[Federal Register Volume 88, Number 22 (Thursday, February 2, 2023)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 6972-6974]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2023-02006]
[[Page 6972]]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2022-0991; Project Identifier AD-2022-00155-T;
Amendment 39-22299; AD 2023-01-05]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Learjet, Inc., Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for
certain Learjet, Inc., Model 45 airplanes. This AD was prompted by a
determination that new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations
are necessary. This AD requires revising the existing inspection
program to incorporate reduced inspection intervals for the anti-ice
manifold assembly. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe
condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective March 9, 2023.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of March 9,
2023.
ADDRESSES:
AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at regulations.gov under
Docket No. FAA-2022-0991; 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.
Material Incorporated by Reference:
For service information identified in this final rule,
contact Learjet, Inc., One Learjet Way, Wichita, KS 67209-2942;
telephone 316-946-2000; fax 316-946-2220; email
bombardier.com">ac.ict@aero.bombardier.com; website bombardier.com.
You may view this service information at the FAA,
Airworthiness Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 2200 South
216th St., Des Moines, WA. For information on the availability of this
material at the FAA, call 206-231-3195. It is also available at
regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA-2022-0991.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Adam Hein, Aerospace Engineer,
Mechanical Systems and Propulsion Section, FAA, Wichita ACO Branch,
1801 S Airport Road, Wichita, KS 67209; telephone (316) 946-4116;
email: [email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14
CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to certain Learjet, Inc.,
Model 45 airplanes. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on
August 11, 2022 (87 FR 49556). The NPRM was prompted by a determination
that new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations are necessary.
In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to require revising the existing
inspection program to incorporate reduced inspection intervals for the
anti-ice manifold assembly.
The FAA issued a supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking (SNPRM)
to amend 14 CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to certain
Learjet, Inc., Model 45 airplanes. The SNPRM published in the Federal
Register on November 10, 2022 (87 FR 67834). The SNPRM was prompted by
a determination that additional airplanes needed to be added to the
applicability. The SNPRM proposed to require revising the existing
inspection program to incorporate reduced inspection intervals for the
anti-ice manifold assembly and to add airplanes to the applicability.
The FAA is issuing this AD to address metal fragments breaking off the
anti-ice manifold assembly due to fatigue, which could block a duct in
the anti-ice system and result in an unannunciated loss of ice
protection and subsequent loss of control of the airplane.
Related Rulemaking
The FAA issued AD 2001-03-05, Amendment 39-12109 (66 FR 10353,
February 15, 2001) (AD 2001-03-05), for certain Learjet Model 45
airplanes. AD 2001-03-05 requires, among other actions, revising the
existing Learjet 45 maintenance program to incorporate additional
inspections and maintenance practices for the anti-ice manifold
assembly, including a 600-hour repetitive inspection interval of an
earlier design/part number of the anti-ice manifold. Since the FAA
issued AD 2001-03-05, the anti-ice manifold was redesigned, and the
inspection interval was extended to 1,200 flight hours. The design
approval holder subsequently determined that the design improvements
made to the anti-ice manifold assembly did not fully address the
original issue of vane cracking, so the 1,200-hour inspection on the
redesigned part is insufficient. However, the FAA determined that a
repetitive inspection interval of 600 flight hours is sufficient to
address the unsafe condition. Therefore, this AD requires revising the
existing inspection program to incorporate a reduced 600-hour
inspection interval for the redesigned part. Accomplishing the required
actions in this AD terminates the requirements of paragraph (c) of AD
2001-03-05.
Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive
Comments
The FAA received comments from two individuals who supported the
SNPRM without change.
Conclusion
The FAA reviewed the relevant data, considered any comments
received, and determined that air safety requires adopting this 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 SNPRM. None of the changes will
increase the economic burden on any operator.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed Learjet 40 Maintenance Manual Temporary Revision
(TR) 04-33 and Learjet 45 Maintenance Manual TR 04-48, both dated
January 18, 2022. This service information specifies reduced inspection
intervals for the anti-ice manifold assembly. These documents are
distinct since they apply to different airplane configurations. 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 481 airplanes of U.S.
registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:
[[Page 6973]]
Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost per Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost product operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inspection program revision........... 1 work-hour x $85 per $0 $85 $40,885
hour = $85.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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
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 adding the following new airworthiness
directive:
2023-01-05 Learjet, Inc.: Amendment 39-22299; Docket No. FAA-2022-
0991; Project Identifier AD-2022-00155-T.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective March 9, 2023.
(b) Affected ADs
This AD affects AD 2001-03-05, Amendment 39-12109 (66 FR 10353,
February 15, 2001) (AD 2001-03-05).
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Learjet, Inc., Model 45 (Learjet 40), Model
45 (Learjet 45), Model 45 (Learjet 70), and Model 45 (Learjet 75)
airplanes, certificated in any category, with an original
airworthiness certificate or original export certificate of
airworthiness issued on or before January 18, 2022.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 36, Pneumatic.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by a determination that new or more
restrictive airworthiness limitations are necessary. The FAA is
issuing this AD to address metal fragments breaking off the anti-ice
manifold assembly due to fatigue, which could block a duct in the
anti-ice system and result in an unannunciated loss of ice
protection and subsequent loss of control of the airplane.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Maintenance or Inspection Program Revision
(1) For Learjet 40 and 45 variants: Within 60 days after the
effective date of this AD, revise the existing inspection program by
incorporating the information in Learjet 40 Maintenance Manual
Temporary Revision (TR) 04-33 or Learjet 45 Maintenance Manual TR
04-48, both dated January 18, 2022, as applicable. The initial
compliance time for the inspection is at the applicable time
specified in paragraph (g)(1)(i) or (ii) of this AD.
(i) For airplanes with more than 600 flight hours since the most
recent inspection of the anti-ice manifold assembly was performed as
of the effective date of this AD: Do the inspection within 100
flight hours or 60 days after the effective date of this AD,
whichever occurs first.
(ii) For airplanes with 600 flight hours or less since the most
recent inspection of the anti-ice manifold assembly was performed as
of the effective date of this AD: Do the inspection within 600
flight hours after the most recent inspection or within 100 flight
hours after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later.
(2) For Learjet 70 and 75 variants: Within 60 days after the
effective date of this AD, revise the existing inspection program to
incorporate the information identified in figure 1 to paragraph
(g)(2) of this AD. The initial compliance time for the inspection is
at the applicable time specified in paragraph (g)(2)(i) or (ii) of
this AD.
Figure 1 to paragraph (g)(2)--Anti-Ice Inspection Tasks
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR02FE23.000
[[Page 6974]]
(i) For airplanes with more than 600 flight hours since the most
recent inspection of the anti-ice manifold assembly was performed as
of the effective date of this AD: Do the inspection within 100
flight hours or 60 days after the effective date of this AD,
whichever occurs first.
(ii) For airplanes with 600 flight hours or less since the most
recent inspection of the anti-ice manifold assembly was performed as
of the effective date of this AD: Do the inspection within 600
flight hours after the most recent inspection or within 100 flight
hours after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later.
(h) No Alternative Actions or Intervals
After the existing inspection program has been revised as
required by paragraph (g) of this AD, no alternative actions (e.g.,
inspections) or intervals, may be used unless the actions and
intervals are approved as an alternative method of compliance (AMOC)
in accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph (k) of this
AD.
(i) Terminating Action for Paragraph (c) of AD 2001-03-05
Accomplishing the revision of the existing inspection program
required by paragraph (g) of this AD terminates the requirements of
paragraph (c) of AD 2001-03-05.
(j) Special Flight Permit
Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with 14 CFR
21.197 and 21.199 to operate the airplane to a location where the
airplane can be inspected, provided the airplane is restricted from
flying into known icing conditions.
(k) 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 responsible Flight Standards 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 (l) of this AD.
(2) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate
principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager
of the responsible Flight Standards Office.
(l) Related Information
For more information about this AD, contact Adam Hein, Aerospace
Engineer, Mechanical Systems and Propulsion Section, FAA, Wichita
ACO Branch, 1801 S Airport Road, Wichita, KS 67209; telephone (316)
946-4116; 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) Learjet 40 Maintenance Manual Temporary Revision 04-33,
dated January 18, 2022.
(ii) Learjet 45 Maintenance Manual Temporary Revision 04-48,
dated January 18, 2022.
(3) For service information identified in this AD, contact
Learjet, Inc., One Learjet Way, Wichita, KS 67209-2942; telephone
316-946-2000; fax 316-946-2220; email bombardier.com">ac.ict@aero.bombardier.com;
website bombardier.com.
(4) You may view this service information at the FAA,
Airworthiness Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 2200
South 216th St., Des Moines, WA. For information on the availability
of this material at the FAA, call 206-231-3195.
(5) 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 protected], or go to: www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.
Issued on January 6, 2023.
Christina Underwood,
Acting Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2023-02006 Filed 2-1-23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P