[Federal Register Volume 74, Number 138 (Tuesday, July 21, 2009)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 35769-35772]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E9-16929]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2009-0646; Directorate Identifier 2009-NM-055-AD;
Amendment 39-15974; AD 2009-15-11]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Aerospatiale Model SN-601 (Corvette)
Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.
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SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the
[[Page 35770]]
products listed above. This AD results from mandatory continuing
airworthiness information (MCAI) originated by an aviation authority of
another country to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an
aviation product. The MCAI describes the unsafe condition as:
During the landing roll a Corvette aircraft inclined to the Left
Hand (LH) side as a result of the uncoupling of the left main
landing gear shock absorber upper and lower cylinders, leading the
left wheel tire to rub against the left wing under surface and to
deflate, and the left wing tip fuel tank to strike the runway
surface.
The investigation showed that this uncoupling resulted from the
loosening of the shock absorber locking system nut and its
associated lock washer.
* * * * *
The unsafe condition is reduced structural integrity of the main
landing gear, which could cause the wing tip fuel tank to strike the
runway surface and potentially result in a fire. This AD requires
actions that are intended to address the unsafe condition described in
the MCAI.
DATES: This AD becomes effective August 5, 2009.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in the AD as of August 5,
2009.
We must receive comments on this AD by August 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 W12-40, 1200 New
Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday
through Friday, except Federal holidays.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov; or in person at the Docket Operations office
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 Operations 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: Dan Rodina, Aerospace Engineer,
International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA,
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356; telephone (425)
227-2125; fax (425) 227-1149.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Discussion
The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical
Agent for the Member States of the European Community, has issued EASA
Airworthiness Directive 2009-0041, dated February 25, 2009 (referred to
after this as ``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for the
specified products. The MCAI states:
During the landing roll a Corvette aircraft inclined to the Left
Hand (LH) side as a result of the uncoupling of the left main
landing gear shock absorber upper and lower cylinders, leading the
left wheel tire to rub against the left wing under surface and to
deflate, and the left wing tip fuel tank to strike the runway
surface.
The investigation showed that this uncoupling resulted from the
loosening of the shock absorber locking system nut and its
associated lock washer.
This AD requires the inspection of the locking system of the
main landing gear shock absorber and the accomplishment of the
associated corrective actions.
The unsafe condition is reduced structural integrity of the main
landing gear, which could cause the wing tip fuel tank to strike the
runway surface and potentially result in a fire. Required actions
include doing a general visual inspection to verify the proper position
of the lock washer and the tightening torque of the nut of the shock
absorber locking system on both the left-hand and right-hand main
landing gear, and doing corrective actions including replacing the lock
washer, installing the main landing gear shock absorber body, and
installing the main landing gear shock absorber, as applicable. You may
obtain further information by examining the MCAI in the AD docket.
Relevant Service Information
Airbus has issued Corvette Service Bulletin 32-19, dated January 9,
2009. The actions described in this service information are intended to
correct the unsafe condition identified in the MCAI.
FAA's Determination and Requirements of This AD
This product has been approved by the aviation authority of another
country, and is approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant
to our bilateral agreement with the State of Design Authority, we have
been notified of the unsafe condition described in the MCAI and service
information referenced above. We are issuing this AD because we
evaluated all pertinent information and determined the unsafe condition
exists and is likely to exist or develop on other products of the same
type design.
There are no products of this type currently registered in the
United States. However, this rule is necessary to ensure that the
described unsafe condition is addressed if any of these products are
placed on the U.S. Register in the future.
Differences Between the AD and the MCAI or Service Information
We have reviewed the MCAI and related service information and, in
general, agree with their substance. But we might have found it
necessary to use different words from those in the MCAI to ensure the
AD is clear for U.S. operators and is enforceable. In making these
changes, we do not intend to differ substantively from the information
provided in the MCAI and related service information.
We might also have required different actions in this AD from those
in the MCAI in order to follow FAA policies. Any such differences are
highlighted in a Note within the AD.
FAA's Determination of the Effective Date
Since there are currently no domestic operators of this product,
notice and opportunity for public comment before issuing this AD are
unnecessary.
Comments Invited
This AD is a final rule that involves requirements affecting flight
safety, and we did not precede it by notice and opportunity for public
comment. We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or
arguments about this AD. Send your comments to an address listed under
the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2009-0646; Directorate
Identifier 2009-NM-055-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.
[[Page 35771]]
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 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.
For the reasons discussed above, I certify 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 regulatory evaluation of the estimated costs to
comply with this AD and placed it 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:
2009-15-11 Aerospatiale: Amendment 39-15974. Docket No. FAA-2009-
0646; Directorate Identifier 2009-NM-055-AD.
Effective Date
(a) This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective August
5, 2009.
Affected ADs
(b) None.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to Aerospatiale Model SN-601 (Corvette)
airplanes, certificated in any category, all serial numbers.
Subject
(d) Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 32: Landing
gear.
Reason
(e) The mandatory continued airworthiness information (MCAI)
states:
During the landing roll a Corvette aircraft inclined to the Left
Hand (LH) side as a result of the uncoupling of the left main
landing gear shock absorber upper and lower cylinders, leading the
left wheel tire to rub against the left wing under surface and to
deflate, and the left wing tip fuel tank to strike the runway
surface.
The investigation showed that this uncoupling resulted from the
loosening of the shock absorber locking system nut and its
associated lock washer.
This AD requires the inspection of the locking system of the
main landing gear shock absorber and the accomplishment of the
associated corrective actions.
The unsafe condition is reduced structural integrity of the main
landing gear, which could cause the wing tip fuel tank to strike the
runway surface and potentially result in a fire. Required actions
include doing a general visual inspection to verify the proper
position of the lock washer and the tightening torque of the nut of
the shock absorber locking system on both the left-hand and right-
hand main landing gear, and doing corrective actions including
replacing the lock washer, installing the main landing gear shock
absorber body, and installing the main landing gear shock absorber,
as applicable.
Actions and Compliance
(f) Unless already done, do the following actions.
(1) Within 90 days after the effective date of this AD, do a
general visual inspection to verify the proper position of the lock
washer (located opposite the nut notch) and check the tightening
torque of the nut of the shock absorber locking system on both the
left-hand and right-hand main landing gear, in accordance with the
Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Corvette Service Bulletin 32-
19, dated January 9, 2009.
(2) In case of findings of improper assembly during the
inspection required in paragraph (f)(1) of this AD, before further
flight, replace the lock washer, install the main landing gear shock
absorber body, and install the main landing gear shock absorber, in
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Corvette
Service Bulletin 32-19, dated January 9, 2009. Within 120 flight
cycles but not before 100 flight cycles, repeat the inspection
specified in paragraph (f)(1) of this AD.
(3) In case of no findings during the inspection required in
paragraph (f)(1) of this AD, no further inspections are required.
(4) After the effective date of this AD, no person may install a
main landing gear shock absorber on which the locking system (nut
and lock washer) is not compliant with the approved configuration as
identified by Airbus Corvette Service Bulletin 32-19, dated January
9, 2009.
FAA AD Differences
Note 1: This AD differs from the MCAI and/or service
information as follows: No differences.
Other FAA AD Provisions
(g) The following provisions also apply to this AD:
(1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager,
International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, 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: Dan
Rodina, Aerospace Engineer, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport
Airplane Directorate, FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington
98057-3356; telephone (425) 227-2125; fax (425) 227-1149. 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.
(2) Airworthy Product: For any requirement in this AD to obtain
corrective actions from a manufacturer or other source, use these
actions if they are FAA-approved. Corrective actions are considered
FAA-approved if they are approved by the State of Design Authority
(or their delegated agent). You are required to assure the product
is airworthy before it is returned to service.
(3) Reporting Requirements: For any reporting requirement in
this AD, under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act, the
Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has approved the information
collection requirements and has assigned OMB Control Number 2120-
0056.
Related Information
(h) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information
(MCAI) European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) Airworthiness
Directive 2009-0041, dated February 25, 2009; and Airbus Corvette
Service Bulletin 32-19, dated January 9, 2009; for related
information.
Material Incorporated by Reference
(i) You must use Airbus Corvette Service Bulletin 32-19, dated
January 9, 2009, to do the actions required by this AD, unless the
AD specifies otherwise. (Only page 1 of this
[[Page 35772]]
document specifies the issue date of the document; no other page of
this document contains this information.)
(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 ATR-
GIE Avions de Transport R[eacute]gional, 1, All[eacute]e Pierre
Nadot, 31712 Blagnac Cedex, France; telephone +33 (0) 5 62 21 62 21;
fax +33 (0) 5 62 21 67 18; e-mail [email protected];
Internet http://www.aerochain.com.
(3) You may review copies of the service information at the FAA,
Transport Airplane 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 July 2, 2009.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. E9-16929 Filed 7-20-09; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P