[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 190 (Friday, October 1, 1999)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 53191-53192]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 99-25596]
[[Page 53191]]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 99-NM-29-AD; Amendment 39-11345; AD 99-21-02]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Short Brothers Model SD3-30, SD3-60,
SD3-SHERPA, and SD3-60 SHERPA 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 SD3-30, SD3-60, SD3-SHERPA, and
SD3-60 SHERPA series airplanes, that requires detailed visual and
borescopic inspections to detect corrosion of the engine mounting tube
assembly, and replacement of corroded parts with new or serviceable
parts. 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
engine mounting tube assembly, which could result in loss of the engine
in flight.
DATES: Effective November 5, 1999.
The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as
of November 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 SD3-30,
SD3-60, SD3-SHERPA, and SD3-60 SHERPA series airplanes was published in
the Federal Register on June 28, 1999 (64 FR 34582). That action
proposed to require detailed visual and borescopic inspections to
detect corrosion of the engine mounting tube assembly, and replacement
of corroded parts with new or serviceable parts.
Comments Received
Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate
in the making of this amendment. Due consideration has been given to
the comments received.
Request To Extend Compliance Time
The manufacturer requests that the FAA extend the proposed
compliance time from 6 months to 9 months. The manufacturer supports
its request based on the results of an airframe structural analysis,
ongoing inspections, and the Civil Aviation Authority of the United
Kingdom's acceptance of the 3-month extension. The FAA has reviewed the
data presented by the manufacturer and concurs with the request. The
final rule has been revised accordingly.
Explanation of Additional Change to Proposal
The FAA has added a note to the final rule to clarify the
definition of a detailed visual inspection.
Conclusion
After careful review of the available data, including the comments
noted above, the FAA has determined that air safety and the public
interest require the adoption of the rule with the changes described
previously. The FAA has determined that these changes will neither
increase the economic burden on any operator nor increase the scope of
the AD.
Cost Impact
The FAA estimates that 137 Model SD3-30, SD3-60, SD3-SHERPA, and
SD3-60 SHERPA series airplanes of U.S. registry will be affected by
this AD, that it will take approximately 25 work hours per airplane to
accomplish the required actions, and that the average labor rate is $60
per work hour. Based on these figures, the cost impact of the AD on
U.S. operators is estimated to be $205,500, or $1,500 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:
99-21-02 Short Brothers PLC: Amendment 39-11345. Docket 99-NM-29-
AD.
Applicability: All Model SD3-30, SD3-60, SD3-SHERPA, and SD3-60
SHERPA 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
[[Page 53192]]
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 engine mounting tube assembly, which
could result in loss of the engine in flight, accomplish the
following:
Inspections
(a) Within 9 months after the effective date of this AD, perform
a detailed visual inspection of the taper pins of the engine
mounting tube assembly for corrosion in accordance with Shorts
Service Bulletins SD330-71-23, dated November 20, 1998, or Revision
1, dated April 26, 1999 (for Model SD3-30 series airplanes); SD3
SHERPA-71-1, Revision 1, dated February 3, 1999, or Revision 2,
dated April 26, 1999 (for Model SD3-SHERPA series airplanes); SD3-60
SHERPA-71-1, Revision 1, dated February 3, 1999, or Revision 2,
dated April 26, 1999 (for Model SD3-60 SHERPA series airplanes); or
SD360-71-18, Revision 1, dated February 3, 1999, or Revision 2,
dated April 26, 1999 (for Model SD3-60 series airplanes); as
applicable. If corrosion is found on any taper pin, prior to further
flight, replace the pin with a new or serviceable pin.
Note 2: For the purposes of this AD, a detailed visual
inspection is defined as: ``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 light 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.''
(b) Within 9 months after the effective date of this AD, perform
a borescopic inspection of the internal surface of the engine
mounting tubes and fittings for corrosion, in accordance with Shorts
Service Bulletins SD330-71-23, dated November 20, 1998, or Revision
1, dated April 26, 1999 (for Model SD3-30 series airplanes); SD3
SHERPA-71-1, Revision 1, dated February 3, 1999, or Revision 2,
dated April 26, 1999 (for Model SD3-SHERPA series airplanes); SD3-60
SHERPA-71-1, Revision 1, dated February 3, 1999, or Revision 2,
dated April 26, 1999 (for Model SD3-60 SHERPA series airplanes); or
SD360-71-18, Revision 1, dated February 3, 1999, or Revision 2,
dated April 26, 1999 (for Model SD3-60 series airplanes); as
applicable.
(1) If no corrosion is found on the internal surface of the
engine mounting tubes and fittings, no further action is required by
this paragraph.
(2) If corrosion is found that is within the limits as defined
in the applicable service bulletin, repeat the borescopic inspection
thereafter at intervals not to exceed 9 months. Replacement of all
corroded parts with new or serviceable parts in accordance with the
applicable service bulletin constitutes terminating action for the
repetitive borescopic inspections required by this AD.
(3) If corrosion is found that is outside the limits as defined
in the applicable service bulletin, prior to further flight, replace
the corroded parts with new or serviceable parts, in accordance with
the applicable service bulletin.
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 actions shall be done in accordance with the following
Shorts service bulletins, as applicable, which contain the specified
effective pages:
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Revision level shown on
Service bulletin referenced and date Page No. page Date shown on page
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SD330-71-23, November 20, 1998....... 1-11 Original................ November 20, 1998.
SD330-71-23, Revision 1, April 26, 1, 2 1....................... April 26, 1999.
1999. 3-11 Original................ November 20, 1998.
SD3 SHERPA-71-1, Revision 1, February 1, 6-8 1....................... February 3, 1999.
3, 1999. 2-5, 9-11 Original................ November 20, 1998.
SD3 SHERPA-71-1, Revision 2, April 1, 2 2....................... April 26, 1999.
26, 1999. 3-5, 9-11 Original................ November 20, 1998.
6-8 1....................... February 3, 1999.
SD3-60 SHERPA-71-1, Revision 1, 1, 6-8 1....................... February 3, 1999.
February 3, 1999. 2-5, 9-11 Original................ November 20, 1998.
SD3-60 SHERPA-71-1, Revision 2, April 1, 2 2....................... April 26, 1999.
26, 1999. 3-5, 9-11 Original................ November 20, 1998.
6-8 1....................... February 3, 1999.
SD360-71-18, Revision 1, February 3, 1, 6, 8 1....................... February 3, 1999.
1999. 2-5, 7, 9- Original................ November 24, 1998.
11
SD360-71-18, Revision 2, April 26, 1, 2 2....................... April 26, 1999.
1999. 3-5, 7, 9- Original................ November 24, 1998.
11 ......................
6, 8 1....................... February 3, 1999
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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 014-11-98, 018-11-98, 011-11-98, and 012-
11-98.
(f) This amendment becomes effective on November 5, 1999.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on September 27, 1999.
D. L. Riggin,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 99-25596 Filed 9-30-99; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P