[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 249 (Wednesday, December 28, 2016)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 95528-95531]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-30292]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2016-9531; Directorate Identifier 2015-CE-011-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; M7 Aerospace LLC Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
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SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for
certain M7 Aerospace LLC Models SA226-T, SA226-AT, SA226-T(B), SA226-
TC, SA227-AC (C-26A), SA227-AT, SA227-BC (C-26A), SA227-CC, SA227-DC
(C-26B), and SA227-TT airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by
detachment of the power lever linkage to the TPE331 engine propeller
pitch control. This proposed AD would require installing a secondary
retention device and repetitively inspecting the propeller pitch
control for proper torque, with corrections as necessary. We are
proposing this AD to correct the unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by February 13,
2017.
ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR
11.43 and 11.45, 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.
[[Page 95529]]
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: Deliver to Mail address above between 9
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
For service information identified in this proposed AD contact
information M7 Aerospace LLC, 10823 NE Entrance Road, San Antonio,
Texas 78216; phone: (210) 824-9421; fax: (210) 804-7766; Internet:
http://www.elbitsystems-us.com; email: [email protected]; or
Honeywell International Inc., 111 S. 34th Street, Phoenix, Arizona
85034-2802; phone: (855) 808-6500; email:
[email protected]; Internet: https://aerospace.honeywell.com/en/services/maintenance-and-monitoring.
You may view this 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.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2016-
9531; 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 proposed AD, the regulatory evaluation, any comments
received, and other information. The street address for the Docket
Office (phone: 800-647-5527) is in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will
be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT ONE OF THE FOLLOWING:
Justin Carter, ASW-142, Aerospace Engineer, Fort Worth
Airplane Certification Office (ACO), FAA, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort
Worth, Texas 76137-4298; telephone: (817) 222-5146; fax: (817) 222-
5960; email: [email protected]; or
Kristin Bradley, ASW-143, Aerospace Engineer, Fort Worth
ACO, FAA, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas 76137-4298; telephone:
(817) 222-5485; fax: (817) 222-5960; email: [email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or
arguments about this proposal. Send your comments to an address listed
under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2016-9531;
Directorate Identifier 2015-CE-011-AD'' at the beginning of your
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory,
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this proposed AD. We
will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend
this proposed 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 proposed AD.
Discussion
We received reports of the airplane power lever linkage detaching
from the TPE331 engine propeller pitch control (PPC) shaft on M7
Aircraft SA226 and SA227 airplanes. In flight operations, detachment
may result in fuel flow to the engine remaining constant regardless of
the power lever movement by the pilot. The orientation of the engine on
certain M7 Aerospace airplanes increases the vulnerability of
detachment. The PPC lever is an airplane part and its detachment from
the TPE311 has been the subject of previous ADs on other airplane type
designs. This condition, if not corrected, could result in uncommanded
change to the engine power settings with consequent loss of control.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
We reviewed M7 Aerospace LLC SA226 Series Service Bulletin 226-76-
012, dated March 17, 2015; M7 Aerospace LLC SA227 Series Service
Bulletin 227-76-007, dated March 17, 2015; and M7 Aerospace LLC SA227
Series Commuter Category Service Bulletin CC7-76-004, dated March 17,
2015; that in combination for the applicable models describes the
actions that must be done to comply with this NPRM.
We also reviewed M7 Aerospace SA226 Series Maintenance Manual
Temporary Revision 71-02, dated March 15, 2016; M7 Aerospace SA227
Series Maintenance Manual Temporary Revision 71-03, dated March 15,
2016; and M7 Aerospace SA227 Series Commuter Category Maintenance
Manual Temporary Revision 71-02, dated March 15, 2016; that in
combination for the applicable models describes procedures for
installing the secondary retention device on the PPC assembly and doing
a visual inspection of the PPC lever.
We also reviewed Honeywell International Inc. Service Bulletin
TPE331-72-2190, dated December 21, 2011, that describes procedures for
replacing or reworking the propeller pitch control assembly,
incorporating a threaded hole in the splined end of the shouldered
shaft, and reassembling the propeller pitch control assembly.
This service information is reasonably available because the
interested parties have access to it through their normal course of
business or by the means identified in the ADDRESSES section of this
NPRM.
FAA's Determination
We are proposing 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 the same type design.
Proposed AD Requirements
This proposed AD would require replacement or rework of the PPC
assembly to have a threaded hole in the splined end of the shouldered
shaft, installation of a secondary retention feature for the airplane
control linkage interface, and a repetitive inspection of the PPC lever
torque with corrective action as necessary.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this proposed AD affects 360 airplanes of U.S.
registry.
We estimate the following costs to comply with this proposed AD:
Estimated Costs
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Cost per Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost product operators
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Replacement or rework of the PPC 19 work-hours x $85 $1,000............... $2,615 $941,400
assembly. per hour = 1,615.
[[Page 95530]]
Install secondary retention device 1 work-hour x $85 per 10................... 95 34,200
hour = $85.
Visual inspection of propeller .5 work-hour x $85 Not applicable....... 42.50 15,300
pitch control lever. per hour = $42.50.
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We estimate the following costs to do any necessary adjustments
that would be required based on the results of the proposed inspection.
We have no way of determining the number of aircraft that might need
these adjustments:
On-Condition Costs
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Cost per
Action Labor cost Parts cost product
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Correct attachment of the propeller .5 work-hour x $85 per Not applicable............ $42.50
pitch control lever. hour = $42.50.
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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 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 this 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),
(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.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, 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
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 airworthiness
directive (AD):
M7 Aerospace LLC: Docket No. FAA-2016-9531; Directorate
Identifier 2015-CE-011-AD.
(a) Comments Due Date
We must receive comments by February 13, 2017.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to M7 Aerospace LLC SA226-T, SA226-AT, SA226-
T(B), SA226-TC, SA227-AC (C-26A), SA227-AT, SA227-BC (C-26A), SA227-
CC, SA227-DC (C-26B), and SA227-TT airplanes; all serial numbers,
certificated in any category.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC)/Air Transport Association
(ATA) of America Code 61, Propellers/Propulsors.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by detachment of the power lever linkage to
the TPE331 engine propeller pitch control (PPC). We are issuing this
AD to prevent detachment of the power lever linkage to the TPE331
engine propeller pitch control, which could result in uncommanded
change to the engine power settings with consequent loss of control.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Applicable M7 Aerospace LLC Service Bulletins
Use the applicable service bulletins as listed in paragraph
(g)(1), (2), or (3) of this AD as reference to complete the actions
in pargraph (h)(1) or (2) of this AD:
(1) M7 Aerospace LLC SA226 Series Service Bulletin 226-76-012,
dated March 17, 2015;
(2) M7 Aerospace LLC SA227 Series Service Bulletin 227-76-007,
dated March 17, 2015; or
(3) M7Aerospace LLC SA227 Series Commuter Category Service
Bulletin CC7-76-004, dated March 17, 2015.
(h) PPC Lever Installation
(1) Within 100 hours time-in-service (TIS) after the effective
date of this AD and repetitively thereafter at intervals not to
exceed 100 hours TIS, visually inspect the PPC lever to assure the
attachment is properly installed following the applicable service
information listed in paragraph (h)(1)(i), (ii), or (iii) of this
AD, as applicable.
(i) For Models SA226 Series: Pages TR-224 through TR-228 from M7
Aerospace SA226 Series Maintenance Manual Temporary Revision 71-02,
dated March 15, 2016.
(ii) For Models SA227 Series: Pages 206 and 207 from M7
Aerospace SA227 Series
[[Page 95531]]
Maintenance Manual Temporary Revision 71-03, dated March 15, 2016.
(iii) For Models SA227 Series Commuter Category: Pages 206 and
206A from M7 Aerospace SA227 Series Commuter Category Maintenance
Manual Temporary Revision 71-02, dated March 15, 2016.
(2) Installation of the secondary retention device required in
paragraph (j) of this AD terminates the repetitive visual
inspections of the PPC lever attachment required in paragraph (h)(1)
of this AD.
(i) Replace or Rework the Propeller Pitch Assembly
Within the next 600 hours TIS after the effective date of this
AD or within the next 12 months after the effective date of this AD,
whichever occurs first, do the actions in either paragraph (i)(1) or
(2) of this AD following the Accomplishment Instructions in
Honeywell International Inc. Service Bulletin TPE331-72-2190, dated
December 21, 2011, as referenced in the applicable service
information listed in paragraph (g)(1), (2), or (3) this AD.
(1) Replace the PPC. Remove the PPC assembly and replace with
the applicable new design PPC using the part numbers listed in table
1 to paragraph (i)(1) of this AD.
Table 1 to Paragraph (i)(1) of this AD--Part Number PPC Assemblies
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Part No. PPC assembly to
Part No. PPC assembly to remove install
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869130-11................................ 70000295-11
869130-12................................ 70000295-12
869130-13................................ 70000295-13
869130-14................................ 70000295-14
869130-16................................ 70000295-16
869130-17................................ 70000295-17
869130-18................................ 70000295-18
869130-19................................ 70000295-19
869130-30................................ 70000295-30
895481-1................................. 70000298-1
895481-2................................. 70000298-2
895481-4................................. 70000298-4
895481-5................................. 70000298-5
895481-6................................. 70000298-6
895481-7................................. 70000298-7
895481-17................................ 70000298-17
895481-18................................ 70000298-18
895481-19................................ 70000298-19
895481-20................................ 70000298-20
895481-22................................ 70000298-22
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(2) Rework the PPC assembly. Inspect the splined end of the
shouldered shaft for the presence and good condition of a threaded
hole, repairing or replacing the cam assembly, and reworking the PPC
assembly as necessary.
(j) Secondary Retention Feature
(1) Before further flight after the replacement or rework of the
PPC assembly required in paragraph (i) of this AD, install the
secondary retention feature on the PPC assembly following the
applicable service information listed in paragraph (j)(1)(i), (ii),
or (iii) of this AD.
(i) For Models SA226 Series: Pages TR-224 through TR-228 from M7
Aerospace SA226 Series Maintenance Manual Temporary Revision 71-02,
dated March 15, 2016.
(ii) For Models SA227 Series: Pages 206 and 207 from M7
Aerospace SA227 Series Maintenance Manual Temporary Revision 71-03,
dated March 15, 2016.
(iii) For Models SA227 Series Commuter Category: Pages 206 and
206A from M7 Aerospace SA227 Series Commuter Category Maintenance
Manual Temporary Revision 71-02, dated March 15, 2016.
(2) Installation of the secondary retention device terminates
the requirement for the repetitive inspections of the PPC lever
torque required in paragraph (h) of this AD.
(k) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, Fort Worth Airplane Certification Office (ACO),
FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested
using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14
CFR 39.19, send your request to your principal inspector or local
Flight Standards District Office, as appropriate. If sending
information directly to the manager of the ACO, send it to the
attention of the person identified in paragraph (l)(1), Related
Information, of this AD.
(2) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate
principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager
of the local flight standards district office/certificate holding
district office.
(l) Related Information
(1) For more information about this AD, contact one of the
following individuals:
(i) Justin Carter, ASW-142, Aerospace Engineer, Fort Worth
Airplane Certification Office (ACO), FAA, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort
Worth, Texas 76137-4298; telephone: (817) 222-5146; fax: (817) 222-
5960; email: [email protected]; or
(ii) Kristin Bradley, ASW-143, Aerospace Engineer, Fort Worth
ACO, FAA, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas 76137-4298;
telephone: (817) 222-5485; fax: (817) 222-5960; email:
[email protected].
(2) For service information identified in this AD, contact M7
Aerospace LLC, 10823 NE Entrance Road, San Antonio, Texas 78216;
phone: (210) 824-9421; fax: (210) 804-7766; Internet: http://www.elbitsystems-us.com; email: [email protected]; or
Honeywell International Inc., 111 S. 34th Street, Phoenix, Arizona
85034-2802; phone: (855) 808-6500; email:
[email protected]; Internet: https://aerospace.honeywell.com/en/services/maintenance-and-monitoring.You
may view this 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.
Issued in Kansas City, Missouri on December 8, 2016.
Pat Mullen,
Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2016-30292 Filed 12-27-16; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P