[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 61 (Thursday, March 29, 2018)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 13383-13387]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-06092]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2017-0288; Product Identifier 2017-CE-007-AD; Amendment 
39-19231; AD 2018-06-11]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Textron Aviation Inc. Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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

SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain 
Textron Aviation Inc. Models A36TC, B36TC, S35, V35, V35A, and V35B 
airplanes. This AD was prompted by a fatal accident where the exhaust 
tailpipe fell off during takeoff. This AD adds a life limit to the 
exhaust tailpipe v-band coupling (clamp) that attaches the exhaust 
tailpipe to the turbocharger and requires an annual visual inspection 
of the exhaust tailpipe v-band coupling (clamp). We are issuing this AD 
to address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective May 3, 2018.

ADDRESSES: 

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-2017-
0288; or in person at Docket Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., 
Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains 
this final rule, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and 
other information. The address for Docket Operations (phone: 800-647-
5527) is 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 FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Thomas Teplik, Aerospace Engineer, 
Wichita ACO Branch, FAA, 1801 Airport Road, Room 100, Wichita, Kansas 
67209; phone: (316) 946-4196; fax: (316) 946-4107; email: 
[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Discussion

    We issued a supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking (SNPRM) to 
amend 14 CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to certain 
Textron Aviation Inc. Models A36TC, B36TC, S35, V35, V35A, and V35B 
airplanes. The SNPRM published in the Federal Register on November 8, 
2017 (82 FR 51782).
    We preceded the SNPRM with a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) 
that published in the Federal Register on April 12, 2017 (82 FR 17594). 
The NPRM proposed to add a life limit to the exhaust tailpipe v-band 
coupling (clamp) and, if the coupling is removed for any reason before 
the life limit is reached, require an inspection of the v-band coupling 
before reinstalling. The NPRM was prompted by a fatal accident where 
the exhaust tailpipe fell off during takeoff.
    The SNPRM proposed to add to the applicability of the AD, add a 
life limit to the exhaust tailpipe v-band coupling (clamp) that 
attaches the exhaust tailpipe to the turbocharger, and require an 
annual visual inspection of the exhaust tailpipe v-band coupling 
(clamp). We are issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on 
these products.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this final rule. The following presents the comments received on the 
SNPRM and the FAA's response to each comment.

Support of the AD Action

    Michelle Prengle agrees with the AD action. She states, ``I am the 
daughter of the pilot from which this AD is prompted. My brothers and I 
lost our father and stepmother in this accident. I want people to know 
that my father loved to fly and believed that flying was the safest 
form of transportation. I wish that this AD be implemented to honor 
what my father truly believed, that flying is the safest form of 
transportation. I believe it will provide one more measure that will 
save lives in the future.''

Request the Removal of Multi-Segment Couplings From All Airplanes

    Paul Gryko recommended removal of multi-segment couplings from all 
airplanes and replace with one-piece couplings. The commenter discussed 
other airplane models that have the multi-segment coupling installed 
and other AD actions affecting exhaust tailpipe v-band couplings. The 
commenter discussed that multi-segment couplings may have different 
part numbers on different airplanes with different torque values. 
Having one one-piece coupling with the same torque value for use on all 
airplanes would benefit the industry. The commenter discussed the 
possibility of expanding the scope of this AD or issuing a different AD 
action.
    We do not agree with this comment. The FAA has determined that an 
unsafe condition exists on certain Models A36TC, B36TC, S35, V35, V35A, 
and V35B airplanes. This AD addresses the unsafe condition on those 
specific airplanes. Including the actions of this AD on other airplane 
models that may have the affected exhaust tailpipe v-band coupling 
installed goes beyond the scope of this AD. However, the FAA is looking 
at the possibility of this unsafe condition affecting other airplanes.
    We have not changed this AD based on this comment.

Request To Expand the Scope of the AD to All Airplanes Equipped With 
Continental TSIO-520 Engines

    Dustin Todd requested we expand the AD to all Textron airplanes 
equipped with TSIO-520 engines and to require inspection of all areas 
of the turbocharger exhaust pipe. During a 50-hour oil change, he found 
a crack in the turbocharger exhaust pipe. The crack appeared to have 
originated beneath the coupling. Removal of the coupling is not 
required during 100-hour or annual inspections, so the crack could go 
undetected for hours or years.
    We disagree with this comment. The FAA has determined that an 
unsafe condition exists on certain Models A36TC, B36TC, S35, V35, V35A, 
and V35B airplanes. This AD requires a life limit replacement and 
inspection of the exhaust tailpipe v-band couplings as installed on 
those affected airplanes. To include all Textron airplanes equipped 
with Continental TSIO-520 engines and to require inspection of all 
areas of the turbocharger exhaust pipe would be beyond the scope of 
this AD. However, the FAA is looking at the possibility of this unsafe 
condition affecting other airplanes.
    We have not changed this AD based on this comment.

[[Page 13384]]

Request To Withdraw the SNPRM or To Increase the Life Limit of the 
Couplings

    David Cort commented the proposed AD is an overreaction to address 
one airplane affected out of 731 airplanes. The commenter believes over 
torqueing and the additional stress of heat expansion on the coupling 
caused the fatigue cracks. The commenter also noted the difficulty in 
accessing the coupling and applying the correct amount of torque. The 
commenter believes removing and reinstalling couplings by inexperienced 
mechanics could add to the problem. We infer the commenter wants the 
SNPRM withdrawn. If the FAA proceeds with the AD action, the commenter 
believes the compliance time should be no less than 1,000 hours time-
in-service (TIS).
    We disagree with this comment. The FAA has determined that an 
unsafe condition exists on certain Models A36TC, B36TC, S35, V35, V35A, 
and V35B airplanes. This AD describes procedures for the correct amount 
of torque and the actions required by this AD must be done by an 
appropriately certified mechanic. The accident/incident failure data 
and existing AD actions demonstrate that a 500-hour life limit is 
appropriate for this type of multi-segment coupling.
    We have not changed this AD based on this comment.

Request To Withdraw the SNPRM

    Textron Aviation, Inc. requested we withdraw the SNPRM. The 
commenter stated there are no unique aspects to the engine installation 
on the affected airplanes or the v-band coupling installation that 
would justify a need for an AD specific to the affected airplanes. The 
commenter states an appliance specific AD would be a more appropriate 
approach to addressing the unsafe condition identified by the FAA for 
all airplanes.
    We disagree with this comment. The FAA has determined an unsafe 
condition exists on the specific airplanes affected by this AD. This AD 
will address the unsafe condition on the specific airplanes this AD 
affects. However, the FAA is looking at the possibility of this unsafe 
condition affecting other airplanes.
    We have not changed this AD based on this comment.

Conclusion

    We reviewed the relevant data, considered the comments received, 
and determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting 
this final rule as proposed except for minor editorial changes. We have 
determined that these minor changes:
     [Agr]re consistent with the intent that was proposed in 
the SNPRM for addressing the unsafe condition; and
     Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was 
already proposed in the SNPRM.
    We also determined that these changes will not increase the 
economic burden on any operator or increase the scope of this final 
rule.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD affects 731 airplanes of U.S. registry.
    We estimate the following costs to comply with this AD:

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                     Cost per      Cost on U.S.
              Action                    Labor cost              Parts cost            product        operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Visual inspection of the exhaust   .5 work-hour x $85    Not applicable.........          $42.50      $31,067.50
 tailpipe v-band coupling           per hour = $42.50.
 (Installed).
Replacement of the exhaust         2 work-hours x 85     300....................             470         343,570
 tailpipe v-band coupling.          per hour = 170.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    We estimate the following costs to do any necessary inspection that 
would require removal and reinstallation of the exhaust tailpipe v-band 
coupling. We have no way of determining the number of airplanes that 
might need this inspection:

                                               On-Condition Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Cost per
                 Action                          Labor cost                  Parts cost               product
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inspection of the exhaust tailpipe v-    1.5 work-hours x $85 per   Not applicable..............         $127.50
 band coupling (Not installed, includes   hour = $127.50.
 removal and reinstallation).
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    We estimate the following costs for the installation of part number 
N1000897-40 exhaust tailpipe v-band coupling on Models S35, V35, V35A, 
and V35B airplanes equipped with the Continental TSIO-520-D engine with 
AiResearch turbocharger during manufacture. We have no way of 
determining the number of airplanes that may do this installation:

                                               On-Condition Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Cost per
                    Action                                 Labor cost               Parts cost        product
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Installation of part number N1000897-40         2 work-hours x $85 per hour =               $632            $802
 exhaust tailpipe v-band coupling.               $170.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


[[Page 13385]]

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.
    This AD is issued in accordance with authority delegated by the 
Executive Director, Aircraft Certification Service, as authorized by 
FAA Order 8000.51C. In accordance with that order, issuance of ADs is 
normally a function of the Compliance and Airworthiness Division, but 
during this transition period, the Executive Director has delegated the 
authority to issue ADs applicable to small airplanes, gliders, 
balloons, airships, domestic business jet transport airplanes, and 
associated appliances to the Director of the Policy and Innovation 
Division.

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),
    (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.

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 airworthiness 
directive (AD):

2018-06-11 Textron Aviation Inc.: Amendment 39-19231; Docket No. 
FAA-2017-0288; Product Identifier 2017-CE-007-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD is effective May 3, 2018.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    (1) This AD applies to the following Textron Aviation Inc. 
airplanes; all serial numbers, that are certificated in any 
category:
    (i) Models A36TC and B36TC airplanes equipped with a 
turbocharged engine.
    (ii) Models S35, V35, V35A, and V35B airplanes equipped with the 
Continental TSIO-520-D engine with AiResearch turbocharger during 
manufacture; and
    (iii) Models S35, V35, V35A, and V35B airplanes equipped with 
StandardAero Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) SA1035WE.
    (2) If the one-piece v-band coupling (clamp), part number (P/N) 
NH1000897-40, is installed on Textron Aviation Inc. Models S35, V35, 
V35A, and V35B airplanes equipped with the Continental TSIO-520-D 
engine with AiResearch turbocharger during manufacture, this AD does 
not apply to those airplanes.

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC)/Air Transport Association 
(ATA) of America Code 81, Turbocharging.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by a fatal accident where the exhaust 
tailpipe fell off during takeoff. We are issuing this AD to prevent 
failure of the exhaust tailpipe v-band coupling (clamp) that may 
lead to detachment of the exhaust tailpipe from the turbocharger and 
allow high-temperature exhaust gases to enter the engine 
compartment, which could result in an inflight fire.

(f) Compliance

    Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, 
unless already done. For the purposes of this AD, the exhaust 
tailpipe v-band coupling may also be referred to as the exhaust 
tailpipe v-band clamp.

(g) Review of the Maintenance Records

    Within 50 hours time-in-service (TIS) after May 3, 2018 (the 
effective date of this AD), do a maintenance records review to 
determine the hours TIS of the exhaust tailpipe v-band coupling. If 
unable to determine the hours TIS of the exhaust tailpipe v-band 
coupling, use the compliance time specified in paragraph (h)(2) of 
this AD.

(h) Compliance Times for Repetitive Replacement of the V-Band Coupling

    Use the following compliance times in paragraph (h)(1) or (2) of 
this AD for the repetitive replacement of the exhaust tailpipe v-
band coupling as specified in paragraph (i) of this AD.
    (1) If from a review of the maintenance records you can 
positively identify that the hours TIS for the exhaust tailpipe v-
band coupling is less than 500 hours TIS: Do the initial replacement 
within 500 hours TIS on the exhaust tailpipe v-band coupling or 
within the next 50 hours TIS after May 3, 2018 (the effective date 
of this AD), whichever occurs later, and replace repetitively 
thereafter at intervals not to exceed 500 hours TIS on the exhaust 
tailpipe v-band coupling.
    (2) If from a review of the maintenance records you can 
positively identify that the hours TIS for the exhaust tailpipe v-
band coupling is 500 hours TIS or more or you cannot positively 
identify the hours TIS for the exhaust tailpipe v-band coupling: Do 
the initial replacement within 50 hours TIS after May 3, 2018 (the 
effective date of this AD) and replace repetitively thereafter at 
intervals not to exceed 500 hours TIS on the exhaust tailpipe v-band 
coupling.

(i) Replacement of the Exhaust Tailpipe V-Band Coupling

    Replace the exhaust tailpipe v-band coupling for the airplanes 
in paragraphs (i)(1) and (2) of this AD at the applicable compliance 
time as specified in paragraph (h) of this AD.

    Note 1 to the introductory text of paragraph (i) of this AD:  We 
recommend after installation of the exhaust tailpipe v-band 
coupling, you do an engine run and recheck the torque of the v-band 
coupling.


    (1) Models A36TC and B36TC airplanes: Replace the exhaust 
tailpipe v-band coupling part number (P/N) N4211-375-M or P/N 5322C-
375-Z with a new exhaust tailpipe v-band coupling. When installing 
the new part, tighten the v-band coupling to 40 in-lbs., tap the 
periphery of the band to distribute tension, and torque again to 40 
in-lbs.

    Note 2 to paragraph (i)(1) of this AD:  P/Ns N4211-375-M and P/N 
5322C-375-Z are also known as P/N N4211-375M and P/N 5322C3752. The 
engineering drawings list the applicable part number v-band 
couplings as P/N N4211-375-M and P/N 5322C-375-Z; however, the parts 
catalog lists the applicable v-band couplings as P/N N4211-375M and 
P/N 5322C3752.


    (2) For Models S35, V35, V35A, and V35B airplanes, as specified 
in paragraphs (i)(2)(i) and (ii) of this AD:

[[Page 13386]]

    (i) For airplanes equipped with the Continental TSIO-520-D 
engine with AiResearch turbocharger during manufacture: Replace the 
exhaust tailpipe v-band coupling P/N U4211-375-M or P/N 4404C375-M 
with a new exhaust tailpipe v-band coupling. When installing a new 
P/N U4211-375-M, tighten the v-band coupling to 60 in-lbs., tap the 
periphery of the band to distribute tension, and torque again to 60 
in-lbs. When installing a new P/N 4404C375-M, add 20 in-lbs after 
the running torque is overcome. Replacement of exhaust tailpipe v-
band coupling P/N U4211-375-M or P/N 4404C375-M with the one-piece 
v-band coupling, P/N NH1000897-40, terminates the requirements of 
this AD.

    Note 3 to paragraph (i)(2)(i) and (ii) of this AD: P/Ns U4211-
375-M and 4404C375-M may also be known as P/Ns U4211-375M and 
4404C375M or 4404C-375-M.

    (ii) For airplanes equipped with STC SA1035WE: Replace the 
exhaust tailpipe v-band coupling P/N U4211-375-M with a new exhaust 
tailpipe v-band coupling. When installing the new part, tighten the 
v-band coupling to 60 in-lbs., tap the periphery of the band to 
distribute tension, and torque again to 60 in-lbs.

(j) Repetitive Visual Inspection of the Installed Exhaust Tailpipe V-
Band Coupling

    (1) If you remove the exhaust tailpipe v-band coupling during 
your annual inspection or within the compliance time specified in 
paragraph (j)(2) of this AD, you may do the inspection specified in 
paragraph (k) of this AD in lieu of the inspection required in 
paragraph (j) of this AD. If you already have the v-band coupling 
removed, doing the detailed inspection as specified in paragraph (k) 
of this AD eliminates the possibility of having to remove and 
reinstall the v-band coupling more than once if certain conditions 
are found during the inspection required in paragraph (j) of this 
AD.
    (2) At the next annual inspection after May 3, 2018 (the 
effective date of this AD) or within the next 12 months after May 3, 
2018 (the effective date of this AD), whichever occurs later, and 
repetitively thereafter at intervals not to exceed 12 months, do a 
visual inspection of the installed exhaust tailpipe v-band coupling. 
Use the inspection steps listed in paragraphs (j)(2)(i) through 
(vii) of this AD.
    (i) Inspect the coupling and area around the coupling for signs 
of exhaust stains, sooting, or other evidence of exhaust leakage. If 
any of those conditions are found, remove the coupling and go to the 
inspection steps in paragraph (k) of this AD for inspection of a v-
band coupling that has been removed.
    (ii) Inspect the coupling outer band for cracks, paying 
particular attention to the spot weld areas. If cracks are found, 
before further flight, you must replace the v-band coupling with a 
new v-band coupling and restart the hours TIS for the repetitive 
replacement of the v-band coupling.
    (iii) Inspect the coupling for looseness or separation of the 
outer band to the v-retainer segments(s) at all spot welds. If 
looseness or separation of the outer band to any or multiple 
retainer segments(s) is found, before further flight, you must 
replace the v-band coupling with a new v-band coupling and restart 
the hours TIS for the repetitive replacement of the v-band coupling.
    (iv) Inspect the coupling outer band for cupping, bowing, or 
crowning. If any of these conditions are found, before further 
flight, remove the coupling and go to the inspection steps in 
paragraph (k) of this AD for inspection of a v-band coupling that 
has been removed.
    (v) Inspect the area of the coupling, including the outer band, 
opposite the t-bolt for damage or distortion. If any damage or 
distortion is found, before further flight, you must replace the v-
band coupling with a new v-band coupling and restart the hours TIS 
for the repetitive replacement of the v-band coupling.
    (vi) Using a mirror, verify there is a space between each v-
retainer coupling segment below the t-bolt. If there is no space 
between each v-retainer coupling segment below the t-bolt, before 
further flight, you must replace the v-band coupling with a new v-
band coupling and restart the hours TIS for the repetitive 
replacement of the v-band coupling.
    (vii) Verify the v-band coupling nut is properly torqued as 
specified in paragraphs (j)(2)(vii)(A) through (C) of this AD:
    (A) For P/N N4211-375-M or P/N 5322C-375-Z exhaust tailpipe v-
band coupling, torque to 40 in-lbs.
    (B) For P/N U4211-375-M exhaust tailpipe v-band coupling, torque 
to 60 in-lbs.
    (C) For 4404C375-M exhaust tailpipe v-band coupling, verify the 
nut is secure. If not secure, before further flight, loosen and 
verify running torque and add 20 in-lbs to the running torque when 
tightened.
    (3) These inspections do not terminate the 500-hour TIS 
repetitive replacement of the v-band coupling and do not restart the 
hours TIS for the repetitive replacement of the v-band coupling.

(k) Visual Inspection of a Removed Exhaust Tailpipe V-Band Coupling

    (1) If during the visual inspection required in paragraph (j) of 
this AD you are required to remove of the exhaust tailpipe v-band 
coupling to do a more detailed inspection, you must do the 
inspection steps listed in paragraphs (k)(1) and (2) of this AD. If 
you removed the exhaust tailpipe v-band coupling during the annual 
inspection or within the compliance time specified in paragraph 
(j)(2) of this AD, you may do the inspection specified in paragraph 
(k) of this AD in lieu of the inspection required in paragraph (j) 
of this AD. If you already have the v-band coupling removed, doing 
the detailed inspection as specified in paragraph (k) of this AD 
eliminates the possibility of having to remove and reinstall the v-
band coupling more than once if certain conditions are found during 
the inspection required in paragraph (j) of this AD.
    (i) Use crocus cloth and mineral spirits/Stoddard solvent, to 
clean the outer band of the v-band coupling. Pay particular 
attention to the spot weld areas on the coupling. If during cleaning 
corrosion cannot be removed or pitting of the v-band coupling is 
found, do not re-install the v-band coupling. Before further flight, 
you must install a new v-band coupling and restart the hours TIS for 
the repetitive replacement of the v-band coupling.
    (ii) Use a 10x magnifier to visually inspect the outer band for 
cracks, paying particular attention to the spot weld areas. If 
cracks are found during this inspection, do not re-install the v-
band coupling. Before further flight, you must install a new v-band 
coupling and restart the hours TIS for the repetitive replacement of 
the v-band coupling.
    (iii) Visually inspect the flatness of the outer band using a 
straight edge. Lay the straight edge across the width of the outer 
band. The gap must be less than 0.062 inches. See figure 1 to 
paragraphs (k)(1)(iii) and (v) of this AD. If the gap exceeds 0.062 
inches between the outer band and the straight edge, do not re-
install the v-band coupling. Before further flight, you must install 
a new v-band coupling and restart the hours TIS for the repetitive 
replacement of the v-band coupling.

[[Page 13387]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR29MR18.001

    (iv) With the t-bolt in the 12 o'clock position, visually 
inspect the coupling for the attachment of the outer band to the v-
retainer coupling segments by inspecting for gaps between the outer 
band and the v-retainer coupling segments between approximately the 
1 o'clock through 11 o'clock position. It is recommended to use 
backlighting to see gaps. If gaps between the outer band and the v-
retainer coupling segments are found, do not re-install the v-band 
coupling. Before further flight, you must install a new v-band 
coupling and restart the hours TIS for the repetitive replacement of 
the v-band coupling.
    (v) Visually inspect the bend radii of the coupling v-retainer 
coupling segments for cracks. Inspect the radii throughout the 
length of the segment. See figure 1 to paragraphs (k)(1)(iii) and 
(v) of this AD. If any cracks are found, do not re-install the v-
band coupling. Before further flight, you must install a new v-band 
coupling and restart the hours TIS for the repetitive replacement of 
the v-band coupling.
    (vi) Visually inspect the outer band opposite the t-bolt for 
damage (distortion, creases, bulging, or cracks), which may be 
caused from excessive spreading of the coupling during installation 
and/or removal. If any damage is found, do not re-install the v-band 
coupling. Before further flight, you must install a new v-band 
coupling and restart the hours TIS for the repetitive replacement of 
the v-band coupling.
    (2) If the removed exhaust tailpipe v-band coupling passes all 
of the inspection steps listed in paragraphs (k)(1)(i) through (vi) 
of this AD, you may re-install the same v-band coupling. After the 
coupling is re-installed and torqued as specified in Replacement of 
the V-Band Coupling, paragraph (i) of this AD, verify there is space 
between each v-retainer coupling segment below the t-bolt. If there 
is no space between each v-retainer coupling segment below the t-
bolt, before further flight, you must install a new v-band coupling 
and restart the hours TIS for the repetitive replacement of the v-
band coupling.
    (3) The inspections required in paragraphs (k)(1) and (2) of 
this AD only apply to re-installing the same exhaust tailpipe v-band 
coupling that was removed as specified in paragraph (j) of this AD. 
It does not apply to installation of a new v-band coupling. These 
inspections do not terminate the 500-hour TIS repetitive replacement 
of the v-band coupling and do not restart the hours TIS for the 
repetitive replacement of the v-band coupling.
    (4) As of May 3, 2018 (the effective date of this AD), do not 
install a used exhaust tailpipe v-band coupling on the airplane 
except for the reinstallation of the inspected exhaust tailpipe v-
band coupling that was removed as specified in paragraphs (j) and 
(k) of this AD.

(l) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, Wichita ACO Branch, FAA, has the authority to 
approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found 
in 14 CFR 39.19. The Manager, Chicago ACO Branch, FAA, has the 
authority to approve AMOCs concerning STC SA1035WE, 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 Wichita ACO Branch, send 
it to the attention of the person identified in paragraph (m) of 
this AD. If sending information directly to the manager of the 
Chicago ACO Branch, send it to the attention of John Tallarovic, 
Aerospace Engineer, AIR-7C3 Chicago ACO Branch, 2300 East Devon 
Avenue, Des Plaines, IL 60018-4696; telephone: (847) 294-8180; fax: 
(847) 294-7834; email: [email protected].
    (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.

 (m) Related Information

    For more information about this AD, contact Thomas Teplik, 
Aerospace Engineer, Wichita ACO Branch, FAA, 1801 Airport Road, Room 
100, Wichita, Kansas 67209; phone: (316) 946-4196; fax: (316) 946-
4107; email: [email protected].

 (n) Material Incorporated by Reference

    None.

    Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on March 20, 2018.
Melvin J. Johnson,
Deputy Director, Policy & Innovation Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2018-06092 Filed 3-28-18; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P