1510.
The Code of Federal Regulations is sold by the Superintendent of Documents.
========================================================================
Federal Register / Vol. 90, No. 36 / Tuesday, February 25, 2025 /
Rules and Regulations
[[Page 10587]]
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2024-2318; Project Identifier MCAI-2023-00981-E;
Amendment 39-22945; AD 2025-02-12]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Austro Engine GmbH Engines
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2023-20-03
for certain Austro Engine GmbH Model E4 and E4P engines. AD 2023-20-03
required repetitive engine oil analysis for aluminum content outside
the acceptable limits and, if necessary, replacement of the pistons,
piston rings, con-rods assembly, and crankcase or, as an alternative,
replacement of the engine core. Since the FAA issued AD 2023-20-03, the
manufacturer identified errors in the lists of affected engines and
provided updated information, which prompted this AD. This AD retains
the requirements of AD 2023-20-03, adds compliance times for additional
affected engine serial numbers, and removes certain engine serial
numbers from the applicability of the existing AD. The FAA is issuing
this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective April 1, 2025.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of April 1,
2025.
ADDRESSES:
AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under
Docket No. FAA-2024-2318; 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), any comments received, and other information. The
address for Docket Operations is U.S. Department of Transportation,
Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200
New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590.
Material Incorporated by Reference:
<bullet> For Austro Engine GmbH material identified in this AD,
contact Austro Engine GmbH, Rudolf-Diesel-Strasse 11, A-2700 Weiner
Neustadt, Austria; phone: +43 2622 23000; website: austroengine.at.
<bullet> You may view this material 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
<a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under Docket No. FAA-2024-2318.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Morton Lee, Aviation Safety Engineer,
FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; phone: (860)
386-1791; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#4c21233e3823226235622029290c2a2d2d622b233a"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="0d60627f7962632374236168684d6b6c6c236a627b">[email protected]</span></a>.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14
CFR part 39 to supersede AD 2023-20-03, Amendment 39-22562 (88 FR
76104, November 6, 2023) (AD 2023-20-03). AD 2023-20-03 applied to
certain Austro Engine GmbH Model E4 and E4P engines. AD 2023-20-03 was
prompted by European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2022-
0240R1, dated December 15, 2022 (EASA AD 2022-0240R1). EASA is the
Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Union and issued
EASA AD 2022-0240R1 to address reports of piston failures.
AD 2023-20-03 required repetitive engine oil analysis for aluminum
content outside the acceptable limits and, if necessary, replacement of
the pistons, piston rings, con-rods assembly, and crankcase or as an
alternative, replacement of the engine core. The FAA issued AD 2023-20-
03 to prevent piston failure, which could result in loss of oil, loss
of engine power, and reduced control of the airplane.
Since the FAA issued AD 2023-20-03, EASA superseded EASA AD 2022-
0240R1 and issued EASA AD 2023-0163, dated August 18, 2023 (EASA AD
2023-0163) (also referred to as the MCAI). The MCAI states that a
manufacturer investigation into reports of piston failures determined
that certain batches of pistons were manufactured with a dimensional
deviation in the piston pin bore and in the piston diameter, which
could cause piston failure, with consequent loss of oil, loss of engine
power, and reduced control of the airplane. The MCAI requires
repetitive oil analyses and replacement of the pistons, piston rings,
con-rods assembly, and crankcase, or as an alternative, replacement of
the engine core. Since EASA issued EASA AD 2023-0163, the manufacturer
revised the service information and issued Mandatory Service Bulletin
No. MSB-E4-039/3, Revision 3, dated November 22, 2023, to amend the
labor efforts section.
The NPRM published in the Federal Register on September 30, 2024
(89 FR 79474). The NPRM was prompted by EASA AD 2023-0163. In the NPRM,
the FAA proposed to continue to require the requirements of AD 2023-20-
03, add compliance times for additional affected engine serial numbers,
and remove certain engine serial numbers from the applicability of AD
2023-20-03. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition
on these products.
Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive
Comments
The FAA received no comments on the NPRM or on the determination of
the costs.
Conclusion
These products have been approved by the aviation authority of
another country and are approved for operation in the United States.
Pursuant to the FAA's bilateral agreement with this State of Design
Authority, it has notified the FAA of the unsafe condition described in
the MCAI referenced above. The FAA reviewed the relevant data and
determined that air safety requires adopting this AD as proposed.
Accordingly, the FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition
on these products. This AD is adopted as proposed in the NPRM.
[[Page 10588]]
Material Incorporated by Reference Under 1 CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed Austro Engine GmbH Mandatory Service Bulletin No.
MSB-E4-039/3, Revision 3, dated November 22, 2023, which identifies
affected engine serial numbers and specifies procedures for oil
analysis and replacement of the pistons, piston rings, con-rods
assembly, crankcase, and engine core.
This material 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.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD affects 357 engines installed on
airplanes of U.S. registry.
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
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Oil analysis.......................... 1 work-hour x $85 per $0 $85 $30,345
hour = $85.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The FAA estimates the following costs to do any necessary
replacements that would be required based on the results of the
inspection. The agency has no way of determining the number of engines
that might need these replacements:
On-Condition Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost per
Action Labor cost Parts cost product
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Replace engine core........................... 35 work-hours x $85 per hour = $15,524 $18,499
$2,975.
Replace pistons, piston rings and con-rods 65 work-hours x $85 per hour = 2,216 7,741
assembly. $5,525.
Replace pistons, piston rings, con-rod 75 work-hours x $85 per hour = 4,141 10,516
assembly, and crankcase. $6,375.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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
The FAA has 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) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, 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.
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(f), 40113, 44701.
Sec. 39.13 [Amended]
0
2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by:
0
a. Removing Airworthiness Directive 2023-20-03, Amendment 39-22562 (88
FR 76104, November 6, 2023); and
0
b. Adding the following new airworthiness directive:
2025-02-12 Austro Engine GmbH: Amendment 39-22945; Docket No.FAA-
2024-2318; Project Identifier MCAI-2023-00981-E.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective April 1, 2025.
(b) Affected ADs
This AD replaces AD 2023-20-03, Amendment 39-22562 (88 FR 76104,
November 6, 2023) (AD 2023-20-03).
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Austro Engine GmbH Model E4 and E4P engines
with an engine serial number (ESN) listed in Tables 1, 2, 3, and 4
of Austro Engine GmbH Mandatory Service Bulletin No. MSB-E4-039/3,
Revision 3, dated November 22, 2023 (Austro MSB-E4-039/3).
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 8530, Reciprocating
Engine Cylinder Section; 8550, Reciprocating Engine Oil System.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by reports of piston failures and the
determination that certain batches of pistons were manufactured with
a dimensional deviation in the piston pin bore and piston diameter.
The FAA is issuing this AD to prevent piston failure. The unsafe
[[Page 10589]]
condition, if not addressed, could result in loss of oil, loss of
engine power, and reduced control of the airplane.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Required Actions
(1) For all affected engines, within the applicable compliance
times specified in table 1 to paragraph (g)(1) of this AD, perform
an oil analysis in accordance with paragraph 2., Technical Details,
Engine Oil Analysis of Austro MSB-E4-039/3, and do not return the
engine to service until the results of the oil analysis have been
determined.
Table 1 to Paragraph (g)(1)--Oil Analysis for All Affected Engines
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Engine group Compliance time Interval
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Group 1 and Group 3 engines Within 15 flight hours Before exceeding
that do not have an ESN (FHs) from December 50 FHs since
identified in table 2 to 11, 2023 (the last oil
paragraph (g)(1) of this AD. effective date of AD analysis.
2023-20-03).
Group 1 and Group 3 engines Within 15 FHs from the Before exceeding
that have an ESN identified effective date of 50 FHs since
in table 2 to paragraph this AD. last oil
(g)(1) of this AD. analysis.
Group 2 and Group 4 engines Within 25 FHs from Before exceeding
that do not have an ESN December 11, 2023 100 FHs since
identified in table 2 to (the effective date last oil
paragraph (g)(1) of this AD. of AD 2023-20-03). analysis.
Group 2 and Group 4 engines Within 25 FHs from the Before exceeding
that have an ESN identified effective date of 100 FHs since
in table 2 to paragraph this AD. last oil
(g)(1) of this AD. analysis.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Table 2 to Paragraph (g)(1)--Affected ESNs Not Included in AD 2023-20-03
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Engine group ESN ESN ESN ESN
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Group 1............................. E4-A-06367 E4-A-06248 ................. .................
Group 2............................. E4-C-06249 E4P-C-06185 ................. .................
Group 3............................. E4-A-05072 E4-A-05074 E4-A-05075 E4-A-05078
Group 3............................. E4-A-05079 E4-A-05080 E4-A-05081 E4-A-05082
Group 3............................. E4-A-05083 E4-A-05084 E4-A-05085 E4-A-05086
Group 3............................. E4-A-05087 ................. ................. .................
Group 4............................. E4-C-00559 E4-C-05089 E4-C-05090 E4-C-05091
Group 4............................. E4-C-05092 E4-C-05093 E4-C-05094 E4-C-05096
Group 4............................. E4-C-05098 E4-C-05099 E4-C-05100 E4-C-05101
Group 4............................. E4-C-05102 E4-C-05103 E4-C-05104 E4-C-05105
Group 4............................. E4-C-05106 E4-C-05107 E4-C-05108 E4-C-05109
Group 4............................. E4-C-05110 E4-C-05111 E4P-C-06073 .................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(2) Thereafter, repeat the oil analysis required by paragraph
(g)(1) of this AD before exceeding the applicable interval specified
in table 1 to paragraph (g)(1) of this AD.
(3) Following each repetitive oil analysis, the engine may be
returned to service for no more than the applicable interval
specified in table 1 to paragraph (g)(1) of this AD, until receipt
of the oil analysis result.
(4) If the result of any oil analysis required by paragraph
(g)(1) of this AD indicates the aluminum content of the oil is
greater than the limit specified in paragraph 2., Technical Details,
Engine Oil Analysis, Table 5--Oil check analysis Aluminum PPM
allowable; of Austro MSB-E4-039/3, before further flight, replace
the pistons, piston rings, con-rods assembly, and crankcase, or
replace the engine core in accordance with paragraph 2., Technical
Details, Engine core replacement; or Pistons, piston rings,
crankcase and con-rod assy replacement; as applicable, of Austro
MSB-E4-039/3.
(5) For Group 3 and Group 4 engines, within the applicable
compliance times specified in table 3 to paragraph (g)(5) of this
AD, replace the pistons, piston rings, and con-rods assembly, or
replace the engine core in accordance with paragraph 2., Technical
Details, Engine core replacement; or Pistons, piston rings and con-
rod assy replacement, as applicable, of Austro MSB-E4-039/3.
Table 3 to Paragraph (g)(5)--Replacement for Group 3 and 4 Engines
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Engine group Compliance time
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Group 3 engines that do not have an Before exceeding 900 FHs since new,
ESN identified in table 2 to or within 15 FHs after December
paragraph (g)(1) of this AD. 11, 2023 (the effective date of AD
2023-20-03), whichever occurs
later.
Group 3 engines that have an ESN Before exceeding 900 FHs since new,
identified in table 2 to paragraph or within 15 FHs after the
(g)(1) of this AD. effective date of this AD,
whichever occurs later.
Group 4 engines that do not have an Before exceeding 1,000 FHs since
ESN identified in table 2 to new, or within 25 FHs after
paragraph (g)(1) of this AD. December 11, 2023 (the effective
date of AD 2023-20-03), whichever
occurs later.
Group 4 engines that have an ESN Before exceeding 1,000 FHs since
identified in table 2 to paragraph new, or within 25 FHs after the
(g)(1) of this AD. effective date of this AD,
whichever occurs later.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Note 1 to paragraph (g)(5): FHs since new indicated in table 3
to paragraph (g)(5) of this AD are FHs accumulated by the engine
since first installation on an airplane or since last overhaul as of
December 11, 2023 (the effective date of AD 2023-20-03) for Group 3
and 4 engines that do not have an ESN identified in table 2 to
paragraph (g)(1) of this AD, or as of the effective date of this AD
for Group 3 and 4 engines that have an ESN identified in table 2 to
paragraph (g)(1) of this AD.
(h) Terminating Action
(1) Replacement of the pistons, piston rings, con-rods assembly,
and crankcase, or replacement of the engine core, as specified in
paragraph (g)(4) of this AD, constitutes
[[Page 10590]]
terminating action for the repetitive oil analysis required by
paragraph (g)(2) of this AD.
(2) Replacement of the pistons, piston rings, and con-rods
assembly, or replacement of the engine core, as specified in
paragraph (g)(5) of this AD, constitutes terminating action for the
repetitive oil analysis required by paragraph (g)(2) of this AD.
(i) Definitions
For the purpose of this AD:
(1) Group 1 engines are engines having an ESN listed in Table 1
of Austro MSB-E4-039/3.
(2) Group 2 engines are engines having an ESN listed in Table 2
of Austro MSB-E4-039/3 MSB-E4-039/3.
(3) Group 3 engines are engines having an ESN listed in Table 3
of Austro MSB-E4-039/3.
(4) Group 4 engines are engines having an ESN listed in Table 4
of Austro MSB-E4-039/3.
(j) Credit for Previous Actions
(1) You may take credit for the actions required by paragraph
(g)(1), (4), or (5) of this AD, if you performed those actions
before December 11, 2023 (the effective date of AD 2023-20-03) using
Austro Engine GmbH Mandatory Service Bulletin No. MSB-E4-039/0,
dated October 24, 2022.
(2) You may take credit for the actions required by paragraph
(g)(1), (4), or (5) of this AD if you performed those actions before
the effective date of this AD using Austro Engine GmbH Mandatory
Service Bulletin No. MSB-E4-039/2, Revision 2, dated July 26, 2023.
(k) No Return of Parts/Reporting Requirement
Although the service information specifies returning certain
parts and submitting certain information to the manufacturer, this
AD does not include those requirements.
(l) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, International Validation 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 International Validation Branch, send
it to the attention of the person identified in paragraph (m)(1) of
this AD and email to <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#e5a4a8aaa6a5838484cb828a93"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="b2f3fffdf1f2d4d3d39cd5ddc4">[email protected]</span></a>.
(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) Additional Information
(1) For more information about this AD, contact Morton Lee,
Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410,
Westbury, NY 11590; phone: (860) 386-1791; email:
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#4f22203d3b2021613661232a2a0f292e2e61282039"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="0865677a7c6766267126646d6d486e6969266f677e">[email protected]</span></a>.
(2) Material identified in this AD that is not incorporated by
reference is available at the address specified in paragraph (n)(3)
of this AD.
(n) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference (IBR) of the material listed in this
paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
(2) You must use this material as applicable to do the actions
required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
(i) Austro Engine GmbH Mandatory Service Bulletin No. MSB-E4-
039/3, Revision 3, dated November 22, 2023.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For Austro Engine GmbH material identified in this AD,
contact Austro Engine GmbH, Rudolf-Diesel-Strasse 11, A-2700 Weiner
Neustadt, Austria; phone: +43 2622 23000; website: austroengine.at.
(4) You may view this material at 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.
(5) You may view this material at the National Archives and
Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability
of this material at NARA, visit <a href="http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations">www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations</a> or email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#e28490cc8b8c91928781968b8d8ca28c839083cc858d94"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="e88e9ac681869b988d8b9c818786a886899a89c68f879e">[email protected]</span></a>.
Issued on February 19, 2025.
Victor Wicklund,
Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2025-03010 Filed 2-24-25; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
</pre><script data-cfasync="false" src="/cdn-cgi/scripts/5c5dd728/cloudflare-static/email-decode.min.js"></script></body>
</html>Indexed from Federal Register on February 25, 2025.
This is legal information, not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change frequently. Always verify current law with official sources and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction for advice on your specific situation.