2023-17-04: Reciprocating Engine Oil 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: a. Removing Airworthiness Directive AD 2022-04-04, Amendment 39-21945 (87 FR 9435, February 22, 2022); and b. Adding the following new airworthiness directive: 2023-17-04 Continental Aerospace Technologies, Inc.: Amendment 39-22530; Docket No. FAA-2022-1159; Project Identifier AD-2022-00692-E. (a) Effective Date This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective October 26, 2023. (b) Affected ADs This AD replaces AD 2022-04-04, Amendment 39-21945 (87 FR 9435, February 22, 2022) (AD 2022-04-04). (c) Applicability This AD applies to Continental Aerospace Technologies, Inc. (Continental) model engines equipped with an F&M Enterprises, Inc. (F&M) or a Stratus Tool Technologies, LLC (Stratus) oil filter adapter installed per Supplemental Type Certificate SE8409SW, SE09356SC, or SE10348SC. Note 1 to paragraph (c): These F&M and Stratus oil filter adapters are known to be installed on Continental Model C-125, C-145, GO-300, IO-360, IO-470, IO-520, IO-550, O-300, O-470, TSIO-360, and TSIO-520 series engines. (d) Subject Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 8550, Reciprocating Engine Oil System. (e) Unsafe Condition This AD was prompted by reports of two accidents that were the result of power loss due to oil starvation. The FAA is issuing this AD to prevent loss of engine power. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in failure of the engine, in-flight shutdown, and loss of control of the airplane. (f) Compliance Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done. (g) Required Actions Before accumulating 50 flight hours after the effective date of this AD or at the next scheduled oil change after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first, remove any F&M or Stratus oil filter adapter fiber gasket from service and replace it with an oil filter adapter copper gasket, part number (P/N) AN900-28 or P/N AN900-29, or a stainless steel polytetrafluoroethylene gasket, P/N ST07, as applicable, in accordance with the Compliance Instructions, paragraph 6., pages 6 through 10 (including all detailed instructions for Figure 5 through Figure 16), of Stratus Tool Technologies Mandatory Service Bulletin SB-001 Rev C, dated June 16, 2022. (h) Installation Prohibition After the effective date of this AD, do not install an F&M or a Stratus oil filter adapter fiber gasket on any affected engine. (i) Credit for Previous Actions You may take credit for the actions required by paragraph (g) of this AD if you performed those actions before the effective date of this AD using Stratus Tool Technologies Mandatory Service Bulletin SB-001 Rev B, dated June 17, 2021, which was previously approved for IBR on March 29, 2022 (87 FR 9435, February 22, 2022), but is not incorporated by reference in this AD. (j) Special Flight Permit A special flight permit may be issued in accordance with 14 CFR 21.197 and 21.199 to permit a one-time non-revenue ferry flight to operate the airplane to the nearest location where the maintenance action can be performed provided that the engine oil pressure and engine oil temperatures are in their allowable ranges and there is no noticeable increase in engine noise. This flight must be performed with no passengers on board. (k) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (1) The Manager, East Certification 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 branch, 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. (3) AMOCs approved for AD 2022-04-04 are approved as AMOCs for the corresponding provisions of this AD. (l) Additional Information For more information about this AD, contact George Hanlin, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1701 Columbia Avenue, College Park, GA 30337; phone: (404) 474-5584; email: 9-ASO-ATLACO-ADs@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) Stratus Tool Technologies Mandatory Service Bulletin SB-001 Rev C, dated June 16, 2022. (ii) [Reserved] (3) For service information identified in this AD, contact Stratus Tool Technologies, LLC, 2208 Air Park Drive, Burlington, NC 27215; phone: (800) 822-3200; website: tempestplus.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 September 15, 2023. Victor Wicklund, Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2023-20445 Filed 9-20-23; 8:45 am]BILLING CODE 4910-13-P