[Federal Register Volume 72, Number 169 (Friday, August 31, 2007)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 50297-50300]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E7-17289]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2007-28431; Directorate Identifier 2007-CE-050-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Alexandria Aircraft, LLC (Type 
Certificate No. 1A3 and A18CE Formerly Held by Bellanca, Inc.) Models 
17-30, 17-31, 17-30A, 17-31A, and 17-31ATC Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of 
Transportation (DOT).

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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

SUMMARY: We propose to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 76-23-03-
R1, which applies to certain Alexandria Aircraft, LLC (Bellanca) Models 
17-30, 17-31, 17-30A, 17-31A, and 17-31ATC airplanes. AD 76-23-03-R1 
currently requires you to inspect the muffler and tailpipe assemblies 
for cracks and inspect the exhaust assembly for freedom of movement at 
the ball joints. Since we issued AD 76-23-03-R1, we have received 
additional reports of in-flight exhaust system failures. Consequently, 
this proposed AD would reduce the exhaust system inspection

[[Page 50298]]

interval; require a more detailed inspection of the muffler; and 
require replacement, reconditioning, or repair of the exhaust system if 
cracks or defects are found. This proposed AD would also require 
rerouting of the magneto ``P'' leads. We are proposing this AD to 
detect and correct cracks in the exhaust system, which could result in 
heat damage to magneto electrical wiring and smoke in the cockpit. This 
failure could lead to loss of engine power and/or a fire in the engine 
compartment.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by October 30, 
2007.

ADDRESSES: Use one of the following addresses to comment on this 
proposed AD:
     DOT Docket Web site: Go to  http://dms.dot.gov and follow 
the instructions for sending your comments electronically.
     Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590.
     Fax: (202) 493-2251.
     Hand Delivery: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., 
Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: http://www.regulations.gov. 
Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
    For service information identified in this proposed AD, contact 
Bellanca/Alexandria Aircraft, LLC, 2504 Aga Drive, Alexandria, MN 
56308; phone: (320) 763-4088; fax: (320) 763-4095; Internet: 
www.bellanca-aircraft.com.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Michael Downs, Aerospace Engineer, 
ACE-118C, Chicago Aircraft Certification Office, 2300 East Devon 
Avenue, Room 107, Des Plaines, Illinois 60018, phone: (847) 294-7870, 
fax: (847) 294-7834.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Comments Invited

    We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or 
arguments regarding this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address 
listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include the docket number, ``FAA-
2007-28431; Directorate Identifier 2007-CE-050-AD'' at the beginning of 
your comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall 
regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the proposed 
AD. We will consider all comments received by the closing date and may 
amend the proposed AD in light of those comments.
    We will post all comments we receive, without change, to http://dms.dot.gov, including any personal information you provide. We will 
also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact we 
receive concerning this proposed AD.

Discussion

    Several reports of exhaust system failures, which led to smoke in 
the cockpit and heat damage to components in the engine compartment, on 
Bellanca Model 17-30 and 17-30A airplanes caused us to issue AD 76-23-
03-R1, Amendment 39-5454. AD 76-23-03-R1 currently requires you to do 
the following on Bellanca 17-30, 17-31, 17-30A, and 17-31A airplanes:
     Visually inspect the muffler and tailpipe assemblies for 
cracks, paying particular attention to the ball joint welds, the 
outlets of the muffler and resonator, and the support for the tailpipe 
assembly; and
     Inspect the exhaust system for freedom of movement at the 
ball joints by removing the tailpipe support bolts.
    Since issuing AD 76-23-03-R1, we have received additional reports 
of in-flight exhaust system failures. Typically, the muffler fails at 
the weld which holds the ball joint to the muffler. The hot exhaust 
gases then escape and melt insulation on the wire bundle that includes 
the magneto ``P'' leads. When both the left and right magneto ``P'' 
leads short to ground, the engine stops.
    This condition, if not corrected, could lead to loss of engine 
power and/or a fire in the engine compartment.

Relevant Service Information

    We have reviewed Bellanca/Alexandria Aircraft, LLC Service Letter 
B-110, dated May 8, 2007, and Bellanca/Alexandria Aircraft, LLC drawing 
SK 1072, dated April 2, 2007.
    The service information describes procedures for:
     Inspecting the exhaust system;
     replacing and/or repairing exhaust system parts; and
     rerouting the magneto ``P'' leads.

FAA's Determination and Requirements of the Proposed AD

    We are proposing this AD because we evaluated all information and 
determined the unsafe condition described previously is likely to exist 
or develop on other products of the same type design. This proposed AD 
would supersede AD 76-23-03 R1 with a new AD that would reduce the 
exhaust system inspection interval; require a more detailed inspection 
of the muffler; and require replacement, reconditioning, or repair of 
the exhaust system if cracks or defects are found. This proposed AD 
would also require rerouting of the magneto ``P'' leads. This proposed 
AD would require you to use the service information described 
previously to perform these actions.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD would affect 1,350 airplanes in 
the U.S. registry.
    We estimate the proposed inspection of the exhaust system would 
affect 1,200 airplanes with the following costs:

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                 Total cost per   Total cost on
                          Labor cost                              Parts cost        airplane      U.S. operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4 work-hours x $80 per hour = $320...........................             N/A             $320         $384,000
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    We estimate the proposed rerouting of the magneto ``P'' wires would 
affect 1,050 airplanes with the following costs:

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                 Total cost per   Total cost on
                          Labor cost                              Parts cost        airplane      U.S. operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4 work-hours x $80 per hour = $320...........................            $500             $820         $861,000
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


[[Page 50299]]

    We estimate the following costs to replace the exhaust system based 
on the results of the proposed inspection. The estimate is based on 
updating the entire exhaust system to the current production exhaust 
system. This proposed AD allows other means to do the required repairs/
replacement which could cost less. We have no way of determining the 
number of airplanes that may need this repair/replacement:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                          Total cost per
              Labor cost                   Parts cost        airplane
------------------------------------------------------------------------
8 work-hours x $80 per hour = $640....          $4,000           $4,640
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The estimated costs represented in the above actions include the 
costs associated with AD 76-23-03 R1 and the costs of this proposed AD. 
The added cost impact this AD imposes upon an owner/operator over that 
already required by AD 76-23-03 R1 is a more detailed inspection which 
requires more work-hours to accomplish and rerouting of the magneto 
``P'' wires on certain models.

Authority for This Rulemaking

    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 
rulemaking action.

Regulatory Findings

    We have determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism 
implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD 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.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify that the proposed 
regulation:
    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 regulatory evaluation of the estimated costs to 
comply with this proposed AD and placed it in the AD docket.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket that contains the proposed AD, the 
regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and other information on 
the Internet at http://dms.dot.gov; or in person at the Docket 
Management Facility between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, 
except Federal holidays. The Docket Office (telephone (800) 647-5227) 
is located at the street address stated in the ADDRESSES section. 
Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt.

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 FAA proposes to amend 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. The FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by removing Airworthiness Directive 
(AD) 76-23-03 R1, Amendment 39-5454, and adding the following new AD:

Alexandria Aircraft, LLC (Type Certificate No. 1A3 and A18CE 
formerly held by Bellanca, Inc.): Docket No. FAA-2007-28431; 
Directorate Identifier 2007-CE-050-AD.

Comments Due Date

    (a) We must receive comments on this airworthiness directive 
(AD) action by October 30, 2007.

Affected ADs

    (b) This AD supersedes AD 76-23-03 R1, Amendment 39-5454.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to the following airplane models and serial 
numbers that are certificated in any category:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
              Model                            Serial numbers
------------------------------------------------------------------------
17-30............................  all serial numbers.
17-30A...........................  30263 through 301030.
17-31............................  all serial numbers.
17-31A...........................  all serial numbers.
17-31ATC.........................  all serial numbers.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Unsafe Condition

    (d) This AD results from several accidents caused by exhaust 
system failures. We are proposing this AD to detect and correct 
cracks in the exhaust system, which could result in heat damage to 
magneto electrical wiring and smoke in the cockpit. This failure 
could lead to loss of engine power and/or a fire in the engine 
compartment.

Compliance

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

[[Page 50300]]



------------------------------------------------------------------------
             Actions                  Compliance          Procedures
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) For aircraft models and       Initially within    Follow Bellanca/
 serial numbers listed below,      the next 12         Alexandria
 inspect the exhaust system for    months after the    Aircraft, LLC
 cracks or other defects such as   effective date of   Service Letter B-
 excessive wear.                   this AD or within   110, dated May 8,
(i) Model 17-30, all serial        25 hours time-in-   2007.
 numbers;.                         service (TIS)
(ii) Model 17-30A, serial          after the
 numbers 30263 through 301030;.    effective date of
(iii) Model 17-31, all serial      this AD,
 numbers; and.                     whichever occurs
(iv) Model 17-31A, all serial      first. Then
 numbers.                          repetitively
                                   thereafter at
                                   intervals not to
                                   exceed 12 months
                                   or 50 hours TIS,
                                   whichever occurs
                                   first.
                                   Accomplishment of
                                   the actions in
                                   paragraph
                                   (e)(2)(i) or
                                   (e)(2)(ii) of
                                   this AD
                                   terminates the
                                   recurring
                                   inspections
                                   required in this
                                   paragraph for the
                                   replaced/
                                   reconditioned
                                   exhaust system
                                   (left and/or
                                   right side)..
(2) Repair or replace the         Before further      Follow Bellanca/
 exhaust system using any of the   flight after any    Alexandria
 options listed below.             inspection          Aircraft, LLC
(i) Option 1--replace     required in         Service Letter B-
 the entire defective left and/    paragraph (e)(1)    110, dated May 8,
 or right muffler and tailpipe     of this AD where    2007
 assembly(ies) with new parts as   a crack or other
 specified in Bellanca/            defect is found.
 Alexandria Aircraft, LLC          The actions in
 Service Letter B-110, dated May   paragraph
 8, 2007.                          (e)(2)(i) or
(ii) Option 2--replace    (e)(2)(ii) of
 the entire defective left and/    this AD
 or right muffler and tailpipe     terminates the
 assembly(ies) with parts          recurring
 reconditioned to the new parts    inspections
 as specified in Bellanca/         required in
 Alexandria Aircraft, LLC          paragraph (e)(1)
 Service Letter B-110, dated May   this AD for the
 8, 2007; or.                      replaced/
(iii) Option 3--          reconditioned
 recondition or repair the         exhaust system
 defective left and/or right       (left and/or
 muffler and tailpipe              right side).
 assembly(ies) to their original
 configuration using FAA-
 approved methods and materials.
(3) For aircraft models and       Within the next 12  Follow Bellanca/
 serial numbers listed below       months after the    Alexandria
 that do not have Bellanca/        effective date of   Aircraft, LLC
 Alexandria Aircraft, LLC          this AD or within   Service Kit 1072
 Service Kit 1067: Rerouting       100 hours TIS       instructions
 Right Magneto ``P'' Lead          after the           located on
 installed, reroute the magneto    effective date of   drawing SK 1072,
 ``P'' leads.                      this AD,            dated April 2,
(i) Model 17-30A, serial numbers   whichever occurs    2007, as
 30263 through 30998.              first.              referenced in
(ii) Model 17-31A, all serial                          Bellanca/
 numbers; and.                                         Alexandria
(iii) Model 17-31ATC, all serial                       Aircraft, LLC
 numbers.                                              Service Letter B-
                                                       110, dated May 8,
                                                       2007.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (f) The Manager, Chicago Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, has 
the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the 
procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. Send information to ATTN: Michael 
Downs, Aerospace Engineer, ACE-118C, Chicago Aircraft Certification 
Office, 2300 East Devon Avenue, Room 107, Des Plaines, Illinois 
60018; phone: (847) 294-7870; fax: (847) 294-7834. Before using any 
approved AMOC on any airplane to which the AMOC applies, notify your 
appropriate principal inspector (PI) in the FAA Flight Standards 
District Office (FSDO), or lacking a PI, your local FSDO.

Related Information

    (g) To get copies of the service information referenced in this 
AD, contact Bellanca/Alexandria Aircraft, LLC, 2504 Aga Drive, 
Alexandria, MN 56308; phone: (320) 763-4088; fax: (320) 763-4095; 
Internet: www.bellanca-aircraft.com. To view the AD docket, go to 
the U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West 
Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., 
Washington, DC 20590, or on the Internet at http://dms.dot.gov. The 
docket number is Docket No. FAA-2007-28431; Directorate Identifier 
2007-CE-050-AD.

    Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on August 24, 2007.
Brian A. Yanez,
Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
 [FR Doc. E7-17289 Filed 8-30-07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P