Document ID: FAA-2017-0156-0003
Agency: faa
Document Type: Rule
Title: Airworthiness Directives: ZLIN AIRCRAFT a.s. Airplanes
Posted Date: 2017-05-30T04:00Z

[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 102 (Tuesday, May 30, 2017)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 24472-24475]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2017-10406]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2017-0156; Directorate Identifier 2017-CE-003-AD; 
Amendment 39-18877; AD 2017-10-03]
RIN 2120-AA64

Airworthiness Directives; ZLIN AIRCRAFT a.s. Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of 
Transportation (DOT).

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: We are superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2003-11-12 for 
ZLIN AIRCRAFT a.s. Model Z-242L airplanes (type certificate previously 
held by MORAVAN a.s.). This AD results from mandatory continuing 
airworthiness information (MCAI) issued by an aviation authority of 
another country to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an 
aviation product. The MCAI describes the unsafe condition as a need to 
incorporate new revisions into the Limitations section, Chapter 9, of 
the FAA-approved maintenance program (e.g., maintenance manual) to 
impose

[[Page 24473]]

new or more restrictive life limits on critical components. We are 
issuing this AD to require actions to address the unsafe condition on 
these products.

DATES: This AD is effective July 5, 2017.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of July 5, 2017.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain other publication as of June 5, 2003 (68 FR 
32629, June 2, 2003).

ADDRESSES: You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2017-
0156; or in person at the Docket Management Facility, U.S. Department 
of Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, 
Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590.
    For service information identified in this AD, contact ZLIN 
AIRCRAFT a.s., Leti[scaron]t[ecaron] 1887, 765 02 Otrokovice, Czech 
Republic, telephone: +420 725 266 711; fax: +420 226 013 830; email: 
info@zlinaircraft.eu, Internet: http://www.zlinaircraft.eu. 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. 
It is also available on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by 
searching for Docket No. FAA-2017-0156.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Doug Rudolph, Aerospace Engineer, FAA, 
Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas City, Missouri 
64106; telephone: (816) 329-4059; fax: (816) 329-4090; email: 
doug.rudolph@faa.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Discussion

    We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR 
part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to ZLIN AIRCRAFT a.s. Model Z-
242L airplanes (type certificate previously held by MORAVAN a.s.). That 
NPRM was published in the Federal Register on March 2, 2017 (82 FR 
12305), and proposed to supersede AD 2003-11-12, Amendment 39-13171 (68 
FR 32629, June 2, 2003) (``AD 2003-11-12'').
    Since we issued AD 2003-11-12, a revision to the airworthiness 
limitations chapter of the aircraft maintenance manual has been issued, 
and the State of Design airworthiness authority took AD action, as 
identified below.
    The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical 
Agent for the Member States of the European Community, has issued AD 
No.: 2017-0005, dated January 10, 2017 (referred to after this as ``the 
MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for the specified products. The 
MCAI states:

    The airworthiness limitations for the Zlin Aircraft a.s. Z 242 L 
aeroplanes, which are approved by EASA, are defined and published in 
Chapter 9 of Zlin Aircraft a.s. Z 242 L Maintenance Manual (MM)--
Volume I Document 003.021.1 (in Czech language) or in Chapter 9 of Z 
242 L MM--Volume I Document 003.22.1 (in English language). These 
instructions have been identified as mandatory for continued 
airworthiness.
    Failure to accomplish these instructions could result in an 
unsafe condition.
    Zlin Aircraft a.s. recently published Revision 22 to Chapter 9, 
Volume I, of the Z 242 L MM, introducing new and/or more restrictive 
limitations.
    For the reason described above, this [EASA] AD requires 
accomplishment of the actions specified in the Zlin Aircraft a.s. Z 
242 L MM Chapter 9, Volume I, at Revision 22.

The MCAI can be found in the AD docket on the Internet at https://www.regulations.gov/document?D=FAA-2017-0156-0002.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this AD. We received no comments on the NPRM or on the determination of 
the cost to the public.

Conclusion

    We reviewed the relevant data and determined that air safety and 
the public interest require adopting this AD as proposed except for 
minor editorial. We have determined that these minor changes:
     Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the 
NPRM for correcting the unsafe condition; and
     Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was 
already proposed in the NPRM.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR 51

    We reviewed Chapter 9, Airworthiness Limitations, Revision No. 22, 
dated March 15, 2016, of ZLIN AIRCRAFT a.s. Z 242 L DOC. No. 003.22.1 
Maintenance Manual-Vol. I., and Moravan-Aeroplanes a.s. Mandatory 
Service Bulletin Z 142C/17a, Z 242L/37a--Rev. 1, dated October 31, 
2000. The revision to the Limitations sections introduces new and/or 
more restrictive safe life limits for the Model Z 242 airplane. The 
mandatory service bulletin describes procedures for annotating 
acrobatic and utility category operational time in the logbook. 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 AD.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD will affect 30 products of U.S. registry. 
We also estimate that it will take about 1 work-hour per product to 
comply with the requirement to incorporate the new revision into the 
Limitations section of the FAA-approved maintenance program (e.g., 
maintenance manual). The average labor rate is $85 per work-hour.
    Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of this portion of 
this AD on U.S. operators to be $2,550, or $85 per product.
    The above costs only account for the time to incorporate the 
document into the Limitations section of the FAA-approved maintenance 
program. These limitations will impose more restrictive life limits on 
some parts and provide new life limits for others. While the cost of 
these replacements could be expensive, they will only be required to 
operate the airplane past the established times. Ultimately, the 
estimated cost of replacing all life-limited parts could come close to 
the cost of the airplane. These life limits are necessary to continue 
to operate the airplane in an airworthy manner.

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 AD will not have federalism implications 
under

[[Page 24474]]

Executive Order 13132. This AD will 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 AD:
    (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.

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-2017-
0156; 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 the NPRM, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, 
and other information. The street address for the Docket Office 
(telephone (800) 647-5527) is in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will 
be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by 
reference, Safety.

Adoption of the Amendment

    Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the FAA amends 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 removing Amendment 39-13171 (68 FR 
32629, June 2, 2003), and adding the following new AD:

2017-10-03 ZLIN AIRCRAFT a.s. (type certificate previously held by 
MORAVAN a.s.): Amendment 39-18877; Docket No. FAA-2017-0156; 
Directorate Identifier 2017-CE-003-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective July 5, 
2017.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD replaces AD 2003-11-12, Amendment 39-13171 (68 FR 32629, 
June 2, 2003) (``AD 2003-11-12'').

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to ZLIN AIRCRAFT a.s. Model Z-242L airplanes, 
all serial numbers, certificated in any category.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association of America (ATA) Code 5: Time Limits.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by mandatory continuing airworthiness 
information (MCAI) originated by an aviation authority of another 
country to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an aviation 
product. The MCAI describes the unsafe condition as a need to 
incorporate new revisions into the Limitations section, Chapter 9, 
of the FAA-approved maintenance program (e.g., maintenance manual). 
We are issuing this AD to prevent structural failure of the wing due 
to fatigue cracking. Such failure could result in a wing separating 
from the airplane with consequent loss of control.

(f) Actions and Compliance

    Unless already done, do the following actions:
    (1) For all affected airplanes: As of March 21, 2003 (the 
effective date of AD 2003-03-13 (68 FR 4905, January 21, 2003) (``AD 
2003-03-13'')), annotate Acrobatic and Utility category operational 
time in the logbook. If the airplane is utilized in either of these 
categories at any time during a flight, annotate the total time for 
that flight in the Utility or Acrobatic category, as appropriate. Do 
the logbook annotation following the procedures in Moravan-
Aeroplanes a.s. Mandatory Service Bulletin Z 142C/17a, Z 242L/37a--
Rev. 1, dated October 31, 2000; and Moravan Mandatory Service 
Bulletin Z 242L/38a--Rev. 1, April 15, 2003. The owner/operator 
holding at least a private pilot certificate as authorized by 
section 43.7 may do this action.
    (2) For airplane serial numbers 0001 through 0656 that do not 
have strengthened wings installed (both left and right side) in 
accordance with Moravan Mandatory Service Bulletin Z 242L/27a--Rev. 
1, dated October 31, 2000, or Rev. 2, dated April 15, 2003:
    (i) On or before 10 days after June 5, 2003 (the effective date 
of AD 2003-11-12), incorporate aerobatic frequency information into 
the Limitations section of the airplane flight manual (AFM) as 
specified in Moravan Mandatory Service Bulletin Z 242L/38a--Rev. 1, 
April 15, 2003. The owner/operator holding at least a private pilot 
certificate as authorized by section 43.7 may do this action. Make 
an entry into the aircraft records showing compliance with these 
portions of this AD in accordance with section 43.9 of the Federal 
Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 43.9).
    (ii) On or before reaching 190 hours time-in-service in the 
Acrobatic category and/or Utility category or on or before 90 days 
after March 21, 2003 (the effective date of AD 2003-03-13), 
whichever occurs later, insert the following information into the 
Limitations section of the airplane flight manual (AFM): ``Do not 
operate in the Acrobatic or Utility category. Operate in the Normal 
category only.'' The owner/operator holding at least a private pilot 
certificate as authorized by section 43.7 of the Federal Aviation 
Regulations (14 CFR 43.7) may accomplish this AFM insertion of this 
AD. Make an entry into the aircraft records showing compliance with 
these portions of this AD in accordance with section 43.9 of the 
Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 43.9). This operational 
restriction is referenced in Moravan-Aeroplanes a.s. Mandatory 
Service Bulletin Z 142C/17a, Z 242L/37a--Rev. 1, dated October 31, 
2000.
    (3) For airplane serial numbers 0657 or higher or one in the 
range of 0001 through 0656 that has strengthened wings (both left 
and right side) installed in accordance with Moravan Mandatory 
Service Bulletin Z 242L/27a--Rev. 1, dated October 31, 2000, or Rev. 
2, dated April 15, 2003: On or before 10 days after June 5, 2003 
(the effective date of AD 2003-11-12), incorporate aerobatic 
frequency information into the Limitations section of the airplane 
flight manual (AFM) as specified in Moravan Mandatory Service 
Bulletin Z 242L/38a--Rev.1, April 15, 2003. The owner/operator 
holding at least a private pilot certificate as authorized by 
section 43.7 may do this action. Make an entry into the aircraft 
records showing compliance with these portions of this AD in 
accordance with section 43.9 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 
CFR 43.9).
    (4) For all affected airplanes: Within 10 days after July 5, 
2017 (the effective date of this AD), insert Chapter 9, 
Airworthiness Limitations, Revision No. 22, dated March 15, 2016, of 
ZLIN AIRCRAFT a.s. Z 242 L, DOC. No. 003.22.1 Maintenance Manual-
Vol. I into the Limitations section of the FAA-approved maintenance 
program (e.g., maintenance manual). The owner/operator holding at 
least a private pilot certificate as authorized by section 43.7 of 
the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 43.7) may accomplish this 
maintenance manual insertion requirement of this AD. Make an entry 
into the aircraft records showing compliance with these portions of 
this AD in accordance with section 43.9 of the Federal Aviation 
Regulations (14 CFR 43.9). If a discrepancy is found during the 
accomplishment of any of the actions required by the document listed 
in this paragraph, before further flight after finding such 
discrepancy, contact ZLIN AIRCRAFT a.s. at the address specified in 
paragraph (h) of this AD for an FAA-approved repair scheme and 
incorporate that repair scheme.

(g) Other FAA AD Provisions

    The following provisions also apply to this AD:
    (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, 
Standards Office, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this 
AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. Send 
information to ATTN: Doug Rudolph, Aerospace Engineer,

[[Page 24475]]

FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas City, 
Missouri 64106; telephone: (816) 329-4059; fax: (816) 329-4090; 
email: doug.rudolph@faa.gov. Before using any approved AMOC on any 
airplane to which the AMOC applies, notify your appropriate 
principal inspector (PI) in the FAA Flight Standards District Office 
(FSDO), or lacking a PI, your local FSDO.
    (2) Airworthy Product: For any requirement in this AD to obtain 
corrective actions from a manufacturer or other source, use these 
actions if they are FAA-approved. Corrective actions are considered 
FAA-approved if they are approved by the State of Design Authority 
(or their delegated agent). You are required to assure the product 
is airworthy before it is returned to service.

(h) Related Information

    Refer to MCAI European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD No.: 
2017-0005, dated January 10, 2017, for related information. The MCAI 
can be found in the AD docket on the Internet at https://www.regulations.gov/document?D=FAA-2017-0156-0002.

(i) Material Incorporated by Reference

    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference (IBR) of the service information listed 
in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
    (2) You must use this service information as applicable to do 
the actions required by this AD, unless this AD specifies otherwise.
    (3) The following service information was approved for IBR on 
July 5, 2017 (the effective date of this AD).
    (i) Chapter 9, Airworthiness Limitations, Revision No. 22, dated 
March 15, 2016, of ZLIN AIRCRAFT a.s. Z 242 L DOC. No. 003.22.1 
Maintenance Manual--Vol. I.
    (ii) Moravan-Aeroplanes a.s. Mandatory Service Bulletin Z 142C/
17a, Z 242L/37a--Rev. 1, dated October 31, 2000.
    (4) The following service information was approved for IBR on 
June 5, 2003 (68 FR 32629, June 2, 2003).
    (i) Moravan Mandatory Service Bulletin Z 242L/38a--Rev.1, April 
15, 2003.
    (ii) Reserved.
    (5) For service information identified in this AD, contact ZLIN 
AIRCRAFT a.s., Leti[scaron]t[ecaron] 1887, 765 02 Otrokovice, Czech 
Republic, telephone: +420 725 266 711; fax: +420 226 013 830; email: 
info@zlinaircraft.eu, Internet: http://www.zlinaircraft.eu.
    (6) You may view this service information at 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. In addition, you can access this service information 
on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and 
locating Docket No. FAA-2017-0156.
    (7) You may view this service information that is incorporated 
by reference at the National Archives and Records Administration 
(NARA). For information on the availability of this material at 
NARA, call 202-741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on May 15, 2017.
Melvin Johnson,
Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2017-10406 Filed 5-26-17; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P