Austro Control, which is the airworthiness authority for Austria, recently notified the FAA that an unsafe condition may exist on certain SN's of Bombardier-Rotax GmbH type 912 F and 914 F series reciprocating engines. Austro Control advises that reports have been received of three engine crankcases found cracked in service. To date, there have been no engine failures due to cracks in the crankcase. However, Austro Control has determined that an engine could fail due to oil loss from a cracked crankcase. This condition, if not corrected, could result in an inflight failure of the engine and forced landing. \n\nBilateral Airworthiness Agreement \n\n\tBombardier-Rotax GmbH type 912 F and 914 F series reciprocating engines are manufactured in Austria and are type certificated for operation in the United States under the provisions of Sec. 21.29 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.29) and the applicable bilateral airworthiness agreement. Pursuant to this bilateral airworthiness agreement, Austro Control has kept the FAA informed of the situation described above. The FAA has examined the findings of Austro Control, reviewed all available information, and determined that AD action is necessary for products of this type design that are certificated for operation in the United States. \n\nFAA's Determination of an Unsafe Condition and Required Actions \n\n\tSince an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to exist or develop on other Bombardier-Rotax GmbH type 912 F and 914 F series reciprocating engines of the same type design, this AD is being issued to prevent oil loss caused by cracks in the engine crankcase, which could lead to in-flight failure of the engine and forced landing. This AD requires initial visual inspection for cracks of the engine crankcase of certain SN engines, within 50 hours time-in-service (TIS) after the effective date of this AD, and repetitive visual inspections at each 100-hour, annual, or progressive inspection, or within 110 hours TIS since last inspection, whichever occurs first. If any cracks are found the engine must be replaced with a serviceable engine. The SN's affected are, for 912 F series engines, SN's 4,412.796 or lower, and for 914 F series engines, SN's 4,420.313 or lower. Examples of lower SN's are 4,412.795, 4,412.794, and 4,412.793, and 4,420.312, 4,420.311, and 4,420.310. \n\nImmediate Adoption of This AD \n\n\tSince a situation exists that requires the immediate adoption of this regulation, it is found that notice and opportunity for prior public comment hereon are impracticable, and that good cause exists for making this amendment effective in less than 30 days. \n\nComments Invited \n\n\tAlthough this action is in the form of a final rule that involves requirements affecting flight safety and, thus, was not preceded by notice and an opportunity for public comment, comments are invited on this rule. Interested persons are invited to comment on this rule by submitting such written data, views, or arguments as they may desire. Communications should identify the Rules Docket number and be submitted in triplicate to the address specified under the caption ADDRESSES. All communications received on or before the closing date for comments will be considered, and this rule may be amended in light of the comments received. Factual information that supports the commenter's ideas and suggestions is extremely helpful in evaluating the effectiveness of the AD action and determining whether additional rulemaking action would be needed. \n\n\tComments are specifically invited on the overall regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the rule that might suggest a need to modify the rule. All comments submitted will be available, both before and after the closing date for comments, in the Rules Docket for examination by interested persons. A report that summarizes each FAA-public contact concerned with the substance of this AD will be filed inthe Rules Docket. \n\n\tCommenters wishing the FAA to acknowledge receipt of their comments submitted in response to this action must submit a self-addressed, stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: "Comments to Docket Number 2002-NE-08-AD." The postcard will be date stamped and returned to the commenter. \n\nRegulatory Analysis \n\n\tThis final rule does not have federalism implications, as defined in Executive Order 13132, because it would 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. Accordingly, the FAA has not consulted with state authorities prior to publication of this final rule. \n\n\tThe FAA has determined that this regulation is an emergency regulation that must be issued immediately to correct an unsafe condition in aircraft, and is not a "significant regulatory action" under Executive Order 12866. It has been determined further that this action involves an emergency regulation under DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979). If it is determined that this emergency regulation otherwise would be significant under DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures, a final regulatory evaluation will be prepared and placed in the Rules Docket. A copy of it, if filed, may be obtained from the Rules Docket at the location provided under the caption ADDRESSES. \n\nList of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39 \n\n\tAir transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Safety. \n\nAdoption of the Amendment \n\n\tAccordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration amends part 39 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) as follows: \n\nPART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES \n\n\t1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows: \n\n\tAuthority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701. \n\nSec. 39.13 (Amended)2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding the following new airworthiness directive: