2023-02-12: Engine Air Intake System

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 adding the following new airworthiness directive: 2023-02-12 Continental Aerospace Technologies, Inc.: Amendment 39-22319; Docket No. FAA-2023-0027; Project Identifier AD-2022-01586-E. (a) Effective Date This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective February 17, 2023. (b) Affected ADs None. (c) Applicability This AD applies to Continental Aerospace Technologies, Inc. (Continental) GTSIO-520, IO-470, IO-520, IO-550, IOF-550, LIO-470, LIO-520, LTSIO-520, O-470, TSIO-470, TSIO-520, TSIO-550, TSIOF-550, and TSIOL-550 model reciprocating engines listed in the Application Table, page 1, of Superior Air Parts, Inc. (SAP) Mandatory Service Bulletin MSB22-01 A, dated December 16, 2022 (SAP MSB22-01 A) with an installed: (1) SAP cylinder assembly having a part number (P/N) and serial number listed in Table 1 of SAP MSB22-01 A, installed on or after January 20, 2022; or (2) Cylinder assembly that was repaired and installed on or after January 20, 2022, with a SAP intake valve having P/N SA539988 and lot number 19077 O; or (3) SAP intake valve with P/N SA539988 and lot number 19077 O. (d) Subject Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 7160, Engine Air Intake System. (e) Unsafe Condition This AD was prompted by three intake valve failures on reciprocating engines that resulted in engine damage and emergency landing or aborted takeoff. The FAA is issuing this AD to prevent failure of the engine intake valve. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in failure of the engine, in-flight shutdown, and loss of the airplane. (f) Compliance Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done. (g) Required Actions (1) For engines with an affected SAP cylinder assembly installed, as identified in paragraph (c)(1) of this AD, within 30 days from the effective date of this AD, remove the affected cylinder assembly and replace any affected intake valve with an intake valve that is eligible for installation. (2) For engines with an affected repaired cylinder assembly installed, as identified in paragraph (c)(2) of this AD, within 30 days from the effective date of this AD, inspect the affected cylinder assembly for installation of any intake valve marked with lot number 19077 O. If, during any inspection required by this paragraph, an intake valve is identified with lot number 19077 O, before further flight, replace the affected intake valve with an intake valve that is eligible for installation. (3) For engines with an affected SAP intake valve installed, as identified in paragraph (c)(3) of this AD, within 30 days from the effective date of this AD, remove the affected intake valve and replace with an intake valve that is eligible for installation. (h) Definitions (1) For the purpose of this AD, an "intake valve that is eligible for installation" is an intake valve that is not SAP P/N SA539988 and lot number 19077 O. (i) No Reporting Requirement Although SAP MSB22-01 A specifies to submit certain information and send certain parts to the manufacturer, this AD does not include that requirement. (j) Special Flight Permit Special flight permits, as described in 14 CFR 21.197 and 21.199, are prohibited. (k) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (1) The Manager, Fort Worth ACO 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 certification office, send it to the attention of the person identified in paragraph (l) of this AD. (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) Related Information For more information about this AD, contact Justin Carter, Aviation Safety Engineer, Fort Worth ACO Branch, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Parkway, Fort Worth, TX 76177; phone: (817) 222-5146; email: justin.carter@faa.gov. (m) Material Incorporated by Reference (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference (IBR) 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) Superior Air Parts, Inc. Mandatory Service Bulletin MSB22-01 A, dated December 16, 2022. (ii) [Reserved] (3) For service information identified in this AD, contact SAP, 621 S Royal Lane, Suite 100, Coppell, TX 75019; phone: (800) 420-4727; email: sales@superiorairparts.com; website: superiorairparts.com. (4) 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. (5) You may view this service information that is incorporated by reference at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at NARA, email: fr.inspection@nara.gov, or go to: www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html. Issued on January 25, 2023. Christina Underwood, Acting Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2023-02152 Filed 2-1-23; 8:45 am]BILLING CODE 4910-13-P