Document ID: FAA-2015-3620-0001
Agency: faa
Document Type: Proposed Rule
Title: Airworthiness Directives: Pacific Aerospace Limited Airplanes
Posted Date: 2015-08-27T04:00Z

[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 166 (Thursday, August 27, 2015)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 51966-51968]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2015-21097]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2015-3620; Directorate Identifier 2015-CE-029-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64

Airworthiness Directives; Pacific Aerospace Limited Airplanes

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

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
certain Pacific Aerospace Limited Model 750XL airplanes that would 
supersede AD 2014-20-13. This proposed AD results from 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 fatigue cracks on the fin forward pickup plates, which 
could cause it to fail. We are issuing this proposed AD to require 
actions to address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by October 13, 
2015.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments 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: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room

[[Page 51967]]

W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590, between 9 
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    For service information identified in this proposed AD, contact 
Pacific Aerospace Limited, Airport Road, Hamilton, Private Bag 3027, 
Hamilton 3240, New Zealand, phone: +64 7 843 6144; fax: +64 7 843 6134; 
email: pacific@aerospace.co.nz; Internet: www.aerospace.co.nz. 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-
3620; 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 (telephone (800) 647-5527) is in the ADDRESSES section. Comments 
will be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Karl Schletzbaum, Aerospace Engineer, 
FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas City, 
Missouri 64106; telephone: (816) 329-4123; fax: (816) 329-4090; email: 
karl.schletzbaum@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-2015-3620; 
Directorate Identifier 2015-CE-029-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://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 26, 2014, we issued AD 2014-20-13, Amendment 39-17986 
(79 FR 60329, October 7, 2014). That AD required actions intended to 
address an unsafe condition on all Pacific Aerospace Limited Model 
750XL airplanes and was based on mandatory continuing airworthiness 
information (MCAI) originated by an aviation authority of another 
country.
    Since we issued AD 2014-20-13, Amendment 39-17986 (79 FR 60329, 
October 7, 2014), Pacific Aerospace Limited has revised the related 
service information and developed a terminating action for the 
repetitive inspections.
    The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), which is the aviation authority 
for New Zealand, has issued AD DCA/750XL/18A, dated August 4, 2015 
(referred to after this as ``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe 
condition for the specified products. The MCAI states:

    DCA/750XL/18A revised to add note 2 and introduce minor 
editorial changes. This AD supersedes DCA/750XL/18 and DCA/750XL/16A 
to introduce the requirements in Pacific Aerospace Limited Mandatory 
Service Bulletin (MSB) PACSB/XL/068 issue 5, dated 29 June 2015. The 
revised MSB introduces a life limit for fin forward pickup P/N 11-
10281-1 and reduces the torque setting for the fin forward pickup 
bolt to alleviate some of the loads applied to the pickup. The MSB 
also introduces a replacement fin forward pickup P/N 11-03375-1 
which is not life limited.

    You may examine the MCAI on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2015-
3620.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR part 51

    Pacific Aerospace Limited has issued Mandatory Service Bulletin 
PACSB/XL/068, Issue 5, dated June 29, 2015. This service bulletin 
reduces the torque setting for the fin forward pickup bolt and 
introduces a new, improved replacement fin forward pickup plate, part 
number P/N 11-0375-1, to replace P/N 11-10281-1. 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 and Requirements of the Proposed AD

    This product has been approved by the aviation authority of another 
country, and is approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant 
to our bilateral agreement with this State of Design Authority, they 
have notified us of the unsafe condition described in the MCAI and 
service information referenced above. We are proposing this AD because 
we evaluated all information and determined the unsafe condition exists 
and is likely to exist or develop on other products of the same type 
design.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD will affect 18 products of U.S. 
registry. We also estimate that it would take about 22 work-hours per 
product to comply with all the requirements of this proposed AD. The 
average labor rate is $85 per work-hour. Required parts would cost 
about $1,692 per product.
    Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of the proposed AD on 
U.S. operators to be $64,116, or $3,562 per product.

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

[[Page 51968]]

    (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 Amendment 39-17986 (79 FR 
60329, October 7, 2014), and adding the following new AD:

Pacific Aerospace Limited: Docket No. FAA-2015-3620; Directorate 
Identifier 2015-CE-029-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by October 13, 2015.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD supersedes AD 2014-20-13, Amendment 39-17986 (79 FR 
60329, October 7, 2014).

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Pacific Aerospace Limited Model 750XL 
airplanes, all serial numbers through XL-193, XL-195, and XL-197, 
certificated in any category.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association of America (ATA) Code 53: Fuselage.

(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 fatigue cracks 
on the fin forward pickup plates. We are issuing this AD to detect 
and correct cracked fin forward pickup plates to prevent failure of 
the fin forward pickup plates, which could result in reduced 
control.

(f) Actions and Compliance

    Unless already done, do the actions in paragraphs (f)(1) through 
(f)(4) of this AD:
    (1) Within the next 150 hours time-in-service (TIS) after the 
effective date of this AD, reduce the fin forward pickup bolt torque 
following the procedures in section 1.D., paragraphs A. 1) and A. 2) 
of the PLANNING INFORMATION in Pacific Aerospace Limited Mandatory 
Service Bulletin PACSB/XL/068, Issue 5, dated June 29, 2015.
    (2) At or before reaching 2,000 hours total time-in-service 
(TTIS) or within the next 150 hours TIS after the effective date of 
this AD, whichever occurs later, and repetitively thereafter at 
intervals not to exceed 600 hours TIS or 12 months, whichever occurs 
first, do a detailed visual inspection and liquid penetrant 
inspection of the fin forward pickup plates for any evidence of 
cracking. Do the inspections following the procedures in sections 
2.A. and 2.B. of the ACCOMPLISHMENT INSTRUCTIONS in Pacific 
Aerospace Limited Mandatory Service Bulletin PACSB/XL/068, Issue 5, 
dated June 29, 2015.
    (3) If cracks are found during any inspection required in 
paragraph (f)(2) of this AD, before further flight, replace the fin 
forward pickup plates with new fin forward pickup plates, part 
number (P/N) 11-03375-1. Do the replacement following the procedures 
in section 2.C. of the ACCOMPLISHMENT INSTRUCTIONS in Pacific 
Aerospace Limited Mandatory Service Bulletin PACSB/XL/068, Issue 5, 
dated June 29, 2015. This replacement terminates the repetitive 
inspections required in paragraph (f)(2) of this AD.
    (4) If no cracks are found during any inspection required in 
paragraph (f)(2) of this AD, at or before reaching 6,000 hours TTIS 
or within the next 600 hours TIS after the effective date of this 
AD, whichever occurs later, replace the fin forward pickup plates, 
P/N 11-10281-1, with P/N 11-03375-1. Do the replacement following 
the procedures in section 2.D. of the ACCOMPLISHMENT INSTRUCTIONS in 
Pacific Aerospace Limited Mandatory Service Bulletin PACSB/XL/068, 
Issue 5, dated June 29, 2015. This replacement terminates the 
repetitive inspections required in paragraph (f)(2) of this AD .

(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: Karl Schletzbaum, Aerospace Engineer, FAA, 
Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas City, 
Missouri 64106; telephone: (816) 329-4146; fax: (816) 329-4090; 
email: karl.schletzbaum@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 Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) AD DCA/750XL/18A, 
dated August 4, 2015, for related information. You may examine the 
MCAI on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for 
and locating Docket No. FAA-2015-3620. For service information 
related to this AD, contact Pacific Aerospace Limited, Airport Road, 
Hamilton, Private Bag 3027, Hamilton 3240, New Zealand, phone: +64 7 
843 6144; fax: +64 7 843 6134; email: pacific@aerospace.co.nz; 
Internet: www.aerospace.co.nz. 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 August 14, 2015.
Earl Lawrence,
Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2015-21097 Filed 8-26-15; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P