[Federal Register: December 29, 2003 (Volume 68, Number 248)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Page 74874-74877]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr29de03-17]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 2000-CE-43-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; AeroSpace Technologies of Australia Pty
Ltd Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
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SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD)
for all AeroSpace Technologies of Australia Pty Ltd Model N22B, N22S,
and N24A airplanes. This proposed AD would require you to inspect the
forward and aft face of the rear fuselage frame for cracks and to
repair or modify accordingly. This proposed AD is the result of
mandatory continuing airworthiness information issued by the
airworthiness authority for Australia. We are issuing this proposed AD
to detect and correct cracks in the rear fuselage frame, which could
result in failure of the fuselage rear bulkhead and consequent loss of
structural integrity.
DATES: We must receive any comments on this proposed AD by February 2,
2004.
ADDRESSES: Use one of the following to submit comments on this proposed
AD:
[sbull] By mail: FAA, Central Region, Office of the Regional
Counsel, Attention: Rules Docket No. 2000-CE-43-AD, 901 Locust, Room
506, Kansas City, Missouri 64106.
[sbull] By fax: (816) 329-3771.
[sbull] By e-mail: 9-ACE-7-Docket@faa.gov. Comments sent
electronically must contain ``Docket No. 2000-CE-43-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.
You may get the service information identified in this proposed AD
from AeroSpace Technologies of Australia Pty Ltd; 226 Lorimer Street,
Port Melbourne Victoria 3207, Australia.
You may view the AD docket at FAA, Central Region, Office of the
Regional Counsel, Attention: Rules Docket No.
[[Page 74875]]
2000-CE-43-AD, 901 Locust, Room 506, Kansas City, Missouri 64106.
Office hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, except
Federal holidays.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ron Atmur, Senior Aerospace Engineer,
Airframe Branch, ANM-120L, FAA, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification
Office, 3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, California 90712-4137;
telephone: (562) 627-5224; facsimile: (562) 627-5210.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
How do I comment on this proposed AD?
We invite you to submit any written relevant data, views, or
arguments regarding this proposal. Send your comments to an address
listed under ADDRESSES. Include ``AD Docket No. 2000-CE-43-AD'' in the
subject line of your comments. If you want us to acknowledge receipt of
your mailed comments, send us a self-addressed, stamped postcard with
the docket number written on it. We will date-stamp your postcard and
mail it back to you.
Are there any specific portions of this proposed AD I should pay
attention to?
We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory,
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this proposed AD. If you
contact us through a nonwritten communication and that contact relates
to a substantive part of this proposed AD, we will summarize the
contact and place the summary in the docket. We will consider all
comments received by the closing date and may amend this proposed AD in
light of those comments and contacts.
Discussion
What events have caused this proposed AD?
The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), which is the
airworthiness authority for Australia, recently notified FAA that an
unsafe condition may exist on all AeroSpace Technologies of Australia
Pty Ltd N22 and N24 series airplanes. The CASA received a number of
reports of airplanes with cracks around the rivet heads on the rear
bulkhead frame. The cracks could result in failure of the fuselage rear
bulkhead and consequent loss of airplane control.
What are the consequences if the condition is not corrected?
We are issuing this proposed AD to detect and correct cracks in the
rear fuselage frame, which could result in failure of the fuselage rear
bulkhead and consequent loss of airplane control.
Is there service information that applies to this subject?
AeroSpace Technologies of Australia Pty Ltd has issued the Nomad
Alert Service Bulletin--53-15, which incorporates the following pages.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Revision
Effective pages level Date
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1-31 (reprint of entire service 2 October 6, 1997.
bulletin).
1 through 4, 13 through 19, and 23 3 June 1, 1999.
and 24.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
What are the provisions of this service information?
The service bulletin includes procedures for inspecting the rear
fuselage bulkhead of aircraft for cracks and making required repairs
and/or modifications.
What action did the CASA take?
The CASA classified this service bulletin as mandatory and issued
Australian AD Number AD/GAF-N22/65 amendment 3, dated May 5, 2000, to
ensure the continued airworthiness of these airplanes in Australia.
Did the CASA inform the United States per the bilateral airworthiness
agreement?
These AeroSpace Technologies of Australia Pty Ltd Model N22B, N22S,
and N24A airplanes are manufactured in Australia and are type-
certificated for operation in the United States under the provisions of
section 21.29 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.29) and
the applicable bilateral airworthiness agreement.
Under this bilateral airworthiness agreement, the CASA has kept us
informed of the situation described above.
FAA's Determination and Requirements of this Proposed AD
What has FAA decided?
We have examined the CASA's findings, 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.
Since the unsafe condition described previously is likely to exist
or develop on other AeroSpace Technologies of Australia Pty Ltd Models
N22B, N22S, and N24A airplanes of the same type design that are
registered in the United States, we are proposing AD action to detect
and correct cracks in the rear fuselage frame.
What would this proposed AD require?
This proposed AD would require you to incorporate the actions in
the previously-referenced service bulletin.
How does the revision to 14 CFR part 39 affect this proposed AD?
On July 10, 2002, we 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 altered products,
special flight permits, and alternative methods of compliance. 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.
Costs of Compliance
How many airplanes would this proposed AD impact?
We estimate that this proposed AD affects 14 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 the proposed
inspection:
[[Page 74876]]
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Total cost per Total cost on
Labor cost Parts cost airplane U.S. operators
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General Visual Inspection--0.5 work hours est. No parts needed for inspection.. $30 $420
$60 per hour = $30.
Detailed Visual Inspection--5 work hours est. No parts needed for inspection.. $300 $4,200
$60 per hour = $300.
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We estimate the following costs to accomplish any necessary repairs
that would be required based on the results of the proposed inspection.
We have no way of determining the number of airplanes that may need
these repairs:
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Total cost per
Labor cost Parts cost airplane
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Repair--20 work hours est. $60 per hour $1,000 $2,200
= $1,200...............................
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We estimate the following costs to accomplish the proposed
modification:
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Total cost per Total cost on
Labor cost Parts cost airplane U.S. operators
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Modification--24 work hours est. $60 per hour = $1,440.......... $500 $1,940 $27,160
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Regulatory Findings
Would this proposed AD impact various entities?
We have determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism
implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD 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.
Would this proposed AD involve a significant rule or regulatory action?
For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this proposed AD:
1. Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order
12866;
2. Is not a ``significant rule'' under the DOT Regulatory Policies
and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); and
3. 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.
We prepared a summary of the costs to comply with this proposed AD
and placed it in the AD Docket. You may get a copy of this summary by
sending a request to us at the address listed under ADDRESSES. Include
``AD Docket No. 2000-CE-43-AD'' in your request.
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 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. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new
airworthiness directive (AD):
AeroSpace Technologies of Australia Pty Ltd: Docket No. 2000-CE-43-
AD
When Is the Last Date I Can Submit Comments on This Proposed AD?
(a) We must receive comments on this proposed airworthiness
directive (AD) by February 2, 2004.
What Other ADs Are Affected By This Action?
(b) None.
What Airplanes Are Affected By This AD?
(c) This AD affects the following airplane models and line
sequence numbers (serial numbers) that are certificated in any
category:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Models Line sequence numbers
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(1) N22B and N22S......................... 1 through 9, 11 through 29,
31, 33, 35, 37, 39 through
41, 43, 45, 47 through 59,
61, 63, 65 through 70, 82
through 88, 90 through 95,
97, 100, 102 through 114,
116, 118, 125, 126, 131
through 134, 136 through
138, 141, and 143 through
170.
(2) N24A.................................. 10, 30, 32, 34, 36, 38, 42,
44, 46, 60, 62, 64, 71
through 81, 89, 96, 98, 99,
101, 115, 117, 119 through
124, 127 through 130, 135,
139, 140, and 142.
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What Is the Unsafe Condition Presented in This AD?
(d) This AD is the result of reports of cracks around the rivet
heads on the rear bulkhead frame. The actions specified in this AD
are intended to detect and correct cracks in the rear fuselage
bulkhead. The cracks could result in failure of the fuselage rear
bulkhead and consequent loss of structural integrity.
What Must I Do To Address This Problem?
(e) To address this problem, you must do the following:
[[Page 74877]]
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Action Compliance Procedures
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(1) Perform a general visual For airplanes that Do the inspection
inspection of the forward face have not been following Section
of the rear fuselage frame for repaired as 2.A of Nomad
cracks. described in the Service Bulletin
service bulletin: ANMD-53-15. (See
Inspect within 50 paragraph (f) of
hours time in this AD for a
service (TIS) list of effective
after the pages.)
effective date of
this AD, if not
already
inspected.
Repetitively
inspect every 100
hours TIS
thereafter until
the modification
in paragraph
(e)(4) of this AD
is done.
For airplanes that
have been
repaired as
described in the
service bulletin:
Inspect within
500 hours TIS
after repair or
next 100 hours
TIS after the
effective date of
this AD,
whichever occurs
later.
Repetitively
inspect every 100
hours TIS
thereafter until
the modification
in paragraph
(e)(4) of this AD
is done.
(2) Perform a detailed visual For airplanes that Do the inspection
inspection of the aft face of have not been following Section
the rear fuselage frame for repaired as 2.A of Nomad
cracks. described in the Service Bulletin
service bulletin: ANMD-53-15. (See
Inspect within paragraph (f) of
100 hours TIS this AD for a
after the list of effective
effective date of pages.)
this AD.
Repetitively
inspect every 300
hours TIS
thereafter until
the modification
in paragraph
(e)(4) of this AD
is done..
For airplanes that
have been
repaired as
described in the
service bulletin:
Inspect within
500 hours TIS
after repair or
100 hours TIS
after the
effective date of
this AD,
whichever occurs
later.
Repetitively
inspect every 300
hours TIS
thereafter or
until the
modification in
paragraph (e)(4)
of this AD is
done.
(3) Repair any cracks found If any cracks are Do repairs
during any general or detailed found during a following Section
inspection required by this AD. general or 2.B of Nomad
detailed Service Bulletin
inspection, the ANMD-53-15. (See
airplane must be paragraph (f) of
repaired before this AD for a
further flight. list of effective
See compliance pages.)
for modification
below.
(4) Modify the airplane by For airplanes that Do modification
installing AeroSpace have not been following Section
Technologies of Australia repaired before 2.C of Nomad
Modification N806. the effective Service Bulletin
date of this AD: ANMD-53-15. (See
Modification is paragraph (f) of
mandatory within this AD for a
100 hours TIS or list of effective
12 months of the pages.)
effective date of
this AD,
whichever occurs
sooner.
Modification
terminates the
inspection
requirements of
this AD.
For aircraft that
have been
repaired before
the effective
date of this AD:.
Modification is
mandatory within
3,000 effective
hours TIS after
incorporation of
the repair or 18
months after the
effective date of
this AD,
whichever occurs
later.
Modification
terminates the
inspection
rerquirements of
this AD.
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(f) The Aerospace Technologies of Australia Pty Ltd has issued
the Nomad Alert Service Bulletin-53-15, which incorporates the
following pages.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Revision
Effective pages level Date
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1-31 (reprint of entire service 2 October 6, 1997
bulletin).
1 through 4, 13 through 19, and 23 3 June 1, 1999
and 24.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
May I Request an Alternative Method of Compliance?
(g) You may request a different method of compliance or a
different compliance time for this AD by following the procedures in
14 CFR 39.13. Send your request to Ron Atmur, Senior Aerospace
Engineer, Airframe Branch, ANM-120L, FAA, Los Angeles Aircraft
Certification Office, 3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, California
90712-4137; telephone: (562) 627-5224; facsimile: (562) 627-5210.
For information on any already approved alternative methods of
compliance, contact Ron Atmur at the above mentioned address.
May I Get Copies of the Documents Referenced in This AD?
(h) You may get copies of the documents referenced in this AD
from AeroSpace Technologies of Australia Pty Ltd, 226 Lorimer
Street, Port Melbourne Victoria 3207, Australia. You may view these
documents at FAA, Central Region, Office of the Regional Counsel,
901 Locust, Room 506, Kansas City, Missouri 64106.
Is There Other Information That Relates to This Subject?
(i) Australian Airworthiness Directive AD/GAF-N22/65 Amdt 3,
dated May 5, 2000, also addresses the subject of this AD.
Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on December 17, 2003.
Michael Gallagher,
Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 03-31847 Filed 12-24-03; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P