Airworthiness directives: Air Tractor, Inc.,
[Federal Register: February 6, 2007 (Volume 72, Number 24)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Page 5359-5362]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr06fe07-10]
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
[Docket No. FAA-2006-26775; Directorate Identifier 2007-CE-01-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Air Tractor, Inc. Model AT-602 Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Air Tractor, Inc. (Air Tractor) Model AT-602 airplanes. This proposed AD would require you to install access holes to do repetitive detailed visual inspections for cracks in the horizontal stabilizer brace tube assembly, and if any cracks are found as a result of a visual inspection, to replace the horizontal stabilizer brace tube assembly with a new design horizontal stabilizer brace tube assembly. The installation of the new design horizontal stabilizer brace tube assembly is terminating action for the repetitive inspection requirement. This proposed
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AD results from two reports of Model AT-602 airplanes with cracked horizontal stabilizer brace tube assemblies. We are proposing this AD to detect and correct cracks in the horizontal stabilizer brace tube assembly, which could result in failure of the horizontal stabilizer. This failure could affect the ability to control pitch with consequent loss of control.
DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by April 9, 2007.
ADDRESSES: Use one of the following addresses to comment on this proposed AD:
DOT Docket Web site: Go to http://dms.dot.gov and follow
the instructions for sending your comments electronically.
Government-wide rulemaking Web site: Go to http://www.regulations.gov and follow the instructions for sending your
comments electronically.
Mail: Docket Management Facility; U.S. Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Nassif Building, Room PL-401, Washington, DC 20590-0001.
Fax: (202) 493-2251.
Hand Delivery: Room PL-401 on the plaza level of the Nassif Building, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
Federal eRulemaking Portal: http://www.regulations.gov.
Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
For service information identified in this proposed AD, contact Air Tractor Inc., P.O. Box 485, Olney, Texas 76374; telephone: (940) 564- 5616; fax: (940) 564-5612.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Andrew McAnaul, Aerospace Engineer, ASW-150 (c/o MIDO-43), 10100 Reunion Place, Suite 650, San Antonio, Texas 78216; telephone: (210) 308-3365; fax: (210) 308-3370.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or arguments regarding this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include the docket number, ``FAA- 2006-26775; Directorate Identifier 2007-CE-01-AD'' at the beginning of your comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the proposed AD. We will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend the proposed AD in light of those comments.
We will post all comments we receive, without change, to http://dms.dot.gov , including any personal information you provide. We will
also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact we receive concerning this proposed AD.
Discussion
We have received two reports of Model AT-602 airplanes with cracked horizontal stabilizer brace tube assemblies. One tube was cracked completely in two. The horizontal stabilizer brace tube assemblies failed as a result of fatigue. Air Tractor has also identified excessive corrosion as a potential contributing factor.
This condition, if not corrected, could result in failure of the horizontal stabilizer. This failure could affect the ability to control pitch with consequent loss of control.
Air Tractor has developed an improved design horizontal stabilizer brace tube assembly with a larger shank.
Relevant Service Information
We have reviewed Snow Engineering Co. Service Letter 129A, dated August 7, 2004, revised November 15, 2005; Service Letter 235, dated August 25, 2004, revised October 23, 2006; and Drill Template--602, Drawing Number SL129-602, dated August 2, 2004.
The service information describes procedures for:
Installing access holes for visual inspection of the horizontal stabilizer brace tube assembly (part number (P/N) 30012-7);
Conducting a detailed visual inspection for cracks in the horizontal stabilizer brace tube assembly (P/N 30012-7); and
Replacing the horizontal stabilizer brace tube assembly (P/N 30012-7) with a new design horizontal stabilizer brace tube assembly (P/N 30766-1).
FAA's Determination and Requirements of the Proposed AD
We are proposing this AD because we evaluated all information and determined the unsafe condition described previously is likely to exist or develop on other products of the same type design. This proposed AD would require you to:
Install access holes to do visual inspections;
Do repetitive detailed visual inspections for cracks in the horizontal stabilizer brace tube assembly; and
If any cracks are found as a result of a visual inspection, replace the horizontal stabilizer brace tube assembly with a new design horizontal stabilizer brace tube assembly.
The installation of the new design horizontal stabilizer brace tube assembly is terminating action for the repetitive inspection requirement.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this proposed AD would affect 128 airplanes in the U.S. registry.
We estimate the following costs to do the proposed installation of access holes to do visual inspections:
Total cost per Total cost on Labor cost
Parts cost airplane U.S. operators
1 work-hour x $80 per hour = $80...............................
$5
$85
$10,880
We estimate the following costs to do each visual inspection for cracks of the horizontal stabilizer brace tube assembly:
Total cost on Total cost per U.S. operators Labor cost
Parts cost
airplane for initial inspection
1 work-hour x $80 per hour = $80.............. Not Applicable..................
$80
$10,240
We estimate the following costs to do any necessary replacement of the horizontal stabilizer brace tube assembly with a new design horizontal stabilizer brace tube assembly that would be required based on the results
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of the proposed inspection or as the terminating action for the repetitive inspection requirement. We have no way of determining the number of airplanes that may need this replacement:
Total cost per Labor cost
Parts cost
airplane
35 work-hours x $80 per hour = $2,800..
$896
$3,696
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 have 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 that the proposed regulation:
-
Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order 12866;
-
Is not a ``significant rule'' under the DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); and
-
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.
We prepared a regulatory evaluation of the estimated costs to comply with this proposed AD and placed it in the AD docket.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket that contains the proposed AD, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and other information on the Internet at http://dms.dot.gov; or in person at the Docket
Management Facility between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The Docket Office (telephone (800) 647-5227) is located at the street address stated in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, 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
-
The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
Sec. 39.13 [Amended]
-
The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new AD:
Air Tractor Inc.: Docket No. FAA-2006-26775; Directorate Identifier 2007-CE-01-AD.
Comments Due Date
(a) We must receive comments on this airworthiness directive (AD) action by April 9, 2007.
Affected ADs
(b) None.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to Model AT-602 airplanes, all serial numbers through 602-0695 that:
(1) have horizontal stabilizer brace tube assembly, part number (P/N) 30012-7, installed; and
(2) are certificated in any category.
Unsafe Condition
(d) This AD results from two reports of Model AT-602 airplanes with cracked horizontal stabilizer brace tube assemblies. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct cracks in the horizontal stabilizer brace tube assembly, which could result in failure of the horizontal stabilizer. This failure could affect the ability to control pitch with consequent loss of control.
Compliance
(e) To address this problem, you must do the following, unless already done:
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Actions
Compliance
Procedures
(1) Do the following:
Install the access Follow Snow (i) Install access holes for holes and do the
Engineering Co. visual inspection of the part initial inspection Service Letter number (P/N) 30012-7
upon accumulating 235, horizontal stabilizer brace 2,000 hours time-in- dated August tube assembly.
service (TIS) or
25, 2004, (ii) Conduct a detailed visual within the next 60 revised October inspection for cracks in the days after the
23, 2006. P/N 30012-7 horizontal
effective date of stabilizer brace tube
this AD, whichever assembly.
occurs later. Repetitively inspect thereafter at intervals not to exceed 100 hours TIS. Replacement of the P/ N 30012-7 horizontal stabilizer brace tube assembly with a new design P/N 30766-1 horizontal stabilizer brace tube assembly following paragraph (e)(2) of this AD is terminating action for the repetitive inspection requirement of this AD. (2) Replace the P/N 30012-7 Before further flight Follow Snow horizontal stabilizer brace after any inspection Engineering Co. tube assembly with a new
required by paragraph Service Letter design P/N 30766-1 horizontal (e)(1) of this AD 129A, stabilizer brace tube
where cracks are
dated August 7, assembly.
found. The
2004, revised installation of a new November 15, design P/N 30766-1 2005; Snow horizontal stabilizer Engineering Co. brace tube assembly Service Letter is terminating action 235, for the repetitive dated August inspection
25, 2004, requirement of this revised October AD.
23, 2006; and Snow Engineering Co. Drill Template-- 602, Drawing Number SL129- 602, dated August 2, 2004. (3) Do not install any P/N As of the effective Not Applicable. 30012-7 horizontal stabilizer date of this AD. brace tube assembly.
Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(f) The Manager, Fort Worth Airplane Certification Office, FAA, ATTN: Andrew McAnaul, Aerospace Engineer, ASW-150 (c/o MIDO-43), 10100 Reunion Place, Suite 650, San Antonio, Texas 78216; telephone: (210) 308-3365; fax: (210) 308-3370, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19.
Related Information
(g) To get copies of the service information referenced in this AD, contact Air Tractor Inc., P.O. Box 485, Olney, Texas 76374; telephone: (940) 564-5616; fax: (940) 564-5612. To view the AD docket, go to the Docket Management Facility; U.S. Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Nassif Building, Room PL- 401, Washington, DC, or on the Internet at http://dms.dot.gov. The
docket number is Docket No. FAA-2006-26775; Directorate Identifier 2007-CE-01-AD.
Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on January 31, 2007. Margaret Kline, Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. E7-1874 Filed 2-5-07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
