[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 168 (Tuesday, August 31, 1999)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 47368-47370]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 99-22385]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 98-NM-369-AD; Amendment 39-11276; AD 99-18-10]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Short Brothers Model SD3-SHERPA, SD3-60 
SHERPA, SD3-30, and SD3-60 Series Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), 
applicable to all Short Brothers Model SD3-SHERPA, SD3-60 SHERPA, SD3-
30, and SD3-60 series airplanes, that requires a one-time detailed 
visual inspection of the emergency brake accumulator mounting structure 
for evidence of cracking; and corrective action, if necessary. This 
amendment is prompted by issuance of mandatory continuing airworthiness 
information by a foreign civil airworthiness authority. The actions 
specified by this AD are intended to prevent failure of the mounting 
angle that supports the emergency brake system due to cracking, which 
could result in loss of the emergency brake system.

DATES: Effective October 5, 1999.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of October 5, 1999.

ADDRESSES: The service information referenced in this AD may be 
obtained from Short Brothers, Airworthiness & Engineering Quality, P.O. 
Box 241, Airport Road, Belfast BT3 9DZ, Northern Ireland. This 
information may be examined at the Federal Aviation Administration 
(FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, Rules Docket, 1601 Lind Avenue, 
SW., Renton, Washington; or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 
North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Norman B. Martenson, Manager, 
International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056; telephone (425) 
227-2110; fax (425) 227-1149.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: A proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal 
Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) to include an airworthiness 
directive (AD) that is applicable to all Short Brothers Model SD3-
SHERPA, SD3-60 SHERPA, SD3-30, and SD3-60 series airplanes was 
published in the Federal Register on June 28, 1999 (64 FR 34575). That 
action proposed to require a one-time visual inspection of the 
emergency brake accumulator mounting structure for evidence of 
cracking; and corrective action, if necessary.

Comments

    Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate 
in the making of this amendment. No comments were submitted in response 
to the proposal or the FAA's determination of the cost to the public.

Explanation of Change Made to Proposal

    The FAA has added a note to the final rule to clarify the 
definition of a detailed visual inspection.

[[Page 47369]]

Conclusion

    The FAA has determined that air safety and the public interest 
require the adoption of the rule with the change previously described. 
The FAA has determined that this change will neither increase the 
economic burden on any operator nor increase the scope of the AD.

Interim Action

    This is considered to be interim action until final action is 
identified, at which time the FAA may consider further rulemaking.

Cost Impact

    The FAA estimates that 56 airplanes of U.S. registry will be 
affected by this AD, that it will take approximately 1 work hour per 
airplane to accomplish the required inspection, and that the average 
labor rate is $60 per work hour. Based on these figures, the cost 
impact of the required AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be $3,360, 
or $60 per airplane.
    The cost impact figure discussed above is based on assumptions that 
no operator has yet accomplished any of the requirements of this AD 
action, and that no operator would accomplish those actions in the 
future if this AD were not adopted.

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 final evaluation has been prepared for this action 
and it 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 adding the following new 
airworthiness directive:

99-18-10 Short Brothers PLC: Amendment 39-11276. Docket 98-NM-369-
AD.

    Applicability: All Model SD3-SHERPA, SD3-60 SHERPA, SD3-30, and 
SD3-60 series airplanes, 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 (c) 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, unless accomplished 
previously.
    To prevent failure of the mounting angle that supports the 
emergency brake system due to cracking, which could result in loss 
of the emergency brake system, accomplish the following:

Inspection

    (a) Within 3 months after the effective date of this AD, perform 
a detailed visual inspection of the emergency brake accumulator 
mounting angle for evidence of cracking in accordance with Shorts 
Service Bulletin SD3 SHERPA-29-2 (for Model SD3-SHERPA series 
airplanes); SD360 SHERPA-29-1 (for Model SD3-60 SHERPA series 
airplanes); SD330-29-19 (for Model SD3-30 series airplanes); or 
SD360-29-06 (for Model SD3-60 series airplanes); all dated October 
22, 1998; as applicable. If any cracking is found, prior to further 
flight, remove and replace the mounting angle with a new or 
serviceable part in accordance with the applicable service bulletin.

    Note 2: For the purposes of this AD, a detailed visual 
inspection is defined as: ``An intensive visual examination of a 
specific structural area, system, installation, or assembly to 
detect damage, failure, or irregularity. Available lighting is 
normally supplemented with a direct source of good lighting at 
intensity deemed appropriate by the inspector. Inspection aids such 
as mirror, magnifying lenses, etc., may be used. Surface cleaning 
and elaborate access procedures may be required.''

Reporting

    (b) Within 10 days after accomplishing the inspection required 
by paragraph (a) of this AD, submit a report of the inspection 
results (both positive and negative findings) to Short Brothers PLC, 
Mel Smith, Team Leader Customer Support, facsimile number: 44-1232-
733024. Information collection requirements contained in this 
regulation have been approved by the Office of Management and Budget 
(OMB) under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1980 
(44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.) and have been assigned OMB Control Number 
2120-0056.

Alternative Methods of Compliance

    (c) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the 
compliance time that provides an acceptable level of safety may be 
used if approved by the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, 
Transport Airplane Directorate. Operators shall submit their 
requests through an appropriate FAA Principal Maintenance Inspector, 
who may add comments and then send it to the Manager, International 
Branch, ANM-116.

    Note 3: Information concerning the existence of approved 
alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be 
obtained from the International Branch, ANM-116.

Special Flight Permits

    (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.

Incorporation by Reference

    (e) The inspection and replacement shall be done in accordance 
with Shorts Service Bulletin SD3 SHERPA-29-2, dated October 22, 
1998; Shorts Service Bulletin SD360 SHERPA-29-1, dated October 22, 
1998; Shorts Service Bulletin SD330-29-19, dated October 22, 1998; 
or Shorts Service Bulletin SD360-29-06, dated October 22, 1998; as 
applicable. 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 Short Brothers, 
Airworthiness & Engineering Quality, P.O. Box 241, Airport Road, 
Belfast BT3 9DZ, Northern Ireland. Copies may be inspected at the 
FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, 
Washington; 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 British 
airworthiness directives 009-10-98, 011-10-98, 008-10-98, and 010-
10-98.


[[Page 47370]]


    (f) This amendment becomes effective on October 5, 1999.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on August 23, 1999.
Vi L. Lipski,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 99-22385 Filed 8-30-99; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U