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[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 214 (Thursday, November 5, 2015)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 68477-68479]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2015-28198]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2015-5318; Directorate Identifier 2015-CE-035-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64

Airworthiness Directives; Quest Aircraft Design, 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 Quest Aircraft Design, LLC Model KODIAK 100 airplanes. This 
proposed AD was prompted by a report of limited control yoke movement 
of the elevator control system due to cushion edging jammed in the 
elevator control anti-rotation guide slot. This proposed AD would 
require repetitively inspecting the elevator control system cushion 
edging for proper condition; replacing the cushion edging; and at a 
specified time terminating the repetitive inspections by installing 
wear pads on the elevator bearing assemblies. We are proposing this AD 
to correct the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by December 21, 
2015.

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 
Quest Aircraft Design, LLC, 1200 Turbine Drive, Sandpoint, Idaho 83864; 
telephone: (208) 263-1111; toll free: (866) 263-1112; email: 
CustomerService@QuestAircraft.com; Internet: www.questaircraft.com. You 
may review copies of the 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 Docket No. FAA-2015-
5318; 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: David Herron, Aerospace Engineer, 
Seattle Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., 
Renton, Washington 98057; phone: (425) 917-6469; fax: (425) 917-6591; 
email: david.herron@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-2015-5318; 
Directorate Identifier 2015-CE-035-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 received a report that, during a preflight inspection, an 
operator noted limited travel of the control yoke on a Quest Aircraft 
Design, LLC Model KODIAK 100 airplane. Upon further inspection of the 
control yoke system forward of the control yoke, cushion edging was 
found jammed in the elevator control anti-rotation guide slot. The 
jammed edging prevented the control yoke from having full nose up and 
nose down travel. The operator also reported the same problem on a 
different KODIAK 100 airplane in which the cushion edging plastic 
portion separated from the metal track.
    Investigation revealed that over time the cushion edging may become 
worn and degrade. This condition, if not corrected, could result in 
failure of the elevator control system cushion edging, which could 
restrict elevator control yoke movement and cause loss of control.

Relevant Service Information

    We reviewed Quest Aircraft KODIAK Mandatory Service Bulletin SB14-
07, dated August 26, 2014; Quest Aircraft Field Service Instruction, 
Elevator Control System--Cushion Edging Inspection, Report No. FSI-105, 
Revision 00, not dated; Quest Aircraft KODIAK 100 Recommended Service 
Bulletin SB15-01, dated March 26, 2015; and Quest Aircraft Field 
Service Instruction, Yoke Anti-Rotation Guide Wear Pad Upgrade, Report 
No. FSI-108, Revision 00, not dated. The service information describes 
procedures for repetitively inspecting the cushion edging installed on 
the elevator control anti-rotation guide for proper condition,

[[Page 68478]]

wear, and security, and replacing if necessary; and removing the 
cushion edging and installing wear pads on the pilot and co-pilot arms 
of the elevator bearing assemblies as a terminating action to the 
repetitive inspections of the cushion edging. This service information 
is reasonably available because the interested parties have access to 
it through their normal course of business or by the means identified 
in the ADDRESSES section of this NPRM.

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.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD affects 60 airplanes of U.S. 
registry.
    We estimate the following costs to comply with this proposed AD:

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                 Cost on U.S.
             Action                   Labor cost          Parts cost       Cost per product        operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inspect the cushion edging on     .5 work-hour x $85  Not applicable....  $42.50 per          $2,550 per
 each side of the elevator         per hour = $42.50                       inspection.         inspection.
 control anti-rotation guide       per inspection.
 slot.
Required terminating action for   3 work-hours x $85  $200..............  $455..............  $27,300.
 repetitive inspections--replace   per hour = $255.
 cushion edging with wear pads.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    We estimate the following costs to do any necessary replacements 
that would be required based on the results of the proposed inspection. 
We have no way of determining the number of aircraft that might need 
this replacement:

                                               On-Condition Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Cost per
                    Action                                Labor cost               Parts cost        product
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Replace cushion edging.......................  1 work-hour x $85 per hour =                $20             $105
                                                $85.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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.

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):

Quest Aircraft Design, LLC: Docket No. FAA-2015-5318; Directorate 
Identifier 2015-CE-035-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by December 21, 2015.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Quest Aircraft Design, LLC Model KODIAK 100 
airplanes, all serial numbers 100-0001 through 100-0149, that are 
certificated in any category.

[[Page 68479]]

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC)/Air Transport Association 
(ATA) of America Code 2730; Elevator Control System.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by a report of limited control yoke 
movement due to cushion edging jammed in the elevator control anti-
rotation guide slot. We are issuing this AD to prevent failure of 
the elevator control system, which could result in loss of control.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Inspect Cushion Edging

    Before further flight after the effective date of this AD and 
repetitively thereafter at intervals not to exceed 50 hours time-in-
service or at every annual inspection, whichever comes first, until 
the terminating action specified in paragraph (i) of this AD is 
done, inspect the cushion edging, part number (P/N) M22529/2-3R-25, 
located on each side of the elevator control anti-rotation guide 
slot, P/N 100-619-0008, for the pilot and co-pilot control yoke 
assemblies, following section 5.1 Cushion Edging Inspection of Quest 
Aircraft Field Service Instruction, Elevator Control System--Cushion 
Edging Inspection, Report No. FSI-105, Revision 00, not dated, as 
specified in Quest Aircraft KODIAK Mandatory Service Bulletin SB14-
07, dated August 26, 2014.

(h) Replace Cushion Edging

    If damage or wear is found during any inspection required in 
paragraph (g) of this AD, before further flight, replace the cushion 
edging following section 5.3 of Quest Aircraft Field Service 
Instruction, Elevator Control System--Cushion Edging Inspection, 
Report No. FSI-105, Revision 00, not dated, as specified in Quest 
Aircraft KODIAK Mandatory Service Bulletin SB14-07, dated August 26, 
2014.

(i) Install Wear Pads (Terminating Action for the Repetitive 
Inspections)

    Within 1 year after the effective date of this AD, remove the 
cushion edging, P/N M22529/2-3R-25, installed on the elevator 
control anti-rotation guide, and install wear pads, P/N 100-619-
0037, on the elevator bearing assembly link arm following section 5. 
Instructions, including all subsections, of Quest Aircraft Field 
Service Instruction, Yoke Anti-Rotation Guide Wear Pad Upgrade, 
Report No. FSI-108, Revision 00, not dated, as specified in Quest 
Aircraft KODIAK 100 Recommended Service Bulletin SB15-01, dated 
March 26, 2015. Installing all four wear pads on the pilot and co-
pilot arms of the elevator bearing assemblies terminates the 
repetitive inspections required in paragraph (g) of this AD.

 (j) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office (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 (k) of this AD. 
Information may be emailed to: 9-ANM-Seattle-ACO-AMOC-Requests@faa.gov.
    (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.

(k) Related Information

    (1) For more information about this AD, contact David Herron, 
Aerospace Engineer, Seattle ACO, FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, 
Washington 98057; phone: (425) 917-6469; fax: (425) 917-6591; email: 
david.herron@faa.gov.
    (2) For service information identified in this AD, contact Quest 
Aircraft Design, LLC, 1200 Turbine Drive, Sandpoint, Idaho 83864; 
telephone: (208) 263-1111; toll free: (866) 263-1112; email: 
CustomerService@QuestAircraft.com; Internet: www.questaircraft.com. 
You may review copies of the 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 October 30, 2015.
Melvin Johnson,
Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2015-28198 Filed 11-4-15; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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