Document ID: FAA-2014-0438-0001
Agency: faa
Document Type: Proposed Rule
Title: Airworthiness Directives: Alexandria Aircraft LLC Airplanes
Posted Date: 2014-07-02T04:00Z

[Federal Register Volume 79, Number 127 (Wednesday, July 2, 2014)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 37679-37681]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2014-15525]

[[Page 37679]]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2014-0438; Directorate Identifier 2014-CE-015-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64

Airworthiness Directives; Alexandria Aircraft LLC Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: We propose to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 75-20-06, 
which applies to certain Alexandria Aircraft LLC (type certificate 
previously held by Bellanca Aircraft Corp., Viking Aviation, Inc., and 
Bellanca, Inc.) Models 14-19-3A, 17-30, 17-30A, 17-31, 17-31A, 17-
31ATC, and 17-31TC airplanes. AD 75-20-06 requires repetitively 
inspecting the aft fuselage structure near the top of the vertical side 
tubing, which connects the horizontal stabilizer carry-through to the 
upper fuselage longeron, for cracks and installing the manufacturer's 
service repair kit as a terminating action for the repetitive 
inspections to repair any cracks found. Since we issued AD 75-20-06, we 
have determined that installing the service kit has not prevented 
cracks from occurring. We have also determined that all affected 
airplane serial numbers should be included in the Applicability 
section. This proposed AD would require continued repetitive 
inspections of the aft fuselage structure near the top of the vertical 
side tubing for cracks and making all necessary replacements of cracks 
parts. This proposed AD would also add additional serial number 
airplanes to the Applicability section. We are proposing this AD to 
correct the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by August 18, 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 
Alexandria Aircraft LLC, 2504 Aga Drive, Alexandria, MN 5630; phone: 
(320) 763-4088; fax: (320) 763-4095; Internet: www.bellanca-
aircraft.com; email: aircraft.com">partsales@bellanca-aircraft.com. 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 Docket No. FAA-2014-
0438; 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: Steven Rosenfeld, Aerospace Engineer, 
FAA, Chicago Aircraft Certification Office, 2300 East Devon Avenue, 
Room 107, Des Plaines, IL 60018; phone: (847) 294-7030; fax: (847) 294-
7834; email: steven.rosenfeld@faa.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Comments Invited

    We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or 
arguments about this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address 
listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2014-0438; 
Directorate Identifier 2014-CE-015-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

    On September 12, 1975, we issued AD 75-20-06, Amendment 39-2372 (40 
FR 13184, September 22, 1975), (``AD 75-20-06''), for certain 
Alexandria Aircraft LLC (type certificate previously held by Bellanca 
Aircraft Corp., Viking Aviation, Inc., and Bellanca, Inc.) Models 14-
19-3A, 17-30, 17-30A, 17-31, 17-31A, 17-31ATC, and 17-31TC airplanes. 
AD 75-20-06 requires repetitively inspecting the aft fuselage structure 
near the top of the vertical side tubing, which connects the horizontal 
stabilizer carry-through to the upper fuselage longeron, for cracks and 
installing the manufacturer's service repair kit (Bellanca Kit 
SK1234789-0004) as a terminating action for the repetitive inspections 
to repair any cracks found. AD 75-20-06 resulted from reports of cracks 
found in the aft fuselage structure near the horizontal stabilizer 
carry-through on the Model 17 series airplanes. We issued AD 75-20-06 
to detect and correct cracks in either vertical side fuselage tube 
(fuselage station (F.S.) 7), which is adjacent to the horizontal 
stabilizer carry-through, in the area near the upper fuselage longeron 
to prevent failure of the horizontal stabilizer. This failure could 
cause reduced structural integrity of the fuselage and result in loss 
of control.

Actions Since AD 75-20-06 Was Issued

    Since we issued AD 75-20-06, we have received reports that cracks 
are still being found in the vertical side fuselage tube (F.S. 7) in 
the area near the upper fuselage longeron on airplanes that have had 
Bellanca Kit SK1234789-0004 installed, which is a terminating action 
for the repetitive inspections required in AD 75-20-06.

Relevant Service Information

    We reviewed Alexandria Aircraft LLC Bellanca Service Letter 85, 
Revision B, dated April 8, 2004. The service letter describes 
procedures for repetitively inspecting the horizontal stabilizer 
fuselage attachment tube and carry-thru tube support bracket for cracks 
and replacing any cracked parts found.

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 retain the inspection requirements of AD 75-
20-06 and remove the terminating action allowed in AD 75-20-06.

[[Page 37680]]

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD affects 847 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
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inspecting the horizontal          1 work-hour x $85 per     Not applicable.....             $85         $71,995
 stabilizer fuselage attachment     hour = $85.
 tube and carry-thru tube support
 bracket (retained actions from
 AD 75-20-06).
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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 
these replacements:

                                               On-Condition Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Cost per
                   Action                                 Labor cost                Parts cost        product
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Replacement of the horizontal stabilizer     30 work-hours x $85 per hour =                 $575          $3,125
 fuselage attachment tube and carry-thru      $2,550.
 tube support bracket.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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 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.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify that the 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 removing Airworthiness Directive (AD) 
75-20-06, Amendment 39-2372 (40 FR 13184, September 22, 1975), and 
adding the following new AD:

Alexandria Aircraft LLC: Docket No. FAA-2014-0438; Directorate 
Identifier 2014-CE-015-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    The FAA must receive comments on this AD action by August 18, 
2014.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD supersedes AD 75-20-06, Amendment 39-2372 (40 FR 13184, 
September 22, 1975) (``AD 75-20-06'').

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Alexandria Aircraft LLC (type certificate 
previously held by Bellanca Aircraft Corp., Viking Aviation, Inc., 
and Bellanca, Inc.) Models 14-19-3A, 17-30, 17-30A, 17-31, 17-31A, 
17-31ATC, and 17-31TC airplanes, all serial numbers (S/Ns), 
certificated in any category.

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC)/Air Transport Association 
(ATA) of America Code 53, Fuselage.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by reports that cracks are still being 
found in the vertical side fuselage tube (fuselage station 7) in the 
area near the upper fuselage longeron on airplanes that have had 
Bellanca Kit SK1234789-0004 installed, which is a terminating action 
for the repetitive inspections required in AD 75-20-06. We are 
issuing this AD to detect and correct cracks in either vertical side 
fuselage tube (F.S. 7), which is adjacent to the horizontal 
stabilizer carry-through, in the area near the upper fuselage 
longeron to prevent failure of the horizontal stabilizer. This 
failure could cause reduced structural integrity of the fuselage and 
result in loss of control.

(f) Compliance

    Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified 
paragraphs (g) through (h) of this AD, unless already done.

(g) Inspection

    (1) Models 14-19-3A and 17-31A, S/Ns 32-15 through 76-32-163; 
Models 17-30 and 17-30A, S/Ns 30263 through 76-30811; and Models 17-
31, 17-31TC, and 17-31ATC, S/Ns 30004, and 31004 through 76-31124

[[Page 37681]]

(airplanes previously affected by AD 75-20-06): Within the next 100 
hours time-in-service (TIS) after the last inspection completed by 
AD 75-20-06 or within the next 25 hours TIS after the effective date 
of this AD, whichever occurs later, and repetitively thereafter at 
intervals not to exceed 100 hours TIS, visually inspect the aft 
fuselage truss for cracks as specified in paragraph 4. INSPECTION of 
Alexandria Aircraft LLC Bellanca Service Letter 85, Revision B, 
dated April 8, 2004.
    (2) Models 14-19-3A, 17-30, 17-30A, 17-31, 17-31A, 17-31ATC, and 
17-31TC airplanes, all S/Ns not referenced in paragraph (g)(1) of 
this AD (airplanes not previously affected by AD 75-20-06): Before 
or upon the accumulation of 300 hours time-in-service (TIS) or 
within the next 25 hours TIS after the effective date of this AD, 
whichever occurs later, and repetitively thereafter at intervals not 
to exceed 100 hours TIS, visually inspect the aft fuselage truss for 
cracks as specified in paragraph 4. INSPECTION of Alexandria 
Aircraft LLC Bellanca Service Letter 85, Revision B, dated April 8, 
2004.

(h) Replacement

    If cracks are found during any inspection required by paragraphs 
(g)(1) and (g)(2) of this AD, before further flight, replace the 
cracked parts with FAA-approved zero-time parts as specified in 
paragraph 5. REPAIR of Alexandria Aircraft LLC Bellanca Service 
Letter 85, Revision B, dated April 8, 2004.

(i) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, Chicago 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 (l)(1) 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.
    (3) AMOCs approved for AD 75-20-06, Amendment 39-2372 (40 FR 
13184, September 22, 1975) are not approved as AMOCs for the 
corresponding provisions of this AD.

(j) Related Information

    (1) For more information about this AD, contact Steven 
Rosenfeld, Aerospace Engineer, FAA, Chicago ACO, 2300 East Devon 
Avenue, Room 107, Des Plaines, IL 60018; phone: (847) 294-7030; fax: 
(847) 294-7834; email: steven.rosenfeld@faa.gov.
    (2) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Alexandria Aircraft LLC, 2504 Aga Drive, Alexandria, MN 5630; phone: 
(320) 763-4088; fax: (320) 763-4095; Internet: www.bellanca-
aircraft.com; email: aircraft.com">partsales@bellanca-aircraft.com. 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 June 24, 2014.
Timothy Smyth,
Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2014-15525 Filed 7-1-14; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P