[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 190 (Thursday, October 1, 1998)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 52585-52586]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-25956]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 96-CE-23-AD; Amendment 39-10805; AD 96-12-03 R2]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Aviat Aircraft, Inc. Models S-1S, S-1T,
S-2, S-2A, S-2S, and S-2B Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: This amendment revises Airworthiness Directive (AD) 96-12-03
R1, which applies to Aviat Aircraft, Inc. (Aviat) Models S-1S, S-1T, S-
2, S-2A, S-2S, and S-2B airplanes that are equipped with aft lower
fuselage wing attach fittings incorporating part number (P/N) 76090, P/
N 2-2107-1, or P/N 1-210-102. AD 96-12-03 R1 currently requires
repetitively inspecting the aft lower fuselage wing attach fitting on
both wings for cracks, and modifying any cracked aft lower fuselage
wing attach fitting. Modifying both aft lower fuselage wing attach
fittings eliminates the repetitive inspection requirement of AD 96-12-
03. Aviat started incorporating modified aft lower fuselage wing attach
fittings on newly manufactured airplanes beginning with serial number
5337, instead of 5349 as referenced in the existing AD. This AD retains
the repetitive inspection and possible modification requirements of AD
96-12-03 R1, and will change the applicability accordingly. The actions
specified by this AD are intended to prevent possible in-flight
separation of the wing from the airplane caused by a cracked fuselage
wing attach fitting.
DATES: Effective November 20, 1998.
The incorporation by reference of Aviat Service Bulletin No. 25,
dated April 3, 1996; Revised: November 12, 1996; Revised: November 11,
1997, as listed in the regulations is approved by the Director of the
Federal Register as of November 20, 1998.
The incorporation by reference of Aviat Service Bulletin No. 25,
dated April 3, 1996, Revised: November 12, 1996, as listed in the
regulations, was previously approved by the Director of the Federal
Register as of October 3, 1997 (62 FR 44535, August 22, 1997).
The incorporation by reference of Aviat Service Bulletin No. 25,
dated April 3, 1996, as listed in the regulations, was previously
approved by the Director of the Federal Register as of June 24, 1996
(61 FR 28730, June 6, 1996).
ADDRESSES: Service information that applies to this AD may be obtained
from Aviat Aircraft, Inc., P.O. Box 1240, Afton, Wyoming 83110;
telephone: (307) 886-3151; facsimile: (307) 886-9674. This information
may also be examined at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA),
Central Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, Attention: Rules Docket
No. 96-CE-23-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. Roger Caldwell, Aerospace
Engineer, FAA, Denver Aircraft Certification Office, 26805 E. 68th
Avenue, Room 214, Denver, Colorado 80249; telephone: (303) 342-1086;
facsimile: (303) 342-1088.
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 Aviat Models S-1S, S-
1T, S-2, S-2A, S-2S, and S-2B airplanes that are equipped with aft
lower fuselage wing attach fittings incorporating P/N 76090, P/N 2-
2107-1, or P/N 1-210-102, was published in the Federal Register as a
notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) on June 5, 1998 (63 FR 30658). The
NPRM proposed to revise AD 96-12-03 R1, which currently requires the
following on Aviat Models S-1S, S-1T, S-2, S-2A, S-2S, and S-2B
airplanes that are equipped with aft lower fuselage wing attach
fittings incorporating P/N 76090, P/N 2-2107-1, or P/N 1-210-102:
--Repetitively inspecting the aft lower fuselage wing attach fitting on
both wings for cracks; and
--Modifying any cracked aft lower fuselage wing attach fitting.
Modifying both aft lower fuselage wing attach fittings eliminates the
repetitive inspection requirement of AD 96-12-03.
The NPRM also proposed to retain the repetitive inspection and
possible modification requirements of AD 96-12-03 R1, and would change
the applicability of the Model S-2B airplanes from an ending serial
number of 5348 to an ending serial number of 5336. Accomplishment of
the proposed action as specified in the NPRM would be in accordance
with Aviat Service Bulletin No. 25, dated April 3, 1996; Revised:
November 12, 1996; Revised: November 11, 1997.
The NPRM was the result of Aviat reporting to the FAA that the
ending serial number for the Model S-2B airplanes is incorrect.
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.
Cost Impact
The FAA estimates that 500 airplanes in the U.S. registry will be
affected by this AD, that it will take approximately 2 workhours per
airplane to accomplish the initial inspection, and that the average
labor rate is approximately $60 an hour. Parts to accomplish the
inspections cost approximately $100 per airplane. Based on these
figures, the total cost impact of this AD on U.S. operators is
estimated to be $110,000. These figures do not take into account the
cost of repetitive inspections. The FAA has no way of determining how
many repetitive inspections each owner/operator may incur over the life
of each airplane.
AD 96-12-03 R1 currently requires the same actions on the affected
airplanes as this AD. The only difference between this AD and AD 96-12-
03 R1 is a change in the ending serial number of the Model S-2B
airplanes. Therefore, this AD has no additional cost impact over that
already required by AD 96-12-03 R1.
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
[[Page 52586]]
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) 96-12-03 R1, Amendment 39-10109 (62 FR 44535, August 22, 1997),
and by adding a new AD to read as follows:
96-12-03 R2 Aviat Aircraft, Inc.: Amendment 39-10805; Docket No.
96-CE-23-AD; Revises AD 96-12-03 R1, Amendment 39-10109.
Applicability: The following airplane models and serial numbers,
certificated in any category, that are equipped with aft lower
fuselage wing attach fittings incorporating part number (P/N) 76090,
P/N 2-2107-1, or P/N 1-210-102, and where these aft lower fuselage
wing attach fittings on both wings have not been modified in
accordance with the ACCOMPLISHMENT INSTRUCTIONS section of one of
the following service bulletins (SB):
Service Bulletins
--Aviat SB No. 25, dated April 3, 1996, Revised: November 12, 1996,
Revised: November 11, 1997;
--Aviat SB No. 25, dated April 3, 1996, Revised: November 12, 1996;
or
--Aviat SB No. 25, dated April 3, 1996.
Airplanes Affected
--Models S-1S, S-1T, S-2, S-2A, and S-2S airplanes, all serial
numbers.
--Model S-2B airplanes, serial numbers 5000 through 5336.
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.
To prevent possible in-flight separation of the wing from the
airplane caused by a cracked aft lower fuselage wing attach fitting,
accomplish the following:
(a) Within 50 hours time-in-service (TIS) after October 3, 1997
(the effective date of AD 96-12-03 R1), unless already accomplished
(compliance with either AD 96-12-03 R1 or AD 96-12-03), and
thereafter at intervals not to exceed 50 hours TIS, inspect the aft
lower fuselage wing attach fitting on both wings for cracks.
Accomplish these inspections in accordance with the ACCOMPLISHMENT
INSTRUCTIONS section of one of the following SB's:
(1) Aviat SB No. 25, dated April 3, 1996, Revised: November 12,
1996, Revised: November 11, 1997;
(2) Aviat SB No. 25, dated April 3, 1996, Revised: November 12,
1996; or
(3) Aviat SB No. 25, dated April 3, 1996.
(b) If any cracked aft lower fuselage wing attach fitting is
found during any inspection required by this AD, prior to further
flight, modify the cracked aft lower fuselage wing attach fitting in
accordance with the ACCOMPLISHMENT INSTRUCTIONS section of one of
the SB's referenced in paragraphs (a)(1), (a)(2), and (a)(3) of this
AD. Repetitive inspections are no longer necessary on an aft lower
fuselage wing attachment fitting that was found cracked and has the
referenced modification incorporated.
(c) Modifying the aft lower fuselage wing attach fitting on both
wings in accordance with the ACCOMPLISHMENT INSTRUCTIONS section of
one of the SB's referenced in paragraphs (a)(1), (a)(2), and (a)(3)
of this AD is considered terminating action for the repetitive
inspection requirement of 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, Denver Aircraft
Certification Office (ACO), 26805 E. 68th Avenue, Room 214, Denver,
Colorado 80249.
(1) The request shall be forwarded through an appropriate FAA
Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send it to the
Manager, Denver ACO.
(2) Alternative methods of compliance approved in accordance
with AD 96-12-03 R1 or AD 96-12-03 are considered approved for this
AD.
Note 2: Information concerning the existence of approved
alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be
obtained from the Denver ACO.
(f) The inspections and modifications required by this AD shall
be done in accordance with Aviat Service Bulletin No. 25, dated
April 3, 1996; Revised: November 12, 1996; Revised: November 11,
1997, Aviat Service Bulletin No. 25, dated April 3, 1996, Revised:
November 12, 1996; or Aviat Service Bulletin No. 25, dated April 3,
1996.
(1) The incorporation by reference of Aviat Service Bulletin No.
25, dated April 3, 1996; Revised: November 12, 1996; Revised:
November 11, 1997, was approved by the Director of the Federal
Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
(2) The incorporation by reference of Aviat Service Bulletin No.
25, dated April 3, 1996, Revised: November 12, 1996, was previously
approved by the Director of the Federal Register in accordance with
5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51 as of October 3, 1997 (62 FR
44535, August 22, 1997).
(3) The incorporation by reference of Aviat Service Bulletin No.
25, dated April 3, 1996, was previously approved by the Director of
the Federal Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR
part 51 as of June 24, 1996 (61 FR 28730, June 6, 1996).
(4) Copies may be obtained from Aviat Aircraft, Inc., P.O. Box
1240, Afton, Wyoming 83110. Copies may be inspected at the FAA,
Central Region, Office of the Regional 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 revises AD 96-12-03 R1, Amendment 39-10109.
(h) This amendment becomes effective on November 20, 1998.
Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on September 22, 1998.
James E. Jackson,
Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 98-25956 Filed 9-30-98; 8:45 am]
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