[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 196 (Friday, October 9, 1998)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 54347-54349]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-26974]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 96-CE-54-AD; Amendment 39-10821; AD 98-08-25 R1]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Twin Commander Aircraft Corporation
500, 680, 690, and 695 Series Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.
ACTION: Direct final rule; request for comments.
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SUMMARY: This amendment revises Airworthiness Directive (AD) 98-08-25,
which currently requires replacing the nose landing gear (NLG) drag
link bolt with an approved heat-treated bolt that has the
manufacturer's serial number, manufacture date, and the last three
digits of the drawing number (055) on the bolt head on certain Twin
Commander Aircraft Corporation (Twin Commander) 500, 680, 690, and 695
series airplanes; and changing the bolt part number (P/N) to be
installed on Models 690D and 695A from P/N ED10055 to P/N 750076-1. The
FAA inadvertently transposed the serial numbers of the 4 affected Model
695A airplanes. This AD retains the same actions of AD 98-08-25, and
corrects the serial numbers of these 4 airplanes. Three of the four
airplanes are not on the U.S. Register and the other one is already in
compliance with the actions of AD 98-08-25. The actions specified in
this AD are intended to continue to prevent the NLG from collapsing due
to failure of a drag link bolt, which could result in loss of control
of the airplane during landing operations.
DATES: Effective January 5, 1999.
The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in
the regulations was previously approved by the Director of the Federal
Register as of May 18, 1998 (63 FR 19387, April 20, 1998).
Comments for inclusion in the Rules Docket must be received on or
before December 14, 1998.
ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), Central Region, Office of the Regional Counsel,
Attention: Rules Docket No. 96-CE-54-AD, Room 1558, 601 E. 12th Street,
Kansas City, Missouri 64106.
Service information that applies to this AD may be obtained from
the Twin Commander Aircraft Corporation, 19010 59th Drive NE,
Arlington, Washington 98223-7832; telephone: (360) 435-9797; facsimile:
(360) 435-1112. 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-54-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: Jeffrey Morfitt, Aerospace Engineer,
FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office, 1601 Lind Ave. SW, Renton,
Washington, 98055-4056; telephone: (206) 227-2595; facsimile: (206)
227-1181.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Discussion
On April 9, 1998, the FAA issued AD 98-08-25, Amendment 39-10474
(63 FR 19387, April 20, 1998), which applies to certain Twin Commander
500, 680, 690, and 695 series airplanes. AD 98-08-25 currently requires
replacing the NLG drag link bolt with an approved heat-treated bolt
that has the manufacturer's serial number, manufacture date, and the
last three digits of the drawing number (055) on the bolt head on all
of the affected airplanes; and changing the bolt part number (P/N) to
be installed from P/N ED10055 to P/N 750076-1, on Models 690D and 695A
airplanes. Accomplishment of the actions of AD 98-08-25 are required in
accordance with Twin Commander Service Bulletin 224, Revision C, dated
July 25, 1996.
The actions specified by AD 98-08-25 are intended to prevent the
nose landing gear (NLG) from collapsing because of failure of a drag
link bolt, which could result in loss of control of the airplane during
landing operations.
AD 98-08-25 was the result of the FAA's determination that a
defective lot of drag link bolts used in the NLG was manufactured and
distributed to the field.
Events Leading to the Issuance of This AD
Since AD 98-08-25 became effective, the FAA has realized that it
inadvertently transposed the serial numbers of the 4 affected Model
695A airplanes. In particular, the AD currently contains Model 695A
airplanes, serial numbers 69010, 69041, 69056, and 69061. The affected
serial numbers should be 96010, 96041, 96056, and 96061.
Three of the four airplanes are not on the U.S. Register and the
other one is already in compliance with the actions of AD 98-08-25.
[[Page 54348]]
The FAA's Determination
After examining all information related to the subject described
above, the FAA has determined that additional AD action should be taken
to:
--Correct the serial numbers of the Model 695A airplanes; and
--Continue to prevent the NLG from collapsing due to failure of a drag
link bolt, which could result in loss of control of the airplane during
landing operations.
Explanation of the Provisions of This AD
Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to
exist or develop in other Twin Commander 500, 680, 690, and 695 series
airplanes of the same type design registered in the United States, the
FAA is issuing an AD to revise AD 98-08-25. This AD retains the same
actions of AD 98-08-25 for all of the affected airplanes, and corrects
the serial numbers of the Model 695A airplanes.
Accomplishment of the actions of this AD is still required in
accordance with Twin Commander Service Bulletin 224, Revision C, dated
July 25, 1996.
Cost Impact
The FAA estimates that 54 airplanes in the U.S. registry will be
affected by this AD, that it will take approximately 1 workhour per
airplane to accomplish these actions, and that the average labor rate
is approximately $60 an hour. The manufacturer is providing parts and
one hour labor free of charge. With this in mind, this AD imposes no
cost impact upon the U.S. operators of the affected airplanes.
The only difference between this AD and AD 98-08-25 is the revision
to the serial numbers of the Model 695A airplanes. Of these 4
airplanes, 3 are currently not on the U.S. registry and the other is
already in compliance with the AD. Therefore, there is no cost impact
of this AD over that already required by AD 98-08-25.
The Direct Final Rule Procedure
The FAA anticipates that this regulation will not result in adverse
or negative comment and therefore is issuing it as a direct final rule.
Since the actions have already been incorporated on the one Model 695A
airplane that is on the U.S. registry, this AD revision will impose no
additional actions upon U.S. operators of the affected airplanes. In
accordance with Sec. 11.17 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR
11.17) unless a written adverse or negative comment, or a written
notice of intent to submit an adverse or negative comment, is received
within the comment period, the regulation will become effective on the
date specified above. After the close of the comment period, the FAA
will publish a document in the Federal Register indicating that no
adverse or negative comments were received and confirming the date on
which the final rule will become effective. If the FAA does receive,
within the comment period, a written adverse or negative comment, or
written notice of intent to submit such a comment, a document
withdrawing the direct final rule will be published in the Federal
Register, and a notice of proposed rulemaking may be published with a
new comment period.
Comments Invited
Although this action is in the form of a final rule and was not
preceded by notice and an 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-54-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.
The FAA has determined that this regulation is noncontroversial and
unlikely to result in adverse or negative comments. For reasons
discussed in the preamble, I certify that this regulation (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 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 removing Airworthiness Directive
(AD) 98-08-25, Amendment 39-10474 (63 FR 19387, April 20, 1998), and
adding a new AD to read as follows:
98-08-25 R1 Twin Commander Aircraft Corporation: Amendment 39-
10821; Docket No. 96-CE-54-AD. Revises AD 98-08-25, Amendment 39-
10474, which superseded AD 96-12-08, Amendment 39-9650.
Applicability: The following model and serial number airplanes,
certificated in any category:
[[Page 54349]]
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Models Serial Nos.
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500S............................... 3185, 3228, 3230, 3262, and 3291.
500U............................... 1765.
680F............................... 1195.
681................................ 6027.
680V............................... 1677.
690................................ 11035, 11053, 11068, and 11074.
690A............................... 11111, 11134, 11146, 11153, 11173,
11177, 11205, 11215, 11237, 11249,
11271, 11273, and 11282.
690B............................... 11360, 11382, 11409, 11424, 11451,
11455, 11463, 11491, 11513, 11521,
11535, 11536, 11539, and 11566.
690C............................... 11638, 11643, 11676, 11689, and
11719.
690D............................... 15041.
695................................ 95010, 95033, 95044, and 95066.
695A............................... 96010, 96041, 96056, and 96061.
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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 (g) 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 below, unless already
accomplished:
1. For all affected airplane models, except for Model 695A
airplanes: Within 75 hours time-in-service (TIS) after May 18, 1998
(the effective date of AD 98-08-25).
2. For Model 695A airplanes: Within the next 75 hours TIS after
the effective date of this AD.
To prevent the nose landing gear (NLG) from collapsing due to
failure of a drag link bolt, which could result in loss of control
of the airplane during landing operations, accomplish the following:
(a) For all airplane models, except for Models 690D and 695A,
replace the NLG drag link bolt, part number (P/N) ED 10055, with a
new bolt in accordance with the INSTRUCTIONS section of Twin
Commander Service Bulletin (SB) 224, Revision C, dated July 25,
1996.
(b) For airplane Models 690D and 695A, replace the NLG drag link
bolt (P/N ED 10055), with a new bolt (P/N 750076-1) in accordance
with Twin Commander SB 224, Revision C, dated July 25, 1996.
(c) The new replacement bolt must be marked with the
manufacturer's serial number, the date of manufacture, and the last
three digits of the drawing number, 055, on the bolt head for all
but Models 690D and 695A. Models 690D and 695A bolts must be marked
with the manufacturer's serial number, the date of manufacture, and
the last three digits of the drawing number, 76-1, on the bolt head.
Note 2: Although not required by this AD, FAA highly recommends
that the removed bolt (P/N ED 10055) be returned to Twin Commander
for Rockwell Hardness testing.
(d) For all affected airplane models, except for Models 690D and
695A airplanes, compliance with Twin Commander SB 224, Revision A,
dated April 24, 1996; or Twin Commander SB 224, Revision C, dated
July 25, 1996, fulfills the applicable requirements of this AD. For
the affected Models 690 and 695A airplanes, compliance must be in
accordance with Twin Commander SB 224, Revision C, dated July 25,
1998.
(e) As of the effective date of this AD, no person shall
install, on any affected airplane, a NLG drag link bolt that does
not have the manufacturer's serial number, manufacture date, and the
last three digits of the drawing number as specified in paragraph
(c) of this AD.
(f) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with
Secs. 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.
(g) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the
compliance time that provides an equivalent level of safety may be
approved by the Manager, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office, 1601
Lind Ave. SW, Renton, Washington, 98055-4056. The request shall be
forwarded through an appropriate FAA Maintenance Inspector, who may
add comments and then send it to the Manager, Seattle Aircraft
Certification Office.
Note 3: Information concerning the existence of approved
alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be
obtained from the Seattle Aircraft Certification Office.
(h) The inspection and replacement required by this AD shall be
done in accordance with Twin Commander Service Bulletin 224,
Revision C, dated July 25, 1996. This incorporation by reference was
previously approved by the Director of the Federal Register as of
May 18, 1998 (63 FR 19387, April 20, 1998). Copies may be obtained
from Twin Commander Aircraft Corporation, 19010 59th Drive NE,
Arlington, Washington 98223-7832. 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.
(i) This amendment revises AD 98-08-25, Amendment 39-10474,
which superseded AD 96-12-08, Amendment No. 39-9650.
(j) This amendment becomes effective on January 5, 1999.
Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on September 30, 1998.
Michael Gallagher,
Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 98-26974 Filed 10-8-98; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U