[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 83 (Monday, April 29, 1996)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 18667-18670]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-10307]



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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 95-CE-61-AD; Amendment 39-9580; AD 96-09-06]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Brackett Aircraft Company, Inc. Air 
Filter Assemblies Installed on Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This document supersedes airworthiness directive (AD) 95-03-
02, which currently requires repetitively inspecting (visually) the air 
filter frame for a loose or deteriorating gasket on airplanes 
incorporating certain Brackett air filter assemblies and replacing any 
gasket found loose or deteriorated. This action requires retaining the 
repetitive inspection as contained in AD 95-03-02, and will incorporate 
additional Brackett air filter assemblies to the ``Applicability'' 
section of that AD. Additionally, this AD will provide a terminating 
action for the repetitive inspection. The Federal Aviation 
Administration's determination that certain additional Bracket air 
filter assemblies should be inspected and replaced prompted this AD 
action. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent gasket 
particles from entering the carburetor because of air filter gasket 
failure, which could result in partial or complete loss of engine power 
and loss of control of the airplane.

DATES: Effective June 7, 1996.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of June 7, 1996.

ADDRESSES: Service information that applies to this AD may be obtained 
from (FAA), Central Region, Office of the Assistant Chief Counsel, 
Attention: Rules Docket 95-CE-61-AD, Room 1558, 601 E. 12th Street, 
Kansas City, Missouri, 64106; or at the Office of the Federal Register, 
800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Elizabeth Bumann, Aerospace Engineer, 
Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, 3960 Paramount 
Boulevard, Lakewood, California, 90712; telephone (310) 627-5265; 
facsimile (310) 627-5210.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: A proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal 
Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) to include an AD that would apply 
to airplanes incorporating certain Brackett air filter assemblies was 
published in the Federal Register on December 18, 1995 (60 FR 65038). 
This action would retain the requirement to repetitively inspect 
(visually) the air filter for a loose or deteriorated gasket and 
replacing any gasket found loose or deteriorated as contained in AD 95-
03-02, and would incorporate additional Brackett air filter assemblies 
in the ``Applicability'' section of that AD. Additionally, this 
proposed AD would provide a terminating action for the repetitive 
inspection by replacing any gasket found loose or deteriorated with a 
gasket of improved design.
    Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate 
in the making of this amendment. No comments were received on the 
proposed rule or the FAA's determination of the cost to the public.
    After careful review of all available information related to the 
subject presented above, the FAA has determined that air safety and the 
public interest require the adoption of the rule as proposed except for 
minor editorial corrections. The FAA has determined that these minor 
corrections will not change the meaning of the AD and will not add any 
additional burden upon the public than was already proposed.
    The FAA estimates that 50,000 airplanes in the U.S. registry will 
be affected by this AD. To accomplish this repetitive inspection and 
possible replacement of a damaged air filter will take approximately 1 
hour per airplane for each task, and that the average labor rate is 
approximately $60 an hour. The air filter assembly replacement is 
estimated to be $40 per airplane. The

[[Page 18668]]

total estimated cost for this modification required at 500 hours TIS 
will be $100 per airplane and the total cost impact of the modification 
is estimated to be $5,000,000. The FAA knows that each owner/operator 
will have to repetitively inspect a maximum of four times before the 
mandatory replacement of the air filter assembly, and based on the 
assumption that no operator will incorporate the modification prior to 
the 500 hours TIS, the total cost of four repetitive inspections will 
be $240 per airplane plus the cost of the terminating action. Based on 
these figures the total cost impact of this AD on U.S. operators is 
estimated to be $17,000,000.
    The regulations adopted herein will not have substantial direct 
effects 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, in 
accordance with Executive Order 12612, it is determined that this final 
rule does not have sufficient federalism implications to warrant the 
preparation of a Federalism Assessment.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this 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) 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 final evaluation prepared for this 
action is contained 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, Incorporation by 
reference, Safety.

Adoption of the Amendment

    Accordingly, 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:

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. Section 39.13 is amended by removing Airworthiness Directive 
(AD) 95-03-02, Amendment 39-9139, and by adding a new AD to read as 
follows:

96-09-06. Brackett Aircraft Company: Docket No. 95-CE-61-AD; 
Supersedes AD 95-03-02, Amendment 39-9139.
    Applicability: Air filter assemblies presented in the following 
chart that utilize a neoprene gasket installed on, but not limited 
to the following airplanes, certificated in any category:

    Note 1: These air filters could be installed as original 
equipment or in accordance with Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) 
SA71GL or STC SA693CE.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
        Air filter assembly                 Airplanes installed on      
------------------------------------------------------------------------
BA-2010............................  Beechcraft Model 77 Airplanes.     
BA-4106............................  Cessna Models 120, 140, 140A, 150, 
                                      150A, 150B, 150C, 150D, 150E,     
                                      150F, 150G, 150H, 150J, 150K,     
                                      150L, 150M, A150M, 152, and A152; 
                                      American Champion Models Bellanca 
                                      (Champion) (Aeronca) 7ACA, 7ECA,  
                                      and 7FC; Aviat, Inc. Models A-1;  
                                      Luscombe Models 8, 8A, 8B, 8C, 8D,
                                      8E, 8F, and T-8F; Piper Models PA-
                                      22, PA-22-135, PA-22-150, PA-22-  
                                      160, PA-22-108, PA-20-115, PA-20- 
                                      135, PA-38-112, J-3, J3C-65, J3C- 
                                      65S, PA-11, PA-11S, J4A, J4A-S,   
                                      J4E, J5A, J5A-80, PA-12, PA-12S,  
                                      PA-16, PA-17, PA-18, PA-18A, PA-  
                                      18S, PA-18-``125'' (Army L-21A),  
                                      PA-18AS-``125'', PA-18S-``125'',  
                                      PA-18AS-``135'', PA-18S-``135'',  
                                      PA-18-``135'', PA-18-``150'', PA- 
                                      18A-``150'' (SN 18-1 through 18-  
                                      6963), PA-18S-``150'', PA-19, PA- 
                                      18A (Restricted), PA-18A-``135''  
                                      (Restricted), and PA-18A-``150''  
                                      (Restricted) (SN 18-1 through 18- 
                                      18-6963); Taylorcraft Models BC65,
                                      BCS-65, BC12-65, BCS12-65, BC12-D,
                                      BCS12-D1, BC12D85, BCS12D85, BC12D-
                                      4-85, BCS12D-4-85, 19, F19, F21,  
                                      DC-65, DCO-65, F22, F22A, F22B,   
                                      and F22C; Univair Models (Alon) A-
                                      2, A2-A, (Forney) F-1, F-1A, and  
                                      (Mooney) M10; Swift Museum Models 
                                      (Globe) GC-1A and GC-1B; Augustair
                                      Model Varga (Morrisey) 2150A;     
                                      Aeronca Model 65-CA; American     
                                      Champion 7ECA (with Cont. O-200-A 
                                      engine) and 7ACA; Reims Aviation  
                                      (Cessna) F150G, F150H, F150J,     
                                      F150K, F150L, F150M, FA150K,      
                                      FA150L, F152, AND FA152; Socata-  
                                      Groupe Aerospatiale Models Rallye 
                                      Series MS880B, MS885, and 100S.   
BA-4106-1..........................  Aviat, Inc. Model (Christian) A-1. 
BA-4210............................  Gulfstream Models AA-1, AA-1A, AA- 
                                      1B, AA-1C, and AA-5.              
BA-5110............................  Cessna Models 170, 170A, 170B, 172,
                                      172A, 172B, 172C, 172D, 172E,     
                                      172F, 172G, 172H, 172I, 172K,     
                                      172L, and 172M; Mooney Mite Model 
                                      M-18C; Reims Aviation Models      
                                      (Cessna) F172D, F172E, F172F,     
                                      F172G, F172H, F172K, F172L, and   
                                      F172M; Socata-Groupe Aerospatiale 
                                      Models TB9, TB10, Rallye Series   
                                      MS892A-150, MS892E-150, MS892E-   
                                      150T, and MS892E-150ST; Panstwowe 
                                      Zakolady Kotnicze Model PZL-      
                                      Koliber 150A; Augustair, Inc.     
                                      Model Varga (Morrisey) 2180.      
BA-5110A...........................  Cessna Models 172N and 172P; Reims 
                                      Aviation Models (Cessna) F172N and
                                      F172P.                            
BA-6110............................  Maule Models M-4, M-4C, M-4S, M-4T,
                                      M-4-220, M-4-220C, M-4-220S, M-4- 
                                      220T, M-4-180C, M-4-180S, M-4-    
                                      180T, M-5-220C, M-5-235C, M-5-    
                                      180C, M-5-210TC, M-6-180, M-6-235,
                                      M-7-235, MX-7-180, MXT-7-160, MXT-
                                      7-180, MX-7-160, MX-7-235, and MX-
                                      8-235; Mooney Models M20, M20A,   
                                      M20B, M20C, M20D, and M20G.       
BA-8910............................  Dynac Models (Aero Commander) 100  
                                      and 100A.                         

[[Page 18669]]

                                                                        
AAF-117............................  Cessna Models 120, 140, 140A, 150, 
                                      150A, 150B, 150C, 150D, 150E,     
                                      150F, 150G, 150H, 150J, 150K,     
                                      150L, 150M, A150M, 152, and A152; 
                                      American Champion Models Bellanca 
                                      (Champion) (Aeronca) 7ACA, 7ECA,  
                                      and 7FC; Aviat, Inc. Models A-1;  
                                      Luscombe Models 8, 8A, 8B, 8C, 8D,
                                      8E, 8F, and T-8F; Piper Models PA-
                                      22, PA-22-135, PA-22-150, PA-22-  
                                      160, PA-22-108, PA-20-115, PA-20- 
                                      135, PA-38-112, J-3, J3C-65, J3C- 
                                      65S, PA-11, PA-11S, J4A, J4A-S,   
                                      J4E, J5A, J5A-80, PA-12, PA-12S,  
                                      PA-16, PA-17, PA-18, PA-18A, PA-  
                                      185, PA-18-``125'' (Army L-21A),  
                                      PA-18AS-``125'', PA-185-``125'',  
                                      PA-18AS-``135'', PA-18S-``135'',  
                                      PA-18-``135'', PA-18-``150'', PA- 
                                      18A-``150'' (SN 18-1 through 18-  
                                      6963), PA-18S-``150'', PA-19, PA- 
                                      18A (Restricted), PA-18A-``135''  
                                      (Restricted), and PA-18A-``150''  
                                      (Restricted) (SN 18-1 through 18- 
                                      6963); Taylorcraft Models BC65,   
                                      BCS-65, BC12-65, BCS12-65, BC12-D,
                                      BCS12-D1, BC12D85, BCS12D85, BC12D-
                                      4-85, BCS12D-4-85, 19, F19, F21,  
                                      DC-65, DCO-65, F22, F22A, F22B,   
                                      and F22C; Univair Models (Alon) A-
                                      2, A2-A, (Forney) F-1, F-1A, and  
                                      (Mooney) M10; Swift Museum Models 
                                      (Globe) GC-1A and GC-1B; Augustair
                                      Model Varga (Morrisey) 2150A;     
                                      Aeronca Model 65-CA; American     
                                      Champion 7ECA (with Cont. O-200-A 
                                      engine) and 7ACA; Reims Aviation  
                                      (Cessna) F150G, F150H, F150J,     
                                      F150K, F150L, F150M, FA150K,      
                                      FA150L, F152, AND FA152; Socata-  
                                      Groupe Aerospatiale Models Rallye 
                                      Series MS880B, MS885, and 100S,   
                                      F22B, and F22C; Univair Models    
                                      (Alon) A-2, A2-A, (Forney) F-1, F-
                                      1A, and (Mooney) M10; Swift Museum
                                      Models (Globe) GC-1A and GC-1B;   
                                      Augustair Model Varga (Morrisey)  
                                      2150A; Aeronca Model 65-CA;       
                                      American Champion 7ECA (with Cont.
                                      O-200-A engine) and 7ACA; Reims   
                                      Aviation (Cessna) F150G, F150H,   
                                      F150J, F150K, F150L, F150M,       
                                      FA150K, FA150L, F152, and FA152;  
                                      Socata-Groupe Aerospatiale Models 
                                      Rallye Series MS880B, MS885, and  
                                      100S.                             
AAF-118............................  Cessna Models 170, 170A, 170B, 172,
                                      172A, 172B, 172C, 172D, 172E,     
                                      172F, 172G, 172H, 172I, 172K,     
                                      172L, and 172M; Mooney Mite Model 
                                      M-18C; Reims Aviation Models      
                                      (Cessna) F172D, F172E, F172F,     
                                      F172G, F172H, F172K, F172L, and   
                                      F172M; Socata-Groupe Aerospatiale 
                                      Models TB9, TB10, Rallye Series   
                                      MS892A-150, MS892E-150, MS892E-   
                                      150T, and MS892E-150ST; Panstwowe 
                                      Zakolady Kotnicze Model PZL-      
                                      Koliber 150A; Augustair, Inc.     
                                      Model Varga (Morrisey) 2180.      
------------------------------------------------------------------------



    Note 2: This AD applies to each airplane identified in the 
preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been 
modified, altered, or repaired in the area subject to the 
requirements of this AD. For airplanes that have been modified, 
altered, or repaired so that the performance of the requirements of 
this AD is affected, the owner/operator must request approval for an 
alternative method of compliance in accordance with paragraph (f) of 
this AD. The request should include an assessment of the effect of 
the modification, alteration, or repair on the unsafe condition 
addressed by this AD; and, if the unsafe condition has not been 
eliminated, the request should include specific proposed actions to 
address it.

    Compliance: Required within the next 100 hours time-in-service 
(TIS) after the effective date of this AD, or within the next 100 
hours (TIS) after the last inspection accomplished in accordance 
with AD 95-03-02, whichever occurs first, and thereafter as 
indicated in the body of this AD, unless already accomplished in 
accordance with paragraph (c) of this AD.
    To prevent gasket particles from entering the carburetor because 
of air filter gasket failure, which could result in partial or 
complete loss of engine power, accomplish the following:
    (a) Inspect (visually) the inside and outside of the air filter 
frame for gasket looseness, movement, or deterioration in accordance 
with Brackett Document I-194, dated March 16, 1994. Continue this 
repetitive inspection at intervals not to exceed 100 hours TIS, 
until accomplishment of the terminating action required in paragraph 
(c) of this AD.
    (b) If the gasket is found to be damaged, prior to further 
flight, replace the air filter assembly with one having a retaining 
lip in accordance with the Brackett INSTALLATION INSTRUCTION SHEET 
corresponding to the new air filter assembly part number that is 
applicable to the owner/operator's particular model of airplane:

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
            Air filter assembly                   Replace with assembly                Instruction sheet        
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BA-2010...................................  BA-2010 Revision A...............  BA-2004, dated 6/6/95.           
BA-4106...................................  BA-4106 Revision D...............  BA-4105, dated 6/15/95.          
BA-4106-1.................................  BA-4106-1 Revision A.............  RM-1, dated 7/6/95.              
BA-4210...................................  BA-4210 Revision B...............  BA-4205, dated 6/14/95.          
BA-5110...................................  BA-5110 Revision H...............  BA-5105, dated 5/8/95.           
BA-5110A..................................  BA-5110A Revision D..............  BA-5111, dated 5/8/95.           
BA-6110...................................  BA-6110 Revision C...............  BA-6105, dated 6/5/95.           
BA-8910...................................  BA-8910 Revision B...............  BA-8910-3, dated 6/6/95.         
AAF-117...................................  BA-4106 Revision D...............  BA-4105, dated 6/15/95.          
AAF-118...................................  BA-5110 Revision H...............  BA-5105, dated 5/8/95.           
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (c) Within the next 500 hours TIS after the effective date of 
this AD, replace the air filter assembly as a terminating action to 
this AD in accordance with the Brackett INSTALLATION INSTRUCTION 
SHEET corresponding to the new air filter assembly part number that 
is applicable to the owner/operator's particular model of airplane 
as specified in paragraph (b) of this AD.
    (d) The replacement in paragraphs (b) and (c) is considered 
terminating action for the repetitive inspection required by this 
AD.
    (e) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with 
sections 21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 
CFR 21.197 and 21.199) to operate the airplane to a location where 
the requirements of this AD can be accomplished.
    (f) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the 
initial or repetitive compliance times that provides an equivalent 
level of safety may be approved by the Manager, Los Angeles Aircraft 
Certification Office, FAA, 3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, 
California 90712. The request shall be forwarded through an 
appropriate FAA Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then 
send it to the Manager, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office.

    Note 3: Information concerning the existence of approved 
alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be 
obtained from the Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office.

    (g) Alternative methods of compliance approved in accordance 
with AD 95-03-02 (superseded by this action) are considered approved 
as alternative methods of compliance with this AD.
    (h) The inspections and replacements required by this AD shall 
be done in accordance with Brackett Air Filter Document I-194, dated 
March 16, 1994 and with the Brackett INSTALLATION INSTRUCTION SHEET 
corresponding to the new air filter assembly part number that is 
applicable to the owner/operator's particular model of airplane as 
specified in paragraph

[[Page 18670]]

(b) of this AD. This incorporation by reference was approved by the 
Director of the Federal Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) 
and 1 CFR part 51. Copies may be obtained from Brackett Aircraft 
Company, Inc., 7045 Flightline Drive, Kingman, Arizona 86401. Copies 
may be inspected at the FAA, Central Region, Office of the Assistant 
Chief Counsel, Room 1558, 601 E. 12th Street, Kansas City, Missouri, 
or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, 
NW., 7th Floor, suite 700, Washington, DC.
    (i) This amendment supersedes AD 95-03-02, Amendment 39-9139.
    (j) This amendment (39-9580) becomes effective on June 7, 1996.

    Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on April 18, 1996.
Henry A. Armstrong,
Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 96-10307 Filed 4-26-96; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P