Airworthiness directives: Extra Flugzeugproduktions- und Vertriebs- GmbH,
[Federal Register: April 1, 2005 (Volume 70, Number 62)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Page 16771-16774]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr01ap05-24]
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
[Docket No. FAA-2005-20588; Directorate Identifier 2005-CE-11-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Extra Flugzeugproduktions- und Vertriebs-GmbH Models EA-300, EA-300S, EA-300L, and EA-300/200 Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Extra Flugzeugproduktions- und Vertriebs- GmbH (EXTRA) Models EA-
[[Page 16772]]
300, EA-300S, EA-300L, and EA-300/200 airplanes. This proposed AD would require you to seal with firewall sealant the gaps between the bottom fuselage cover (belly fairing) and the firewall and repeat the sealing procedure whenever you install the bottom fuselage cover (belly fairing). This proposed AD results from mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) issued by the airworthiness authority for Germany. We are issuing this proposed AD to prevent fuel from flowing behind the firewall in the case of a fuel leak. This could result in an in-flight fire, which could cause loss of the airplane and crew.
DATES: We must receive any comments on this proposed AD by May 3, 2005.
ADDRESSES: Use one of the following to submit comments 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 20590-001.
Fax: 1-202-493-2251.
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.
To get the service information identified in this proposed AD, contact EXTRA Flugzeugproduktions- und Vertriebs- GmbH, Schwarze Heide 21, 46569 H[uuml]nxe, Germany; telephone: 49-2358-9137-0; facsimile: 49-2858-9137-30.
To view the comments to this proposed AD, go to http://dms.dot.gov.
This is docket number: FAA-2005-20588; Directorate Identifier 2005-CE- 11-AD.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Karl Schletzbaum, Aerospace Engineer, ACE-112, Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas City, Missouri 64106; telephone: 816-329-4146; facsimile: 816-329-4090.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
How do I comment on this proposed AD? We invite you to submit any written relevant data, views, or arguments regarding this proposal. Send your comments to an address listed under ADDRESSES. Include the docket number, ``FAA-2005-20588; Directorate Identifier 2005-CE-11-AD'' at the beginning of your 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 with FAA personnel concerning this proposed rulemaking. Using the search function of our docket Web site, anyone can find and read the comments received into any of our dockets, including the name of the individual who sent the comment (or signed the comment on behalf of an association, business, labor union, etc.). This is docket number FAA-2005-20588; Directorate Identifier 2005-CE- 11-AD. You may review the DOT's complete Privacy Act Statement in the Federal Register published on April 11, 2000 (65 FR 19477-78) or you may visit http://dms.dot.gov.
Are there any specific portions of this proposed AD I should pay attention to? We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this proposed AD. If you contact us through a nonwritten communication and that contact relates to a substantive part of this proposed AD, we will summarize the contact and place the summary in the docket. We will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend this proposed AD in light of those comments and contacts.
Docket Information
Where can I go to view the docket information? You may view the AD docket that contains the proposal, any comments received, and any final disposition in person at the DMS Docket Offices between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. (eastern standard time), Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The Docket Office (telephone 1-800-647-5227) is located on the plaza level of the Department of Transportation NASSIF Building at the street address stated in ADDRESSES. You may also view the AD docket on the Internet at http://dms.dot.gov. The comments will be available
in the AD docket shortly after the DMS receives them.
Discussion
What events have caused this proposed AD? The Luftfahrt-Bundesamt (LBA), which is the airworthiness authority for Germany, recently notified FAA that an unsafe condition may exist on certain Extra Flugzeugproduktions- und Vertriebs- GmbH (EXTRA) Models EA-300, EA- 300S, EA-300L, and EA-300/200 airplanes. The LBA reports an incident of a fire in the engine compartment on one of the affected airplanes due to a leaking gascolator. Evidence showed that the spilled fuel had leaked down the firewall and through the non-sealed connections between the firewall and the bottom fuselage cover (belly fairing). The fire in the engine compartment spread to the cabin and resulted in loss of the airplane.
What is the potential impact if FAA took no action? A fuel leak behind the firewall could result in an in-flight fire, which could cause loss of the airplane and crew.
Is there service information that applies to this subject? EXTRA has issued Service Bulletin No. 300-4-04, Issue: A, dated May 25, 2004.
What are the provisions of this service information? The service bulletin includes procedures for:
--Sealing with firewall sealant the gaps between the bottom fuselage cover (belly fairing) and the firewall; and --Repeating the sealing whenever you install the bottom fuselage cover (belly fairing).
What action did the LBA take? The LBA classified this service bulletin as mandatory and issued German AD Number D-2004-489, dated November 11, 2004, to ensure the continued airworthiness of these airplanes in Germany.
Did the LBA inform the United States under the bilateral airworthiness agreement? These EXTRA Models EA-300, EA-300S, EA-300L, and EA-300/200 are manufactured in Germany and are type-certificated for operation in the United States under the provisions of section 21.29 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.29) and the applicable bilateral airworthiness agreement.
Under this bilateral airworthiness agreement, the LBA has kept us informed of the situation described above.
FAA's Determination and Requirements of This Proposed AD
What has FAA decided? We have examined the LBA's findings, reviewed all available information, and determined that AD action is necessary for products of this type design that are certificated for operation in the United States.
Since the unsafe condition described previously is likely to exist or develop on other EXTRA Models EA-300, EA-300S, EA-300L, and EA-300/ 200 airplanes of the same type design that are registered in the United States, we are proposing AD action to prevent fuel from flowing behind the firewall in the
[[Page 16773]]
case of a fuel leak. This could result in an in-flight fire, which could cause loss of the airplane and crew.
What would this proposed AD require? This proposed AD would require you to incorporate the actions in the previously-referenced service bulletin.
How does the revision to 14 CFR part 39 affect this proposed AD? On July 10, 2002, we published a new version of 14 CFR part 39 (67 FR 47997, July 22, 2002), which governs FAA's AD system. This regulation now includes material that relates to altered products, special flight permits, and alternative methods of compliance. This material previously was included in each individual AD. Since this material is included in 14 CFR part 39, we will not include it in future AD actions.
Costs of Compliance
How many airplanes would this proposed AD impact? We estimate that this proposed AD affects 199 airplanes in the U.S. registry.
What would be the cost impact of this proposed AD on owners/ operators of the affected airplanes? We estimate the following costs to seal with firewall sealant the gaps between the bottom fuselage cover (belly fairing) and the firewall:
Total cost per Labor cost
Parts cost
airplane
Total cost on U.S. operators
1 work hour x $65 per hour = $65.....
$140
$205 $205 x 199 = $40,795.
Authority for This Rulemaking
What authority does FAA have for issuing this rulemaking action? 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 AD.
Regulatory Findings
Would this proposed AD impact various entities? 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.
Would this proposed AD involve a significant rule or regulatory action? For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this proposed AD:
-
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 summary of the costs to comply with this proposed AD (and other information as included in the Regulatory Evaluation) and placed it in the AD Docket. You may get a copy of this summary by sending a request to us at the address listed under ADDRESSES. Include ``AD Docket FAA-2005-20588; Directorate Identifier 2005-CE-11-AD'' in your request.
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 Federal Aviation Administration 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 airworthiness directive (AD):
Extra Flugzeugproduktions- und Vertriebs- GmbH: Docket No. FAA-2005- 20588; Directorate Identifier 2005-CE-11-AD.
When Is the Last Date I Can Submit Comments on This Proposed AD?
(a) We must receive comments on this proposed airworthiness directive (AD) by May 3, 2005.
What Other ADs Are Affected by This Action?
(b) None.
What Airplanes Are Affected by This AD?
(c) This AD affects the following airplane models and serial numbers that are certificated in any category:
Model
Serial numbers
(1) Group A
(i) EA-300......................... 0 through 67.
(ii) EA-300S....................... 0 through 31.
(iii) EA-300L...................... 0 through 167, 168 through 170 (or converted to 1168 through 1170), 1171, 172 (or converted to 1172), 173 (or converted to 1173), and 1174 through 1181.
(iv) EA-300/200.................... 0 through 31. (2) Group B
EA-300, EA-300S, EA-300L, and EA- All. 300/200.
[[Page 16774]]
What Is the Unsafe Condition Presented in This AD?
(d) This AD is the result of mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) issued by the airworthiness authority for Germany. The actions specified in this AD are intended to prevent fuel from flowing behind the firewall in the case of a fuel leak. This could result in an in-flight fire, which could cause loss of the airplane and crew.
What Must I Do To Address This Problem?
(e) To address this problem, you must do the following:
Actions
Compliance
Procedures
(1) For airplanes listed in Within the next 50 Follow EXTRA Group A of paragraph (c)(1) hours time-in-
Flugzeugproduktions- of this AD: Seal with
service (TIS) or 3 und Vertriebs- firewall sealant the gaps calendar months GmbH Service between the bottom fuselage after the effective Bulletin No. 300-4- cover (belly fairing) and date of this AD, 04, Issue: A, dated the firewall.
whichever occurs May 25, 2004. first, unless already done. (2) For airplanes listed in As of the effective Follow EXTRA Group B of paragraph (c)(1) date of this AD, Flugzeugproduktions- of this AD: Whenever you whenever you
und Vertriebs- install the bottom fuselage install the bottom GmbH Service cover (belly fairing), do fuselage cover
Bulletin No. 300-4- the sealing procedure
(belly fairing). 04, Issue: A, dated required by paragraph
May 25, 2004. (e)(1) of this AD.
May I Request an Alternative Method of Compliance?
(f) You may request a different method of compliance or a different compliance time for this AD by following the procedures in 14 CFR 39.19. Unless FAA authorizes otherwise, send your request to your principal inspector. The principal inspector may add comments and will send your request to the Manager, Standards Office, Small Airplane Directorate, FAA. For information on any already approved alternative methods of compliance, contact Karl Schletzbaum, Aerospace Engineer, ACE-112, Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas City, Missouri 64106; telephone: 816-329-4146; facsimile: 816-329-4090.
Is There Other Information That Relates to This Subject?
(g) German AD Number D-2004-489, dated November 11, 2004, also addresses the subject of this AD.
May I Get Copies of the Documents Referenced in This AD?
(h) To get copies of the documents referenced in this AD, contact EXTRA Flugzeugproduktions- und Vertriebs- GmbH, Schwarze Heide 21, 46569 H[uuml]nxe, Germany; telephone: 49-2358-9137-0; facsimile: 49-2858-9137-30. 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. This is docket number FAA-2005-
20588; Directorate Identifier 2005-CE-11-AD.
Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on March 25, 2005. Nancy C. Lane, Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 05-6443 Filed 3-31-05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
