[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 79 (Monday, April 26, 1999)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 20148-20150]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 99-10173]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 98-CE-80-AD; Amendment 39-11141; AD 99-09-08]
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 aileron/flap common support 
bracket for cracks, loose rivets, or separation of the bracket from the 
skin, and reinforcing the bracket either immediately or at a certain 
time period depending on whether discrepancies are found during the 
inspections. Reinforcing the aileron/flap common support bracket 
terminates the repetitive inspection requirement. This AD is the result 
of mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) issued by the 
airworthiness authority for France. The actions

[[Page 20149]]

specified by this AD are intended to detect defects in the aileron/flap 
common support bracket (cracks, loose rivets, or separation of the 
bracket from the skin), which could result in reduced or loss of 
control of the airplane.

DATES: Effective June 7, 1999.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of June 7, 1999.

ADDRESSES: Service information that applies to this AD may be obtained 
from Avions Pierre Robin, 1, route de Troyes, 21121 Darois-France; 
telephone: 33-3 80 44 20 50; facsimile: 33-3 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-80-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 February 8, 1999 (64 FR 5985). 
The NPRM proposed to require repetitively inspecting the aileron/flap 
common support bracket for cracks, loose rivets, or separation of the 
bracket from the skin, and reinforcing the bracket 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. 90, dated May 3, 1982. Accomplishment of the proposed 
reinforcement as specified in the NPRM would be required in accordance 
with Avions Pierre Robin Repair Kit No. 97.40.16, as specified in 
Avions Pierre Robin Service Bulletin No. 90, dated May 3, 1982.
    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 4 workhours per 
airplane to accomplish the initial inspection and modification, and 
that the average labor rate is approximately $60 per work 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 $3,400, or 
$340 per airplane.
    These figures only take into account the costs of the initial 
inspection and do not take into account the costs of repetitive 
inspections. The FAA has no way of determining the number of repetitive 
inspections an owner/operator will incur during 12 months or when a 
crack is found, whichever occur first (when the modification becomes 
mandatory).

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:

99-09-08  Avions Pierre Robin: Amendment 39-11141; Docket No. 98-CE-
80-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 in the aileron/flap common support bracket 
(cracks, loose rivets, or separation of the bracket from the skin), 
which could result in 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 
50 hours TIS until the reinforcement required by paragraph (b) of 
this AD is accomplished, inspect the aileron/flap common support 
brackets for cracks, loose rivets, or separation of the bracket from 
the skin. Accomplish this

[[Page 20150]]

inspection in accordance with Avions Pierre Robin Service Bulletin 
No. 90, dated May 3, 1982.
    (b) At whichever of the compliance times in paragraphs (b)(1) 
and (b)(2) of this AD that occurs first, reinforce the left-hand and 
right-hand aileron/flap common support bracket in accordance with 
the instructions in Avions Pierre Robin Repair Kit No. 97.40.16, as 
specified in Avions Pierre Robin Service Bulletin No. 90, dated May 
3, 1982.

    (1) Prior to further flight if any crack(s), loose rivet(s), 
and/or separation of the bracket from the skin is/are 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) Reinforcing the aileron/flap common support bracket 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, an aileron/flap common support bracket 
that has not been reinforced 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: 
33-3 80 44 20 50; facsimile: 33-3 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 inspections required by this AD shall be done in 
accordance with Avions Pierre Robin Service Bulletin No. 90, dated 
May 3, 1982. The reinforcements required by this AD shall be done in 
accordance with the instructions in Avions Pierre Robin Repair Kit 
No. 97.40.16, as specified in Avions Pierre Robin Service Bulletin 
No. 90, dated May 3, 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 
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 issued French AD 
82-70-(A), dated May 19, 1982.

    (i) This amendment becomes effective on June 7, 1999.

    Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on April 15, 1999.
Michael Gallagher,
Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 99-10173 Filed 4-23-99; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U