[Federal Register Volume 65, Number 90 (Tuesday, May 9, 2000)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 26735-26738]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 00-11176]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2000-CE-04-AD; Amendment 39-11715; AD 2000-09-06]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Maule Aerospace Technology, Inc. M-4, 
M-5, M-6, M-7, MX-7, and MXT-7 Series Airplanes and Models MT-7-235 and 
M-8-235 Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

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SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) that 
applies to certain Maule Aerospace Technology, Inc. (Maule) M-4, M-5, 
M-6, M-7, MX-7, and MXT-7 series airplanes and Models MT-7-235 and M-8-
235 airplanes. This AD requires you to inspect all 
NicopressTM sleeve terminal ends for correct size 
compression, with adjustment or replacement, as necessary. This AD 
results from a report of the rudder cable slipping out of the 
NicopressTM sleeve while one of the affected airplanes was 
landing. The actions specified by this AD are intended to detect and 
correct improper crimping of the NicopressTM sleeve, which 
could cause a control cable to slip from the sleeve. This could result 
in loss of rudder, elevator, aileron, or flap control.

DATES: This AD becomes effective on May 30, 2000. The Director of the 
Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of certain 
publications listed in the regulation as of May 30, 2000.
    The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) must receive any comments 
on this rule on or before June 23, 2000.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to FAA, Central Region, Office 
of the Regional Counsel, Attention: Rules Docket No. 2000-CE-04-AD, 901 
Locust, Room 506, Kansas City, MO 64106.
    You may get the service information referenced in this AD from 
Maule Aerospace Technology Inc., 2099 Georgia Highway 133 South, 
Moultrie, GA 31768; telephone: (912) 985-2045, facsimile: (912) 890-
2402.
    You may examine this information at FAA, Central Region, Office of 
the Regional Counsel, Attention: Rules Docket No. 2000-CE-04-AD, 901 
Locust, Room 506, Kansas City, MO 64106; or at the Office of the 
Federal

[[Page 26736]]

Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW, suite 700, Washington, DC.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Cindy Lorenzen, Aerospace Engineer, 
FAA, Atlanta Aircraft Certification Office, One Crown Center, 1895 
Phoenix Boulevard, suite 450, Atlanta, GA 30349; telephone: (770) 703-
6078, facsimile: (770) 703-6097.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Discussion

What Events Have Caused This AD?

    The FAA has received a report of the rudder cable slipping out of 
the Nicopress\TM\ sleeve while a Maule Model M-7-235C airplane was 
landing. Investigation of this accident revealed that the Nicopress\TM\ 
sleeve was not adequately crimped and was slightly larger than the 
gauge dimension.

What Is the Cause of the Problem?

    Maule did not set a crimping tool to correct specification for the 
elevator and rudder cables that were installed on certain Maule 
airplane models on Type Certificate No. 3A23, Revision 26, dated April 
6, 2000. Maule has no way of determining exactly what time frame the 
crimping tool was not set to specification. Each airplane utilizes 
approximately 27 Nicopress\TM\ sleeves.
    The airplane models affected are listed in the AD portion of this 
document.

What Are the Consequences if the Condition Is Not Corrected?

    An improperly crimped Nicopress\TM\ sleeve, if not detected and 
corrected, could cause a control cable to slip from the sleeve. This 
could result in loss of rudder, elevator, aileron, or flap control.

Is There Service Information That Applies to This Subject?

    Maule has issued Mandatory Service Bulletin No. 20, dated December 
27, 1999.

What Are the Provisions of This Service Bulletin?

    The service bulletin:
     Includes procedures for inspection of all Nicopress\TM\ 
sleeve terminal ends for correct size compression; and
     Specifies provisions for adjustment or replacement, as 
necessary.

FAA's Determination and an Explanation of the Provisions of the AD

What Has FAA Decided?

    After examining the circumstances and reviewing all available 
information related to the incidents described above, including the 
relevant service information, FAA has determined that:
     An unsafe condition exists or could develop on certain 
Maule M-4, M-5, M-6, M-7, MX-7, and MXT-7 series airplanes and Models 
MT-7-235 and M-8-235 airplanes of the same type design; and
     AD action should be taken in order to detect and correct 
improper crimping of the Nicopress\TM\ sleeve, which could cause a 
control cable to slip from the sleeve.

What Does This AD Require?

    This AD requires you to inspect all Nicopress\TM\ sleeve terminal 
ends for correct size compression, with adjustment or replacement, as 
necessary.

Will I Have the Opportunity To Comment Prior to the Issuance of the 
Rule?

    Because the unsafe condition described in this document could 
result in loss of rudder, elevator, aileron, or flap control, FAA finds 
that notice and opportunity for public prior comment are impracticable. 
Therefore, good cause exists for making this amendment effective in 
less than 30 days.

Comments Invited

    Although this action is in the form of a final rule and was not 
preceded by notice and opportunity for public comment, FAA invites 
comments on this rule. You may submit whatever written data, views, or 
arguments you choose. You need to include the rule's docket number and 
submit your comments in triplicate to the address specified under the 
caption ADDRESSES. The FAA will consider all comments received on or 
before the closing date. We may amend this rule in light of comments 
received. Factual information that supports your ideas and suggestions 
is extremely helpful in evaluating the effectiveness of the AD action 
and determining whether we need to take additional rulemaking action.
    The FAA is re-examining the writing style we currently use in 
regulatory documents, in response to the Presidential memorandum of 
June 1, 1998. That memorandum requires federal agencies to communicate 
more clearly with the public. We are interested in your comments on 
whether the style of this document is clearer, and any other 
suggestions you might have to improve the clarity of FAA communications 
that affect you. You can get more information about the Presidential 
memorandum and the plain language initiative at http://www.plainlanguage.gov.
    The FAA specifically invites comments on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the rule that might 
suggest a need to modify the rule. You may examine all comments we 
receive before and after the closing date of the rule in the Rules 
Docket. We will file a report in the Rules Docket that summarizes each 
FAA contact with the public that concerns the substantive parts of this 
AD.
    If you want us to acknowledge the receipt of your comments, you 
must include a self-addressed, stamped postcard. On the postcard, write 
``Comments to Docket No. 2000-CE-04-AD.'' We will date stamp and mail 
the postcard back to you.

Regulatory Impact

    These regulations will not have a substantial direct effect 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, FAA has determined that this 
final rule does not have federalism implications under Executive Order 
13132.
    The FAA has determined that this regulation is an emergency 
regulation that must be issued immediately to correct an unsafe 
condition in aircraft, and is not a significant regulatory action under 
Executive Order 12866. We have determined that this action involves an 
emergency regulation under DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures (44 
FR 11034, February 26, 1979). If FAA determines that this emergency 
regulation otherwise would be significant under DOT Regulatory Policies 
and Procedures, we will prepare a final regulatory evaluation. You may 
obtain a copy of the evaluation (if required) from the Rules Docket.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by 
reference, Safety.

Adoption of the Amendment

    Accordingly, under 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.

[[Page 26737]]

Sec. 39.13  [Amended]

    2. FAA amends Section 39.13 by adding a new airworthiness directive 
(AD) to read as follows:

2000-09-06 Maule Aerospace Technology, Inc.: Amendment 39-11715; 
Docket No. 2000-CE-04-AD.
    (a) What airplanes are affected by this AD? This AD affects the 
following airplane models and serial numbers, certificated in any 
category:

                            Group 1 Airplanes
------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Models                           Serial numbers
------------------------------------------------------------------------
MX-7-160C..........................  34001C.
M-7-260C...........................  30001C through 30004C, 30007C
                                      through 30011C, 30013C, and
                                      30014C.
M-7-420AC..........................  29001C.
MX-7-180C..........................  28001C through 28011C.
MT-7-260...........................  27001C and 27003C.
M-7-260............................  26002C through 26007C.
M-7-235C...........................  25001C through 25037C, 25040C,
                                      25041C, and 25044C.
M-7-235A...........................  24001C.
M-7-235B...........................  23001C through 23056C, 23058C, and
                                      23059C.
MX-7-180B..........................  22001C through 22016C.
MXT-7-180A.........................  21001C through 21067C, 21070C,
                                      21072C, 21076C, 21077C, 21079C,
                                      and 21081C.
MX-7-180A..........................  20001C through 20063C.
MX-7-160...........................  19001C through 19046C.
MXT-7-160..........................  17001C through 17008C.
MT-7-235...........................  18001C through 18041C, 18044C, and
                                      18047C.
M-8-235............................  15001C through 15005C.
MXT-7-180..........................  14000C through 14095C.
MX-7-180...........................  11066C through 11097C.
MX-7-235...........................  10081C through 10122C.
M-7-235............................  4078C, 4080C, 4083C, 4086C, and
                                      4089C through 4132C.
M-6-235............................  7508C, 7510C, 7516C, and 7518C
                                      through 7521C.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


                            Group 2 Airplanes
------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Models                           Serial numbers
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bee Dee M-4........................  3 through 14.
M-4................................  3 through 94 (Bee Dee: 3-14; and M-
                                      4: 15-94).
M-4C...............................  1C through 11C.
M-4S...............................  1S, 2S, and 3S.
M-4T...............................  1T, 2T, and 3T.
M-4-210............................  1001 through 1045.
M-4-210C...........................  1001C through 1117C.
M-4-220C...........................  2001C through 2190C.
M-4-220S...........................  2001S.
M-4-180C...........................  3001C through 3006C.
M-5-200............................  8015C and 8022C.
M-5-210C...........................  6001C through 6206C.
M-5-220C...........................  5001C through 5057C.
M-5-235C...........................  7001C through 7248C, 7250C through
                                      7353C, A7354C, A7355C, 7356C,
                                      7357C, A7358C, 7359C, A7360C,
                                      A7361C, 7362C through 7365C,
                                      A7366C, A7367C, 7368C through
                                      7376C, 7445C, 7451C, 7460C, 7467C,
                                      7470C, 7478C through 7480C, 7484C
                                      through 7487C, and 7515C.
M-5-180C...........................  8001C through 8014C, 8016C through
                                      8019C, 8021C, 8023C through 8042C,
                                      8044C through 8064C, and 8068C
                                      through 8094C.
M-5-210T...........................  9001C through 9010C.
M-6-235............................  7249C, 7356C, 7379C through 7444C,
                                      7446C through 7450C, 7452C through
                                      7459C, 7461C through 7466C, 7468C,
                                      7469C, 7471C through 7475C, 7488C
                                      through 7507C, 7509C, 7511C
                                      through 7514C, and 7517C.
M-6-180............................  8020C, 8043C, and 8065C through
                                      8067C.
M-7-235............................  4001C through 4077C, 4079C, 4081C,
                                      4082C, 4084C, 4085C, 4087C, and
                                      4088C.
M-7-235............................  12001C and 12002C. These airplanes
                                      were manufactured as Model M-7-235
                                      airplanes and then modified in
                                      accordance with STC SA2661SO. This
                                      modification changed the model
                                      designation of these airplanes to
                                      M-7-420.
MX-7-235...........................  10001C through 10080C.
MX-7-180...........................  11001C through 11065C.
MX-7-420...........................  13001C through 13003C.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (b) Who must comply with this AD? Anyone who wishes to operate 
any of the above airplanes on the U.S. Register must comply with 
this AD.
    (c) What problem does this AD address? The actions specified by 
this AD are intended to detect and correct improper crimping of the 
Nicopress\TM\ sleeve, which could cause a control cable to slip from 
the sleeve. This could result in loss of rudder, elevator, aileron, 
or flap control.
    (d) What must I do to address this problem? To address this 
problem, accomplish the following:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
           Action                Compliance time         Procedures
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inspect all Nicopress TM      For Group 1           Accomplish in
 sleeve terminal ends for      airplanes: Within     accordance with the
 correct size compression..    the next 25 hours     ACTION TO BE TAKEN
                               time-in-service       AND TOOLS REQUIRED
                               (TIS) after May 30,   section of Maule
                               2000 (the effective   Mandatory Service
                               date of this AD);     Bulletin No. 20,
                               and.                  dated December 27,
                                                     1999.
                              For Group 2
                               airplanes: Within
                               the next 100 hours
                               TIS after May 30,
                               2000 (the effective
                               date of this AD)..
Adjust or replace any         Prior to further      Accomplish in
 terminal compressions that    flight after the      accordance with the
 are outside of the limits     inspection required   ACTION TO BE TAKEN
 specified in the service      by this AD..          AND TOOLS REQUIRED
 information..                                       section of Maule
                                                     Mandatory Service
                                                     Bulletin No. 20,
                                                     dated December 27,
                                                     1999.
Do not install a Nicopress    As of May 30, 2000    Accomplish in
 TM sleeve without assuring    (the effective date   accordance with the
 that the terminal             of this AD)..         ACTION TO BE TAKEN
 compressions are within the                         AND TOOLS REQUIRED
 limits specified in the                             section of Maule
 service information..                               Mandatory Service
                                                     Bulletin No. 20,
                                                     dated December 27,
                                                     1999.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (e) Can I comply with this AD in any other way? (1) You may use 
an alternative method of compliance or adjust the compliance time 
if:
    (i) Your alternative method of compliance provides an equivalent 
level of safety; and
    (ii) The Manager, Atlanta Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), 
approves your alternative. Submit your request through an FAA 
Principal Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send 
it to the Manager, Atlanta ACO.
    (2) 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 (e)(1) 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 you have not eliminated the unsafe 
condition, specific actions you propose to address it.

[[Page 26738]]

    (f) Where can I get information about any already-approved 
alternative methods of compliance? Contact Cindy Lorenzen, Aerospace 
Engineer, FAA, Atlanta Aircraft Certification Office, One Crown 
Center, 1895 Phoenix Boulevard, suite 450, Atlanta, GA 30349; 
telephone: (770) 703-6078; facsimile, (770) 703-6097.
    (g) What if I need to fly the airplane to another location to 
comply with this AD? FAA can issue a special flight permit under 
sections 21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 
CFR 21.197 and 21.199) to operate your airplane to a location where 
you can accomplish the requirements of this AD .
    (h) Are any service bulletins incorporated into this AD by 
reference? You must accomplish the actions required by this AD in 
accordance with Maule Mandatory Service Bulletin No. 20, dated 
December 27, 1999. The Director of the Federal Register approved 
this incorporation by reference under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 
51. You can get copies from Maule Aerospace Technology, Inc., 2099 
Georgia Hwy. 133 South, Moultrie, GA 31768. You can look at copies 
at FAA, Central Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, 901 Locust, 
Room 506, Kansas City, MO, or at the Office of the Federal Register, 
800 North Capitol Street, NW, suite 700, Washington, DC.
    (i) When does this amendment become effective? This amendment 
becomes effective on May 30, 2000.

    Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on April 27, 2000.
Michael Gallagher,
Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 00-11176 Filed 5-8-00; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U