Airworthiness Directives; GE Aviation Czech s.r.o. (Type Certificate Previously Held by WALTER Engines a.s., Walter a.s., and MOTORLET a.s.) Engines

AGENCY:

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION:

Final rule.

SUMMARY:

The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2022–13–16 for all GE Aviation Czech s.r.o. (GEAC) (type certificate previously held by WALTER Engines a.s., Walter a.s., and MOTORLET a.s.) Model M601D–11 engines; and AD 2022–14–12, for certain GEAC Model M601D–11, M601E–11, M601E–11A, M601E–11AS, M601E–11S, and M601F engines. AD 2022–13–16 required revising the airworthiness limitations section (ALS) of the existing engine maintenance manual (EMM) to incorporate a visual inspection of the centrifugal compressor case for cracks. AD 2022–14–12 required replacing the propeller shaft for Model M601F engines. AD 2022–14–12 also required calculating the accumulated life of the propeller shaft and replacing the propeller shaft, if necessary, for model M601D–11, M601E–11, M601E–11A, M601E–11AS, and M601E–11S engines. Since the FAA issued AD 2022–13–16 and AD 2022–14–12, the manufacturer revised the ALS of the existing EMM to introduce new and more restrictive tasks and limitations, expand the applicability to all Model M601 engines, and incorporate certain requirements addressed by AD 2021–13–07 and AD 2023–01–10, which prompted this AD. This AD requires revising the ALS of the existing EMM and the operator's existing approved engine maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate new and more restrictive tasks and limitations, as specified in a European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which is incorporated by reference. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES:

This AD is effective April 17, 2024.

The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of April 17, 2024.

ADDRESSES:

AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at regulations.gov under Docket No.FAA–2023–2149; 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:

• For service information identified in this final rule, contact EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; phone: +49 221 8999 000; email: ADs@easa.europa.eu; website: easa.europa.eu. You may find this material on the EASA website at ad.easa.europa.eu.

• 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 under Docket No. FAA–2023–2149.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Barbara Caufield, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; phone: (781) 238–7146; email: barbara.caufield@faa.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR part 39 to supersede AD 2022–13–16, Amendment 39–22102 (87 FR 37986, June 27, 2022) (AD 2022–13–16); and AD 2022–14–12, Amendment 39–22117 (87 FR 42066, July 14, 2022) (AD 2022–14–12).

AD 2022–13–16 applied to all GEAC Model M601D–11 engines and required revising the ALS of the existing EMM to incorporate a visual inspection of the centrifugal compressor case. The FAA issued AD 2022–13–16 to prevent failure of the centrifugal compressor case.

AD 2022–14–12 applied to certain GEAC Model M601D–11, M601E–11, M601E–11A, M601E–11AS, M601E–11S, and M601F engines. For Model M601F engines, AD 2022–14–12 required replacement of the propeller shaft. For Model M601D–11, M601E–11, M601E–11A, M601E–11AS, and M601E–11S engines, AD 2022–14–12 required calculating the accumulated life of the propeller shaft and replacing the propeller shaft if necessary.

The NPRM published in the Federal Register on November 14, 2023 (88 FR 77918). The NPRM was prompted by EASA AD 2023–0020, dated January 23, 2023 (EASA AD 2023–0020) (also referred to as the MCAI), issued by EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Union. The MCAI states that the manufacturer revised the ALS to incorporate new and more restrictive tasks and limitations, expand the applicability to all model M601 series engines, and include certain requirements that were previously addressed by EASA Emergency AD 2021–0125–E and EASA AD 2021–0264. The MCAI also states that the manufacturer published service information that specifies instructions to determine the accumulated life of certain propeller shafts.

You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA–2023–2149.

In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to require revising the ALS of the existing EMM and the operator's existing approved engine maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate new and more restrictive tasks and limitations.

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. Except for minor editorial changes, this AD is adopted as proposed in the NPRM.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

The FAA reviewed EASA AD 2023–0020, which specifies procedures for accomplishment of the actions specified in the ALS, including performing maintenance tasks, replacing life-limited parts, and revising the existing approved maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, by incorporating the instructions and associated thresholds and intervals described in the ALS, as applicable to engine model and depending on engine configuration.

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 .

Costs of Compliance

The FAA estimates that this AD affects 42 engines installed on airplanes of U.S. registry.

The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:

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

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

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

2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by:

a. Removing Airworthiness Directive 2022–13–16, Amendment 39–22102 ( 87 FR 37986, June 27, 2022); and Airworthiness Directive 2022–14–12, Amendment 39–22117 (87 FR 42066, July 14, 2022); and

b. Adding the following new airworthiness directive:

2024–03–05 GE Aviation Czech s.r.o. (Type Certificate Previously Held by WALTER Engines a.s., Walter a.s., and MOTORLET a.s.): Amendment 39–22675; Docket No. FAA–2023–2149; Project Identifier MCAI–2023–00136–E.

(a) Effective Date

This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective April 17, 2024.

(b) Affected ADs

(1) This AD affects AD 2021–13–07, Amendment 39–21612 (86 FR 31601, June 15, 2021) (AD 2021–13–07).

(2) This AD replaces AD 2022–13–16, Amendment 39–22102 (87 FR 37986, June 27, 2022).

(3) This AD replaces AD 2022–14–12, Amendment 39–22117 (87 FR 42066, July 14, 2022).

(4) This AD affects AD 2023–01–10, Amendment 39–22304 (88 FR 7578, February 6, 2023) (AD 2023–01–10).

(c) Applicability

This AD applies to GE Aviation Czech s.r.o. (GEAC) (type certificate previously held by WALTER Engines a.s., Walter a.s., and MOTORLET a.s.) Model M601D–11, M601E–11, M601E–11A, M601E–11AS, M601E–11S, and M601F engines.

(d) Subject

Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 7210, Turbine Engine Reduction Gear.

(e) Unsafe Condition

This AD was prompted by the manufacturer revising the airworthiness limitations section (ALS) of the existing engine maintenance manual (EMM) to introduce new and more restrictive tasks and limitations and associated thresholds and intervals for life-limited parts. The FAA is issuing this AD to prevent failure of the engine. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in uncontained release of a critical part, damage to the engine, and damage to the airplane.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Required Actions

(1) Except as specified in paragraph (h) of this AD: Perform all required actions within the compliance times specified in, and in accordance with, European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2023–0020, dated January 23, 2023 (EASA AD 2023–0020).

(2) The action required by paragraph (g)(1) of this AD may be performed by the owner/operator (pilot) holding at least a private pilot certificate and must be entered into the aircraft records showing compliance with this AD in accordance with 14 CFR 43.9(a) and 91.417(a)(2)(v). The record must be maintained as required by 14 CFR 91.417, 121.380, or 135.439.

(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2023–0020

(1) Where EASA AD 2023–0020 defines the AMP as “The Aircraft Maintenance Programme (AMP) contains the tasks on the basis of which the scheduled maintenance is conducted to ensure the continuing airworthiness of each operated engine,” replace that text with “the aircraft maintenance program containing the tasks on the basis of which the scheduled maintenance is conducted to ensure the continuing airworthiness of each operated airplane.”

(2) Where EASA AD 2023–0020 specifies the ALS as “The Airworthiness Limitations Section of the GEAC Engine Maintenance Manual (EMM) No. 0982309 Revision 21,” replace that text with “The Airworthiness Limitations Section of the GEAC Engine Maintenance Manual (EMM) No. 0982309 Revision 22.” The ALS in Revision 22 of the EMM is unchanged from Revision 21.

(3) Where EASA AD 2023–0020 refers to its effective date, this AD requires using the effective date of this AD.

(4) Where paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2023–0020 specifies “Within 12 months after the effective date of this AD, revise the approved AMP,” replace that text with “Within 90 days after the effective date of this AD, revise the ALS of the existing approved engine maintenance or inspection program, as applicable.”

(5) This AD does not require compliance with paragraphs (1), (2), (4), and (5) of EASA AD 2023–0020.

(6) This AD does not adopt the Remarks paragraph of EASA AD 2023–0020.

(i) Provisions for Alternative Actions and Intervals

After performing the actions required by paragraph (g) of this AD, no alternative actions and associated thresholds and intervals, including life limits, are allowed unless they are approved as specified in the provisions of the “Ref. Publications” section of EASA AD 2023–0020.

(j) Terminating Action for Certain Actions Required by Affected ADs

(1) Accomplishing the actions required by paragraph (g) of this AD terminates the requirements of paragraphs (g)(1) through (3) of AD 2021–13–07 for model M601D–11, M601E–11, M601E–11A, M601E–11AS, M601E–11S, and M601F engines only.

(2) Accomplishing the actions required by paragraph (g) of this AD terminates the requirements of paragraphs (g)(1) through (3) of AD 2023–01–10 for model M601E–11, M601E–11A, M601E–11AS, M601E–11S, and M601F engines only.

(k) 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 (l) of this AD and email to ANE-AD-AMOC@faa.gov.

(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.

(l) Additional Information

For more information about this AD, contact Barbara Caufield, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; phone: (781) 238–7146; email: barbara.caufield@faa.gov.

(m) Material Incorporated by Reference

(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference 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.

(i) European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2023–0020, dated January 23, 2023.

(ii) [Reserved]

(3) For EASA AD 2023–0020, contact EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; phone: +49 221 8999 000; email: ADs@easa.europa.eu; website: easa.europa.eu. You may find this EASA AD on the EASA website at ad.easa.europa.eu.

(4) You may view this service information 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: www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations or email: fr.inspection@nara.gov.