AD 2008-22-23 Airworthiness Directives; Thielert Aircraft Engines GmbH (TAE) Model TAE 125-02-99 Reciprocating Engines

Makes named: thielert. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

This AD applies to Thielert Aircraft Engines GmbH (TAE) model TAE 125-02-99 reciprocating engines with clutch, part number (P/N) 05-7211-K000304, installed. These engines are installed on, but not limited to, Cessna 172 and (Reims-built) F172 series (STC No. SA01303WI); and Diamond DA42 airplanes. Reason “(d) In-flight engine shutdown incidents have been reported on aircraft equipped with TAE 125-02-99 engines. Preliminary investigations showed that it was mainly the result of cracked disc springs in the clutch. This condition, if not corrected, could result in further cases of engine in-flight shutdown and the consequent loss of control of the aircraft.” We are issuing this AD to prevent engine in-flight shutdown and the subsequent loss of control of the airplane.

Unless already done, do the following actions. (1) For engines that have accumulated, on the effective date of this AD, less than 50 flight hours (FH) since installing clutch, P/N 05-7211-K000304: Upon the accumulation of 50 FH since installing clutch, P/N 05-7211-K000304, replace the clutch as specified in TAE SB TM TAE 125-1006 P1, Revision 1, dated May 30, 2008. (2) For engines that have accumulated, on the effective date of this AD, 50 or more FH since installing clutch, P/N 05-7211-K000304: Before further flight, replace the clutch as specified in TAE SB TM TAE 125-1006 P1, Revision 1, dated May 30, 2008. FAA AD Differences (f) We have further clarified the corrective action by specifying the P/N of each affected clutch, and timing the compliance period from when the clutch was installed instead of when it was last inspected. Other FAA AD Provisions (g) The following provisions also apply to this AD: (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, Engine Certification Office, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. (2) Special Flight Permits: We are limiting special flight permits to one ferry flight to a maintenance station to replace the engine clutch. The maximum flight duration must not exceed 2 hours and is limited to VFR conditions. Related Information (h) Refer to MCAI EASA Airworthiness Directive 2008-0106-E, dated May 30, 2008, for related information. (i) Contact Jason Yang, Aerospace Engineer, Engine Certification Office, FAA, Engine and Propeller Directorate, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803; e-mail: jason.yang@faa.gov ; telephone (781) 238-7747; fax (781) 238-7199, for more information about this AD. Material Incorporated by Reference (j) You must use Thielert Aircraft Engines GmbH Service Bulletin TM TAE 125-1006 P1, Revision 1, dated May 30, 2008, to do the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise. (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of this service information under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. (2) For service information identified in this AD, contact Thielert Aircraft Engines GmbH, Platanenstrasse 14 D-09350, Lichtenstein, Germany, telephone: +49-37204-696-0; fax: +49-37204-696-55; e-mail: info@centurion-engines.com. (3) You may review copies at the FAA, New England Region, 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/cfr/ibr-locations.html. Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on October 23, 2008. Peter A. White, Assistant Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. E8-25892 Filed 11-3-08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

Unless already done, do the following actions. (1) For engines that have accumulated, on the effective date of this AD, less than 50 flight hours (FH) since installing clutch, P/N 05-7211-K000304: Upon the accumulation of 50 FH since installing clutch, P/N 05-7211-K000304, replace the clutch as specified in TAE SB TM TAE 125-1006 P1, Revision 1, dated May 30, 2008. (2) For engines that have accumulated, on the effective date of this AD, 50 or more FH since installing clutch, P/N 05-7211-K000304: Before further flight, replace the clutch as specified in TAE SB TM TAE 125-1006 P1, Revision 1, dated May 30, 2008. FAA AD Differences (f) We have further clarified the corrective action by specifying the P/N of each affected clutch, and timing the compliance period from when the clutch was installed instead of when it was last inspected. Other FAA AD Provisions (g) The following provisions also apply to this AD: (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, Engine Certification Office, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. (2) Special Flight Permits: We are limiting special flight permits to one ferry flight to a maintenance station to replace the engine clutch. The maximum flight duration must not exceed 2 hours and is limited to VFR conditions. Related Information (h) Refer to MCAI EASA Airworthiness Directive 2008-0106-E, dated May 30, 2008, for related information. (i) Contact Jason Yang, Aerospace Engineer, Engine Certification Office, FAA, Engine and Propeller Directorate, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803; e-mail: jason.yang@faa.gov ; telephone (781) 238-7747; fax (781) 238-7199, for more information about this AD. Material Incorporated by Reference (j) You must use Thielert Aircraft Engines GmbH Service Bulletin TM TAE 125-1006 P1, Revision 1, dated May 30, 2008, to do the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise. (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of this service information under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. (2) For service information identified in this AD, contact Thielert Aircraft Engines GmbH, Platanenstrasse 14 D-09350, Lichtenstein, Germany, telephone: +49-37204-696-0; fax: +49-37204-696-55; e-mail: info@centurion-engines.com. (3) You may review copies at the FAA, New England Region, 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/cfr/ibr-locations.html. Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on October 23, 2008. Peter A. White, Assistant Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. E8-25892 Filed 11-3-08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P