[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 225 (Monday, November 23, 1998)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 64603-64605]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-31013]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 98-CE-53-AD; Amendment 39-10893; AD 98-24-07]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; EXTRA Flugzeugbau GmbH Models EA-300, 
EA-300S, and EA-300L 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 EXTRA Flugzeugbau GmbH (EXTRA) Models EA-300, EA-
300S, and EA-300L airplanes. This AD requires repetitively inspecting 
the rudder pedal for proper alignment, the safety control stop for wear 
and proper clearance, the rudder cables for elongation, and the rudder 
pedal footrest for cracks. This AD also requires correcting or 
replacing any discrepant part, as applicable. This AD is the result of 
mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) issued by the 
airworthiness authority for Germany. The actions specified by this AD 
are intended to prevent failure of the rudder pedal footrest caused by 
overloading the rudder pedal safety control stop, which could result in 
loss of directional control of the airplane.

DATES: Effective December 28, 1998.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of December 28, 1998.

ADDRESSES: Service information that applies to this AD may be obtained 
from EXTRA Flugzeugbau GmbH, Flugplatz Dinslaken, D-46569 Hunxe, 
Federal Republic of Germany; telephone: (01 49 28 58) 91 37-13; 
facsimile: (01 49 28 58) 91 37-30. This information may also be 
examined at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Central Region, 
Office of the Regional Counsel, Attention: Rules Docket No. 98-CE-53-
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. Karl Schletzbaum, Aerospace 
Engineer, FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 1201 Walnut Street, suite 
900, Kansas City, Missouri 64106; 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 to certain EXTRA Models 
EA-300, EA-300S, and EA-300L airplanes was published in the Federal 
Register as a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) on September 17, 
1998 (63 FR 49675). The NPRM proposed to require repetitively 
inspecting the rudder pedal for proper alignment, the safety control 
stop for wear and proper clearance, the rudder cable for proper 
alignment, and the rudder pedal footrest for cracks. The NPRM also 
proposed to require correcting or replacing any discrepant part, as 
applicable. Accomplishment of the proposed actions as specified in the 
NPRM would be required in accordance with EXTRA Service Bulletin No. 
300-3-95, Issue: B, dated May 12, 1998.
    The NPRM was the result of mandatory continuing airworthiness 
information (MCAI) issued by the airworthiness authority for Germany.
    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 15 airplanes in the U.S. registry will be 
affected by this AD, that it will take approximately 4 workhours per 
airplane to accomplish the inspections, and that the average labor rate 
is approximately $60 an hour. Based on these figures, the total cost 
impact of this AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be $3,600, or $240 
per airplane. These figures do not take into

[[Page 64604]]

account any corrective action that will be necessary after 
accomplishing the inspections.

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 adding a new airworthiness directive 
(AD) to read as follows:

98-24-07 Extra Flugzeugbau GMBH: Amendment 39-10893; Docket No. 98-
CE-53-AD.

    Applicability: The following models and serial numbers, 
certificated in any category:

Model and Serial Number

EA-300  All serial numbers, if factory equipped or retrofitted with 
the electric actuated rudder pedal adjustment that was produced 
prior to November 1995.
EA-300S  001 through 028
EA-300L  001 through 015

    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 (f) 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 follows:
    1. Inspections specified in this AD are required within the next 
50 hours time-in-service (TIS) after the effective date of this AD, 
unless already accomplished, and thereafter at intervals not to 
exceed 50 hours TIS.
    2. Replacements or other follow-on corrective actions specified 
in this AD are required prior to further flight after the inspection 
when the discrepancy was found.
    To prevent failure of the rudder pedal footrest caused by 
overloading the rudder pedal safety control stop, which could result 
in loss of directional control of the airplane, accomplish the 
following:
    (a) Inspect the rudder pedal alignment in accordance with Figure 
1 and Figure 2 and the Instructions Part I.1 section of EXTRA 
Service Bulletin No. 300-3-95, Issue: B, dated May 12, 1998. If not 
aligned, prior to further flight, accomplish one of the following, 
as applicable, in accordance with the service bulletin:
    (1) Re-rig the rudder cables to attain proper alignment; or
    (2) Replace the rudder cables if alignment cannot be attained.
    (b) For all airplanes equipped at manufacture with a safety 
control stop (See Note 2 of this AD), inspect the safety control 
stop for wear (rubbing, scrapes, etc.) in accordance with the 
Instructions Part I.2 section of EXTRA Service Bulletin No. 300-3-
95, Issue: B, dated May 12, 1998. If the safety control stop is 
worn, prior to further flight, replace the safety control stop and 
accomplish one of the following, as applicable, in accordance with 
the service bulletin:
    (1) Re-rig the rudder cable if elongation of the cable is not 
evident; or
    (2) Replace the rudder cable if elongation of the cable is 
evident.

    Note 2: The Model EA-300/S airplanes, serial numbers 001 through 
011, were not factory equipped with a safety control stop.

    (c) Inspect the footrest flange in the area of the safety wire 
hole for cracks in accordance with the Instructions Part I.3 section 
of EXTRA Service Bulletin
    No. 300-3-95, Issue: B, dated May 12, 1998. If cracks are found, 
prior to further flight, replace the rudder pedal in accordance with 
the applicable maintenance manual or instructions obtained from the 
Small Airplane Directorate at the address specified in paragraph (f) 
of this AD.
    (d) For all airplanes equipped at manufacture with a safety 
control stop (See Note 2 of this AD), inspect the safety control 
stop clearance in accordance with the Instructions Part I.4 and 
Instructions Part II section of EXTRA Service Bulletin No. 300-3-95, 
Issue: B, dated May 12, 1998. If the clearance does not meet the 
minimum specified clearance, prior to further flight, accomplish one 
of the following, as applicable, in accordance with the service 
bulletin:
    (1) Adjust the foot rest to meet the required clearance if 
elongation of the cable is not evident; or
    (2) Replace the rudder cable if elongation of the cable is 
evident.
    (e) 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.
    (f) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the 
compliance times that provides an equivalent level of safety may be 
approved by the Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, FAA, 1201 
Walnut, suite 900, Kansas City, Missouri 64106. The request shall be 
forwarded through an appropriate FAA Maintenance Inspector, who may 
add comments and then send it to the Manager, Small Airplane 
Directorate.

    Note 3: Information concerning the existence of approved 
alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be 
obtained from the Small Airplane Directorate.

    (g) Questions or technical information related to EXTRA Service 
Bulletin No. 300-3-95, Issue: B, dated May 12, 1998, should be 
directed to EXTRA Flugzeugbau GmbH, Flugplatz Dinslaken, D-46569 
Hunxe, Federal Republic of Germany; telephone: (0 28 58) 91 37-00; 
facsimile: (0 28 58) 91 37-30. This service information may be 
examined at the FAA, Central Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, 
Room 1558, 601 E. 12th Street, Kansas City, Missouri 64106.
    (h) The inspections, modifications, or replacements required by 
this AD shall be done in accordance with EXTRA Service Bulletin No. 
300-3-95, Issue: B, dated May 12, 1998. 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 EXTRA Flugzeugbau GmbH, Flugplatz Dinslaken, D-46569 
Hunxe, Federal Republic of Germany. 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.

    Note 4: The subject of this AD is addressed in German AD No. 95-
443 EXTRA, dated November 29, 1995.

    (i) This amendment becomes effective on December 28, 1998.


[[Page 64605]]


    Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on November 10, 1998.
Michael Gallagher,
Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 98-31013 Filed 11-20-98; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P