[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 25 (Tuesday, February 7, 2006)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 6191-6194]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 06-957]



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  Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 25 / Tuesday, February 7, 2006 / 
Rules and Regulations  

[[Page 6191]]



DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2005-20440; Directorate Identifier 2005-CE-05-AD; 
Amendment 39-14472; AD 2006-03-08]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Aero Advantage ADV200 Series (Part 
Numbers ADV211CC and ADV212CW) Vacuum Pumps

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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

SUMMARY: The FAA adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all 
airplanes equipped with Aero Advantage ADV200 series (part numbers 
ADV211CC and ADV212CW) vacuum pumps installed under supplemental type 
certificate number SA10126SC, through field approval, or other methods. 
This AD requires you to remove from service any affected vacuum pump 
and install an FAA-approved vacuum pump other than the affected part 
numbers. This AD results from several reports of pump chamber failure. 
We are issuing this AD to prevent vacuum pump failure or malfunction 
during instrument flight rules (IFR) flight that could lead to loss of 
flight instruments critical for flight. The loss of flight instruments 
could cause pilot disorientation and loss of control of the aircraft.

DATES: This AD becomes effective on March 10, 2006.
    As of March 10, 2006, the Director of the Federal Register approved 
the incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in the 
regulation.

ADDRESSES: 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-2005-20440; Directorate 
Identifier 2005-CE-05-AD.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Peter Hakala, Aerospace Engineer, 
Special Certification Office, Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA, 2601 Meacham 
Boulevard, Fort Worth, Texas 76193-0190; telephone: (817) 222-5145; 
facsimile: (817) 222-5785.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Discussion

    What events have caused this AD? For the Aero Advantage ADV200 
series (part numbers (P/Ns) ADV211CC and ADV212CW) vacuum pumps, FAA 
has received reports of 14 single-shaft failures and 11 dual-shaft 
failures in a population of 285 pumps. Nine of the failures occurred 
with less than 100 hours time-in-service.
    In May 2004, Aero Advantage reported to FAA that they had stopped 
production and sales of the pumps, and they were quitting the business.
    The Aero Advantage ADV200 series vacuum pumps are installed under 
supplemental type certificate number SA10126SC, through field approval, 
or other methods. The installation of the vacuum pump includes a 
monitor system, AFMS, and a placard.
    What is the potential impact if FAA took no action? Failure or 
malfunction of the vacuum pump during IFR flight could lead to loss of 
flight instruments critical for flight. The loss of flight instruments 
could cause pilot disorientation and loss of control of the aircraft.
    Has FAA taken any action to this point? We issued a proposal to 
amend part 39 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) to 
include an AD that would apply to all airplanes equipped with Aero 
Advantage ADV200 series (part numbers ADV211CC and ADV212CW) vacuum 
pumps installed under supplemental type certificate number SA10126SC, 
through field approval, or other methods. This proposal was published 
in the Federal Register as a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) on 
May 11, 2005 (70 FR 24731). The NPRM proposed to require you to remove 
any affected vacuum pump and related monitor system, remove the 
applicable AFMS and placard, and install an FAA-approved vacuum pump 
other than the affected part numbers.

Comments

    Was the public invited to comment? We provided the public the 
opportunity to participate in developing this AD. The following 
presents the comments received on the proposal and FAA's response to 
each comment:

Comment Issue No. 1: Allow the Vacuum Pump Monitoring System To Remain 
Installed

    What is the commenter's concern? Forty commenters recommend that 
the vacuum pump monitoring system be allowed to remain in their 
airplanes. Several of the commenters point out that the vacuum pump 
warning system can easily be adapted to operate with a replacement FAA-
approved vacuum pump. In general, the commenters feel that the vacuum 
pump monitoring system enhanced safety by letting the pilot know if the 
vacuum pump was not working.
    What is FAA's response to the concern? The FAA agrees with the 
commenters that the vacuum pump monitoring system enhances safety. 
However, the pump monitoring system is optional equipment and its 
installation does not address the unsafe condition. Phoenix Group 
Service Bulletin Number 05-01, dated November 22, 2005, gives 
instructions to operators for the hook-up and usage of the vacuum 
monitoring system now installed.
    We will change the final rule to eliminate the mandatory removal of 
the vacuum pump monitoring system and allow the optional use of the 
existing monitoring system.

Comment Issue No. 2: Limit the Effectivity of the Final Rule to 
Airplanes With Installation of the Lycoming Engines (Lycoming) IO-540 
Series Engines

    What is the commenter's concern? Eleven commenters state that the 
final rule should only apply to airplanes with installation of the 
Lycoming IO-540 series reciprocating engines. We infer from the 
comments received that the commenters conclude that failures of the 
vacuum pump system occur only on airplanes with installation of the 
Lycoming IO-540 series engines.

[[Page 6192]]

    What is FAA's response to the concern? We disagree with the 
comments that the final rule should only apply to airplanes with 
installation of the Lycoming IO-540 series engines. The Aero Advantage 
vacuum pumps, part numbers ADV211CC and ADV212CW, use the same internal 
components and could be installed on a six-cylinder or a four-cylinder 
engine. The only difference in the two models is that one runs 
clockwise, while the other runs counterclockwise. Failures of the Aero 
Advantage vacuum pumps have been reported in both four-cylinder and 
six-cylinder engine installations. Therefore, a chance of a vacuum pump 
failure also exists with the four-cylinder installations.
    We are not changing the final rule as a result of these comments.

Comment Issue No. 3: Estimated Work Hours Required for the Removal and 
Replacement of the Aero Advantage Vacuum Pump

    What is the commenter's concern? One commenter, an owner of an 
airplane with a Continental E185-8 engine installation, comments that 5 
work hours should be allotted for the removal of the existing pump and 
warning system and the replacement with another FAA-approved vacuum 
pump.
    What is FAA's response to the concern? The FAA is not revising the 
Cost Impact section based on the clarification in the final rule that 
the current monitoring system is optional equipment and its 
installation does not cause or contribute to the unsafe condition. 
Therefore, we believe that our original estimate of three work hours is 
realistic.
    We are not changing the final rule as a result of this comment.

Conclusion

    What is FAA's final determination on this issue? We have carefully 
reviewed the available data and determined that air safety and the 
public interest require adopting the AD as proposed except for the 
changes discussed above and minor editorial corrections. We have 
determined that these changes and minor corrections:

--Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the NPRM for 
correcting the unsafe condition; and
--Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was already 
proposed in the NPRM.

Docket Information

    Where can I go to view the docket information? You may view the AD 
docket that contains information relating to this subject in person at 
the DMS Docket Offices between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. (eastern time), Monday 
through Friday, except Federal holidays. The Docket Office (telephone 
1-800-647-5227) is located on the plaza level of the Department of 
Transportation NASSIF Building at the street address stated in 
ADDRESSES. You may also view the AD docket on the Internet at http://dms.dot.gov.

Changes to 14 CFR Part 39--Effect on the AD

    How does the revision to 14 CFR part 39 affect this AD? On July 10, 
2002, the FAA published a new version of 14 CFR part 39 (67 FR 47997, 
July 22, 2002), which governs the 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.

Costs of Compliance

    How many airplanes does this AD impact? We estimate that this AD 
affects 285 airplanes in the U.S. registry.
    What is the cost impact of this AD on owners/operators of the 
affected airplanes? We estimate the following costs to do this removal 
and replacement. We have no way of determining the exact number of 
airplanes that will need this removal and replacement:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                           Average parts  Total cost per
               Labor cost                      cost          airplane
------------------------------------------------------------------------
3 work hours x $65 = $195...............            $400            $595
------------------------------------------------------------------------

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 ``Docket 
No. FAA-2005-20440; Directorate Identifier 2005-CE-05-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:

[[Page 6193]]

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. FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by adding a new AD to read as follows:

2006-03-08 Aero Advantage: Amendment 39-14472; Docket No. FAA-2005-
20440; Directorate Identifier 2005-CE-05-AD.

When Does This AD Become Effective?

    (a) This AD becomes effective on March 10, 2006.

What Other ADs Are Affected by This Action?

    (b) None.

What Airplanes Are Affected by This AD?

    (c) This AD affects ADV200 series (part numbers (P/Ns)
    ADV211CC and ADV212CW) vacuum pumps installed on, but not 
limited to, the following aircraft that are certificated in any 
category. These vacuum pumps can be installed under supplemental 
type certificate number SA10126SC, through field approval, or other 
methods:

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                  Make                                                     Model
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Alexandria Aircraft, LLC................................................  14-19, 14-19-2, 14-19-3, 17-30, 17-31,
                                                                           17-31TC, 17-30A, 17-31A, and 17-
                                                                           31ATC.
Alliance Aircraft Group, LLC............................................  H-295 (USAF U10D).
American Champion Aircraft Corp.........................................  7AC, 7ECA, 7GC, 7GCA, 7GCAA, 7GCB,
                                                                           7GCBC, 7HC, 7KC, 7KCAB, 8GCBC, and
                                                                           8KCAB.
Cessna Aircraft Company, The............................................  172, 172A, 172B, 172C, 172D, 172E,
                                                                           172F, 172G, 172H, 172I, 172K, 172L,
                                                                           172M, 172N, 172P, 172Q, 182, 182A,
                                                                           182B, 182C, 182D, 182E, 182F, 182G,
                                                                           182H, 182J, 182K, 182L, 182M, 182N,
                                                                           182P, 182Q, 182R, R182, T182, TR182,
                                                                           172RG, R172E, R172F, R172H, R172J,
                                                                           152, A152, 210, 210-5 (205), 210-5A
                                                                           (205A), 210A, 210B, 210C, 210D, 210E,
                                                                           210F, 210G, 210H, 210J, 210K, 210L,
                                                                           210M, 210N, P210N, T210G, T210H,
                                                                           T210M, T210N, T210R, 185, 185A, 185B,
                                                                           185C, 185D, 185E, 180, 180A, 180B,
                                                                           180C, 180D, 180E, 180F, 180G, 180H,
                                                                           180J, 120, 140, 170, 170A, 170B, 177,
                                                                           177A, 177B, 207, 207A, T207, T207A,
                                                                           177RG, 206, P206, P206A, P206B,
                                                                           P206C, P206D, P206E, TP206A, TP206B,
                                                                           TP206C, TP206D, TP206E, TU206A,
                                                                           TU206B, TU206C, TU206D, TU206E,
                                                                           TU206F, TU206G, U206, U206A, U206B,
                                                                           U206C, U206D, U206E, U206F, U206G,
                                                                           188, 188A, 188B, A188, A188A, and
                                                                           A188B.
Commander Aircraft Company..............................................  112, 112B, 112TC, 114, and 114A.
Dynac Aerospace Corporation.............................................  Aero Commander 100.
Global Amphibians, LLC..................................................  Lake LA-4-200, Lake Model 250.
Maule Aerospace Technology, Inc.........................................  M-4-210, M-4-220, M-5-180C, M-5-200, M-
                                                                           5-235C, M-6-180, and M-6-235.
Mooney Aircraft Corporation.............................................  M20, M20A, M20B, M20C, M20D, M20E,
                                                                           M20F, M20G, M20J, M20K, M20M, and
                                                                           M22.
Navion Aircraft Company, Ltd............................................  Navion G and Navion H.
Piper Aircraft, Inc., The New...........................................  PA-23, PA-23-160, PA-23-235, PA-23-250
                                                                           (Navy UO-1), PA-E23-250, PA-24, PA-24-
                                                                           250, PA-24-260, PA-18, PA-18-105
                                                                           (Special), PA-18-135, PA-18-150, PA-
                                                                           20-115, PA-20-135, PA-22-108, PA-22-
                                                                           135, PA-22-150, PA-22-160, PA-25, PA-
                                                                           25-235, PA-25-260, PA-28-140, PA-28-
                                                                           150, PA-28-151, PA-28-160, PA-28-161,
                                                                           PA-28-180, PA-28-181, PA-28-201T, PA-
                                                                           28-235, PA-28-236, PA-28R-180, PA-28R-
                                                                           200, PA-28R-201, PA-28R-201T, PA-28RT-
                                                                           201, PA-28RT-201T, PA-25, PA-25-235,
                                                                           PA-25-260, J5A-80, J5A (Army L-4F),
                                                                           J5B (Army L-4G), J5C, PA-12, PA-36-
                                                                           285, PA-36-300, PA-36-375, PA-38-112,
                                                                           PA-30, PA-39, PA-40, PA-31, PA-31-
                                                                           300, PA-31-325, PA-31-350, PA-32-260,
                                                                           PA-32-300, PA-32-301, PA-32-301T, PA-
                                                                           32R-300, PA-32R-301 (HP), PA-32R-
                                                                           301T, PA-32RT-300T, PA-31P, and PA-36-
                                                                           300.
Raytheon Aircraft Company...............................................  35-33, 35-A33, 35-B33, 35-C33, 35-
                                                                           C33A, 36, A36, A36TC, B36TC, E33,
                                                                           E33A, E33C, F33, F33A, F33C, G33,
                                                                           H35, J35, V35, V35A, V35B, D45
                                                                           (Military T-34B), 35, 35R, A35, B35,
                                                                           C35, D35, E35, F35, G35, 19A, 23,
                                                                           A23, A23A, A24, A24R, B19, B23, B24R,
                                                                           C23, and C24R.
Rogers, Burl A..........................................................  15AC and S15AC.
SOCATA--Groupe Aerospatiale.............................................  MS 885, MS 892A-150, MS 892E-150, MS
                                                                           893A, MS 893E, Rallye 150 ST, Rallye
                                                                           150 T, TB 10, TB 20, and TB 9
Tiger Aircraft LLC......................................................  AA-1, AA-1A, AA-1B, AA-1C, AA-5, AA-
                                                                           5A, and AA-5B.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

What Is the Unsafe Condition Presented in This AD?

    (d) This AD is the result of several reports of pump chamber 
failure. The actions specified in this AD are intended to prevent 
the vacuum pump failure or malfunction during instrument flight 
rules (IFR) flight that could lead to loss of flight instruments 
critical for flight. The loss of flight instruments could cause 
pilot disorientation and loss of control of the aircraft.

What Must I Do To Address This Problem?

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

------------------------------------------------------------------------
           Actions                 Compliance            Procedures
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) Remove from service any   Within 100 hours      Not Applicable.
 Areo Advantage ADV200         time-in-service
 series (P/Ns ADV211CC and     (TIS) or the next
 ADV212CW) vacuum pump.        12 calendar months
                               after March 10,
                               2006 (the effective
                               date of this AD),
                               whichever occurs
                               first, unless
                               already done.
(2) Install an FAA-approved   Prior to further      Not Applicable.
 vacuum pump that is not an    flight after
 Aero Advantage ADV200         removing any Aero
 series vacuum pump.           Advantage ADV200
                               series vacuum pump.

[[Page 6194]]

 
(3) If you choose not to      Prior to further      Not Applicable.
 utilize the Aero Advantage    flight after
 vacuum pump monitoring        removing any Aero
 system per STC SA10126SC,     Advantage ADV200
 then do the following:        series vacuum pump.
(i) Remove the Airplane
 Flight Manual Supplement
 (AFMS) for STC SA10126SC
 and the placard for the
 vacuum pump monitoring
 system.
(ii) Complete the
 appropriate logbook entry
 and Form 337 to show that
 the airplane is no longer
 equipped with STC
 SA10126SC.
(4) If you choose to utilize  Prior to further      Connect the vacuum
 the Aero Advantage vacuum     flight after          pump monitoring
 pump monitoring system per    removing any Aero     system with the
 STC SA10126SC, then do the    Advantage ADV200      procedures in
 following:                    series vacuum pump.   Phoenix Group,
(i) Connect the replacement                          Service Bulletin
 vacuum pump to the vacuum                           No. 05-01, dated
 pump monitoring system.                             November 22, 2005.
(ii) Make the following
 notation to the front of
 the AFMS for STC SA10126SC:
 ``The Aero Advantage vacuum
 pump was removed to comply
 with AD 2005-**-**, and
 this AFMS now gives
 instructions for the
 operation of the vacuum
 pump monitoring system with
 a replacement vacuum
 pump.''
(iii) Attach a copy of the
 Phoenix Group Service
 Bulletin No. 05-01, dated
 November 22, 2005, to the
 AFMS for STC SA10126SC.
(5) Do not install any Aero   As of March 10, 2006  Not Applicable.
 Advantage ADV200 series (P/   (the effective date
 Ns ADV211CC and ADV212CW)     of this AD).
 vacuum pump.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

May I Request an Alternative Method of Compliance?

    (f) The Manager, Special Certification Office, Rotorcraft 
Directorate, FAA, has the authority to approve alternative methods 
of compliance for this AD, if requested using the procedures found 
in 14 CFR 39.19. For information on any already approved alternative 
methods of compliance, contact Peter Hakala, Aerospace Engineer, 
Special Certification Office, Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA, 2601 
Meacham Boulevard, Fort Worth, Texas 76193-0190; telephone: (817) 
222-5145; facsimile: (817) 222-5785.

May I Get Copies of the Document Referenced in This AD?

    (g) If you choose to utilize the vacuum pump monitoring system, 
you must connect the replacement vacuum pump with the instructions 
in Phoenix Group, Service Bulletin No. 05-01, dated November 22, 
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 Phoenix Group, 9608 Taxiway Dr., 
Granbury, TX 76049; e-mail: [email protected]. 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-
200520440; Directorate Identifier 2005-CE-05-AD.

    Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on January 26, 2006.
David R. Showers,
Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 06-957 Filed 2-6-06; 8:45 am]
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