[Federal Register Volume 84, Number 216 (Thursday, November 7, 2019)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 59926-59928]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2019-24325]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2019-0853; Product Identifier 2019-CE-036-AD; Amendment
39-19774; AD 2019-21-08]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Textron Aviation Inc. (Type Certificate
Previously Held by Beechcraft Corporation) Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.
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SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for
Textron Aviation Inc. (Textron) Models E33, E33A, E33C, F33, G33, 35-
C33, 35-C33A, K35, M35, N35, P35, S35, V35, V35A, 36, and certain
Models F33A, F33C, V35B, and A36 airplanes. This AD requires inspecting
the right aileron flight control cable end fittings (terminal
attachment fittings) and replacing any damaged cable assembly. This AD
was prompted by reports of cracked and fractured right aileron flight
control cable end fittings. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the
unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective November 22, 2019.
The FAA must receive comments on this AD by December 23, 2019.
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 https://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.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2019-
0853; 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 street address for the Docket Operations is
listed above. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after
receipt.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Alan Levanduski, Aerospace Engineer,
Wichita ACO Branch, FAA, 1801 Airport Road, Room 100, Wichita, Kansas
67209; phone: (316) 946-4161; fax: (316) 946-4107; email:
[email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Discussion
Within the last year, the FAA has received an estimated 17 reports
of the right aileron flight control cable end fittings failing on
Textron Models E33A, S35, V35, and A36 airplanes. There are two
different cable assemblies installed on the right aileron flight
control system. The forward aileron cable assembly connects the control
wheel to the turnbuckle, and the aft aileron cable assembly connects
the aileron surface to the turnbuckle. These failures have occurred at
the swaged cable end fittings that thread into the turnbuckle. The
location of the right aileron cable end fittings, just forward of the
aft carry through spar and underneath a heating duct, creates an
environment where corrosion may be accelerated. Also, the presence of
the turnbuckle safety wire, combined with the location beneath the
heating duct, makes corrosion and cracking difficult to detect. Some of
the reports of failed cable end fittings revealed that the aileron
cables had been held together only by the safety wire, while other
reports were of complete aileron cable separation. Because of airplane
design similarities, this unsafe condition could also occur on Models
E33, E33C, F33, F33A, F33C, G33, 35-C33, 35-C33A, K35, M35, N35, P35,
V35A, V35B, and 36.
This condition, if not addressed, could result in failure of the
right aileron flight control cable assembly, un-commanded right roll of
the airplane, and loss of roll control in the left direction, which may
lead to loss of control of the airplane. The FAA is issuing this AD to
address the unsafe condition on these products.
FAA's Determination
The FAA is issuing this AD because it 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.
[[Page 59927]]
AD Requirements
This AD requires inspecting the right aileron flight control cable
end fittings that thread into the turnbuckle for corrosion, pitting,
and cracks and replacing any damaged cable assembly.
FAA's Justification and Determination of the Effective Date
An unsafe condition exists that requires the immediate adoption of
this AD without providing an opportunity for public comments prior to
adoption. The FAA has found that the risk to the flying public
justifies waiving notice and comment prior to adoption of this rule
because the quantity of recent reports of failure of the right aileron
flight control cable end fittings necessitates that the corrective
actions be accomplished within 30 days. Therefore, the FAA finds good
cause that notice and opportunity for prior public comment are
impracticable. In addition, for the reasons stated above, the FAA finds
that good cause exists for making this amendment effective in less than
30 days.
Comments Invited
This AD is a final rule that involves requirements affecting flight
safety and was not preceded by notice and an opportunity for public
comment. However, the FAA invites you to send any written data, views,
or arguments about this final rule. Send your comments to an address
listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include the Docket Number FAA-2019-
0853 and Product Identifier 2019-CE-036-AD at the beginning of your
comments. The FAA specifically invites comments on the overall
regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this final
rule. The FAA will consider all comments received by the closing date
and may amend this final rule because of those comments.
The FAA will post all comments it receives, without change, to
https://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you
provide. The FAA will also post a report summarizing each substantive
verbal contact it receives about this final rule.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD affects 4,138 airplanes of U.S.
registry.
The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:
Estimated Costs
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Cost per Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost product operators
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Inspection of the right aileron 5 work-hours x $85 Not applicable........... $425 $1,758,650
cable end fittings. per hour = $425.
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The FAA estimates the following costs to do any necessary
replacement that would be required based on the results of the
inspection. The FAA has no way of determining the number of airplanes
that might need this replacement:
On-Condition Costs
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Cost per
Action Labor cost Parts cost product
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Replacement of a forward aileron cable 6 work-hours x $85 per hour = $510. $1,123 $1,633
assembly.
Replacement of an aft aileron cable 4 work-hours x $85 per hour = $340. $785 $1,125
assembly.
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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.
The FAA is 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 Flexibility Act
The requirements of the Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA) do not
apply when an agency finds good cause pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553 to adopt
a rule without prior notice and comment. Because FAA has determined
that it has good cause to adopt this rule without notice and comment,
RFA analysis is not required.
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, and
(2) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.
[[Page 59928]]
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:
2019-21-08 Textron Aviation Inc. (Type Certificate Previously Held
by Beechcraft Corporation) Airplanes: Amendment 39-19774; Docket No.
FAA-2019-0853; Product Identifier 2019-CE-036-AD.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective November 22,
2019.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to the following Textron Aviation Inc. (Type
Certificate previously held by Beechcraft Corporation) airplanes,
certificated in any category:
(1) Models E33, E33A, E33C, F33, G33, 35-C33, 35-C33A, K35, M35,
N35, P35, S35, V35, V35A, and 36, all serial numbers (S/Ns);
(2) Model F33A, S/Ns CE-290 through CE-680;
(3) Model F33C, S/Ns CJ-26 through CJ-128;
(4) Model V35B, S/Ns D-9069 through D-9961; and
(5) Model A36, S/Ns E-185 through E-925.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC)/Air Transport Association
(ATA) of America Code 2710, Aileron Control System.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by reports of cracked and fractured right
aileron flight control cable end fittings (terminal attachment
fittings). The FAA is issuing this AD to detect and address damaged
right aileron flight control cable end fittings. The unsafe
condition, if not addressed, could result in failure of the right
aileron flight control cable assembly, un-commanded right roll of
the airplane, and loss of roll control in the left direction, which
may lead to loss of control of the airplane.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Inspection
Within 30 days after November 22, 2019 (the effective date of
this AD) inspect the forward and aft right aileron flight control
cable end fittings that thread into the turnbuckle. To gain access
to the end fittings, you must remove the front seats and floorboards
and, if installed, the rear seats and under-seat closeout. The end
fittings are located underneath the heating duct, just forward of
the aft carry through spar.
Note to paragraph (g) of this AD: Adjusting the turnbuckle
relative to the end fittings will affect cable tension.
(1) Remove any safety wire from the end fittings and turnbuckle,
if installed. Remove any sleeving and tape on the shank of the cable
end fittings without gouging or scratching the fitting surface.
(2) Using a 10X magnification, a mirror, and a light source,
inspect all exposed surfaces of both control cable end fittings for
cracks, pitting, and corrosion.
(h) Follow-On Actions
Before further flight after the inspection required by paragraph
(g) of this AD, do one of the following actions, as applicable:
(1) If there are no cracks, no pitting, and no corrosion, check
cable tension and make any necessary adjustments, and replace safety
wire; or
(2) If there is a crack or any pitting or corrosion, replace any
damaged cable assembly.
(i) Credit for Previous Actions
(1) If you performed the actions required by paragraphs (g) and
(h) of this AD before November 22, 2019 (the effective date of this
AD) using one of the following documents, you met the requirements
of this AD:
(i) American Bonanza Society (ABS) Air Safety Foundation
Beechcraft Control Cable Turn Buckle Inspection Recommendation,
dated February 8, 2019;
(ii) ABS Air Safety Foundation Recommended Beechcraft Control
Cable Turnbuckle Inspection, Update 1, dated February 20, 2019; or
(iii) ABS Air Safety Foundation Recommended Beechcraft Control
Cable Turnbuckle Inspection, Update 2, dated August 8, 2019.
(2) The ABS Air Safety Foundations recommended inspection
documents are available on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-
2019-0853. You may also obtain copies of these documents by
contacting the ABS at American Bonanza Society, 3595 N Webb Road,
Suite 200, Wichita, KS 67226; email: [email protected]; telephone:
(316) 945-1700; fax: (316) 945-1710; or internet: https://www.bonanza.org/.
(j) 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. 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 certification office, send it to the attention of the
person identified in paragraph (k) 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.
(k) Related Information
For more information about this AD, contact Alan Levanduski,
Aerospace Engineer, Wichita ACO Branch, FAA, 1801 Airport Road, Room
100, Wichita, Kansas 67209; phone: (316) 946-4161; fax: (316) 946-
4107; email: [email protected].
Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on November 1, 2019.
Pat Mullen,
Manager, Aircraft Certification Service, Small Airplane Standards
Branch, AIR-690.
[FR Doc. 2019-24325 Filed 11-6-19; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P