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[Federal Register Volume 79, Number 13 (Tuesday, January 21, 2014)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 3336-3339]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2014-01011]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2014-0023; Directorate Identifier FAA-2013-CE-048-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64

Airworthiness Directives; M7 Aerospace LLC 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 M7 Aerospace LLC Models SA26-T, SA26-AT, SA226-AT, SA226-T, 
SA226-T(B), SA226-TC, SA227-AC (C-26A), SA227-AT, SA227-TT, SA227-BC 
(C-26A), SA227-CC, and SA227-DC (C-26B) airplanes. This proposed AD was 
prompted by reports of jamming of the aileron control cable chain in 
the pilot and copilot control columns due to inadequate lubrication and 
maintenance of the chain. This proposed AD would require repetitively 
replacing and lubricating the aileron chain, sprocket, and bearings in 
the control columns. We are proposing this AD to correct the unsafe 
condition on these products.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by March 7, 2014.

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 proposed AD, contact M7 
Aerospace LP, 10823 NE Entrance Road, San Antonio, Texas 78216; phone: 
(210) 824-9421; fax: (210) 804-7766; Internet: http://www.m7aerospace.com; email: none. 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 by searching for and locating it in Docket No. FAA-
2014-0023; 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: Andrew McAnaul, Aerospace Engineer, 
FAA, ASW-150 (c/o San Antonio MIDO), 10100 Reunion Place, Suite 650, 
San Antonio, Texas 78216; phone: (210) 308-3365; fax: (210) 308-3370; 
email: andrew.mcanaul@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-2014-0023; 
Directorate Identifier FAA-2013-CE-048-AD'' at the beginning of

[[Page 3337]]

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 received a report of the aileron system temporarily jamming in 
flight on an M7 Aerospace LLC Model SA227-DC (C-26B) airplane. The 
flight crew took corrective action by reversing the control wheel, 
which unjammed the aileron controls and allowed the aircraft to return 
to the airport safely.
    Investigation revealed that the aileron control cable chain in the 
copilots control column was dry (no lubrication) and was binding on the 
sprocket. A lack of lubrication and wear on the chain bearings caused 
the chain to ride on the tip of the sprocket and jam between the tip of 
the sprocket and inside wall of the control column. A second operator 
reported finding an un-lubricated aileron control chain with a bound 
link that was almost frozen. An inspection of an aileron control chain 
provided by an operator that lubricates the chains and replaces them at 
10,000 hours time-in-service revealed small metal particles within the 
grease. These particles were believed to be coming from the sprocket. 
Investigation also revealed that there is conflicting information in 
the maintenance manual that instructs to apply both corrosion inhibitor 
and lubricant that are incompatible. The figure in the maintenance 
manual related to lubricating the aileron control chain points to the 
aileron rather than the pilot and copilot control columns.
    This condition, if not corrected, could result in jamming of the 
aileron control cable chain in the pilot and copilot control columns, 
which could result in loss of control.

Relevant Service Information

    We reviewed M7 Aerospace LLC SA26 Series Service Bulletin 26-27-001 
R2; SA226 Series Service Bulletin 226-27-074 R2; SA227 Series Service 
Bulletin 227-27-054 R2; and SA227 Series Commuter Category Service 
Bulletin CC7-27-026 R2, all dated October 23, 2013. The service 
information describes procedures for repetitively replacing and 
lubricating the aileron control cable chain, sprocket, and bearings, 
and checking the aileron control cable tension.

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 these same type 
designs.

Proposed AD Requirements

    This proposed AD would require accomplishing the actions specified 
in the service information described previously.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD affects 360 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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Replacing and lubricating the aileron  20 work-hours x $85 per hour =     $1,935      $3,635         $1,308,600
 chain, sprocket, and bearings in the   $1,700.
 control columns.
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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.

Sec.  39.13  [Amended]

0
2. The FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness 
directive (AD):

M7 Aerospace LLC: Docket No. FAA-2014-0023; Directorate Identifier 
FAA-2013-CE-048-AD.

[[Page 3338]]

(a) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by March 7, 2014.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to M7 Aerospace LLC Models SA226-AT, SA226-T, 
SA226-T(B), SA226-TC, SA227-AC (C-26A), SA227-AT, SA227-TT, SA227-BC 
(C-26A), SA227-CC, and SA227-DC (C-26B) airplanes, all serial 
numbers; Model SA26-T airplanes, serial numbers T26-2 through T26-
99; and Model SA26-AT airplanes, serial numbers AT26-100 through 
AT26-180E, certificated in any category.

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC)/Air Transport Association 
(ATA) of America Code: 27, Flight Controls.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by reports of jamming of the aileron 
control cable chain in the pilot and copilot control columns. We are 
issuing the AD to prevent jamming of the aileron control cable 
chain, which could result in loss of control.

(f) Compliance

    Comply with this AD by doing the actions specified in paragraph 
(g) through paragraph (h) of this AD, including all subparagraphs, 
unless already done.

(g) Initially Replace and Lubricate the Aileron Control Cable Chain, 
Sprocket, and Bearings

    Initially replace and lubricate the aileron control cable chain, 
sprocket, and bearings, and check the aileron control cable tension 
based on the conditions and compliance times in paragraphs (g)(1), 
(g)(2), and (g)(3) of this AD, including all subparagraphs. The 
corrosion preventative must be removed from the chain (but not the 
cable) and the required actions must be done following the 
Accomplishment Instructions in M7 Aerospace LLC SA26 Series Service 
Bulletin 26-27-001 R2, dated October 23, 2013; M7 Aerospace LLC 
SA226 Series Service Bulletin 226-27-074 R2, dated October 23, 2013; 
M7 Aerospace LLC SA227 Series Service Bulletin 227-27-054 R2, dated 
October 23, 2013; and M7 Aerospace LLC SA227 Series Commuter 
Category Service Bulletin CC7-27-026 R2, dated October 23, 2013, as 
applicable. Criteria for the term ``properly lubricated'' is 
included in paragraphs 5a, 5b, and 5c of the Accomplishment 
Instructions section of M7 Aerospace LLC SA26 Series Service 
Bulletin 26-27-001 R2, dated October 23, 2013, and paragraphs 6a, 
6b, and 6c of the Accomplishment Instructions section of M7 
Aerospace LLC SA226 Series Service Bulletin 226-27-074 R2, dated 
October 23, 2013; M7 Aerospace LLC SA227 Series Service Bulletin 
227-27-054 R2, dated October 23, 2013; and M7 Aerospace LLC SA227 
Series Commuter Category Service Bulletin CC7-27-026 R2, dated 
October 23, 2013.
    (1) A review of the airplane records positively indicates that 
the aileron control cable chain in the pilot's and the copilot's 
control columns have been replaced and properly lubricated: At 
whichever of the compliance times specified in paragraphs (g)(1)(i) 
or (g)(1)(ii) of this AD that occurs later.
    (i) On or before reaching 10,000 hours time-in-service (TIS) 
from the time of the last aileron control cable chain replacement or 
within 13 years from the date of the last aileron control cable 
chain replacement, whichever occurs first.
    (ii) Within the next 24 months from the effective date of this 
AD.
    (2) A review of the airplane records positively indicates that 
the aileron control cable chain in the pilot's and the copilot's 
control columns have been replaced within the last 10,000 hours TIS, 
but proper lubrication cannot be verified: At whichever of the 
compliance times specified in paragraphs (g)(2)(i) or (g)(2)(ii) of 
this AD that occurs first.
    (i) On or before reaching 10,000 hours TIS since the last 
replacement or within the next 1,000 hours TIS after the effective 
date of this AD, whichever occurs later.
    (ii) Within the next 24 months from the effective date of this 
AD.
    (3) A review of the airplane records does not positively 
indicate that the aileron control cable chain in the pilot's and the 
copilot's control columns have been replaced within the last 10,000 
hours TIS: At the compliance times specified in paragraphs 
(g)(3)(i), (g)(3)(ii), (g)(3)(iii), and (g)(3)(iv) of this AD, as 
applicable.
    (i) For airplanes with less than 10,000 hours TIS: At whichever 
of the compliance times specified in paragraphs (3)(i)(A) or 
(3)(i)(B) of this AD that occurs first:
    (A) On or before reaching 10,000 hours TIS or within the next 
1,000 hours TIS after the effective date of this AD, whichever 
occurs later.
    (B) Within the next 24 months after the effective date of this 
AD.
    (ii) For airplanes with 10,000 hours TIS or more but less than 
20,001 hours TIS: Within the next 1,000 hours TIS after the 
effective date of this AD or within the next 12 calendar months 
after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first.
    (iii) For airplanes with 20,001 hours TIS or more but less than 
30,001 hours TIS: Within the next 750 hours TIS after the effective 
date of this AD or within the next 6 calendar months after the 
effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first.
    (iv) For airplanes with 30,001 hours TIS or more: Within the 
next 400 hours TIS after the effective date of this AD or within the 
next 3 calendar months after the effective date of this AD, 
whichever occurs first.

(h) Repetitively Replace and Lubricate the Aileron Control Cable Chain, 
Sprocket, and Bearings

    Replace and lubricate the aileron control cable chain, sprocket, 
and bearings, and check the aileron control cable tension 
repetitively thereafter at intervals not to exceed 10,000 hours TIS 
or 13 years after the date of the last aileron control cable chain 
replacement, whichever occurs first. The corrosion preventative must 
be removed from the chain (but not the cable) and the required 
actions must be done following the Accomplishment Instructions in M7 
Aerospace LLC SA26 Series Service Bulletin 26-27-001 R2, dated 
October 23, 2013; M7 Aerospace LLC SA226 Series Service Bulletin 
226-27-074 R2, dated October 23, 2013; M7 Aerospace LLC SA227 Series 
Service Bulletin 227-27-054 R2, dated October 23, 2013; and M7 
Aerospace LLC SA227 Series Commuter Category Service Bulletin CC7-
27-026 R2, dated October 23, 2013, as applicable.

(i) Credit for Actions Done Following Previous Service Information

    This AD allows credit for the actions required in paragraphs 
(g)(1) through (g)(3) of this AD, including all subparagraphs, if 
done before the effective date of this AD following M7 Aerospace LLC 
SA26 Series Service Bulletin 26-27-001, dated June 6, 2013, or 
Service Bulletin 26-27-001 R1, dated September 30, 2013; M7 
Aerospace LLC SA226 Series Service Bulletin 226-27-074, dated June 
6, 2013, or Service Bulletin 226-27-074 R1, dated September 30, 
2013; M7 Aerospace LLC SA227 Series Service Bulletin 227-27-054, 
dated June 6, 2013, or Service Bulletin 227-27-054 R1, dated 
September 30, 203; and M7 Aerospace LLC SA227 Series Commuter 
Category Service Bulletin CC7-27-026, dated June 6, 2013, or Service 
Bulletin CC7-27-026 R1, dated September 30, 2013, as applicable.

(j) 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.

(k) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, Fort Worth Airplane Certification Office, 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 the Related Information section 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.

[[Page 3339]]

(l) Related Information

    (1) For more information about this AD, contact Andrew McAnaul, 
Aerospace Engineer, FAA, ASW-150 (c/o San Antonio MIDO), 10100 
Reunion Place, Suite 650, San Antonio, Texas 78216; phone: (210) 
308-3365; fax: (210) 308-3370; email: andrew.mcanaul@faa.gov.
    (2) For service information identified in this AD, contact M7 
Aerospace LP, 10823 NE Entrance Road, San Antonio, Texas 78216; 
phone: (210) 824-9421; fax: (210) 804-7766; Internet: http://www.m7aerospace.com; email: none. 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.

    Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on January 14, 2014.
Earl Lawrence,
Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2014-01011 Filed 1-17-14; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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