[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 65 (Tuesday, April 6, 1999)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 16624-16625]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 99-8092]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 98-CE-82-AD; Amendment 39-11104; AD 99-07-20]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Avions Pierre Robin Model R2160 
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 all Avions Pierre Robin Model R2160 airplanes. This AD 
requires repetitively inspecting the vertical stabilizer spar in the 
area of the lower fitting of the rudder for cracks, loose rivets, or 
spar web distortion; and modifying the vertical stabilizer spar either 
immediately or at a certain time period depending on whether 
discrepancies are found during the inspections. This AD is the result 
of mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) issued by the 
airworthiness authority for France. The actions specified by this AD 
are intended to detect defects (cracks, loose rivets, or spar web 
distortion) in the vertical stabilizer spar, which could result in 
structural failure of the vertical stabilizer with possible reduced or 
loss of control of the airplane.

DATES: Effective May 17, 1999.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of May 17, 1999.

ADDRESSES: Service information that applies to this AD may be obtained 
from Avions Pierre Robin, 1, route de Troyes, 21121 Darois-France; 
telephone: 80 44 20 50; facsimile: 80 35 60 80. 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-82-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 M. Schletzbaum, Aerospace 
Engineer, FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 1201 Walnut, suite 900, 
Kansas City, Missouri 64106; telephone: (816) 426-6932; 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 all Avions Pierre 
Robin Model R2160 airplanes was published in the Federal Register as a 
notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) on January 19, 1999 (64 FR 2863). 
The NPRM proposed to require repetitively inspecting the vertical 
stabilizer spar in the area of the lower fitting of the rudder for 
cracks, loose rivets, or spar web distortion; and modifying the 
vertical stabilizer spar either immediately or at a certain time period 
depending on whether discrepancies are found during the inspections.
    Accomplishment of the proposed inspections as specified in the NPRM 
would be required in accordance with Avions Pierre Robin Service 
Bulletin No. 120, dated September 27, 1990. Accomplishment of the 
proposed modification as specified in the NPRM would be required in 
accordance with the instructions included with Avions Pierre Robin Kit 
No. 97.40.03, as specified in Avions Pierre Robin Service Bulletin No. 
120, dated September 27, 1990.
    The NPRM was the result of mandatory continuing airworthiness 
information (MCAI) issued by the airworthiness authority for France.
    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 10 airplanes in the U.S. registry will be 
affected by this AD, that it will take approximately 20 workhours per 
airplane to accomplish this action, and that the average labor rate is 
approximately $60 an hour. Parts cost approximately $100 per airplane. 
Based on these figures, the total cost impact of this AD on U.S. 
operators is estimated to be $13,000, or $1,300 per airplane.

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

[[Page 16625]]

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:

99-07-20 Avions Pierre Robin: Amendment 39-11104; Docket No. 98-CE-
82-AD.

    Applicability: Model R2160 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 (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 indicated in the body of this AD, unless 
already accomplished.
    To detect defects (cracks, loose rivets, or spar web distortion) 
in the vertical stabilizer spar, which could result in structural 
failure of the vertical stabilizer with possible reduced or loss of 
control of the airplane, accomplish the following:
    (a) Within the next 50 hours time-in-service (TIS) after the 
effective date of this AD, and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 
100 hours TIS until the modification required by paragraph (b) of 
this AD is incorporated, inspect the vertical stabilizer spar in the 
area of the lower fitting of the rudder for cracks, loose rivets, or 
spar web distortion. Accomplish this inspection in accordance with 
the instructions in Avions Pierre Robin Service Bulletin No. 120, 
dated September 27, 1990.
    (b) At whichever of the compliance times in paragraphs (b)(1) 
and (b)(2) of this AD that occurs first, modify the vertical 
stabilizer spar by incorporating Avions Pierre Robin Kit No. 
97.40.03 in accordance with the instructions to this kit, as 
specified in Avions Pierre Robin Service Bulletin No. 120, dated 
September 27, 1990.
    (1) Prior to further flight if cracks, loose rivets, or spar web 
distortion are/is found during any inspection required by paragraph 
(a) of this AD; or
    (2) Within the next 12 calendar months after the effective date 
of this AD.
    (c) Modifying the vertical stabilizer spar as specified in 
paragraph (b) of this AD is considered terminating action for the 
repetitive inspection requirement of this AD.
    (d) As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install, 
on any affected airplane, a vertical stabilizer spar that has not 
been modified as specified in paragraph (b) of this AD.
    (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 
used if 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 2: 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 the service 
information referenced in this AD should be directed to Avions 
Pierre Robin, 1 route de Troyes 21121 Darois, France; telephone: 
03.80.44.20.50; facsimile: 03.80.35.60.80. 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 inspection required by this AD shall be done in 
accordance with Avions Pierre Robin Service Bulletin No. 120, dated 
September 27, 1990. The modification required by this AD shall be 
done in accordance with the instructions to Avions Pierre Robin Kit 
No. 97.40.03 as referenced in Avions Pierre Robin Service Bulletin 
No. 120, dated September 27, 1990. 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 
Avions Pierre Robin, 1 route de Troyes 21121 Darois, France. 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 3: The subject of this AD is addressed in French AD 90-
224(A), dated December 12, 1990.

    (i) This amendment becomes effective on May 17, 1999.

    Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on March 25, 1999.
Michael Gallagher,
Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 99-8092 Filed 4-5-99; 8:45 am]
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