[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 227 (Friday, November 22, 1996)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 59326-59328]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-29862]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 95-CE-62-AD; Amendment 39-9832; AD 96-24-07]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; HOAC Austria Model DV-20 Katana 
Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) that 
applies to certain HOAC Austria Model DV-20 Katana airplanes. This 
action requires replacing the muffler with one of improved design, 
installing a heat shield around the exhaust system endpipe, and 
adjusting the airplane weight and balance. This AD results from reports 
of cracks in the welding joint that connects the exhaust system endpipe 
to the muffler on three of the affected airplanes. The actions 
specified by this AD are intended to prevent separation of the exhaust 
system endpipe from the muffler because of cracks in the welding that 
connects these parts, which could result in heat damage to the 
electrical system and engine controls.

DATES: Effective January 17, 1997.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of January 17, 1997.

ADDRESSES: Service information that applies to this AD may be obtained 
from HOAC Austria Ges.m.b.H., N.A. Otto- Strabe 5, A-2700, Wiener 
Neustadt. This information may also be examined at the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), Central Region, Office of the Assistant Chief 
Counsel, Attention: Rules Docket No. 95-CE-62-AD, Room 1558, 601 E. 
12th Street, Kansas City, Missouri 64106; or at the Office of the

[[Page 59327]]

Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, 
DC.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Greg Holt, Program Manager, 
Brussels Aircraft Certification Division, FAA, Europe, Africa, and 
Middle East Office, c/o American Embassy, B-1000 Brussels, Belgium; 
telephone (32 2) 508.2692; facsimile (32 2) 230.6899; or Mr. Robert 
Alpiser, Project Officer, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft 
Certification Service, FAA, 1201 Walnut, suite 900, Kansas City, 
Missouri 64105; telephone (816) 426-6934; facsimile (816) 426-2169.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Events Leading to the Issuance of This AD

    A proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 
CFR part 39) to include an AD that would apply certain HOAC Austria 
Model DV-20 Katana airplanes was published in the Federal Register on 
August 22, 1996 (61 FR 43317). The action proposed to require replacing 
the muffler with one of improved design, installing a heat shield 
around the exhaust system endpipe, and adjusting the airplane weight 
and balance. Accomplishment of the proposed muffler replacement as 
specified in the notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) would be in 
accordance with the applicable maintenance manual; accomplishment of 
the proposed heat shield installation as specified in the NPRM would be 
in accordance with Drawing No. DV2-7800R01-00, as referenced in HOAC 
Austria Service Bulletin (SB) No. 20-7/2, dated September 8, 1994; and 
accomplishment of the weight and balance adjustment as specified in the 
NPRM would be in accordance with HOAC Austria SB No. 20-7/2, dated 
September 8, 1994.
    The NPRM resulted from reports of cracks in the welding joint that 
connects the exhaust system endpipe to the muffler on three of the 
affected airplanes.
    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.

The FAA's Determination

    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.

Compliance Time of This AD

    The FAA has determined that an interval of three calendar months is 
an appropriate compliance time to address the identified unsafe 
condition in a timely manner. This compliance time was deemed 
appropriate after considering the safety implications, the average 
utilization rate of the affected fleet, and the availability of the 
replacement parts.

Cost Impact

    The FAA estimates that 5 airplanes in the U.S. registry will be 
affected by this AD, that it will take approximately 1 workhour per 
airplane to accomplish the required action, and that the average labor 
rate is approximately $60 an hour. HOAC Austria will provide parts at 
no cost to the affected airplane owners/operators. Based on these 
figures, the total cost impact of the AD on U.S. operators is estimated 
to be $300 or $60 per airplane. The FAA is unaware of any affected 
airplane that already has the required muffler replacement and heat 
shield installation.

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 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 USC 106(g), 40113, 44701.


Sec. 39.13  [Amended]

    2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding a new airworthiness directive 
(AD) to read as follows:

    96-24-07 HOAC Austria: Amendment 39-9832; Docket No. 95-CE-62-
AD.

    Applicability: Model DV-20 Katana airplanes, serial numbers 
20005 through 20078, 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 (d) 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 three calendar months after 
the effective date of this AD, unless already accomplished.
    To prevent separation of the exhaust system endpipe from the 
muffler because of cracks in the welding that connects these parts, 
which could result in heat damage to the electrical system and 
engine controls, accomplish the following:
    (a) For any Model DV-20 Katana airplane incorporating a serial 
number in the range of 20005 through 20078, replace the muffler with 
one that incorporates a type ``f'' endpipe. The letter ``F'' is 
stamped on the endpipe of these type ``f'' parts. Accomplish this 
action in accordance with HOAC Austria Maintenance Manual, Doc No. 
4.02.02.
    (b) For any Model DV-20 Katana airplane incorporating a serial 
number in the range of 20005 through 20058, accomplish the 
following:
    (1) Install a heat shield in accordance with Drawing No. DV2-
7800R01-00, as referenced in HOAC Austria Service Bulletin (SB) No. 
20-7/2, dated September 8, 1994.
    (2) Adjust the mass (weight) and center of gravity (CG) in 
accordance with the instructions in HOAC Austria SB No. 20-7/2, 
dated September 8, 1994.
    (c) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with 
sections 21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 
CFR

[[Page 59328]]

21.197 and 21.199) to operate the airplane to a location where the 
requirements of this AD can be accomplished.
    (d) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the 
compliance time that provides an equivalent level of safety may be 
approved by the Manager, Brussels Aircraft Certification Division, 
FAA, Europe, Africa, and Middle East Office, c/o American Embassy, 
B-1000 Brussels, Belgium. The request shall be forwarded through an 
appropriate FAA Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then 
send it to the Manager, Brussels Aircraft Certification Division.

    Note 2: Information concerning the existence of approved 
alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be 
obtained from the Brussels Aircraft Certification Division.

    (e) The installation required by this AD shall be done in 
accordance with HOAC Drawing No. DV2-7800R01-00, as referenced in 
HOAC Austria Service Bulletin No. 20-7/2, dated September 8, 1994. 
The adjustment required by this AD shall be done in accordance with 
HOAC Austria Service Bulletin No. 20-7/2, dated September 8, 1994. 
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 HOAC Austria Ges.m.b.H., N.A. Otto-
Strabe 5, A-2700, Wiener Neustadt. 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., suite 700, 
Washington, DC.
    (f) This amendment (39-9832) becomes effective on January 17, 
1997.

    Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on November 15, 1996.
Michael Gallagher,
Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 96-29862 Filed 11-21-96; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P