[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 117 (Monday, June 18, 2018)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 28171-28173]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-12886]
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Proposed Rules
Federal Register
________________________________________________________________________
This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains notices to the public of
the proposed issuance of rules and regulations. The purpose of these
notices is to give interested persons an opportunity to participate in
the rule making prior to the adoption of the final rules.
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Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 117 / Monday, June 18, 2018 /
Proposed Rules
[[Page 28171]]
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2018-0422; Product Identifier 2018-CE-015-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Pacific Aerospace Limited Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
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SUMMARY: We propose to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2015-23-
03 for Pacific Aerospace Limited Model 750XL airplanes. This proposed
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 fatigue cracks on the fin forward pickup
plates. We are issuing this proposed AD to require actions to address
the unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by August 2, 2018.
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 proposed AD, contact
Pacific Aerospace Limited, Airport Road, Hamilton, Private Bag 3027,
Hamilton 3240, New Zealand; phone: +64 7843 6144; fax: +64 843 6134;
email: [email protected]; internet: www.aerospace.co.nz. You may
review copies of the referenced service information at the FAA, Policy
and Innovation Division, 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-2018-
0422; 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 proposed AD, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and
other information. The street address for Docket Operations (telephone
(800) 647-5527) is in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available
in the AD docket shortly after receipt.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mike Kiesov, Aerospace Engineer, FAA,
Small Airplane Standards Branch, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas City,
Missouri 64106; telephone: (816) 329-4144; fax: (816) 329-4090; email:
[email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or
arguments about this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address
listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2018-0422;
Product Identifier 2018-CE-015-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://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 issued AD 2015-23-03, Amendment 39-18319 (80 FR 69569; November
10, 2015) (``AD 2015-23-03''). That AD required actions intended to
address an unsafe condition on Pacific Aerospace Limited Model 750XL
airplanes and was based on mandatory continuing airworthiness
information (MCAI) originated by an aviation authority of another
country.
Since we issued AD 2015-23-03, a new part number (P/N) hi-lok
fastener has become available due to limited availability of the
original hi-lok P/N.
The Civil Aviation Authority of New Zealand (CAA), has issued DCA/
750XL/18B, dated February 28, 2018 (referred to after this as ``the
MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for Pacific Aerospace Limited
Model 750XL airplanes. The MCAI states:
This (CAA) AD revised to introduce Pacific Aerospace Limited
Mandatory Service Bulletin (MSB) PACSB/XL/068 issue 6, dated 8
January 2018. The changes to the SB are limited to minor editorial
changes, and the addition of alternate P/N hi-lok fasteners due to
limited availability of the original P/N. There are no changes to
the AD applicability or the requirements.
You may examine the MCAI on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2018-
0422.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
Pacific Aerospace Limited has issued Pacific Aerospace Service
Bulletin PACSB/XL/068, Issue 6, dated January 8, 2018. The service
information describes procedures for reducing the torque setting for
the fin forward pickup bolt. The service bulletin also introduces a
new, improved replacement fin forward pickup plate, part number (P/N)
11-0375-1, to replace P/N 11-10281-1. 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.
FAA's Determination and Requirements of the Proposed AD
This product has been approved by the aviation authority of another
country, and is approved for operation
[[Page 28172]]
in the United States. Pursuant to our bilateral agreement with this
State of Design Authority, they have notified us of the unsafe
condition described in the MCAI and service information referenced
above. We are proposing this AD because we evaluated all information
and determined the unsafe condition exists and is likely to exist or
develop on other products of the same type design.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this AD will affect 22 products of U.S. registry.
We also estimate that it will take about 22 work-hours per product to
comply with all the requirements of this AD. The average labor rate is
$85 per work-hour. Required parts will cost about $1,692 per product.
Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of this AD on U.S.
operators to be $78,364, or $3,562 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.
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 products to the Director of the Policy and Innovation
Division.
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 removing Amendment 39-18319 (80 FR
69569; November 10, 2015), and adding the following new AD:
Pacific Aerospace Limited: Docket No. FAA-2018-0422; Product
Identifier 2018-CE-015-AD.
(a) Comments Due Date
We must receive comments by August 2, 2018.
(b) Affected ADs
This AD replaces AD 2015-23-03, Amendment 39-18319 (80 FR 69569;
November 10, 2015) (``AD 2015-23-03'').
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Pacific Aerospace Limited Model 750XL
airplanes, all serial numbers through XL-193, XL-195, and XL-197,
certificated in any category.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association of America (ATA) Code 53: Fuselage.
(e) Reason
This AD was prompted by 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 fatigue cracks
on the fin forward pickup plates. We are issuing this AD to detect
and correct cracked fin forward pickup plates to prevent failure of
the fin forward pickup plates, which could result in reduced
control.
(f) Actions and Compliance
Unless already done, do the actions in paragraphs (f)(1) through
(f)(4) of this AD:
(1) Within the next 150 hours time-in-service (TIS) after the
effective date of this AD, reduce the fin forward pickup bolt torque
following the procedures in section 1.D., paragraphs A. 1) and A. 2)
of the PLANNING INFORMATION in Pacific Aerospace Limited Mandatory
Service Bulletin PACSB/XL/068, Issue 6, dated January 8, 2018.
(2) At or before reaching 2,000 hours total time-in-service
(TTIS) or within the next 150 hours TIS after the effective date of
this AD, whichever occurs later, and repetitively thereafter at
intervals not to exceed 600 hours TIS or 12 months, whichever occurs
first, do a detailed visual inspection and liquid penetrant
inspection of the fin forward pickup plates for any evidence of
cracking. Do the inspections following the procedures in sections
2.A. and 2.B. of the ACCOMPLISHMENT INSTRUCTIONS in Pacific
Aerospace Limited Mandatory Service Bulletin PACSB/XL/068, Issue 6,
dated January 8, 2018.
(3) If cracks are found in either of the forward pickup plates
during any inspection required in paragraph (f)(2) of this AD,
before further flight, replace both fin forward pickup plates with
new fin forward pickup plates, part number (P/N) 11-03375-1. Do the
replacement following the procedures in section 2.C. of the
ACCOMPLISHMENT INSTRUCTIONS in Pacific Aerospace Limited Mandatory
Service Bulletin PACSB/XL/068, Issue 6, dated January 8, 2018. This
replacement terminates the repetitive inspections required in
paragraph (f)(2) of this AD.
(4) If no cracks are found during any inspection required in
paragraph (f)(2) of this AD, at or before reaching 6,000 hours TTIS
or within the next 600 hours TIS after the effective date of this
AD, whichever occurs later, replace both fin forward pickup plates,
P/N 11-10281-1, with P/N 11-03375-1. Do the replacement following
the procedures in section 2.C or 2.D. of the ACCOMPLISHMENT
INSTRUCTIONS in Pacific Aerospace Limited Mandatory Service Bulletin
PACSB/XL/068, Issue 6, dated January 8, 2018. This replacement
terminates the repetitive inspections required in paragraph (f)(2)
of this AD.
(g) Credit for Previous Actions
This AD allows credit for actions required in paragraphs (f)(1)
through (4) of this AD if done before the effective date of this AD
following Pacific Aerospace Limited Mandatory Service Bulletin
PACSB/XL/068, Issue 5, dated June 29, 2015.
[[Page 28173]]
(h) Other FAA AD Provisions
The following provisions also apply to this AD:
(1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager,
Small Airplane Standards Branch, 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: Mike Kiesov, Aerospace Engineer,
FAA, Small Airplane Standards Branch, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas
City, Missouri 64106; telephone: (816) 329-4144; 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) Contacting the Manufacturer: For any requirement in this AD
to obtain corrective actions from a manufacturer, the action must be
accomplished using a method approved by the Manager, Standards
Office, FAA; or the Civil Aviation Authority of New Zealand (CAA).
(i) Special Flight Permit
A special flight permit is prohibited until Part A of the
ACCOMPLISHMENT INSTRUCTIONS in Pacific Aerospace Limited Mandatory
Service Bulletin PACSB/XL/068, Issue 6, dated January 8, 2018, is
completed. Once Part A has been completed, a special flight permit
is allowed for Part B of the ACCOMPLISHMENT INSTRUCTIONS in Pacific
Aerospace Limited Mandatory Service Bulletin PACSB/XL/068, Issue 6,
dated January 8, 2018.
(j) Related Information
Refer to MCAI CAA AD DCA/750XL/18B, dated February 28, 2018, for
related information. You may examine the MCAI on the internet at
http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No.
FAA-2018-0422. For service information related to this AD, contact
Pacific Aerospace Limited, Airport Road, Hamilton, Private Bag 3027,
Hamilton 3240, New Zealand; phone: +64 7843 6144; fax: +64 843 6134;
email: [email protected]; internet: www.aerospace.co.nz. You
may review this referenced service information at the FAA, Policy
and Innovation Division, 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 May 7, 2018.
Melvin J. Johnson,
Deputy Director, Policy & Innovation Division, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2018-12886 Filed 6-15-18; 8:45 am]
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