[Federal Register: May 30, 2003 (Volume 68, Number 104)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Page 32437-32440]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr30my03-30]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 2002-CE-58-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Univair Aircraft Corporation Models
Alon A-2 and A2-A; ERCO 415-C, 415-CD, 415-D, 415-E, and 415-G; Forney
F-1 and F-1A; and Mooney M10 Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
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SUMMARY: This document proposes to supersede Airworthiness Directive
(AD) 94-18-04 R1, which currently applies to all Univair Aircraft
Corporation (Univair) Models Alon A-2 and A2-A; ERCO 415-C, 415-CD,
415-D, 415-E, and 415-G; Forney F-1 and F-1A; and Mooney M10 airplanes.
AD 94-18-04 R1 requires installing inspection openings in the outer
wing panels, inspecting (one-time) the wing outer panel structural
components for corrosion, and repairing any corroded wing outer panel
structural component. Several reports of corrosion in the outer wing
panels of the affected airplanes prompted that AD. Additional reports
of corrosion on airplanes in compliance with AD 94-18-04 R1 have caused
the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to propose repetitive
inspections. This proposed AD would make the inspection required in AD
94-18-04 R1 repetitive. The actions specified by this proposed AD are
intended to prevent wing damage caused by a corroded wing outer panel
structural component, which, if not detected and corrected, could
progress to the point of structural failure.
DATES: The FAA must receive any comments on this proposed rule on or
before July 28, 2003.
ADDRESSES: Submit comments to FAA, Central Region, Office of the
Regional Counsel, Attention: Rules Docket No. 2002-CE-58-AD, 901
Locust, Room 506, Kansas City, Missouri 64106. You may view any
comments at this location between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through
Friday, except Federal holidays. You may also send comments
electronically to the following address: 9-ACE-7-Docket@faa.gov.
Comments sent electronically must contain ``Docket No. 2002-CE-58-AD''
in the subject line. If you send comments electronically as attached
electronic files, the files must be formatted in Microsoft Word 97 for
Windows or ASCII text.
You may get service information that applies to this proposed AD
from Univair Aircraft Corporation, 2500 Himalaya Road, Aurora, Colorado
80011, telephone: (303) 375-8882; facsimile: (303) 375-8888. You may
also view this information at the Rules Docket at the address above.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Roger Caldwell, Aerospace Engineer,
FAA, Denver Aircraft Certification Office, 26805 East 68th Avenue, Room
214, Denver, Colorado 80249-6361; telephone: (303) 342-1086; facsimile:
(303) 342-1088.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
How Do I Comment on This Proposed AD?
The FAA invites comments on this proposed rule. You may submit
whatever written data, views, or arguments you choose. You need to
include the proposed rule's docket number and submit your comments to
the address specified under the caption ADDRESSES. We will consider all
comments received on or before the closing date. We may amend this
proposed rule in light of comments received. Factual information that
supports your ideas and suggestions is extremely helpful in evaluating
the effectiveness of this proposed AD action and determining whether we
need to take additional rulemaking action.
Are There Any Specific Portions of This Proposed AD I Should Pay
Attention To?
The FAA specifically invites comments on the overall regulatory,
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this proposed rule that
might suggest a need to modify the rule. You may view all comments we
receive before and after the closing date of the rule in the Rules
Docket. We will file a report in the Rules Docket that summarizes each
contact we have with the public that concerns the substantive parts of
this proposed AD.
How Can I Be Sure FAA Receives My Comment?
If you want FAA to acknowledge the receipt of your mailed comments,
you must include a self-addressed, stamped postcard. On the postcard,
write ``Comments to Docket No. 2002-CE-58-AD.'' We will date stamp and
mail the postcard back to you.
[[Page 32438]]
Discussion
Has FAA Taken Any Action to This Point?
Maintenance inspection procedures did not allow for thorough
inspection of the wing structure on Univair Models Alon A-2 and A2-A;
ERCO 415-C, 415-CD, 415-D, 415-E, and 415-G; Forney F-1 and F-1A; and
Mooney M10 airplanes. This caused us to issue AD 94-18-04, Amendment
39-9017 (59 FR 43727, August 25, 1994) to require installing inspection
openings in the outer wing panels, inspecting (one-time) the wing outer
panel structure for corrosion, and repairing any corrosion found.
After AD 94-18-04 was issued, Univair revised Service Bulletin No.
29 to the Revision B level. Univair Service Bulletin No. 29, Revision
B, dated January 2, 1995, changed the dimension of one of the openings
to position it symmetrically between two ribs; and clarified the
dimensioning system utilized in placement of the inspection openings.
Univair SB No. 29, Revision B, also presented further discussion of the
service difficulties encountered on the referenced subject and
clarified the intent of the preliminary inspection procedure that may
be accomplished prior to the installation of the inspection openings.
This caused us to issue AD 94-18-04 R1, Amendment 39-9173 (60 FR
62321, March 14, 1995).
What Has Happened Since AD 94-18-04 R1 To Initiate This Proposed
Action?
The FAA has received additional reports of corrosion damage in the
wing outer panel structural components continuing to go undetected.
Univair has revised Service Bulletin No. 29 to the Revision C level,
dated July 8, 1999. This revision changes the one-time inspection of
the wing outer panel structural components for corrosion to a
repetitive inspection.
The FAA's Determination and an Explanation of the Provisions of This
Proposed AD
What Has FAA Decided?
After examining the circumstances and reviewing all available
information related to the incidents described above, we have
determined that:
--The unsafe condition referenced in this document exists or could
develop on other Univair Models Alon A-2 and A2-A; ERCO 415-C, 415-CD,
415-D, 415-E, and 415-G; Forney F-1 and F-1A, and Mooney M10 airplanes
of the same type design;
--The inspection specified in the previously-referenced service
information and AD 94-18-04 R1 should be made repetitive on the
affected airplanes; and
--AD action should be taken in order to correct this unsafe condition.
What Would This Proposed AD Require?
This proposed AD would supersede AD 94-18-04 R1 with a new AD that
would retain the actions required in AD 94-18-04 R1 and make the one-
time inspection of the wing outer panel structural components for
corrosion a repetitive inspection.
How Does the Revision to 14 CFR Part 39 Affect This Proposed AD?
On July 10, 2002, FAA published a new version of 14 CFR part 39 (67
FR 47997, July 22, 2002), which governs FAA's AD system. This
regulation now includes material that relates to special flight
permits, alternative methods of compliance, and altered products. This
material previously was included in each individual AD. Since this
material is included in 14 CFR part 39, we will not include it in
future AD actions.
Cost Impact
How Many Airplanes Would This Proposed AD Impact?
We estimate that this proposed AD affects 2,600 airplanes in the
U.S. registry.
What Would Be the Cost Impact of This Proposed AD on Owners/Operators
of the Affected Airplanes?
We estimate the following costs to accomplish this proposed
installation of the inspection openings:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total cost
Labor cost Parts cost per
airplane
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6 workhours x $60 per hour = $360........... $67 $427
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We estimate the following costs to accomplish the proposed
inspection:
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Total cost
Labor cost Parts cost per Total cost on U.S. operators
airplane
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2 workhours x $60 per hour = $120... Not applicable........ $120 $120 x 2,600 = $312,000
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The FAA has no method of determining the number of repetitive
inspections each owner/operator would incur over the life of each of
the affected airplanes so the cost impact is based on the initial
inspection.
The FAA has no method of determining the number of repairs or
replacements each owner/operator would incur over the life of each of
the affected airplanes based on the results of the proposed
inspections. We have no way of determining the number of airplanes that
may need such repair. The extent of damage may vary on each airplane.
Compliance Time of This Proposed AD
What Would Be the Compliance Time of This Proposed AD?
The compliance time of this proposed AD is ``within the next 12
calendar months after the effective date of this AD.''
Why Is the Proposed Compliance Time Presented in Calendar Time Instead
of Hours Time-in-Service (TIS)?
The unsafe condition specified by this proposed AD is caused by
corrosion. Corrosion can occur regardless of whether the airplane is in
operation or is in storage. Therefore, to assure that the unsafe
condition specified in this
[[Page 32439]]
proposed AD does not go undetected for a long period of time, the
compliance is presented in calendar time instead of hours TIS.
Regulatory Impact
Would This Proposed AD Impact Various Entities?
The regulations proposed herein 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. Therefore, it
is determined that this proposed rule would not have federalism
implications under Executive Order 13132.
Would This Proposed AD Involve a Significant Rule or Regulatory Action?
For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this proposed
action (1) is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive
Order 12866; (2) is not a ``significant rule'' under DOT Regulatory
Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); and (3) if
promulgated, will not have a significant economic impact, positive or
negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria
of the Regulatory Flexibility Act. A copy of the draft regulatory
evaluation prepared for this action has been placed in the Rules
Docket. A copy of it may be obtained by contacting the Rules Docket at
the location provided under the caption ADDRESSES.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Safety.
The Proposed Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration proposes to amend
part 39 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) as
follows:
PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
Sec. 39.13 [Amended]
2. FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by removing Airworthiness Directive (AD)
94-18-04 R1, Amendment 39-9173 (60 FR 62321, March 14, 1995), and by
adding a new AD to read as follows:
Univair Aircraft Corporation: Docket No. 2002-CE-58-AD; Supersedes
AD 94-18-04 R1, Amendment 39-9173.
(a) What airplanes are affected by this AD? This AD affects the
following airplane models and serial numbers that are certificated
in any category:
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Models Serial No.
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Alon A-2 and A2-A............................ All.
ERCO 415-C, 415-CD, 415-D, 415-E, and 415-G.. All.
Forney F-1 and F-1A.......................... All.
Mooney M10................................... All.
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(b) Who must comply with this AD? Anyone who wishes to operate
any of the airplanes identified in paragraph (a) of this AD must
comply with this AD.
(c) What problem does this AD address? The actions specified by
this AD are intended to prevent wing damage caused by a corroded
wing outer panel structural component, which, if not detected and
corrected, could progress to the point of structural failure.
(d) What actions must I accomplish to address this problem? To
address this problem, you must accomplish the following:
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Actions Compliance Procedures
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(1) Install inspection Within the next 12 In accordance with
openings in the outer wing calendar months Univair Service
panels and inspect the wing after March 24, Bulletin No. 29,
outer panel internal 1995 (the effective Revision B, dated
structural components for date of AD 94-18-04 January 2, 1995, or
corrosion and unrepaired R1), unless already Univair Service
corrosion damage. accomplished. Bulletin No. 29,
Revision C, dated
July 8, 1999, and
Advisory Circular
43-4A, Corrosion
Control for
Aircraft.
(2) If corrosion or Repair or replace In accordance with
corrosion damage is found prior to further Univair Aircraft
during the inspection flight after the Corporation Service
required in paragraph inspection required Bulletin No. 29,
(d)(1) of this AD, repair in paragraph (d)(1) Revision B, dated
or replace components of of this AD. January 2, 1995, or
the wing outer panel Univair Service
structure. Bulletin No. 29,
Revision C, dated
July 8, 1999, the
applicable
maintenance manual,
and Advisory
Circular 43-4A,
Corrosion Control
for Aircraft.
(3) Repetitively inspect the Initially inspect In accordance with
wing outer panel internal within the next 6 Univair Aircraft
structural components for calendar months Corporation Service
corrosion and unrepaired after the effective Bulletin No. 29,
corrosion damage. date of this AD Revision C, dated
unless the wing July 8, 1999, and
outer panel Advisory Circular
internal structure 43-4A, Corrosion
had been inspected Control for
for corrosion Aircraft.
within the previous
6 calendar months
immediately prior
to the effective
date of this AD.
Repetitively
inspect thereafter
at intervals not to
exceed 12 months
after the last
inspection.
(4) At any time corrosion or Repair or replace In accordance with
corrosion damage is found, prior to further Univair Aircraft
repair or replace flight after the Corporation Service
components of the wing inspection in which Bulletin No. 29,
outer panel structure. the corrosion or Revision B, dated
corrosion damage is January 2, 1995, or
found. Continue Univair Service
with the repetitive Bulletin No. 29,
inspection Revision C, dated
requirements of July 8, 1999, and
this AD. Advisory Circular
43-4A, Corrosion
Control for
Aircraft.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Note 1: The compliance times specified in Univair Aircraft
Corporation Service Bulletin No. 29, Revision B, dated January 2,
1995, or Univair Service Bulletin No. 29, Revision C, dated July 8,
1999, are different from those required by this AD. The compliance
times in this AD take precedence over those in the service bulletin.
(e) Can I comply with this AD in any other way?
(1) To use an alternative method of compliance or adjust the
compliance time, follow the procedures in 14 CFR 39.13. Send these
requests to the Manager, Denver Aircraft Certification Office (ACO).
For information on any already approved alternative methods of
compliance, contact Roger Caldwell, Aerospace Engineer, FAA, Denver
Aircraft Certification Office, 26805 East 68th Avenue, Room 214,
Denver, Colorado 80249-6361; telephone: (303) 342-1086; facsimile:
(303) 342-1088.
(2) Alternative methods of compliance approved for the
inspection required in AD 94-18-04 R1, which is superseded by this
[[Page 32440]]
AD, are approved as alternative methods of compliance with this AD.
(f) How do I get copies of the documents referenced in this AD?
You may get copies of the documents referenced in this AD from
Univair Aircraft Corporation, 2500 Himalaya Road, Aurora, Colorado
80011, telephone: (303) 375-8882; facsimile: (303) 375-8888. You may
view these documents at FAA, Central Region, Office of the Regional
Counsel, 901 Locust, Room 506, Kansas City, Missouri 64106.
(g) Does this AD action affect any existing AD actions? This
amendment supersedes AD 94-18-04 R1, Amendment 39-9173.
Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on May 23, 2003.
Michael Gallagher,
Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 03-13511 Filed 5-29-03; 8:45 am]
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