[Federal Register Volume 68, Number 69 (Thursday, April 10, 2003)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 17563-17565]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 03-8750]


 ========================================================================
 Proposed Rules
                                                 Federal Register
 ________________________________________________________________________
 
 This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains notices to the public of 
 the proposed issuance of rules and regulations. The purpose of these 
 notices is to give interested persons an opportunity to participate in 
 the rule making prior to the adoption of the final rules.
 
 ========================================================================
 

  Federal Register / Vol. 68, No. 69 / Thursday, April 10, 2003 / 
Proposed Rules  

[[Page 17563]]



DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2003-CE-15-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Short Brothers and Harland Ltd. Models 
SC-7 Series 2 and SC-7 Series 3 Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: This document proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive 
(AD) that would apply to all Short Brothers and Harland Ltd. (Shorts) 
Models SC-7 Series 2 and SC-7 Series 3 airplanes. This proposed AD 
would require you to repetitively inspect all flight control system 
rods for corrosion and cracks, replace any cracked rod, and repair 
corrosion damage or replace any corroded rod depending on the extent of 
the damage. This proposed AD is the result of mandatory continuing 
airworthiness information (MCAI) issued by the airworthiness authority 
for the United Kingdom. The actions specified by this proposed AD are 
intended to prevent failure of any flight control system rod caused by 
cracks or corrosion. Such failure could lead to complete failure of the 
flight control system with consequent loss of control of the airplane.

DATES: The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) must receive any 
comments on this proposed rule on or before May 19, 2003.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments to FAA, Central Region, Office of the 
Regional Counsel, Attention: Rules Docket No. 2003-CE-15-AD, 901 
Locust, Room 506, Kansas City, Missouri 64106. You may view any 
comments at this location between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through 
Friday, except Federal holidays. You may also send comments 
electronically to the following address: [email protected]. 
Comments sent electronically must contain ``Docket No. 2003-CE-15-AD'' 
in the subject line. If you send comments electronically as attached 
electronic files, the files must be formatted in Microsoft Word 97 for 
Windows or ASCII text.
    You may get service information that applies to this proposed AD 
from Short Brothers PLC, P.O. Box 241, Airport Road, Belfast BT3 9DZ 
Northern Ireland; telephone: +44 (0) 28 9045 8444; facsimile: +44 (0) 
28 9073 3396. You may also view this information at the Rules Docket at 
the address above.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Doug Rudolph, Aerospace Engineer, FAA, 
Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas City, Missouri 
64106; telephone: (816) 329-4059; facsimile: (816) 329-4090.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

    How do I comment on this proposed AD? The FAA invites comments on 
this proposed rule. You may submit whatever written data, views, or 
arguments you choose. You need to include the proposed rule's docket 
number and submit your comments to the address specified under the 
caption ADDRESSES. We will consider all comments received on or before 
the closing date. We may amend this proposed rule in light of comments 
received. Factual information that supports your ideas and suggestions 
is extremely helpful in evaluating the effectiveness of this proposed 
AD action and determining whether we need to take additional rulemaking 
action.
    Are there any specific portions of this proposed AD I should pay 
attention to? The FAA specifically invites comments on the overall 
regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this 
proposed rule that might suggest a need to modify the rule. You may 
view 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 contact we have with the public that concerns the 
substantive parts of this proposed AD.
    How can I be sure FAA receives my comment? If you want FAA to 
acknowledge the receipt of your mailed comments, you must include a 
self-addressed, stamped postcard. On the postcard, write ``Comments to 
Docket No. 2003-CE-15-AD.'' We will date stamp and mail the postcard 
back to you.

Discussion

    What events have caused this proposed AD? The Civil Airworthiness 
Authority (CAA), which is the airworthiness authority for the United 
Kingdom, recently notified FAA that an unsafe condition may exist on 
all Models SC-7 Series 2 and SC-7 Series 3 airplanes. The CAA reports 
27 flight control rods with corrosion beyond acceptable limits and 15 
rods with cracks. This is on a total of 26 different aircraft.
    What are the consequences if the condition is not corrected? 
Cracked or corroded flight control rods, if not detected or corrected, 
could lead to complete failure of the flight control system with 
consequent loss of control of the airplane.
    Is there service information that applies to this subject? Shorts 
has issued Service Bulletin Number 27-77, Original Issue 27/FEB/03.
    What are the provisions of this service information? This service 
bulletin includes procedures for:

--Inspecting all flight control rods for cracks or corrosion;
--Correcting corrosion damage that is not beyond the acceptable limits; 
and
--Replacing any cracked or corroded (past acceptable limits) control 
rods.

    What action did the CAA take? The CAA classified this service 
bulletin as mandatory in order to ensure the continued airworthiness of 
these airplanes in the United Kingdom. The CAA classifying a service 
bulletin as mandatory is the equivalent for airplanes of British 
registry as an AD is for airplanes of American registry.
    Was this in accordance with the bilateral airworthiness agreement? 
These airplane models are manufactured in the United Kingdom and are 
type certificated for operation in the United States under the 
provisions of section 21.29 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 
21.29) and the applicable bilateral airworthiness agreement.
    Pursuant to this bilateral airworthiness agreement, the CAA has 
kept FAA informed of the situation described above.

[[Page 17564]]

The FAA's Determination and an Explanation of the Provisions of This 
Proposed AD

    What has FAA decided? The FAA has examined the findings of the CAA; 
reviewed all available information, including the service information 
referenced above; and determined that:

--The unsafe condition referenced in this document exists or could 
develop on other Shorts Models SC-7 Series 2 and SC-7 Series 3 
airplanes of the same type design that are on the U.S. registry;
--The actions specified in the previously-referenced service 
information should be accomplished on the affected airplanes; and
--AD action should be taken in order to correct this unsafe condition.

    What would this proposed AD require? This proposed AD would require 
you to repetitively inspect all flight control system rods for 
corrosion and cracks, replace any cracked rod, and repair corrosion 
damage or replace any corroded rod depending on the extent of the 
damage.
    The proposed AD would give initial inspection credit to those 
operators who had previously inspected the flight control rods in 
accordance with Shorts Service Bulletin 27-74 (any revision level).
    How does the revision to 14 CFR part 39 affect this proposed AD? On 
July 10, 2002, FAA published a new version of 14 CFR part 39 (67 FR 
47997, July 22, 2002), which governs FAA's AD system. This regulation 
now includes material that relates to special flight permits, 
alternative methods of compliance, and altered products. This material 
previously was included in each individual AD. Since this material is 
included in 14 CFR part 39, we will not include it in future AD 
actions.

Cost Impact

    How many airplanes would this proposed AD impact? We estimate that 
this proposed AD affects 24 airplanes in the U.S. registry.
    What would be the cost impact of this proposed AD on owners/
operators of the affected airplanes? We estimate the following costs to 
accomplish the initial inspection:

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                           Total cost on U.S.
             Labor cost                      Parts cost        Total cost per airplane          operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
250 hours x $60 per hour = $15,000..  No parts necessary to    $15,000 per airplane...  $15,000 x 24 airplanes =
                                       accomplish inspection.                            $360,000
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The follow-up inspections would be substantially less than the 
initial inspection because the flight control rods only have to be 
removed in the initial inspection. Replacement control rods cost 
$2,000. We have no way of determining the number of airplanes that may 
need such repair/replacement.

Compliance Time of This Proposed AD

    What would be the compliance time of this proposed AD? The initial 
inspection compliance time of this proposed AD is ``within the next 3 
months after the effective date of this AD or within 24 months after 
the last inspection accomplished in accordance with Shorts Service 
Bulletin 27-74 (any revision level), whichever occurs later.'' The 
repetitive inspection compliance time of the proposed AD is 
``thereafter at intervals not to exceed 24 months.''
    Why is the compliance time presented in calendar time instead of 
hours time-in-service (TIS)? The unsafe condition specified by the 
proposed AD is caused by corrosion. Corrosion can occur regardless of 
whether the aircraft is in operation or is in storage. Therefore, to 
ensure that the unsafe condition specified in the proposed AD does not 
go undetected for a long period of time, the compliance is presented in 
calendar time instead of hours TIS.

Regulatory Impact

    Would this proposed AD impact various entities? The regulations 
proposed herein would 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, it is determined that this 
proposed rule would not have federalism implications under Executive 
Order 13132.
    Would this proposed AD involve a significant rule or regulatory 
action? For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this proposed 
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) if 
promulgated, 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 draft regulatory 
evaluation prepared for this action has been placed 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, Safety.

The Proposed Amendment

    Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration proposes to amend 
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. FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by adding a new airworthiness directive 
(AD) to read as follows:

Short Brothers and Harland Ltd.: Docket No. 2003-CE-15-AD.

    (a) What airplanes are affected by this AD? This AD affects 
Models SC-7 Series 2 and SC-7 Series 3 airplanes, all serial 
numbers, that are certificated in any category.
    (b) Who must comply with this AD? Anyone who wishes to operate 
any of the airplanes identified in paragraph (a) of this AD must 
comply with this AD.
    (c) What problem does this AD address? The actions specified by 
this AD are intended to prevent failure of any flight control system 
rod caused by cracks or corrosion. Such failure could lead to 
complete failure of the flight control system with consequent loss 
of control of the airplane.
    (d) What actions must I accomplish to address this problem? To 
address this problem, you must accomplish the following:

[[Page 17565]]



------------------------------------------------------------------------
           Actions                 Compliance            Procedures
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) Inspect all flight        Initially inspect     In accordance with
 control system rods for       within the next 3     the ACCOMPLISHMENT
 cracks and corrosion damage.  months after the      INSTRUCTIONS
                               effective date of     section of Shorts
                               this AD or within     Service Bulletin
                               24 months after the   Number 27-77,
                               last inspection       Original Issue 27/
                               accomplished in       FEB/03.
                               accordance with
                               Shorts Service
                               Bulletin 27-74 (any
                               revision level),
                               whichever occurs
                               later, unless
                               already
                               accomplished.
                               Repetitively
                               inspect thereafter
                               at intervals not to
                               exceed 24 months.
(2) If corrosion is found     Prior to further      In accordance with
 during any inspection that    flight after the      the ACCOMPLISHMENT
 does not exceed the limits    inspection where      INSTRUCTIONS
 specified in Shorts Service   the damage is found.  section of Shorts
 Bulletin 27-77, repair the                          Service Bulletin
 corrosion damage on the                             Number 27-77,
 affected flight control rod.                        Original Issue 27/
                                                     FEB/03.
(3) If any crack is found or  Prior to further      In accordance with
 if corrosion damage that      flight after the      the ACCOMPLISHMENT
 exceeds the limits            inspection where      INSTRUCTIONS
 specified in Shorts Service   the damage or         section of Shorts
 Bulletin 27-77 is found       cracks are found.     Service Bulletin
 during any inspection                               Number 27-77,
 required by this AD,                                Original Issue 27/
 replace the affected flight                         FEB/03.
 control rod.
(4) Do not install any used   As of the effective   In accordance with
 flight control rod on any     date of this AD.      the ACCOMPLISHMENT
 affected airplane unless it                         INSTRUCTIONS
 has been inspected and                              section of Shorts
 found to be corrosion and                           Service Bulletin
 crack free as specified in                          Number 27-77,
 this AD. Then repetitively                          Original Issue 27/
 inspect as required in                              FEB/03.
 paragraph (d)(1) of this AD.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (e) Can I comply with this AD in any other way? To use an 
alternative method of compliance or adjust the compliance time, 
follow the procedures in 14 CFR 39.19. Send these requests to the 
Manager, Standards Office, Small Airplane Directorate. For 
information on any already approved alternative methods of 
compliance, contact Doug Rudolph, Aerospace Engineer, FAA, Small 
Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas City, Missouri 
64106; telephone: (816) 329-4059; facsimile: (816) 329-4090.
    (f) How do I get copies of the documents referenced in this AD? 
You may get copies of the documents referenced in this AD from Short 
Brothers PLC, P.O. Box 241, Airport Road, Belfast BT3 9DZ Northern 
Ireland; telephone: +44 (0) 28 9045 8444; facsimile: +44 (0) 28 9073 
3396. You may view these documents at FAA, Central Region, Office of 
the Regional Counsel, 901 Locust, Room 506, Kansas City, Missouri 
64106.

    Note: The United Kingdom Civil Airworthiness Authority (CAA) 
classified Shorts Service Bulletin Number 27-77, Original Issue 27/
FEB/03, as mandatory. The CAA classifying a service bulletin as 
mandatory is the equivalent for airplanes on the British registry as 
an AD is for airplanes on the U.S. registry.


    Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on April 4, 2003.
James E. Jackson,
Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 03-8750 Filed 4-9-03; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P