[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 84 (Thursday, May 1, 1997)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 23640-23642]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 97-10883]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 95-CE-31-AD; Amendment 39-10004; AD 97-09-08]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; AeroSpace Technologies of Australia
Limited (Formerly Government Aircraft Factories), Nomad Models N22S,
N22B, and N24A Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: This amendment supersedes Airworthiness Directive AD 82-25-09
which currently requires repetitively inspecting the pilot and co-pilot
control wheel sub-assemblies for cracks, and if cracked, modifying the
cracked part on the AeroSpace Technologies of Australia, Limited
(ASTA), formerly Government Aircraft Factories (GAF) Nomad Models N22S,
N22B, and N24A airplanes. This action would retain the repetitive
inspection of the pilot and co-pilot control wheel sub-assemblies for
cracks, but would include a modification that would terminate the
repetitive inspections by replacing or re-working the control wheel
sub-assembly with a part of improved design. This superseding action is
prompted by cracking in the control wheel sub-assemblies and the
manufacture of an improved part that would terminate the repetitive
inspection. The actions specified by this Ad are intended to prevent
failure of the pilot's and co-pilot's control wheels, which, if not
detected and corrected, could result in loss of control of the
airplane.
DATES: Effective June 23, 1997.
The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as
of June 23, 1997.
ADDRESSES: Service information that applies to this AD may be obtained
from AeroSpace Technologies of Australia, Limited, ASTA DEFENCE,
Private Bag No. 4, Beach Road Lara 3212, Victoria, Australia. This
information may also be examined at the Federal Aviation Administration
(FAA), Central Region, Office of the Assistant Chief Counsel,
Attention: Rules Docket 95-CE-31-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. Ron Atmur, Aerospace Engineer, Los
Angeles Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, 3960 Paramount Blvd.,
Lakewood, California, 90712; telephone (562) 627-5224; facsimile (562)
627-5210.
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 to Nomad Models N22S,
N22B, and N24A airplanes was published in the Federal Register on
December 26, 1996 (61 FR 67965). This action proposed to supersede AD
82-25-09 with a new AD that would retain the repetitive 100 hour time-
in-service (TIS) inspections for cracks on the pilot's and co-pilot's
control wheel sub-assembly (ASTA part number (P/N) 1/N-45-1208) in the
area adjacent to the circumferential weld adjoining the shaft spigot to
each control wheel back support plate, modifying any cracked assembly
by replacing the assembly with a part of improved design (ASTA P/N 2/N-
45-1208 or an FAA approved equivalent part), or re-working the assembly
with approved re-worked parts (ASTA P/N 1/N-03-734 or an FAA approved
equivalent part), and if there are no signs of cracking during these
inspections, terminating the repetitive inspections by accomplishing
the modification to the control wheel sub-assemblies with parts of
improved design. This modification is considered a terminating action
for the repetitive inspections required in AD 82-25-09.
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.
Relevant Service Information
Accomplishment of this action would be in accordance with
Government Aircraft Factories (GAF) Nomad Alert Service Bulletin (SB)
AS/B ANMD-27-27, Revision 1, dated November 5, 1982.
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.
[[Page 23641]]
Cost Impact
The FAA estimates that 15 airplanes in the U.S. registry will be
affected by this AD, that it will take approximately 6 work hours per
airplane to accomplish this action, and that the average labor rate is
approximately $60 an hour. Parts cost approximately $1,592 per
airplane. Based on these figures, the total cost impact of this AD on
U.S. operators is estimated to be $29,280 or $1,952 per airplane. This
figure is based on the cost of the initial inspection and modification
and does not account for the repetitive inspections that may occur
prior to the proposed modification. The FAA has no way to determine the
number of airplanes that may have already accomplished this action.
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 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
Sec. 39.13 [Amended]
2. Section 39.13 is amended by removing AD 82-25-09 and by adding a
new airworthiness directive (AD) to read as follows:
97-09-08 Aerospace Technologies of Australia (ASTA) (formerly
Government Aircraft Factories): Amendment No. 39-10004; Docket No.
95-CE-31-AD; Supersedes AD 82-25-09, Amendment 39-4510.
Applicability: Nomad Models N22S, N22B, and N24A airplanes, all
serial numbers, 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 (e) 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 in the body of this AD, unless
already accomplished.
To prevent failure of the pilot's and co-pilot's control wheels,
which, if not detected and corrected, could result in loss of
control of the airplane, accomplish the following:
(a) Within the next 100 hours time-in-service (TIS) after the
effective date of this AD, inspect the pilot and co-pilot control
wheel sub-assembly (ASTA part number (P/N) 1/N-45-1208) for
structural cracking in the area adjacent to the circumferential weld
adjoining the shaft spigot to each control wheel back support plate
in accordance with ``2. Accomplishment Instructions'' section,
``Part A--Inspection'' paragraphs in Government Aircraft Factories
(GAF) Nomad Alert Service Bulletin (SB) AS/B ANMD-27-27, Revision 1,
dated November 5, 1982.
(1) If no cracks are visible, repetitively inspect the control
wheel sub-assemblies at intervals not to exceed 100 hours TIS in
accordance with the ``2. Accomplishment Instructions'' section,
``Part A--inspection'' paragraphs in GAF Nomad Alert SB AS/B ANMD-
27-27, Revision 1, dated November 5, 1982 until the accomplishment
of paragraph (b) of this AD.
(2) If cracks are visible during any inspection required by this
AD, prior to further flight, modify the control wheel sub-assemblies
by replacing or re-working the cracked part with parts of improved
design (ASTA P/N 2/N-45-1208 or 1/N-03-734 (reworked part) or the
FAA approved equivalent) in accordance with the ``2. Accomplishment
Instructions'' section, ``Part B--Modification by Replacement or
Rework'' paragraphs in GAF Nomad Alert SB AS/B ANMD-27-27, Revision
1, dated November 5, 1982.
(b) Upon the accumulation of 300 hours TIS after the effective
date of this AD, modify the control wheel sub-assemblies (ASTA P/N
1/N-45-1208) by replacing the assemblies or re-working the
assemblies with parts of improved design (ASTA P/N 2/N-45-1208 or P/
N 1/N-03-734, respectively or the FAA approved equivalent) in
accordance with the ``2. Accomplishment Instructions'' section,
``Part B--Modification by Replacement or Rework'' paragraphs in GAF
Nomad Alert SB AS/B ANMD-27-27, Revision 1, dated November 5, 1982.
(c) Accomplishment of the modification in paragraph (b) of this
AD is considered a terminating action for the repetitive inspections
required in this AD.
(d) 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.
(e) 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 Blvd., Lakewood,
California, 90712; telephone (562) 627-5224; facsimile (562) 627-
5210. 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 2: Information concerning the existence of approved
alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be
obtained from Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office.
(f) The inspections and modifications required by this AD shall
be done in accordance with Government Aircraft Factories Nomad Alert
Service Bulletin AS/B ANMD-27-27, Rev. 1, dated November 5, 1982.
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 AeroSpace Technologies of Australia,
Limited, ASTA DEFENCE, Private Bag No. 4, Beach Road Lara 3212,
Victoria, Australia. 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.
(g) This Amendment supersedes AD 82-25-09, Amendment 39-4510.
(h) This Amendment (39-10004) becomes effective on June 23,
1997.
[[Page 23642]]
Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on April 21, 1997.
Larry D. Malir,
Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 97-10883 Filed 4-30-97; 8:45 am]
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