[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 5 (Monday, January 9, 2006)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 1390-1392]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 06-49]



[[Page 1390]]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2005-23025; Directorate Identifier 2005-CE-50-AD; 
Amendment 39-14390; AD 2005-24-10]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; American Champion Aircraft Corporation 
Models 7AC, 7ACA, S7AC, 7BCM, 7CCM, S7CCM, 7DC, S7DC, 7EC, S7EC, 7ECA, 
7FC, 7GC, 7GCA, 7GCAA, 7GCB, 7GCBA, 7GCBC, 7HC, 7JC, 7KC, 7KCAB, 8KCAB, 
and 8GCBC Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

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SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
certain American Champion Aircraft Corporation (ACAC) Models 7AC, 7ACA, 
S7AC, 7BCM, 7CCM, S7CCM, 7DC, S7DC, 7EC, S7EC, 7ECA, 7FC, 7GC, 7GCA, 
7GCAA, 7GCB, 7GCBA, 7GCBC, 7HC, 7JC, 7KC, 7KCAB, 8KCAB, and 8GCBC 
airplanes. This AD requires you to make a temporary Pilot's Operating 
Handbook (POH) limitation entry or install a temporary placard 
prohibiting aerobatic flight if you operate the airplane before the 
required inspection of this AD; inspect for incorrect swaging width of 
the cable Nicopress sleeves on the elevator, rudder, aileron, and flap 
control cables; replace cables that have incorrect sleeve swage width; 
remove POH limitation or placard prohibiting aerobatic flight after 
inspection and replacement of cables with incorrect sleeve swage width; 
and report any findings of incorrect sleeve swage width to FAA. This AD 
results from partial loss of aileron control because an incorrectly 
swaged cable sleeve allowed the cable to slip. We are issuing this AD 
to detect and correct incorrect swaging widths of the flight control 
cable Nicopress sleeves, which could result in failure of the elevator, 
rudder, aileron, and flap controls. This failure could lead to loss of 
control of the airplane.

DATES: This AD becomes effective on January 17, 2006.
    As of January 17, 2006, the Director of the Federal Register 
approved the incorporation by reference of certain publications listed 
in the regulation.
    We must receive any comments on this AD by February 14, 2006.

ADDRESSES: Use one of the following to submit comments on this AD:
     DOT Docket Web site: Go to http://dms.dot.gov and follow 
the instructions for sending your comments electronically.
     Government-wide rulemaking Web site: Go to http://www.regulations.gov and follow the instructions for sending your 
comments electronically.
     Mail: Docket Management Facility; U.S. Department of 
Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Nassif Building, Room PL-401, 
Washington, DC 20590-001.
     Fax: 1-202-493-2251.
     Hand Delivery: Room PL-401 on the plaza level of the 
Nassif Building, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC, between 9 
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    To get the service information identified in this proposed AD, 
contact American Champion Aircraft Corporation, P.O. Box 37, 32032 
Washington Avenue, Rochester, WI 53167; telephone: (262) 534-6315; 
internet address: http://www.amerchampionaircraft.com.
    To view the comments to this AD, go to http://dms.dot.gov. The 
docket number is FAA-2005-23025; Directorate Identifier 2005-CE-50-AD.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Wess Rouse, Small Airplane Project 
Manager, ACE-117C, Chicago Aircraft Certification Office, 2300 East 
Devon Avenue, Room 107, Des Plaines, Illinois 60018; telephone: 847-
294-8113; facsimile: (847) 294-7834; e-mail: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: What events have caused this AD? During a 
flight, the pilot of an ACAC Model 7KCAB noticed partial loss of 
aileron control and landed at the nearest airport. The Nicopress sleeve 
on the cable was incorrectly swaged, allowing the cable to slip within 
the sleeve. A replacement aileron control cable manufactured by ACAC 
had been installed on the airplane before the occurrence.
    What is the potential impact if FAA took no action? Incorrect 
swaging width of the flight control cable Nicopress sleeves could 
result in failure of the elevator, rudder, aileron, and/or flap 
controls. This failure could lead to loss of control of the airplane.
    Is there service information that applies to this subject? ACAC 
issued Service Letter No. 427, Revision B, dated November 29, 2005.
    What are the provisions of this service information? The service 
bulletin includes procedures for:

--Inspecting the flight control cables for correct swaging of the 
Nicopress sleeves;
--Replacing flight control cables that have incorrect swaging of the 
Nicopress sleeves; and
--Recording cable inspection with a logbook entry.

FAA's Determination and Requirements of the AD

    What has FAA decided? We have evaluated all pertinent information 
and identified an unsafe condition that is likely to exist or develop 
on other products of this same type design.
    Since the unsafe condition described previously is likely to exist 
or develop on other ACAC Models 7AC, 7ACA, S7AC, 7BCM, 7CCM, S7CCM, 
7DC, S7DC, 7EC, S7EC, 7ECA, 7FC, 7GC, 7GCA, 7GCAA, 7GCB, 7GCBA, 7GCBC, 
7HC, 7JC, 7KC, 7KCAB, 8KCAB, and 8GCBC airplanes of the same type 
design, we are issuing this AD to detect and correct incorrect swaging 
width of the flight control cable Nicopress sleeves, which could result 
in failure of the elevator, rudder, aileron, and flap controls. This 
failure could lead to loss of control of the airplane.
    What does this AD require? This AD requires you to make a temporary 
Pilot's Operating Handbook (POH) limitation entry or install a 
temporary placard prohibiting aerobatic flight if you operate the 
airplane before the required inspection of this AD; inspect for 
incorrect swaging width of the cable Nicopress sleeves on the elevator, 
rudder, aileron, and flap control cables; replace cables that have 
incorrect sleeve swage width; remove POH limitation or placard 
prohibiting aerobatic flight after inspection and replacement of cables 
with incorrect sleeve swage width; and report any findings of incorrect 
sleeve swage widths to FAA.
    How does the revision to 14 CFR part 39 affect this AD? On July 10, 
2002, we 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 altered products, special flight permits, and 
alternative methods of compliance. 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.

Comments Invited

    Will I have the opportunity to comment before you issue the rule? 
This AD is a final rule that involves requirements affecting flight 
safety and was not preceded by notice and an opportunity for public 
comment; however, we invite you to submit any written relevant data, 
views, or arguments regarding this AD. Send your

[[Page 1391]]

comments to an address listed under ADDRESSES. Include ``Docket No. 
FAA-2005-23025; Directorate Identifier 2005-CE-50-AD'' in the subject 
line of your comments. If you want us to acknowledge receipt of your 
mailed comments, send us a self-addressed, stamped postcard with the 
docket number written on it; we will date-stamp your postcard and mail 
it back to you. We specifically invite comments on the overall 
regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the rule 
that might suggest a need to modify it. If a person contacts us through 
a nonwritten communication, and that contact relates to a substantive 
part of this AD, we will summarize the contact and place the summary in 
the docket. We will consider all comments received by the closing date 
and may amend the AD in light of those comments.

Authority for This Rulemaking

    What authority does FAA have for issuing this rulemaking action? 
Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to 
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, Section 106 describes the 
authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII, Aviation Programs, 
describes in more detail the scope of the agency's authority.
    We are issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in 
Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701, ``General 
requirements.'' Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with 
promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing 
regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator 
finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within 
the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition 
that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this AD.

Regulatory Findings

    Will this AD impact various entities? We have determined that this 
AD will not have federalism implications under Executive Order 13132. 
This AD 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.
    Will this AD involve a significant rule or regulatory action? For 
the reasons discussed above, I certify that this AD:
    1. Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order 
12866;
    2. Is not a ``significant rule'' under the 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.
    We prepared a summary of the costs to comply with this AD (and 
other information as included in the Regulatory Evaluation) and placed 
it in the AD Docket. You may get a copy of this summary by sending a 
request to us at the address listed under ADDRESSES. Include ``AD 
Docket FAA-2005-23025; Directorate Identifier 2005-CE-50-AD'' in your 
request.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

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

Adoption of the Amendment

0
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

0
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]

0
2. The FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness 
directive (AD):

2005-24-10 American Champion Aircraft Corp.: Amendment 39-14390; 
Docket No. FAA-2005-23025; Directorate Identifier 2005-CE-50-AD.

When Does This AD Become Effective?

    (a) This AD becomes effective on January 17, 2006.

Are Any Other ADs Affected by This Action?

    (b) None.

What Airplanes Are Affected by This AD?

    (c) This AD affects the following airplane models, all serial 
numbers, that are certificated in any category:

                                 Models
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(1) 7ECA, 7GCAA, 7GCBC, 8KCAB, and 8GCBC that:
  (i) were manufactured before August 12, 2005; and
  (ii) have less than 250 hours time-in-service (TIS).
(2) 7AC, 7ACA, S7AC, 7BCM, 7CCM, S7CCM, 7DC, S7DC, 7EC, S7EC, 7ECA, 7FC,
 7GC, 7GCA, 7GCAA, 7GCB, 7GCBA, 7GCBC, 7HC, 7JC, 7KC, 7KCAB, 8KCAB, and
 8GCBC that:
  (i) have installed a flight control cable (or flight control cable
   included in a wing retrofit kit) that was purchased from American
   Champion Aircraft Corp. (ACAC) before August 12, 2005; and
  (ii) have less than 250 hours TIS since the above installation.
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What Is the Unsafe Condition Presented in This AD?

    (d) This AD is the result of partial loss of aileron control 
because an incorrectly swaged cable sleeve allowed the cable to 
slip. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct incorrect swaging 
width of the flight control cable Nicopress sleeves, which could 
result in failure of the elevator, rudder, aileron, and flap 
controls. This failure could lead to loss of control of the 
airplane.

What Must I Do To Address This Problem?

    (e) To address this problem, you must do the following:

[[Page 1392]]



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           Actions                 Compliance            Procedures
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(1) If you operate the        Before further        No specific
 airplane before the           flight after          procedures are
 inspection required in        January 17, 2006      necessary for this
 paragraph (e)(2) of this      (the effective date   action. The owner/
 AD, do one of the             of this AD).          operator holding at
 following:                                          least a private
(i) Fabricate (using letters                         pilot certificate
 at least \1/8\-inch in                              as authorized by
 height) a warning placard                           section 43.7 of the
 with the following language                         Federal Aviation
 and install this placard in                         Regulations (14 CFR
 the cockpit in full view of                         43.7) may do the
 the pilot: ``Acrobatic                              placard or POH
 flight prohibited!''; or                            requirements. Make
(ii) Add the following                               an entry into the
 statement to the                                    aircraft records
 Limitations Section of the                          showing compliance
 Pilots Operating Handbook                           with these portions
 (POH): ``Acrobatic flight                           of the AD in
 prohibited until the                                accordance with
 inspection and replacement                          section 43.9 of the
 requirements of AD 2005-24-                         Federal Aviation
 10 are done.'' To do this,                          Regulations (14 CFR
 you may insert a copy of                            43.9).
 this AD into the
 Limitations Section of the
 POH.
(2) Inspect the Nicopress     Within 25 hours TIS   Follow ACAC Service
 sleeves on the following      after January 17,     Letter 427, Revision B,
 the correct width. Each       date of this AD).     dated November 29,
 sleeve has three swages or                          2005.
 crimps and must not exceed
 a maximum width of 0.354
 inches:
    (i) Elevator cables in 6
     locations;
    (ii) Rudder cables in 4
     locations;
    (iii) Aileron cables in
     12 locations; and
    (iv) Flap cables in 6
     locations.
(3) If you find any flight    Within 25 hours TIS   Follow ACAC Service
 control cable Nicopress       after January 17,     Letter 427, Revision B,
 during the inspection         date of this AD).     dated November 29,
 required in paragraph                               2005.
 (e)(2) of this AD, replace
 the affected cables.
(4) If you performed the      After completing the  No specific
 actions in paragraph (e)(1)   actions required in   procedures are
 of this AD, remove the        paragraphs (e)(2)     necessary for this
 temporary placard or POH      and (e)(3) of this    action. The owner/
 limitation after completing   AD.                   operator holding at
 the actions required in                             least a private
 paragraphs (e)(2) and                               pilot certificate
 (e)(3) of this AD.                                  as authorized by
                                                     section 43.7 of the
                                                     Federal Aviation
                                                     Regulations (14 CFR
                                                     43.7) may do the
                                                     placard or POH
                                                     requirements. Make
                                                     an entry into the
                                                     aircraft records
                                                     showing compliance
                                                     with these portions
                                                     of the AD in
                                                     accordance with
                                                     section 43.9 of the
                                                     Federal Aviation
                                                     Regulations (14 CFR
                                                     43.9).
(5) If you find any flight    Within 10 days after  Include in your
 control cable Nicopress       the incorrect swage   report the aircraft
 swages of incorrect width     widths are found or   model, TIS of the
 during the inspection         within 10 days        flight control
 required in paragraph         after January 17,     cable Nicopress
 (e)(2) of this AD, report     2006 (the effective   swage, which cable
 the findings to FAA. The      date of this AD),     swage was affected
 Office of Management and      whichever occurs      and its location,
 Budget (OMB) approved the     later.                corrective action
 information collection                              taken, and a point
 requirements contained in                           of contact name and
 this regulation under the                           phone number. Send
 provisions of the Paperwork                         your report to Wess
 Reduction Act of 1980 (44                           Rouse, Small
 U.S.C. 3501 and those                               Airplane Project
 following sections) and                             Manager, ACE-117C,
 assigned OMB Control Number                         Chicago Aircraft
 2120-0056.                                          Certification
                                                     Office, 2300 East
                                                     Devon Avenue, Room
                                                     107, Des Plaines,
                                                     Illinois 60018;
                                                     facsimile: (847)
                                                     294-7834; e-mail:
                                                     [email protected].
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May I Request an Alternative Method of Compliance?

    (f) You may request a different method of compliance or a 
different compliance time for this AD by following the procedures in 
14 CFR 39.19. Unless FAA authorizes otherwise, send your request to 
your principal inspector. The principal inspector may add comments 
and will send your request to the Manager, Chicago Aircraft 
Certification Office, FAA. For information on any already approved 
alternative methods of compliance, contact Wess Rouse, Small 
Airplane Project Manager, ACE-117C, Chicago Aircraft Certification 
Office, 2300 East Devon Avenue, Room 107, Des Plaines, Illinois 
60018; telephone: 847-294-8113; facsimile: (847) 294-7834; e-mail: 
[email protected].

Does This AD Incorporate Any Material by Reference?

    (g) You must do the actions required by this AD following the 
instructions in ACAC Service Letter  427, Revision B, dated 
November 29, 2005. The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference of this service bulletin in accordance 
with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. To get a copy of this 
service information, contact American Champion Aircraft Corporation, 
P.O. Box 37, 32032 Washington Avenue, Rochester, WI 53167; 
telephone: (262) 534-6315; Internet address: 
www.amerchampionaircraft.com. To review copies of this service 
information, go to the National Archives and Records Administration 
(NARA). For information on the availability of this material at 
NARA, go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html or call (202) 741-6030. To 
view the AD docket, go to the Docket Management Facility; U.S. 
Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Nassif 
Building, Room PL-401, Washington, DC 20590-001 or on the Internet 
at http://dms.dot.gov. The docket number is FAA-2005-23025; 
Directorate Identifier 2005-CE-50-AD.

    Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on December 23, 2005.
Kim Smith,
Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 06-49 Filed 1-6-06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P