[Federal Register Volume 74, Number 96 (Wednesday, May 20, 2009)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 23614-23617]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E9-11590]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2009-0462; Directorate Identifier 2009-NM-063-AD; 
Amendment 39-15913; AD 2009-11-03]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Lockheed Model 382, 382B, 382E, 382F, 
and 382G Series Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

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SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all 
Lockheed Model 382, 382B, 382E, 382F, and 382G series airplanes. This 
AD requires an inspection to identify discrepant barrel nuts in the 
upper wing joint, engine truss, and rear beam pylon support; and 
replacement of any discrepant barrel nut with a new barrel nut, if 
necessary. This AD results from

[[Page 23615]]

a report of severe cracking of multiple barrel nuts in the wing station 
(WS) 220 upper wing joint found during scheduled maintenance. We are 
issuing this AD to prevent cracking of the barrel nuts in the upper 
wing joint, engine truss, and rear beam pylon support, which could 
result in reduced structural integrity of the affected part and 
consequent detachment of the wing or engine from the airplane.

DATES: This AD is effective June 4, 2009.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in the AD as of June 4, 2009.
    We must receive comments on this AD by July 20, 2009.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments by any of the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
     Fax: 202-493-2251.
     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.
     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.
    For service information identified in this AD, contact Lockheed 
Continued Airworthiness Project Office, Attention Airworthiness, 86 
South Cobb Drive, Marietta, Georgia 30063-0567; telephone 770-494-5444; 
fax 770-494-5445; e-mail [email protected]; Internet http://www.lockheedmartin.com/ams/tools/TechPubs.html.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov, or in person at the Docket Management Facility 
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal 
holidays. The AD docket contains this AD, the regulatory evaluation, 
any comments received, and other information. The street address for 
the Docket Office (telephone 800-647-5527) is in the ADDRESSES section. 
Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Carl Gray, Aerospace Engineer, 
Airframe Branch, ACE-117A, FAA, Atlanta Aircraft Certification Office, 
One Crown Center, 1895 Phoenix Boulevard, Suite 450, Atlanta, Georgia 
30349; telephone (770) 703-6131; fax (770) 703-6097.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Discussion

    We received a report of severe cracking of multiple barrel nuts in 
the wing station (WS) 220 upper wing joint found during scheduled 
maintenance. Deformed thread locking barrel nuts having a certain part 
number were identified as having greater potential for cracking during 
routine service. The affected nut might also be installed at the quick 
engine change (QEC) lower attachment to the truss mount and at the 
outer wing station (OWS) 330 rear beam pylon attach fitting. This 
condition, if not corrected, could result in reduced structural 
integrity of the affected part and consequent detachment of the wing or 
engine from the airplane.

Relevant Service Information

    We reviewed Lockheed Alert Service Bulletin A382-57-91, Revision 1, 
dated March 25, 2009. The service bulletin describes procedures for an 
inspection to identify discrepant barrel nuts (with deformed thread 
locking, impression stamp ``K,'' no impression stamp, or cracking) in 
the upper wing joint, engine truss, and rear beam pylon support; and 
replacement of any discrepant barrel nut with a new barrel nut, if 
necessary.

FAA's Determination and Requirements of This AD

    We are issuing this AD because we evaluated all the relevant 
information and determined the unsafe condition described previously is 
likely to exist or develop in other products of these same type 
designs. This AD requires accomplishing the actions specified in the 
service information described previously, except as discussed under 
``Differences Between the AD and the Service Information.''

Differences Between the AD and the Service Information

    Although the Accomplishment Instructions of Lockheed Alert Service 
Bulletin A382-57-91, Revision 1, dated March 25, 2009, specify that 
operators may contact the manufacturer for disposition of certain 
repair conditions, this AD would require operators to repair those 
conditions using a method approved by the FAA.
    The Accomplishment Instructions of Lockheed Alert Service Bulletin 
A382-57-91, Revision 1, dated March 25, 2009, recommend inspecting to 
identify discrepant barrel nuts before further flight, but we have 
determined that this compliance time would not give operators enough 
time to inspect all affected airplanes. In developing an appropriate 
compliance time for this AD, we considered the manufacturer's 
recommendation, the degree of urgency associated with the subject 
unsafe condition, the average utilization of the affected fleet, and 
the time necessary to perform the inspection (1 work-hour). In light of 
all these factors, we find that a 30-day compliance time represents an 
appropriate time for affected airplanes to continue to operate without 
compromising safety. These differences have been coordinated with the 
manufacturer.

FAA's Justification and Determination of the Effective Date

    Because of our requirement to promote safe flight of civil aircraft 
and thus the critical need to prevent cracking of certain barrel nuts 
which could result in reduced structural integrity of the affected part 
and consequent detachment of the wing or engine, and the short 
compliance time involved with this action, this AD must be issued 
immediately.
    Because an unsafe condition exists that requires the immediate 
adoption of this AD, we find that notice and opportunity for prior 
public comment hereon are impracticable and that good cause exists for 
making this amendment effective in less than 30 days.

Comments Invited

    This AD is a final rule that involves requirements affecting flight 
safety, and we did not provide you with notice and an opportunity to 
provide your comments before it becomes effective. However, we invite 
you to send any written data, views, or arguments about this AD. Send 
your comments to an address listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include 
``Docket No. FAA-2009-0462; Directorate Identifier 2009-NM-063-AD'' at 
the beginning of your comments. We specifically invite comments on the 
overall regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this 
AD. We will consider all comments received by the closing date and may 
amend this AD because of those comments.
    We will post all comments we receive, without change, to http://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. We 
will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact we 
receive about this AD.

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:

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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

    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.
    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 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.
    You can find our regulatory evaluation and the estimated costs of 
compliance in the AD Docket.

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 FAA amends 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 AD:

2009-11-03 Lockheed: Amendment 39-15913. Docket No. FAA-2009-0462; 
Directorate Identifier 2009-NM-063-AD.

Effective Date

    (a) This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective June 4, 2009.

Affected ADs

    (b) None.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to all Lockheed Model 382, 382B, 382E, 382F, 
and 382G series airplanes, certificated in any category.

Subject

    (d) Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 57: Wings.

Unsafe Condition

    (e) This AD results from a report of severe cracking of multiple 
barrel nuts in the wing station (WS) 220 upper wing joint found 
during scheduled maintenance. We are issuing this AD to prevent 
cracking of the barrel nuts in the upper wing joint, engine truss, 
and rear beam pylon support, which could result in reduced 
structural integrity of the affected part and consequent detachment 
of the wing or engine from the airplane.

Compliance

    (f) You are responsible for having the actions required by this 
AD performed within the compliance times specified, unless the 
actions have already been done.

Inspection/Replacement if Necessary

    (g) Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD: Do a 
general visual inspection to identify discrepant barrel nuts in the 
upper wing joint, engine truss, and rear beam pylon support, in 
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Lockheed Alert 
Service Bulletin A382-57-91, Revision 1, dated March 25, 2009. 
Except as provided by paragraph (h) of this AD, if any discrepant 
barrel nut is found, before further flight, replace the barrel nut 
with a new barrel nut in accordance with the service bulletin.

    Note 1: For the purposes of this AD, a general visual inspection 
is: ``A visual examination of an interior or exterior area, 
installation, or assembly to detect obvious damage, failure, or 
irregularity. This level of inspection is made from within touching 
distance unless otherwise specified. A mirror may be necessary to 
ensure visual access to all surfaces in the inspection area. This 
level of inspection is made under normally available lighting 
conditions such as daylight, hangar lighting, flashlight, or 
droplight and may require removal or opening of access panels or 
doors. Stands, ladders, or platforms may be required to gain 
proximity to the area being checked.''

Exception to Corrective Action Instructions

    (h) If any discrepant barrel nut is found during the inspection 
required by this AD, and Lockheed Alert Service Bulletin A382-57-91, 
Revision 1, dated March 25, 2009, specifies contacting Lockheed for 
appropriate action: Before further flight, replace the discrepant 
barrel nut using a method approved by the Manager, Atlanta Aircraft 
Certification Office (ACO), FAA. For a repair method to be approved 
by the Manager, Atlanta ACO, as required by this paragraph, the 
Manager's approval letter must specifically refer to this AD.

Credit for Actions Done Using Previous Service Information

    (i) Actions done before the effective date of this AD in 
accordance with Lockheed Alert Service Bulletin A382-57-91, dated 
March 6, 2009, are acceptable for compliance with the corresponding 
requirements of this AD.

Reporting Not Required

    (j) Although Lockheed Alert Service Bulletin A382-57-91, 
Revision 1, dated March 25, 2009, specifies to submit certain 
information to the manufacturer, this AD does not include that 
requirement.

Parts Installation

    (k) As of the time specified in paragraph (k)(1) or (k)(2) of 
this AD, as applicable, no person may install, on any airplane, a 
barrel nut in the upper wing joint, engine truss, and rear beam 
pylon support unless the barrel nut has been modified in accordance 
with the Accomplishment Instructions of Lockheed Alert Service 
Bulletin A382-57-91, Revision 1, dated March 25, 2009.
    (1) For unmarked barrel nuts with a deformed thread locking 
style: As of 30 days after the effective date of this AD.
    (2) For all other discrepant barrel nuts: As of the effective 
date of this AD.

Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (l)(1) The Manager, Atlanta ACO, 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: Carl Gray, Aerospace 
Engineer, Airframe Branch, ACE-117A, Atlanta ACO, FAA, One Crown 
Center, 1895 Phoenix Boulevard, Suite 450, Atlanta, Georgia 30349; 
telephone (770) 703-6131; fax (770) 703-6097.
    (2) To request a different method of compliance or a different 
compliance time for this AD, follow the procedures in 14 CFR 39.19. 
Before using any approved AMOC on any airplane to which the AMOC 
applies, notify your principal maintenance inspector (PMI) or 
principal avionics inspector (PAI), as appropriate, or lacking a 
principal inspector, your local Flight Standards District Office. 
The AMOC approval letter must specifically reference this AD.

Material Incorporated by Reference

    (m) You must use Lockheed Alert Service Bulletin A382-57-91, 
Revision 1, dated March 25, 2009, to do the actions required by this 
AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference of this service information under 5 
U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
    (2) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Lockheed Continued Airworthiness Project Office, Attention 
Airworthiness, 86 South Cobb Drive, Marietta, Georgia 30063-0567; 
telephone 770-494-5444; fax 770-494-5445; e-mail 
[email protected]; Internet http://www.lockheedmartin.com/ams/tools/TechPubs.html.
    (3) You may review copies of the service information at the FAA, 
Transport Airplane

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Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington. For 
information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 
425-227-1221 or 425-227-1152.
    (4) You may also review copies of the service information that 
is incorporated by reference at the National Archives and Records 
Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this 
material at NARA, call 202-741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on May 7, 2009.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. E9-11590 Filed 5-19-09; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P