[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 207 (Thursday, October 24, 1996)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 55085-55087]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-26718]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 96-NM-08-AD; Amendment 39-9784; AD 96-21-07]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Shorts Model SD3-30, -60, and -SHERPA 
Series Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), 
applicable to all Shorts Model SD3-30, -60, and -SHERPA series 
airplanes, that requires a visual inspection to detect signs of 
exfoliation corrosion on the brackets of the flap hydraulic units, and 
rework or replacement of corroded

[[Page 55086]]

brackets. This amendment is prompted by a report that exfoliation 
corrosion was found on the brackets of the flap hydraulic units. The 
actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent such corrosion, 
and consequent reduced structural integrity of the brackets of the flap 
hydraulic units, which could result in the loss of the flap control and 
consequent reduced controllability of the airplane.

DATES: Effective November 29, 1996.

    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of November 29, 1996.
ADDRESSES: The service information referenced in this AD may be 
obtained from Short Brothers PLC, 2011 Crystal Drive, Suite 713, 
Arlington, Virginia 22202-3719. This information may be examined at the 
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, 
Rules Docket, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or at the 
Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 
700, Washington, DC.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Greg Dunn, Aerospace Engineer, 
Standardization Branch, ANM-113, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056; telephone (206) 
227-2799; fax (206) 227-1149.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: A proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal 
Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) to include an airworthiness 
directive (AD) that is applicable to all Shorts Model SD3-30, -60, and 
-SHERPA series airplanes was published in the Federal Register on July 
12, 1996 (61 FR 36669). That action proposed to require a visual 
inspection to detect signs of exfoliation corrosion on the brackets of 
the flap hydraulic units, and rework or replacement of corroded 
brackets.
    Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate 
in the making of this amendment. No comments were submitted in response 
to the proposal or the FAA's determination of the cost to the public.

Conclusion

    The FAA has determined that air safety and the public interest 
require the adoption of the rule as proposed.

Cost Impact

    The FAA estimates that 138 airplanes (50 Model SD3-30 series 
airplanes, 72 Model SD3-60 series airplanes, and 16 Model SD3-SHERPA 
series airplanes) of U.S. registry will be affected by this AD. It will 
take approximately 5 work hours per airplane to accomplish the required 
actions, at an average labor rate of $60 per work hour. Based on these 
figures, the cost impact of the AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be 
$41,400, or $300 per airplane.
    The cost impact figure discussed above is based on assumptions that 
no operator has yet accomplished any of the requirements of this AD 
action, and that no operator would accomplish those actions in the 
future if this AD were not adopted.

Regulatory Impact

    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 final evaluation has been prepared for this action 
and it is contained in the Rules Docket. A copy of it may be obtained 
from 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 adding the following new 
airworthiness directive:

96-21-07 Short Brothers, PLC: Amendment 39-9784. Docket 96-NM-08-AD.

    Applicability: All Model SD3-30, -60, and -SHERPA series 
airplanes, certificated in any category.

    Note 1: 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 (b) 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 as indicated, unless accomplished 
previously.
    To prevent corrosion on the brackets of the flap hydraulic 
units, and consequent reduced structural integrity of those 
brackets, which could result in the loss of the flap control and 
consequent reduced controllability of the airplane, accomplish the 
following:
    (a) Within 90 days after the effective date of this AD, perform 
a visual inspection to detect signs of exfoliation corrosion on the 
brackets of the flap hydraulic units, in accordance with Shorts 
Service Bulletin SD330-27-34 (for Model SD3-30 series airplanes); 
Shorts Service Bulletin SD360-27-24 (for Model SD3-60 series 
airplanes); or Short Service Bulletin SD3 SHERPA-27-1 (for Model 
SD3-SHERPA series airplanes); all dated September 12, 1995; as 
applicable.
    (1) If no corrosion is detected, accomplish paragraph (a)(1)(i) 
or (a)(1)(ii) of this AD, as applicable.
    (i) For Model SD3-30 and -60 series airplanes: Repeat the visual 
inspection thereafter at intervals not to exceed 2,400 hours or 12 
months, whichever occurs first.
    (ii) For Model SD3-SHERPA series airplanes: Repeat the visual 
inspection thereafter at intervals not to exceed 12 months.
    (2) If any corrosion is detected and it is within the limits 
specified in the applicable service bulletin, prior to further 
flight, rework the subject area in accordance with the applicable 
service bulletin. After accomplishment of the rework, accomplish 
paragraph (a)(2)(i) or (a)(2)(ii) of this AD, as applicable.
    (i) For Model SD3-30 and -60 series airplanes: Repeat the visual 
inspection thereafter at intervals not to exceed 600 hours or 6 
months, whichever occurs first.
    (ii) For Model SD3-SHERPA series airplanes: Repeat the visual 
inspection thereafter at intervals not to exceed 6 months.
    (3) If any corrosion is detected and it is outside the limits 
specified in the applicable service bulletin, prior to further 
flight, replace the bracket with a new bracket in

[[Page 55087]]

accordance with the applicable service bulletin.
    (b) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the 
compliance time that provides an acceptable level of safety may be 
used if approved by the Manager, Standardization Branch, ANM-113, 
FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate. Operators shall submit their 
requests through an appropriate FAA Principal Maintenance Inspector, 
who may add comments and then send it to the Manager, 
Standardization Branch, ANM-113.

    Note 2: Information concerning the existence of approved 
alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be 
obtained from the Standardization Branch, ANM-113.
    (c) 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.
    (d) The actions shall be done in accordance with Shorts Service 
Bulletin SD330-27-34, dated September 12, 1995; Shorts Service 
Bulletin SD360-27-24, dated September 12, 1995; or Shorts Service 
Bulletin SD3 SHERPA-27-1; dated September 12, 1995; as applicable. 
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 Short Brothers PLC, 2011 Crystal 
Drive, Suite 713, Arlington, Virginia 22202-3719. Copies may be 
inspected at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind 
Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or at the Office of the Federal 
Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC.
    (e) This amendment becomes effective on November 29, 1996.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on October 10, 1996.
S.R. Miller,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 96-26718 Filed 10-23-96; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U