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[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 139 (Tuesday, July 21, 1998)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 39050-39052]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-19330]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 98-CE-39-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64

Airworthiness Directives; Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. MU-2B 
Series Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: This document proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive 
(AD) that would apply to certain Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. 
(Mitsubishi) MU-2B series airplanes. The proposed AD would require 
inspecting each forward attachment fitting bolt (total of four bolts) 
of the wing tip tanks for the correct bolt and replacing any incorrect 
bolt. The proposed AD is the result of mandatory continuing 
airworthiness information (MCAI) issued by the airworthiness authority 
for Japan. The actions specified by the proposed AD are intended to 
prevent the wing tip tank from separating from the airplane because of 
an incorrect bolt corroding, which could result in loss of control of 
the airplane.

DATES: Comments must be received on or before August 25, 1998.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), Central Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, 
Attention: Rules Docket No. 98-CE-39-AD, Room 1558, 601 E. 12th Street, 
Kansas City, Missouri 64106. Comments may be inspected at this location 
between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, holidays excepted.
    Mitsubishi MU-2 Service Bulletin (SB) No. 225, dated September 29, 
1995, may be obtained from Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd., Nagoya 
Aerospace Systems Works, 10, OYE-CHO, MINATO-KU, Nagoya, Japan, 
telephone: NAGOYA (611) 2141,

[[Page 39051]]

facsimile: 4464561HISI. Mitsubishi MU-2 SB No. 089/57-002A, dated 
November 5, 1996, may be obtained from the Raytheon Aircraft Company, 
9709 East Central, Wichita, Kansas 67201, Attention: Manager, 
Publications. This service information also may be examined at the 
Rules Docket at the address above.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. William Roberts, Aerospace 
Engineer, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, 3960 
Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, California 90712; telephone: (562) 627-
5228; facsimile: (562) 627-5210.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

    Interested persons are invited to participate in the making of the 
proposed rule by submitting such written data, views, or arguments as 
they may desire. Communications should identify the Rules Docket number 
and be submitted in triplicate to the address specified above. All 
communications received on or before the closing date for comments, 
specified above, will be considered before taking action on the 
proposed rule. The proposals contained in this notice may be changed in 
light of the comments received.
    Comments are specifically invited on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the proposed rule. All 
comments submitted will be available, both before and after the closing 
date for comments, in the Rules Docket for examination by interested 
persons. A report that summarizes each FAA-public contact concerned 
with the substance of this proposal will be filed in the Rules Docket.
    Commenters wishing the FAA to acknowledge receipt of their comments 
submitted in response to this notice must submit a self-addressed, 
stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: ``Comments 
to Docket No. 98-CE-39-AD.'' The postcard will be date stamped and 
returned to the commenter.

Availability of NPRMs

    Any person may obtain a copy of this NPRM by submitting a request 
to the FAA, Central Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, Attention: 
Rules Docket No. 98-CE-39-AD, Room 1558, 601 E. 12th Street, Kansas 
City, Missouri 64106.

Discussion

    The Japan Civil Aviation Bureau (JCAB), which is the airworthiness 
authority for Japan, notified the FAA that an unsafe condition may 
exist on certain Mitsubishi MU-2B series airplanes. The JCAB reports 
one instance of corrosion on an incorrect forward attachment fitting 
bolt of the wing tip tank on one of the above-reference airplanes. An 
incorrect bolt(s) could be installed on other MU-2B series airplanes.
    Correct bolts, Mitsubishi part number (P/N) 017A-12887, P/N 017A-
12887-3, and P/N 017A-12887-7, are plated with a dry lubricant film 
that is black in color and is corrosion resistant. The incorrect bolts, 
P/N NAS1107, are cadmium plated, have a gold or yellowish color, and 
are not corrosion resistant.
    This condition, if not detected and corrected, could result in the 
wing tip tank separating from the airplane with consequent loss of 
control of the airplane.

Relevant Service Information

    Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd., has issued Mitsubishi MU-2 
Service Bulletin (SB) No. 225, dated September 29, 1995, and Raytheon 
has issued Mitsubishi MU-2 SB No. 089/57-002A, dated November 5, 1996. 
These service bulletins specify procedures for inspecting all forward 
attachment fitting bolts of the wing tip tanks to determine whether any 
P/N 017A-12887, P/N 017A-12887-3, or 017A-12887-7 bolt is installed, 
and replacing any bolt not incorporating one of these part numbers. The 
P/N 017A-12887-7 bolts are of similar design to the P/N 017A-12887 and 
P/N 017A-12887-3 bolts and are identified with the black painted 
letters ``SPL''. These service bulletins also specify procedures for 
identifying any P/N 017A-12887 and P/N 017A-12887-3 bolts with the 
letters ``SPL''.
    Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd., holds both Type Certificate No. 
A2PC and Type Certificate No. A10SW for the MU-2B series airplanes. 
Raytheon manufactures, in the United States, the airplanes affected by 
Type Certificate No. A10SW under a licensing agreement with Mitsubishi 
Heavy Industries, Ltd.
    The JCAB classified MHI SB 225, dated September 29, 1995, as 
mandatory and issued Japanese AD KU-KI-158 TCD-4310-96, dated March 25, 
1996, in order to assure the continued airworthiness of the airplanes 
affected by Type Certificate No. A2PC that are certificated for 
operation in Japan.

The FAA's Determination

    The airplane models listed in Type Certificate A2PC are 
manufactured in Japan 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. Pursuant to this bilateral airworthiness 
agreement, the JCAB has kept the FAA informed of the situation 
described above.
    The FAA has examined the findings of the JCAB; reviewed all 
available information, including the service information referenced 
above; and determined that AD action is necessary for products of this 
type design that are certificated for operation in the United States, 
including the Mitsubishi MU-2B series airplanes manufactured in the 
United States by licensing agreement and listed in Type Certificate No. 
A10SW.

Explanation of the Provisions of the Proposed AD

    Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to 
exist or develop in other Mitsubishi Models MU-2B, MU-2B-10, MU-2B-15, 
MU-2B-10, MU-2B-25, MU-2B-26, MU-2B-26A, MU-2B-30, MU-2B-35, MU-2B-36, 
MU-2B-36A, MU-2B-40, and MU-2B-60 airplanes of the same type design 
registered in the United States, the FAA is proposing AD action. The 
proposed AD would require inspecting each forward attachment fitting 
bolt (total of four bolts) of the wing tip tanks to determine whether 
any bolt incorporating P/N 017A-12887, P/N 017A-12887-3, or 017A-12887-
7 is installed, and replacing any bolt not incorporating one of these 
part numbers, with a P/N 017A-12887-7 bolt. The P/N 017A-12887-7 bolts 
are of similar design to the P/N 017A-12887 and P/N 017A-12887-3 bolts, 
and are identified with the black painted letters ``SPL''. The proposed 
AD would also require identifying any P/N 017A-12887 or P/N 017A-12887-
3 bolt with the letters ``SPL''. Accomplishment of the proposed 
installation would be in accordance with the service information 
previously referenced.

Cost Impact

    The FAA estimates that 252 airplanes in the U.S. registry would be 
affected by the proposed AD, that it would take approximately 1 
workhour per airplane to accomplish the proposed inspection, and that 
the average labor rate is approximately $60 an hour. Based on these 
figures, the total cost impact of the proposed inspection on U.S. 
operators is estimated to be $15,120, or $60 per airplane.
    Any replacements that would be required by the proposed AD would 
take approximately 4 workhours per airplane with each bolt costing $350 
(up to 4 bolts per airplane). If an airplane had four incorrect bolts 
installed, the

[[Page 39052]]

replacement cost of the proposed AD would be $1,640 for that airplane.

Regulatory Impact

    The regulations proposed herein would not have substantial direct 
effects 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. Therefore, in 
accordance with Executive Order 12612, it is determined that this 
proposal would not have sufficient federalism implications to warrant 
the preparation of a Federalism Assessment.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this action (1) is 
not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order 12866; 
(2) is not a ``significant rule'' under DOT Regulatory Policies and 
Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); and (3) if promulgated, 
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. A copy of the draft regulatory evaluation 
prepared for this action has been placed in the Rules Docket. A copy of 
it may be obtained by contacting the Rules Docket at the location 
provided under the caption ADDRESSES.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Safety.

The Proposed Amendment

    Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration proposes to amend 
part 39 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) as 
follows:

PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

    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]

    2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding a new airworthiness directive 
(AD) to read as follows:

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.: Docket No. 98-CE-39-AD.
    Applicability: The following airplane model and serial number 
airplanes:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                  Models                             Serial Nos.        
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                       Type Certificate No. A2PC                        
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MU-2B, MU-2B-10, MU-2B-15, MU-2B-20, MU-2B- 008 through 347.            
 25, and MU-2B-26.                                                      
MU-2B-30, MU-2B-35, and MU-2B-36..........  501 through 651, 653 through
                                             660, and 662 through 696.  
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                       Type Certificate No. A10SW                       
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MU-2B-25, MU-2B-26, MU-2B-26A, and MU-2B-   313SA, 321SA, and 348SA     
 40.                                         through 459SA.             
MU-2B-35, MU-2B-36A, and MU-2B-60.........  652SA, 661SA, and 697SA     
                                             through 1569SA.            
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Note 1: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. holds both Type 
Certificate No. A2PC and Type Certificate No. A10SW for the affected 
airplanes. Raytheon manufactures, in the United States, the 
airplanes affected by Type Certificate No. A10SW under a licensing 
agreement with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.
    Note 2: This AD applies to each airplane identified in the 
preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been 
modified, altered, or repaired in the area subject to the 
requirements of this AD. For airplanes that have been modified, 
altered, or repaired so that the performance of the requirements of 
this AD is affected, the owner/operator must request approval for an 
alternative method of compliance in accordance with paragraph (e) of 
this AD. The request should include an assessment of the effect of 
the modification, alteration, or repair on the unsafe condition 
addressed by this AD; and, if the unsafe condition has not been 
eliminated, the request should include specific proposed actions to 
address it.

    Compliance: Required as indicated in the body of this AD, unless 
already accomplished.
    To prevent the wing tip tank from separating from the airplane 
because of an incorrect bolt corroding, which could result in loss 
of control of the airplane, accomplish the following:
    (a) Within the next 100 hours time-in-service (TIS) after the 
effective date of this AD, inspect each forward attachment fitting 
bolt (total of four bolts) of the wing tip tanks to determine 
whether any bolt not incorporating part number (P/N) 017A-12887, P/N 
017A-12887-3, or 017A-12887-7, is installed. Accomplish this 
inspection in accordance with whichever of the following is 
applicable:
    (1) Mitsubishi MU-2 Service Bulletin No. 225, dated September 
29, 1995, for airplanes affected by Type Certificate No. A2PC; or
    (2) Mitsubishi MU-2 Service Bulletin No. 089/57-002A, dated 
November 5, 1996, for airplanes affected by Type Certificate No. 
A10SW.
    (b) If any bolt not incorporating P/N 017A-12887, P/N 017A-
12887-3, or 017A-12887-7, is installed, prior to further flight, 
replace it with a P/N 017A-12887-7 bolt. The P/N 017A-12887-7 bolts 
are of similar design to the P/N 017A-12887 and P/N 017A-12887-3 
bolts, and are identified with the black painted letters ``SPL''. 
Accomplish this action in accordance with one of the service 
bulletins listed in paragraphs (a)(1) and (a)(2) of this AD, as 
applicable.
    (c) If any P/N 017A-12887 or P/N 017A-12887-3 bolt is installed, 
prior to further flight, identify the bolt with the letters ``SPL''. 
Accomplish this action in accordance with one of the service 
bulletins listed in paragraphs (a)(1) and (a)(2) of this AD, as 
applicable.
    (d) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with 
sections 21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 
CFR 21.197 and 21.199) to operate the airplane to a location where 
the requirements of this AD can be accomplished.
    (e) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the 
compliance time that provides an equivalent level of safety may be 
approved by the Manager, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office 
(ACO), FAA, 3960 Paramount Blvd., Lakewood, California 90712. The 
request shall be forwarded through an appropriate FAA Maintenance 
Inspector, who may add comments and then send it to the Manager, Los 
Angeles ACO.

    Note 3: Information concerning the existence of approved 
alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be 
obtained from the Los Angeles ACO.

    (f) Questions or technical information related to Mitsubishi MU-
2 Service Bulletin No. 225, dated September 29, 1995, should be 
directed to Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd., Nagoya Aerospace 
Systems Works, 10, OYE-CHO, MINATO-KU, Nagoya, Japan, telephone: 
NAGOYA (611) 2141, facsimile: 4464561HISI. Questions or technical 
information related to Mitsubishi MU-2 Service Bulletin No. 089/57-
002A, dated November 5, 1996, should be directed to Raytheon 
Aircraft Company, 9709 East Central, Wichita, Kansas 67201, 
Attention: Manager, Publications. This service information may be 
examined at the FAA, Central Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, 
Room 1558, 601 E. 12th Street, Kansas City, Missouri 64106.

    Note 4: The subject of this AD is addressed in Japanese AD KU-
KI-158 TCD-4310-96, dated March 25, 1996.

    Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on July 14, 1998.
Marvin R. Nuss,
Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 98-19330 Filed 7-20-98; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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