[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 180 (Monday, September 17, 2012)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 56991-56993]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-21927]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2011-0816; Directorate Identifier 2011-CE-022-AD; 
Amendment 39-17180; AD 2012-18-04]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Costruzioni Aeronautiche Tecnam srl 
Airplanes

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

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
Costruzioni Aeronautiche Tecnam srl Model P2006T airplanes. This AD 
results from mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) 
issued 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 cracking, bulging, deformation, or oil leakage 
in the lower lid of the landing gear emergency accumulator, which could 
result in decreasing the airplane's structural integrity and 
jeopardizing the landing gear emergency extension in case of system 
failure in normal mode. We are issuing this AD to require actions to 
address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective October 22, 2012.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in the AD as of October 22, 
2012.

ADDRESSES: You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov or in person at Document Management Facility, U.S. 
Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West Building 
Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 
20590.
    For service information identified in this AD, contact Costruzioni 
Aeronautiche TECNAM Airworthiness Office, Via Maiorise--81043 Capua 
(CE) Italy; telephone: +39 0823 620134; fax: +39 0823 622899; email: 
[email protected] or [email protected]; Internet: www.tecnam.com. 
You may review copies of the referenced service information at the FAA, 
Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Kansas City, Missouri 64106. 
For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 
(816) 329-4148.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Albert Mercado, Aerospace Engineer, 
FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas City, 
Missouri 64106; phone: (816) 329-4119; fax: (816) 329-4090; email: 
[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Discussion

    We issued a supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking (SNPRM) to 
amend 14 CFR part 39 to include an AD that would apply to the specified 
products. That SNPRM was published in the Federal Register on June 13, 
2012 (77 FR 35304). That SNPRM proposed to correct an unsafe condition 
for the specified products. The MCAI states:

    During a pre-flight inspection of a P2006T aeroplane, the lower 
skin of the fuselage aft tail cone was found damaged. This damage 
was caused by the lower lid of the LG emergency accumulator, which 
had detached from the LG emergency accumulator, violently hitting 
the lower skin of the fuselage aft tail cone and damaging the 
accumulator cylinder.
    This condition, if not detected and corrected, could impair the 
aeroplane structural integrity and jeopardize the LG emergency 
extension in case of system failure in normal mode.
    For the reasons described above, EASA issued Emergency AD 2011-
0063-E to require a one-time inspection of the LG emergency 
accumulator cylinder for cracks, deformation or oil leakage and, 
depending on findings, the accomplishment of the applicable 
corrective actions.
    After that AD was issued, Costruzioni Aeronautiche TECNAM 
developed a modification (MOD 2006-108) and published Service 
Bulletin (SB) SB-048-CS Revision 1, dated 06 July 2011, that 
contained the instructions for that modification. Prompted by this 
development, EASA issued PAD 11-070 for consultation until 16 August 
2011, proposing to require incorporation of this modification on all 
affected aeroplanes, and to require certain post-modification 
repetitive inspections.
    During the consultation period of PAD 11-070, an operator who 
had applied Costruzioni Aeronautiche TECNAM SB-048-CS on his 
aeroplane, reported finding abnormal deformation of the emergency 
accumulator, to such an extent that it would jeopardize the LG 
emergency extension in case of system failure in normal mode. To 
address this additional safety concern, Costruzioni Aeronautiche 
TECNAM issued SB-068-CS which contains instructions to inspect post-
modification aeroplanes.
    For the reasons described above, EASA AD 2011-0153-E retained 
the requirements of EASA AD 2011-0063-E, which was superseded, and 
required modification of the landing gear emergency accumulator by 
installation of safety rings and repetitive inspections after 
modification. In addition,

[[Page 56992]]

prompted by the recent post-modification findings, EASA AD 2011-
0153-E reduced the compliance time for the modification as 
originally proposed and required additional first-flight-of-the-day 
repetitive inspections for the LG emergency accumulator cylinder and 
replacement of the LG emergency accumulator if cracks, deformation, 
or oil leakage is detected.
    AD Revision 2011-0153R1 was issued in order to allow Pilot-
Owners to accomplish the daily pre-flight inspection of the modified 
LG emergency accumulator.
    After that AD Revision, Costruzioni Aeronautiche TECNAM designed 
a new LG emergency accumulator part number 26-9-9500-000, identified 
as modification MOD 2006-121, and published SB-080-CS dated 02 
January 2012, which contains instructions for replacement and 
installation of the newly designed LG emergency accumulator.
    This AD, which supersedes EASA AD 2011-0153R1, requires the 
installation of the new landing gear emergency accumulator part 
number 26-9-9500-000, as well as to inspect after the installation 
the LG emergency accumulator and the LG retraction/extension system.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this AD. We received no comments on the SNPRM or on the determination 
of the cost to the public.

Conclusion

    We reviewed the relevant data and determined that air safety and 
the public interest require adopting the AD as proposed except for 
minor editorial changes. We have determined that these minor changes:
     Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the 
SNPRM (77 FR 35304, June 13, 2012) for correcting the unsafe condition; 
and
     Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was 
already proposed in the SNPRM (77 FR 35304, June 13, 2012).

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD will affect 7 products of U.S. 
registry. We also estimate that it would take about 7 work-hours per 
product to comply with the basic requirements of this proposed AD. The 
average labor rate is $85 per work-hour. Required parts would cost 
about $1,300 per product.
    Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of the proposed AD on 
U.S. operators to be $13,265, or $1,895 per product.

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),
    (3) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
    (4) 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.

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 the NPRM, 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.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

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

Adoption of the Amendment

    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:

2012-18-04 Costruzioni Aeronautiche Tecnam srl: Amendment 39-17180; 
Docket No. FAA-2011-0816; Directorate Identifier 2011-CE-022-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective October 22, 
2012.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Costruzioni Aeronautiche Tecnam srl Model 
P2006T airplanes, serial numbers (S/N) 001/US through S/N 88/US, 
certificated in any category.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association of America (ATA) Code 32: Landing 
Gear.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by cracking, bulging, deformation, or oil 
leakage in the lower lid of the landing gear emergency accumulator, 
which could result in decreasing the airplane's structural integrity 
and jeopardizing the landing gear emergency extension in case of 
system failure in normal mode. We are issuing this AD to require 
actions to address the unsafe condition on these products.

(f) Actions and Compliance

    Unless already done, do the following actions:
    (1) Within 90 days after October 22, 2012 (the effective date of 
this AD), replace the landing gear (LG) emergency accumulator with a 
new emergency accumulator part number 26-9-9500-000, following the 
instructions in Costruzioni Aeronautiche Tecnam Service Bulletin SB 
80-CS, dated January 2, 2012.
    (2) Within 300 hours time-in-service (TIS) after compliance with 
paragraph (f)(1) of this AD and repetitively thereafter at intervals 
not to exceed 300 hours TIS, inspect the LG emergency accumulator 
and the LG retraction/extension system for damage and leakage 
following the applicable instructions in Chapter 5, Section 5-20 
Inspection Program Costruzioni Aeronautiche TECNAM P2006T Aircraft 
Maintenance Manual, Document No. 2006/045, 2nd Edition--Revision 1, 
dated April 27, 2011.

[[Page 56993]]

    (3) If any damage or leakage is found as a result of any 
inspection required in paragraph (f)(2) of this AD, before further 
flight, do the applicable corrective actions following the 
instructions in Costruzioni Aeronautiche TECNAM P2006T Aircraft 
Maintenance Manual, Document No. 2006/045, 2nd Edition--Revision 1, 
dated April 27, 2011.

(g) Other FAA AD Provisions

    The following provisions also apply to this AD:
    (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, 
Standards 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: Albert Mercado, Aerospace Engineer, FAA, Small 
Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas City, Missouri 
64106; telephone: (816) 329-4119; fax: (816) 329-4090; email: 
[email protected]. 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.
    (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, a federal agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person 
is not required to respond to, nor shall a person be subject to a 
penalty for failure to comply with a collection of information 
subject to the requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act unless 
that collection of information displays a current valid OMB Control 
Number. The OMB Control Number for this information collection is 
2120-0056. Public reporting for this collection of information is 
estimated to be approximately 5 minutes per response, including the 
time for reviewing instructions, completing and reviewing the 
collection of information. All responses to this collection of 
information are mandatory. Comments concerning the accuracy of this 
burden and suggestions for reducing the burden should be directed to 
the FAA at: 800 Independence Ave. SW., Washington, DC 20591, Attn: 
Information Collection Clearance Officer, AES-200.

(h) Related Information

    Refer to MCAI European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD No.: 
2012-0043, dated March 19, 2012; Costruzioni Aeronautiche Tecnam 
Service Bulletin SB 80-CS, dated January 2, 2012; and Costruzioni 
Aeronautiche Tecnam P2006T Maintenance Manual, 2nd Edition, Revision 
1, dated April 7, 2011, for related information. For service 
information related to this AD, contact Costruzioni Aeronautiche 
TECNAM Airworthiness Office, Via Maiorise--81043 Capua (CE) Italy; 
telephone: +39 0823 620134; fax: +39 0823 622899; email: 
[email protected], or [email protected]; Internet: 
www.tecnam.com. You may review copies of the referenced service 
information at the FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, 
Kansas City, Missouri 64106. For information on the availability of 
this material at the FAA, call (816) 329-4148.

(i) Material Incorporated by Reference

    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference (IBR) of the service information listed 
in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
    (2) You must use this service information as applicable to do 
the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
    (i) Costruzioni Aeronautiche TECNAM Service Bulletin SB 80-CS, 
dated January 2, 2012; and
    (ii) Costruzioni Aeronautiche TECNAM P2006T Aircraft Maintenance 
Manual, Document No. 2006/045, 2nd Edition--Revision 1, dated April 
27, 2011.
    (3) For Costruzioni Aeronautiche TECNAM service information 
identified in this AD, contact Costruzioni Aeronautiche TECNAM 
Airworthiness Office, Via Maiorise--81043 Capua (CE) Italy; 
telephone: +39 0823 620134; fax: +39 0823 622899; email: 
[email protected], or [email protected]; Internet: 
www.tecnam.com.
    (4) You may review copies of the service information at the FAA, 
Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Kansas City, Missouri 64106. 
For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, 
call (816) 329-4148.
    (5) You may view this 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/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on August 29, 2012.
Earl Lawrence,
Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2012-21927 Filed 9-14-12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P