[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 220 (Thursday, November 14, 2013)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 68357-68360]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-26681]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2013-0939; Directorate Identifier 2013-CE-043-AD;
Amendment 39-17655; AD 2013-22-23]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Aermacchi S.p.A. Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.
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SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for
Aermacchi S.p.A. Models F.260, F.260B, F.260C, F.260D, F.260E, F.260F,
S.208, and S.208A airplanes equipped with a Lycoming O-540 wide
cylinder flange engine with a front crankcase mounted propeller
governor. This AD results from mandatory continuing airworthiness
information (MCAI) issued by the aviation authority of another country
to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an aviation product. The
MCAI describes the unsafe condition as the set screw that fixes the
setting of the propeller governor idler gear shaft was not in the
proper position. We are issuing this AD to require actions to address
the unsafe condition on these products.
[[Page 68358]]
DATES: This AD is effective December 16, 2013.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of certain publications listed in the AD as of December 16,
2013.
We must receive comments on this AD by December 30, 2013.
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 AD, contact Alenia
Aermacchi S.p.A, Via Paola Foresio, 1, 21040 Venegono Superiore
(Varese)--Italy; telephone: 0331-813111; fax: 0331-827595; Internet:
http://www.aleniaaermacchi.it/en-US/Pages/custsupp.aspx. You may view
this referenced service information at the FAA, Small Airplane
Directorate, 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; or in person at the Docket Management Facility
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal
holidays. The AD docket contains this AD, the regulatory evaluation,
any comments received, and other information. The street address for
the Docket Office (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 Directorate, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas City, Missouri
64106; telephone: (816) 329-4144; fax: (816) 329-4090; email:
[email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Discussion
The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical
Agent for the Member States of the European Community, has issued EASA
AD No.: 2012-0228R1, dated November 13, 2012 (referred to after this as
``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for the specified
products. The MCAI states:
A case of in-flight complete loss of engine oil pressure
indications has been reported, resulting in an emergency landing.
During the post-flight inspection on the affected engine, some
metallic parts (2-4 mm) have been found. Although the origin of
these parts has not been established, it seems probable that they
originated from the set screw, Part Number (P/N) AN565B1032H, that
fixes the setting of the propeller governor idler gear shaft,
because in the affected engine, it was not found in the proper
position.
This condition, if not detected and corrected, could lead to
engine failure, possible resulting in a forced landing, consequent
damage to the aeroplane, and injury to occupants.
To address this potential unsafe condition, Alenia Aermacchi
issued Bollettino Tecnico (BT) 205B65 and BT 260SB-136 to instruct
owners and operators of the aeroplanes that could be affected.
To correct this potential unsafe condition, EASA issued
Emergency AD 2012-0228-E to require repetitive inspections of the
affected engines and, in case any discrepancy is found,
accomplishment of the applicable corrective actions.
Since AD 2012-0228-E was issued, it has become clear that only
`wide cylinder flange' engines equipped with a front crankcase
propeller governor (ref to Lycoming Service Instruction No. 1343B
and Lycoming Service Letter L220C) are equipped with the affected
set screw P/N AN565B1032H that is the subject of this AD.
For the reason described above, this AD is revised to reduce the
Applicability, requiring only actions on aeroplanes fitted with a
`wide cylinder flange' engine equipped with a front crankcase
propeller governor. This AD is also revised to remove, after the
first inspection/correction, the limitation that prohibited
aerobatic manoeuvres.
This is still considered to be a temporary measure and further
AD action may follow.
You may examine the MCAI on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov
by searching for and locating it in Docket No. FAA-2013-0939.
Relevant Service Information
Alenia Aermacchi Una Societa Finmeccanica has issued Mandatory
Bollettino Tecnico (English Translation: Technical Bulletin) No.
205B65, Revision 1, dated November 12, 2012; and Alenia Aermacchi Una
Societa Finmeccanica has issued Mandatory Bollettino Tecnico (English
Translation: Technical Bulletin) No. 260SB-136, Revision 1, dated
November 12, 2012. The actions described in this service information
are intended to correct the unsafe condition identified in the MCAI.
FAA's Determination and Requirements of the AD
This product has been approved by the aviation authority of another
country, and is approved for operation 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 issuing this AD because we
evaluated all information provided by the State of Design Authority and
determined the unsafe condition exists and is likely to exist or
develop on other products of the same type design.
FAA's Determination of the Effective Date
An unsafe condition exists that requires the immediate adoption of
this AD. The FAA has found that the risk to the flying public justifies
waiving notice and comment prior to adoption of this rule because
improper position of the set screw that fixes the setting of the
propeller governor idler gear could result in loss of engine oil
pressure indications resulting in emergency landing. Therefore, we
determined that notice and opportunity for public comment before
issuing this AD are impracticable and that good cause exists for making
this amendment effective in fewer than 30 days.
Comments Invited
This AD is a final rule that involves requirements affecting flight
safety, and we did not precede it by notice and opportunity for public
comment. We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or
arguments about this AD. Send your comments to an address listed under
the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2013-0939; Directorate
Identifier 2013-CE-043-AD'' at the beginning of your comments. We
specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, economic,
environmental, and energy aspects of this AD. We will consider all
comments received by the closing date and may amend this AD because of
those comments.
We will post all comments we receive, without change, to http://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. We
will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact we
receive about this AD.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this AD will affect 43 products of U.S. registry.
We also estimate that it would take about 2 work-hours per product to
comply with
[[Page 68359]]
the basic requirements of this AD. The average labor rate is $85 per
work-hour. Required parts would cost about $50 per product.
Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of the AD on U.S.
operators to be $9,460, or $220 per product.
Since there currently are no repair instructions available when
discrepancies are found during the required inspection, the FAA has no
way of determining what the cost would be per airplane that would need
such repairs.
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.
Regulatory Findings
We 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) 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.
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 AD:
2013-22-23 Aermacchi S.p.A.: Amendment 39-17655; Docket No. FAA-
2013-0939; Directorate Identifier 2013-CE-043-AD.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective December 16,
2013.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to the following AERMACCHI S.p.A. airplanes that
are certificated in any category:
(1) Models F.260, F.260B, F.260C, F.260D, F.260E, and F.260F
airplanes, all serial numbers, that are equipped with either a
Lycoming O-540, IO-540, or AEIO-540 wide cylinder flange engine
(identified by the suffix ``A'' or ``E'' in the serial number) with
a front crankcase mounted propeller governor; and
(2) Models S.208 and S.208A airplanes, all serial numbers, that
are equipped with a Lycoming O-540 wide cylinder flange engine
(identified by the suffix ``A'' or ``E'' in the serial number) with
a front crankcase mounted propeller governor.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association of America (ATA) Code 71: Powerplant.
(e) Reason
This AD was prompted by mandatory continuing airworthiness
information (MCAI) issued by the aviation authority of another
country to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an aviation
product. The MCAI describes the unsafe condition as the set screw
that fixes the setting of the propeller governor idler gear shaft
was not in the proper position. We are issuing this AD to detect and
correct improper position of the set screw, which could lead to
complete loss of engine oil pressure indications and result in
emergency landing.
(f) Actions and Compliance
Unless already done, do the following actions in paragraphs
(f)(1) through (f)(5) of this AD.
(1) For Models F.260, F.260B, F.260C, F.260D, F.260E, and F.260F
airplanes: Before further flight after December 16, 2013 (the
effective date of this AD), fabricate and install a placard that
states: ``AEROBATIC MANEUVERS ARE PROHIBITED.'' Fabricate the
placard using 1/8-inch black lettering on a white background and
install the placard on the instrument panel in clear view of the
pilot.
(2) In lieu of installing the placard, a copy of this AD may be
inserted into the limitations section of the applicable airplane
flight manual (AFM) to comply with the action required by paragraph
(f)(1) of this AD. The insertion of the AD into the AFM may be done
by an owner/operator (pilot) holding at least a private pilot
certificate and must be entered into the airplane records showing
compliance with this AD in accordance with 14 CFR 43.9 (a)(1)(4) and
14 CFR 91.417(a)(2)(v). The record must be maintained as required by
14 CFR 91.173, 121.380, or 135.439.
(3) For all airplanes: Within the next 10 hours time-in-service
(TIS) after December 16, 2013 (the effective date of this AD) and
repetitively thereafter at intervals not to exceed 100 hours TIS,
inspect the propeller governor idler gear shaft set screw, part
number (P/N) AN565B1032H, following the Compliance Instructions of
Alenia Aermacchi Una Societa Finmeccanica Mandatory Bollettino
Tecnico (English Translation: Technical Bulletin) No. 205B65,
Revision 1, dated November 12, 2012; or Alenia Aermacchi Una Societa
Finmeccanica Mandatory Bollettino Tecnico (English Translation:
Technical Bulletin) No. 260SB-136, Revision 1, dated November 12,
2012, as applicable.
(4) If a discrepancy (e.g., set screw missing or unscrewed) is
found during any inspection required by paragraph (f)(3) of this AD,
before further flight, contact Alenia Aermacchi S.p.A. for repair
instructions approved by the FAA specifically for this AD and
incorporate the repair instructions. You may contact Alenia
Aermacchi S.p.A. using the contact information found in paragraph
(k)(3) of this AD.
(5) After the initial inspection required by paragraph (f)(3) of
this AD, provided no discrepancies were found or any discrepancies
found were corrected as required by paragraph (f)(4) of this AD,
remove the placard or the copy of the AD that was inserted into the
AFM required by paragraphs (f)(1) or (f)(2) of this AD.
(g) Credit for Actions Accomplished in Accordance With Previous Service
Information
This AD allows credit for the actions required in paragraphs
(f)(2) and (f)(3) of this AD if done before December 16, 2013 (the
effective date of this AD) following Alenia Aermacchi Una Societa
Finmeccanica Mandatory Bollettino Tecnico (English Translation:
Technical Bulletin) No. 205B65, dated October 26, 2012; or Alenia
Aermacchi Una Societa Finmeccanica Mandatory Bollettino Tecnico
(English Translation: Technical Bulletin) No. 260SB-136, dated
October 26, 2012, as applicable.
[[Page 68360]]
(h) Other FAA AD Provisions
The following provisions also apply to this AD:
(1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager,
Standards Office, 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 Directorate, 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) Airworthy Product: For any requirement in this AD to obtain
corrective actions from a manufacturer or other source, use these
actions if they are FAA-approved. Corrective actions are considered
FAA-approved if they are approved by the State of Design Authority
(or their delegated agent). You are required to assure the product
is airworthy before it is returned to service.
(i) Special Flight Permit
Special flight permits are permitted with the following
limitation: Aerobatic maneuvers are prohibited until the actions of
the AD are complied with.
(j) Related Information
Refer to MCAI European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD No.:
2012-0228R1, dated November 13, 2012, for related information. You
may examine the MCAI on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov
by searching for and locating it in Docket No. FAA-2013-0939.
(k) 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) Alenia Aermacchi Una Societa Finmeccanica Mandatory
Bollettino Tecnico (English Translation: Technical Bulletin) No.
205B65, Revision 1, dated November 12, 2012.
(ii) Alenia Aermacchi Una Societa Finmeccanica Mandatory
Bollettino Tecnico (English Translation: Technical Bulletin) No.
260SB-136, Revision 1, dated November 12, 2012.
(3) For service information identified in this AD, contact
Alenia Aermacchi S.p.A, Via Paola Foresio, 1, 21040 Venegono
Superiore (Varese)--Italy; telephone: 0331-813111; fax: 0331-827595;
Internet: http://www.aleniaaermacchi.it/en-US/Pages/custsupp.aspx.
(4) You may view this referenced service information at the FAA,
Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Kansas City, Missouri 64106.
For information on the availability of this material at the FAA,
call (816) 329-4148.
(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, call 202-741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.
Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on October 31, 2013.
Earl Lawrence,
Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2013-26681 Filed 11-13-13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P