[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 249 (Tuesday, December 29, 2020)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 85506-85509]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-28855]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2020-0781; Product Identifier 2018-CE-045-AD; Amendment
39-21369; AD 2020-26-14]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.
Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 75-16-20,
which applied to all Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd., Model MU-2B,
MU-2B-10, MU-2B-15, MU-2B-20, MU-2B-25, MU-2B-26, MU-2B-30, MU-2B-35,
and MU-2B-36 airplanes. AD 75-16-20 required repetitive inspections of
the propeller pitch control (PPC) lever for security and proper
rigging. This AD requires
[[Page 85507]]
modification and repetitive inspections of the PPC lever linkage. The
FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these
products.
DATES: This AD is effective February 2, 2021.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of February 2,
2021.
ADDRESSES: For Mitsubishi service information identified in this final
rule, contact Mitsubishi Heavy Industries America, Inc., c/o Turbine
Aircraft Services, Inc., 4550 Jimmy Doolittle Drive, Addison, Texas
75001; phone: (972) 248-3108, ext. 209; fax: (972) 248-3321; website:
https://mu-2aircraft.com. For Honeywell service information identified
in this final AD, contact Honeywell International Inc., 111 S 34th
Street, Phoenix, Arizona 85034-2802; phone: 855-808-6500; email:
[email protected]; website: https://aerospace.honeywell.com/en/services/maintenance-and-monitoring. You may
view this service information at the FAA, Airworthiness Products
Section, Operational Safety Branch, 901 Locust, Kansas City, Missouri
64106. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA,
call (816) 329-4148. It is also available at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2020-
0781.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket at https://www.regulations.gov by
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2020-0781; 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, any
comments received, and other information. The address for Docket
Operations 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: John Turner, Aviation Safety Engineer,
Fort Worth ACO Branch, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Parkway, Fort Worth, Texas
76177; phone: (817) 222-4508; fax: (817) 222-5245; email:
[email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14
CFR part 39 to supersede AD 75-16-20, Amendment 39-2294 (40 FR 31751,
July 29, 1975) (AD 75-16-20). AD 75-16-20 applied to all Mitsubishi
Heavy Industries, Ltd. (Mitsubishi) Models MU-2B, MU-2B-10, MU-2B-15,
MU-2B-20, MU-2B-25, MU-2B-26, MU-2B-30, MU-2B-35, and MU-2B-36
airplanes. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on August 25,
2020 (85 FR 52281). The NPRM was prompted by reports of the PPC lever
linkages disconnecting at the engine and Mitsubishi developing a
secondary retention feature to secure the PPC. The NPRM was also
prompted by Mitsubishi type certificating additional airplanes that are
subject to the unsafe condition. In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to
require installation of the secondary retention feature, repetitive
inspections of the PPC lever linkage, and reporting inspection results
to the FAA.
Comments
The FAA received no comments on the NPRM or on the determination of
the costs.
Conclusion
The FAA reviewed the relevant data and determined that air safety
requires adoption of the AD as proposed. Accordingly, the FAA is
issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Except for minor editorial changes, this AD is adopted as proposed in
the NPRM.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
Mitsubishi has issued MU-2 Service Recommendation No. 049/76-002,
dated June 29, 2018, and MU-2 Service Recommendation No. 080, dated
June 29, 2018. This service information specifies procedures for
installing a PPC lever secondary retention feature to secure the PPC
lever. These documents are distinct since they apply to different
airplane models and configurations.
Mitsubishi has also issued MU-2 Service Bulletin No. 106/76-004,
dated February 24, 2016, and MU-2 Service Bulletin No. 244, dated
December 25, 2015. This service information specifies procedures for
replacing the PPC lever clamping bolt. These documents are distinct
since they apply to different airplane models and configurations.
Honeywell International Inc. has issued Service Bulletin TPE331-72-
2190, Revision 0, dated December 21, 2011. The procedures in this
service information include instructions for incorporating a threaded
hole in the splined end of the shouldered shaft of the PPC assembly and
re-identifying the shouldered shaft part number. The threaded hole is
used to accommodate a secondary retention method to secure the PPC
lever.
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 ADDRESSES.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD affects 260 airplanes of U.S.
registry.
The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD. The
average labor rate is $85 per work hour.
Estimated Costs
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Parts
Action Labor cost cost Cost per product Cost on U.S. operators
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Modification........................... 2 work-hours x $85 per hour = $2 $172.................................. $44,720.
$170.
Repetitive inspections................. 1 work-hour x $85 per hour = 0 $85 per inspection cycle.............. $22,100 per inspection
$85 per inspection cycle. cycle.
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The FAA estimates the following costs to do any necessary on-
condition actions for the incorporation of the threaded hole and
reporting requirement. The FAA has no way of determining the number of
aircraft that might need these on-condition actions:
On-Condition Costs
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Cost per
Action Labor cost Parts cost product
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Incorporation of threaded hole......... 4 work-hours x $85 per hour = $340..... $1,000 $1,340
[[Page 85508]]
Reporting.............................. 1 work-hour x $85 per hour = $85....... 0 85
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If the PPC lever detaches, the necessary corrective actions could
vary significantly from airplane to airplane. The FAA has received no
definitive data that would enable estimating the cost to install the
PPC lever on each airplane or the number of airplanes that may require
this action.
Paperwork Reduction Act
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 currently 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 1 hour per response, including the time for reviewing
instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and
maintaining the data needed, completing and reviewing the collection of
information. All responses to this collection of information are
mandatory. Send comments regarding this burden estimate or any other
aspect of this collection of information, including suggestions for
reducing this burden to: Information Collection Clearance Officer,
Federal Aviation Administration, 10101 Hillwood Parkway, Fort Worth, TX
76177-1524.
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.
Regulatory Findings
The FAA has 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 that this AD:
(1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive
Order 12866,
(2) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
(3) 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 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:
0
a. Removing Airworthiness Directive 75-16-20, Amendment 39-2294 (40 FR
31751, July 29, 1975); and
0
b. Adding the following new airworthiness directive:
2020-26-14 Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.: Amendment 39-21369;
Docket No. FAA-2020-0781; Product Identifier 2018-CE-045-AD.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective February 2, 2021.
(b) Affected ADs
This AD replaces AD 75-16-20, Amendment 39-2294 (40 FR 31751,
July 29,
1975) (AD 75-16-20).
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to all Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.
(Mitsubishi) Models MU-2B, MU-2B-10, MU-2B-15, MU-2B-20, MU-2B-25,
MU-2B-26, MU-2B-26A, MU-2B-30, MU-2B-35, MU-2B-36, MU-2B-36A, MU-2B-
40, and MU-2B-60 airplanes, certificated in any category.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 61: Propellers.
(e) Reason
This AD was prompted by propeller pitch control (PPC) lever
linkages disconnecting at the engine. The FAA is issuing this AD to
address the PPC lever linkage from disconnecting at the engine,
which could lead to the inability to control the propeller pitch
with the power lever in the cockpit and consequent loss of control
of the engine power settings.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Modification
(1) For all airplanes except Model MU-2B and MU-2B-10 airplanes:
Within 100 hours time-in-service (TIS) after the effective date of
this AD or within 12 months after the effective date of this AD,
whichever occurs first, modify the PPC lever linkage as specified in
paragraphs (g)(1)(i) through (iii) of this AD, as applicable.
(i) Replace the PPC lever clamping bolt in accordance with the
Accomplishment Instructions, section 2, of Mitsubishi MU-2 Service
Bulletin No. 106/76-004, dated February 24, 2016, or Mitsubishi MU-2
Service Bulletin No. 244, dated December 25, 2015, as applicable to
your model airplane.
(ii) For airplanes without a threaded hole in the splined end of
the shouldered shaft of the PPC assembly, incorporate a threaded
hole in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph
3.C.(3)(d)2, of Honeywell International Inc. Service Bulletin
TPE331-72-2190, Revision 0, dated December 21, 2011.
(iii) Install a secondary retention feature in the threaded end
of the PPC input shaft in accordance with the Accomplishment
Instructions, section 2, of Mitsubishi MU-2 Service Recommendation
No. 049/76-002, dated June 29, 2018, or Mitsubishi MU-2 Service
Recommendation No. 080, dated June 29, 2018, as applicable to your
model airplane.
(2) For Model MU-2B and MU-2B-10 airplanes: Within 100 hours TIS
after the effective date of this AD or within 12 months after the
effective date of this AD, whichever
[[Page 85509]]
occurs first, replace the PPC lever clamping bolt and install a
secondary retention feature in the threaded end of the PPC input
shaft using a method approved by the Manager of the Fort Worth ACO
Branch, FAA. The Manager's approval letter must specifically refer
to this AD.
(h) Repetitive Inspections and Reporting
Within 100 hours TIS after replacing the bolt and installing a
secondary retention feature as required by paragraph (g) of this AD
and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 100 hours TIS, inspect the
security of the PPC lever by pulling the PPC lever upward by hand to
ensure it does not detach from the PPC input shaft. If the PPC lever
detaches, do the following.
(1) Before further flight, install the PPC lever using a method
approved by the Manager of the Fort Worth ACO Branch, FAA. The
Manager's approval letter must specifically refer to this AD.
(2) Within 30 days after the PPC lever detachment or within 30
days after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later,
report the results of the inspection, including airplane model and
serial number, to the FAA representative identified in paragraph
(l)(2) of this AD.
(i) Special Flight Permit
(1) Special flight permits may be issued for the purpose of
operating the airplane to a location where the requirements of
paragraph (g) of this AD can be performed with the following
limitations: Flights must not carry passengers, must operate in
daytime visual meteorological conditions only, and must not operate
in areas of known turbulence.
(2) Special flight permits may be issued for the purpose of
operating the airplane to a location where the requirements of
paragraph (h) of this AD may be performed without limitations.
(j) Paperwork Reduction Act Burden Statement
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 1 hour per response, including the
time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources,
gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and
reviewing the collection of information. All responses to this
collection of information are mandatory as required by this AD; the
nature and extent of confidentiality to be provided, if any. Send
comments regarding this burden estimate or any other aspect of this
collection of information, including suggestions for reducing this
burden to: Information Collection Clearance Officer, Federal
Aviation Administration, 10101 Hillwood Parkway, Fort Worth, TX
76177-1524.
(k) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, Fort Worth 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 Fort Worth ACO Branch, send it to the attention of the person
identified in paragraph (l)(2) 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) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information
(MCAI) Japan Civil Aviation Bureau (JCAB) AD No. TCD-8678-2016,
dated February 5, 2016, for related information. This MCAI may be
found in the AD docket at https://www.regulations.gov by searching
for and locating Docket No. FAA-2020-0781.
(2) For more information about this AD, contact John Turner,
Aviation Safety Engineer, Fort Worth ACO Branch, FAA, 10101 Hillwood
Parkway, Fort Worth, Texas 76177; phone: (817) 222-4508; fax: (817)
222-5245; email: [email protected].
(m) 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) Honeywell International Inc. Service Bulletin TPE331-72-
2190, Revision 0, dated December 21, 2011.
(ii) Mitsubishi MU-2 Service Bulletin No. 244, dated December
25, 2015.
(iii) Mitsubishi MU-2 Service Bulletin No. 106/76-004, dated
February 24, 2016.
(iv) Mitsubishi MU-2 Service Recommendation No. 049/76-002,
dated June 29, 2018.
(v) Mitsubishi MU-2 Service Recommendation No. 080, dated June
29, 2018.
(3) For Mitsubishi service information identified in this AD,
contact Mitsubishi Heavy Industries America, Inc., c/o Turbine
Aircraft Services, Inc., 4550 Jimmy Doolittle Drive, Addison, Texas
75001; phone: (972) 248-3108, ext. 209; fax: (972) 248-3321;
website: https://mu-2aircraft.com.
(4) For Honeywell service information identified in this AD,
contact Honeywell International Inc., 111 S 34th Street, Phoenix,
Arizona 85034-2802; phone: 855-808-6500; email:
[email protected]; website: https://aerospace.honeywell.com/en/services/maintenance-and-monitoring.
(5) You may view this service information at the FAA,
Airworthiness Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 901
Locust, Kansas City, Missouri 64106. For information on the
availability of this material at the FAA, call (816) 329-4148.
(6) 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, email: [email protected], or go to: https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.
Issued on December 11, 2020.
Lance T. Gant, Director,
Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2020-28855 Filed 12-28-20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P