Airworthiness Directives; Learjet, Inc. Airplanes

Federal Register, Volume 81 Issue 244 (Tuesday, December 20, 2016)

Federal Register Volume 81, Number 244 (Tuesday, December 20, 2016)

Proposed Rules

Pages 92745-92747

From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov

FR Doc No: 2016-30019

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

Docket No. FAA-2016-9505; Directorate Identifier 2016-NM-155-AD

RIN 2120-AA64

Airworthiness Directives; Learjet, Inc. Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Learjet Inc. Model 60 airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by an evaluation by the design approval holder (DAH) indicating that the upper fuselage skin under the aft oxygen line fairing is subject to multi-site damage (MSD). This proposed AD would require a one-time inspection of the fuselage skin for corrosion and related investigative and corrective actions if necessary. We are proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by February 3, 2017.

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 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: Deliver to Mail address above between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.

For service information identified in this NPRM, contact Learjet, Inc., One Learjet Way, Wichita, KS 67209-2942; telephone: 316-946-2000; fax: 316-946-2220; email: ac.ict@aero.bombardier.com; Internet: http://www.bombardier.com. You may view this referenced service information at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 425-227-1221.

Examining the AD Docket

You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2016-

9505; 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 proposed AD, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and other information. The street address for the Docket Office (phone: 800-647-5527) is in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Paul Chapman, Aerospace Engineer, Airframe Branch, ACE-118W, FAA, Wichita Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), 1801 Airport Road, Room 100, Dwight D. Eisenhower Airport, Wichita, KS 67209; phone: 316-946-4152; fax: 316-946-4107; email: Wichita-COS@faa.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or arguments about this proposal. Send your comments to an address listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2016-9505; Directorate Identifier 2016-NM-155-AD'' at the beginning of your comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this proposed AD. We will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend this proposed 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 proposed AD.

Discussion

We have received a report indicating that the upper fuselage skin under the aft oxygen line fairing is subject to MSD (corrosion at multiple sites under the fairing). This condition, if not corrected, could result in reduced structural integrity of the airplane.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

We reviewed Learjet 60 Service Bulletin 60-53-19, Revision 3, dated August 29, 2016. The service information describes procedures for inspections of the fuselage crown skin for corrosion and related investigative and corrective actions, if necessary. This service information is reasonably

Page 92746

available because the interested parties have access to it through their normal course of business or by the means identified in the ADDRESSES section.

FAA's Determination

We are proposing this AD because we 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.

Proposed AD Requirements

This proposed AD would require accomplishing the actions specified in the service information described previously, except as discussed under ``Differences Between this Proposed AD and the Service Information.'' This proposed AD also would require sending the inspection results to the FAA.

Related investigative actions include a high frequency eddy current inspection of the affected skin sections and an ultrasonic skin thickness check. Corrective actions include repairing corrosion.

Differences Between This Proposed AD and the Service Information

Learjet 60 Service Bulletin 60-53-19, Revision 3, dated August 29, 2016, specifies to contact the manufacturer for instructions on how to repair certain conditions, but this proposed AD would require repairing those conditions in one of the following ways:

In accordance with a method that we approve; or

Using data that meet the certification basis of the airplane, and that have been approved by a Delegated Engineering Representative (DER) for Learjet Inc., or a Unit Member (UM) of the Learjet Organization Designation Authorization (ODA), whom we have authorized to make those findings.

Interim Action

We consider this proposed AD interim action. Because the cause of the corrosion is not known, the inspection reports will help determine the extent of the corrosion in the affected fleet. Based on the results of these reports, we might determine that further corrective action is warranted. Once further corrective action has been identified, we might consider further rulemaking.

Costs of Compliance

We estimate that this proposed AD affects 284 airplanes of U.S. registry. We estimate the following costs to comply with this proposed AD:

Estimated Costs

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Cost per Cost on U.S.

Action Labor cost Parts cost product operators

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Inspections........................... 46 work-hours x $85 per $265 $4,175 $1,185,700

hour = $3,910.

Reporting............................. 1 work-hour x $85 per 0 85 24,140

hour = $85.

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We have received no definitive data that would enable us to provide cost estimates for the on-condition actions specified in this proposed AD.

According to the manufacturer, some of the costs of this proposed AD may be covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost impact on affected individuals. We do not control warranty coverage for affected individuals. As a result, we have included all costs in our cost estimate.

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 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 control number for the collection of information required by this AD is 2120-

0056. The paperwork cost associated with this AD has been detailed in the Costs of Compliance section of this document and includes time for reviewing instructions, as well as completing and reviewing the collection of information. Therefore, all reporting associated with this AD is mandatory. Comments concerning the accuracy of this burden and suggestions for reducing the burden should be directed to the FAA at 800 Independence Ave. SW., Washington, DC 20591, ATTN: Information Collection Clearance Officer, AES-200.

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 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 this proposed regulation:

(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.

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

0

1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:

Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.

Page 92747

Sec. 39.13 Amended

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2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness directive (AD):

Learjet Inc.: Docket No. FAA-2016-9505; Directorate Identifier 2016-

NM-155-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

We must receive comments by February 3, 2017.

(b) Affected ADs

None.

(c) Applicability

This AD applies to Learjet Inc. Model 60 airplanes, certificated in any category, serial numbers 60-002 through 60-430 inclusive.

(d) Subject

Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 53, Fuselage.

(e) Unsafe Condition

This AD was prompted by an evaluation by the design approval holder indicating that the upper fuselage skin under the aft oxygen line fairing is subject to multi-site damage. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct corrosion of the fuselage skin, which could result in reduced structural integrity of the airplane.

(f) Compliance

Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done.

(g) Inspection of the Fuselage Skin and Related Investigative and Corrective Actions

At the applicable time specified in paragraph (g)(1), (g)(2), or (g)(3) of this AD: Do a fluorescent dye penetrant inspection of the fuselage skin between stringers (S)-2L and S-2R for corrosion; and do all applicable related investigative and corrective actions; in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Learjet 60 Service Bulletin 60-53-19, Revision 3, dated August 29, 2016, except as required by paragraph (h) of this AD. Do all applicable related investigative and corrective actions before further flight.

(1) For airplanes with more than 12 years since the date of issuance of the original airworthiness certificate or the date of issuance of the original export certificate of airworthiness as of the effective date of this AD: Within 12 months after the effective date of this AD.

(2) For airplanes with more than 6 years but equal to or less than 12 years since the date of issuance of the original airworthiness certificate or the date of issuance of the original export certificate of airworthiness as of the effective date of this AD: Within 24 months after the effective date of this AD.

(3) For airplanes with 6 years or less since the date of issuance of the original airworthiness certificate or the date of issuance of the original export certificate of airworthiness as of the effective date of this AD: Within 36 months after the effective date of this AD.

(h) Service Information Exception

Where Learjet 60 Service Bulletin 60-53-19, Revision 3, dated August 29, 2016, specifies contacting Learjet Inc. for appropriate action: Before further flight, repair using a method approved in accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph (l) of this AD.

(i) Reporting

At the applicable time specified in paragraph (i)(1) or (i)(2) of this AD: Submit a report of the findings (both positive and negative) of the inspection required by paragraph (g) of this AD to Wichita-COS@faa.gov or Ann Johnson, 1801 Airport Road, Wichita, KS 67209. The report must include the name of the owner, the address of the owner, the name of the organization incorporating Learjet 60 Service Bulletin 60-53-19, the date that inspection was completed, the name of the person submitting the report, the address, telephone number, and email of the person submitting the report, the airplane serial number, the total time (hours) on the airplane, the total landings on the airplane, whether corrosion was detected, whether corrosion was repaired, the structural repair manual (SRM) chapter and revision (if repaired), and whether corrosion exceeded the minimum thickness specified in Learjet 60 Service Bulletin 60-53-19 (and specify the SRM chapter and revision that was used).

(1) If the inspection was done on or after the effective date of this AD: Submit the report within 30 days after the inspection.

(2) If the inspection was done before the effective date of this AD: Submit the report within 30 days after the effective date of this AD.

(j) Credit for Previous Actions

This paragraph provides credit for the actions specified in paragraph (g) of this AD, if those actions were performed before the effective date of this AD using Learjet 60 Service Bulletin 60-53-

19, dated November 23, 2015; Learjet 60 Service Bulletin 60-53-19, Revision 1, dated April 4, 2016; or Learjet 60 Service Bulletin 60-

53-19, Revision 2, dated April 18, 2016.

(k) 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 5 minutes per response, including the time for reviewing instructions, completing and reviewing the collection of information. All responses to this collection of information are mandatory. Comments concerning the accuracy of this burden and suggestions for reducing the burden should be directed to the FAA at: 800 Independence Ave. SW., Washington, DC 20591, Attn: Information Collection Clearance Officer, AES-200.

(l) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

(1) The Manager, Wichita ACO, 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 ACO, send it to the attention of the person identified in paragraph (m)(1) 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.

(3) An AMOC that provides an acceptable level of safety may be used for any repair, modification, or alteration required by this AD if it is approved by a Learjet Inc. Designated Engineering Representative (DER), or a Unit Member (UM) of the Learjet Organization Designation Authorization (ODA), that has been authorized by the Manager, Wichita ACO, to make those findings. To be approved, the repair, modification deviation, or alteration deviation must meet the certification basis of the airplane, and the approval must specifically refer to this AD.

(m) Related Information

(1) For more information about this AD, contact Paul Chapman, Aerospace Engineer, Airframe Branch, ACE-118W, FAA, Wichita ACO, 1801 Airport Road, Room 100, Dwight D. Eisenhower Airport, Wichita, KS 67209; phone: 316-946-4152; fax: 316-946-4107; email: Wichita-COS@faa.gov.

(2) 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: ac.ict@aero.bombardier.com; Internet: http://www.bombardier.com. You may view this referenced service information at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 425-227-1221.

Issued in Renton, Washington, on December 2, 2016.

Michael Kaszycki,

Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.

FR Doc. 2016-30019 Filed 12-19-16; 8:45 am

BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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