AD NUMBER: 2018-10-10

PRODUCT: Certain Diamond Aircraft Industries GmbH Model DA 42 airplanes.

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments

SUMMARY: The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2017-01-12, AD 2017-11-08, and AD 2017-15-09 for the aircraft listed above.

This AD results from mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) issued by the aviation authority of another country to identify and address an unsafe condition on an aviation product.

The MCAI describes the unsafe condition as uncommanded engine shutdown during flight due to failure of the propeller-regulating valve caused by hot exhaust gases coming from fractured engine exhaust pipes.

DATES: This AD is effective June 12, 2018.  Comments must be received by July 9, 2018.

COST: The FAA estimates that this AD will affect 130 products of U.S. registry. The cost of compliance is estimated as follows:

• Inspect engine exhaust pipe - $170 per aircraft for two hours labor.
• Install additional engine exhaust pipe clamps with spring washers - $440 per aircraft for parts and labor.
• Inspect engine exhaust pipe clamps - $170 for per aircraft two hours labor.

The following costs to do any necessary replacements that will be required based on the results of the inspections are estimated to be:

• Replace cracked engine exhaust pipe - $2,240 per aircraft for parts and labor.
• Replace cracked engine exhaust pipe clamps - $440 per aircraft for parts and labor.

FMI: AD