[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 250 (Friday, December 27, 1996)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 68139-68141]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-32436]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 96-CE-12-AD; Amendment 39-9865; AD 96-26-02]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; FLS Aerospace (Lovaux) Ltd. OA7 Optica
Series 300 Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.
ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) that
applies to certain FLS Aerospace (Lovaux) Ltd. OA7 Optica series 300
airplanes equipped with a Hoffman fan, part number HO-E315/122EZ, and
fan shaft extension. This AD requires replacing the fan shaft extension
with one that incorporates Modification No. B2/MOD/047. The AD results
from a quality control review that shows that the four counterbores on
the fan shaft extension to engine attachment flange have excessive
depths. The actions specified in this AD are intended to prevent cracks
from forming in the fan shaft extension flange and subsequent
structural failure of this area because of counterbores with excessive
depth.
DATES: Effective January 13, 1997.
The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as
of January 13, 1997.
Comments for inclusion in the Rules Docket must be received on or
before March 20, 1997.
ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), Central Region, Office of the Assistant Chief
Counsel, Attention: Rules Docket 96-CE-12-AD, Room 1558, 601 E. 12th
Street, Kansas City, Missouri 64106.
Service information that applies to this AD may be obtained from
FLS Aerospace (Lovaux) Ltd., Bournemouth International Airport,
Christchurch, Dorset BH23 6NW, England; telephone 0202 500200;
facsimile 0202 580567. This information may also be examined at the
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Central Region, Office of the
Assistant Chief Counsel, Attention: Rules Docket No. 96-CE-12-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: Mr. Maurice Kuttler, Program Officer,
Brussels Aircraft Certification Division, FAA, Europe, Africa, and
Middle East Office, c/o American Embassy, B-1000 Brussels, Belgium;
telephone (32 2) 508.2715; facsimile (32 2) 230.6899; or Mr. Robert W.
Alpiser, Project Officer, Small Airplane Directorate, Airplane
Certification Service, FAA, 1201 Walnut, suite 900, Kansas City,
Missouri 64106; telephone (816) 426-6934; facsimile (816) 426-2169.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Events Leading to Issuance of the Proposed AD
The Civil Airworthiness Authority (CAA), which is the airworthiness
authority for the United Kingdom, recently notified the FAA that an
unsafe condition may exist on certain FLS Aerospace (Lovaux) Ltd. OA7
Optica series 300 airplanes equipped with a Hoffman fan, part number
(P/N) HO-E315/122EZ, and fan shaft extension. The CAA for the United
Kingdom reports that a manufacturing process error could cause
structural failure of the fan shaft extension.
This extension is attached to the engine propeller flange by six
bolts. Of the six bushes on the propeller flange, four require a
counterbore in the extension propeller flange. A quality control review
of the manufacturing process has revealed that the depth of these
counterbores on certain OA7 Optica 300 series airplanes equipped with a
Hoffman fan, part number P/N HO-E315/122EZ, and fan shaft extension
exceed 4.5 millimeters (mm). This could result in cracks forming in the
propeller flange with subsequent structural failure of the fan shaft
extension.
Applicable Service Information
FLS Aerospace Lovaux Mandatory Service Bulletin (MSB) No. B2/MSB/
006, Issue: 1, dated August 22, 1994, specifies the following:
--measuring the depth of the four counterbores on the fan shaft
extension to the engine attachment flange;
--inspecting the counterbores and propeller flange for cracks;
--incorporating Repair Drawing R 1299; and
--incorporating Modification B2/MOD/047 on the fan shaft extension.
The CAA of the United Kingdom classified this service bulletin as
mandatory and issued CAA AD 010-08-94, in order to assure the continued
airworthiness of these airplanes in the United Kingdom.
The FAA's Determination
This airplane model is manufactured in the United Kingdom and is
type certificated for operation in the United States under the
provisions of section 21.29 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR
21.19) and the applicable bilateral airworthiness agreement. Pursuant
to this bilateral airworthiness agreement, the CAA of the United
Kingdom has kept the FAA informed of the situation described above. The
FAA has examined the findings of the CAA of the United Kingdom;
reviewed all available information, including the service information
and modification referenced above; and determined that AD action is
necessary for products of this type design that are certificated for
operation in the United States.
[[Page 68140]]
Explanation of the Provisions of This AD
Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to
exist or develop on other FLS Aerospace (Lovaux) Ltd. OA7 Optica series
300 airplanes of the same type design registered in the United States
equipped with a Hoffman fan, P/N HO-E315/122EZ, and fan shaft
extension, the FAA is issuing an AD. This AD requires replacing the fan
shaft extension with one that incorporates Modification No. B2/MOD/047.
Accomplishment of the modification would be in accordance with FL
Aerospace Lovaux Modification Leaflet No. B2/MOD/047, dated August 31,
1994.
Differences Between This AD, Service Information, and the CAA AD
Both FLS Aerospace Lovaux Mandatory Service Bulletin (MSB) No. B2/
MSB/006, Issue: 1, dated August 22, 1994, and CAA AD 010-08-94 specify
the following:
--AT 50 HOURS TIME-IN-SERVICE (TIS): inspecting the fan shaft extension
to engine attachment flange for cracks and replacing the fan shaft
extension if any cracks are found; and measuring the depth of the four
counterbores on the fan shaft extension to engine attachment flange
incorporating Repair Drawing R 1299 if counterbores exceed a certain
depth;
--AT 200 HOURS TIS: incorporating Modification B2/MOD/047 on the fan
shaft extension.
Accomplishing the inspection, measurement, and possible repair
allow the airplane to be operated until a Modification B2/MOD/047 fan
shaft extension is installed. This AD only requires replacing the fan
shaft extension. Since no airplanes are currently on the U.S. Register,
the FAA has determined to require immediate fan shaft extension
replacement on any aircraft obtaining a U.S. airworthiness certificate
rather than require the inspection, measurement, and possible repair,
and then require the replacement.
Cost Impact
None of the FLS Aerospace (Lovaux) Ltd. OA7 Optica series 300
airplanes affected by this action are on the U.S. Register. All
airplanes included in the applicability of this rule currently are
operated by non-U.S. operators under foreign registry; therefore, they
are not directly affected by this AD action. However, the FAA considers
this rule necessary to ensure that the unsafe condition is addressed in
the event that any of these subject airplanes are imported and placed
on the U.S. Register.
Should an affected airplane be imported and placed on the U.S.
Register, accomplishment of the required replacement would take
approximately 4 workhours at an average labor charge of $60 per
workhour. Parts cost approximately $300 per airplane. Based on these
figures, the total cost impact of this AD would be $540 per airplane
that would become registered in the United States.
The Effective Date of This AD
Since this AD action does not affect any airplane that is currently
on the U.S. register, it has no adverse economic impact and imposes no
additional burden on any person. Therefore, notice and public
procedures hereon are unnecessary and the amendment may be made
effective in less than 30 days after publication in the Federal
Register.
Comments Invited
Although this action is in the form of a final rule and was not
preceded by notice and opportunity for public comment, comments are
invited on this rule. Interested persons are invited to comment on this
rule by submitting such written data, views, or arguments as they may
desire. Communications shall identify the Rules Docket number and be
submitted in triplicate to the address specified under the caption
``ADDRESSES.'' All communications received on or before the closing
date for comments will be considered, and this rule may be amended in
light of the comments received. Factual information that supports the
commenter's ideas and suggestions is extremely helpful in evaluating
the effectiveness of the AD action and determining whether additional
rulemaking action would be needed.
Comments are specifically invited on the overall regulatory,
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the rule that might
suggest a need to modify the rule. All comments submitted will be
available, both before and after the closing date for comments, in the
Rules Docket for examination by interested persons. A report that
summarizes each FAA-public contact concerned with the substance of this
AD will be filed in the Rules Docket.
Commenters wishing the FAA to acknowledge receipt of their comments
submitted in response to this rule must submit a self-addressed,
stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: ``Comments
to Docket No. 96-CE-12-AD.'' The postcard will be date stamped and
returned to the commenter.
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 a new airworthiness directive
(AD) to read as follows:
96-26-02 FLS Aerospace (LOVAUX) LTD.: Amendment 39-9865; Docket 96-
CE-12-AD.
Applicability: OA7 Optica Series 300 Airplanes (serial numbers
020, 021, and 022), certificated in any category, that are equipped
with a Hoffman fan, part number HO-E315/122EZ, and fan shaft
extension.
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
[[Page 68141]]
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 (c) 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 prior to further flight after the effective
date of this AD, unless already accomplished.
To prevent cracks from forming in the fan shaft extension flange
and subsequent structural failure of this area because of
counterbores with excessive depth, accomplish the following:
(a) Replace the fan shaft extension with one that incorporates
Modification No. B2/MOD/047 in accordance with FL Aerospace Lovaux
Modification Leaflet No. B2/MOD/047, dated August 31, 1994. This
modification is referenced in FLS Aerospace Lovaux Mandatory Service
Bulletin No. B2/MSB/006, Issue: 1, dated August 22, 1994.
(b) 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.
(c) 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,
Europe, Africa, Middle East office, FAA, c/o American Embassy, 1000
Brussels, Belgium. The request should 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.
(d) The replacement required by this AD shall be done in
accordance with FL Aerospace Lovaux Modification Leaflet No. B2/MOD/
047, dated August 31, 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 FLS
Aerospace (Lovaux) Ltd., Bournemouth International Airport,
Christchurch, Dorset BH23 6NW, England. 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.
(e) This amendment (39-9865) becomes effective on January 13,
1997.
Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on December 16, 1996.
Michael Gallagher,
Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 96-32436 Filed 12-26-96; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U