Document ID: FAA-2012-0917-0001
Agency: faa
Document Type: Rule
Title: Airworthiness Directives: M7 Aerospace LLC Airplanes
Posted Date: 2012-09-06T04:00Z

[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 173 (Thursday, September 6, 2012)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 54787-54791]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-21536]

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  Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 173 / Thursday, September 6, 2012 / 
Rules and Regulations  

[[Page 54787]]

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2012-0917; Directorate Identifier 2012-CE-030-AD; 
Amendment 39-17177; AD 2012-18-01]
RIN 2120-AA64

Airworthiness Directives; M7 Aerospace LLC Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all M7 
Aerospace LLC Models SA226-AT, SA226-T, SA226-T(B), SA226-TC, SA227-AC 
(C-26A), SA227-BC (C-26A), SA227-CC, SA227-DC (C-26B), SA227-AT, and 
SA227-TT airplanes. This AD requires repetitively inspecting the left 
and right forward (main) and aft spar wing-to-fuselage attach fittings 
for cracks and replacing any cracked fitting. This AD also requires 
reporting certain inspection results to the FAA. This AD was prompted 
by reports of fatigue cracking in the left and right forward (main) 
spar wing-to-fuselage attach fittings. We are issuing this AD to 
correct the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective September 21, 2012.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in the AD as of September 21, 
2012.
    We must receive comments on this AD by October 22, 2012.

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: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room 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 AD, contact M7 Aerospace 
LP, 10823 NE Entrance Road, San Antonio, Texas 78216; phone: (210) 824-
9421; fax: (210) 804-7766; Internet: http://www.m7aerospace.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; 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 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: Andrew McAnaul, Aerospace Engineer, 
FAA, ASW-150 (c/o San Antonio MIDO (SW-MIDO-43)), 10100 Reunion Place, 
Suite 650, San Antonio, Texas 78216; phone: (210) 308-3365; fax: (210) 
308-3370; email: andrew.mcanaul@faa.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Discussion

    We have received reports of premature fatigue cracks found in the 
left and right forward (main) spar wing-to-fuselage attach fittings on 
M7 Aerospace LLC SA226 and SA227 airplanes. Each airplane is equipped 
with two attach fittings on the forward (main) spar and two on the aft 
spar on the left and right side of the airplane. An owner/operator of 
five of the affected airplanes had the left and right forward (main) 
spar wing-to-fuselage attach fittings inspected, and all five airplanes 
had cracks in at least one of the attach fittings. On the 5 airplanes, 
a total of 20 left and right forward (main) spar wing-to-fuselage 
attach fittings were inspected; 7 of those were found with cracks. The 
cracks found emanate from the end pad fastener holes to the free edge 
of the pad and in the fillet radii of the upper outboard corner on both 
fitting halves.
    M7 Aerospace LLC has included inspection of the aft spar attach 
fittings in the service information since they are similar to the 
forward fittings in design and experience equivalent load cycles.
    This condition, if not corrected, could result in failure of the 
wing-to-fuselage attach fitting, which could cause the wing to separate 
from the airplane.

Relevant Service Information

    We reviewed M7 Aerospace LLC SA226 Series Service Bulletin 226-53-
016, dated July 27, 2012, with Supplement A--SB 226-53-016, dated June 
22, 2012; SA227 Series Service Bulletin 227-53-010, dated July 27, 
2012, with Supplement A--SB 227-53-010, dated June 22, 2012; and SA227 
Series Service Bulletin CC7-53-006, dated July 27, 2012, with 
Supplement A--SB CC7-53-006 dated June 22, 2012. The service 
information describes procedures for repetitively inspecting the left 
and right forward (main) and aft spar wing-to-fuselage attach fittings 
for cracks and replacing any cracked fitting.

FAA's Determination

    We are issuing 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.

AD Requirements

    This AD requires accomplishing the actions specified in the service 
information described previously. This AD also requires sending certain 
inspection results to the FAA.

FAA's Justification and Determination of the Effective Date

    An unsafe condition exists that requires the immediate adoption of 
this AD. The FAA has found that the risk to the flying public justifies 
waiving notice

[[Page 54788]]

and comment prior to adoption of this rule because cracks in the wing-
to-fuselage attach fittings could cause the fitting to fail, which 
could result in wing separation from the airplane. Therefore, we find 
that notice and opportunity for prior public comment are impracticable 
and that good cause exists for making this amendment effective in less 
than 30 days.

Comments Invited

    This AD is a final rule that involves requirements affecting flight 
safety and was not preceded by notice and an opportunity for public 
comment. However, we invite you to send any written data, views, or 
arguments about this AD. Send your comments to an address listed under 
the ADDRESSES section. Include the docket number FAA-2012-0917 and 
Directorate Identifier 2012-CE-030-AD at the beginning of your 
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this AD. We will 
consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend this 
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 AD.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD affects 330 airplanes of U.S. registry.
    We estimate the following costs to comply with this AD:

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                 Cost on U.S.
             Action                   Labor cost          Parts cost       Cost per product        operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inspect the left and right        52 work-hours x     Not applicable....  $4,420 per          $1,458,600 per
 forward (main) and aft spar       $85 per hour =                          inspection cycle.   inspection cycle.
 wing-to-fuselage attach           $4,420 per
 fittings for cracks.              inspection cycle.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

                                               On-Condition Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                  Action                             Labor cost               Parts cost       Cost per product
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Replace cracked wing-to-fuselage attach     100 work-hours x $85 per                 $3,600             $12,100
 fitting pair.                               hour = $8,500.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

    This AD will not have federalism implications under 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 that this AD:
    (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),
    (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.

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 adding the following new airworthiness 
directive (AD):

2012-18-01 M7 Aerospace LLC (Type Certificate Previously Held by 
Fairchild Aircraft Incorporated): Amendment 39-17177; Docket No. 
FAA-2012-0917; Directorate Identifier 2012-CE-030-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD is effective September 21, 2012.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to M7 Aerospace LLC (type certificate previously 
held by Fairchild Aircraft Incorporated) Models SA226-AT, SA226-T, 
SA226-T(B), SA226-TC, SA227-AC (C-26A), SA227-BC (C-26A), SA227-CC, 
SA227-DC (C-26B), SA227-AT, and SA227-TT airplanes, all serial 
numbers, that are certificated in any category.

[[Page 54789]]

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC)/Air Transport Association 
(ATA) of America Code 5741, Wing, Fuselage Attach Fitting.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by reports of fatigue cracking in the left 
and right forward (main) and aft spar wing-to-fuselage attach 
fittings. We are issuing this AD to correct the unsafe condition on 
these products.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Inspection

    At the initial and repetitive compliance times specified in 
Appendix 1 to this AD, inspect the left and right forward (main) and 
aft spar wing-to-fuselage attach fittings for cracks. Do the 
inspections following M7 Aerospace LLC SA226 Series Service Bulletin 
226-53-016, dated July 27, 2012, with Supplement A--SB 226-53-016, 
dated June 22, 2012; M7 Aerospace LLC SA227 Series Service Bulletin 
227-53-010, dated July 27, 2012, with Supplement A--SB 227-53-010, 
dated June 22, 2012; and M7 Aerospace LLC SA227 Series Service 
Bulletin CC7-53-006, dated July 27, 2012, with Supplement A--SB CC7-
53-006, dated June 22, 2012, as applicable.

(h) Replacement

    If cracks are found during any inspection required in paragraph 
(g) of this AD, before further flight, replace both wing-to-fuselage 
attach fitting halves (pair) at the cracked fitting location. Do the 
replacement following M7 Aerospace LLC SA226 Series Service Bulletin 
226-53-016, dated July 27, 2012; M7 Aerospace LLC SA227 Series 
Service Bulletin 227-53-010, dated July 27, 2012; and M7 Aerospace 
LLC SA227 Series Service Bulletin CC7-53-006, dated July 27, 2012, 
as applicable.

(i) Reporting Requirement

    If cracks are found during any inspection required in paragraph 
(g) of this AD, within 10 days after the inspection in which cracks 
are found or within 10 days after the effective date of this AD, 
whichever occurs later, report the results of the inspections to the 
FAA, ASW-150 (c/o San Antonio MIDO (SW-MIDO-43)), Attn: Andrew 
McAnaul, Aerospace Engineer, 10100 Reunion Place, Suite 650, San 
Antonio, Texas 78216; fax: (210) 308-3370; email: 
andrew.mcanaul@faa.gov. Please identify AD 2012-18-01 in the subject 
line if submitted through email. Include the following information 
in the report:
    (1) Length of crack(s) and a general description of the damage.
    (2) Airplane model, serial number, aircraft total flight cycles, 
and total hours time-in-service (TIS).
    (3) Using figure 2 in M7 Aerospace LLC SA226 Series Service 
Bulletin 226-53-016, dated July 27, 2012; M7 Aerospace LLC SA227 
Series Service Bulletin 227-53-010, dated July 27, 2012; and M7 
Aerospace LLC SA227 Series Service Bulletin CC7-53-006, dated July 
27, 2012, as applicable, indicate location of damage, show forward 
orientation using arrows, and orientation of crack.
    (4) Whether the airplane has had, or is suspected of having, a 
hard landing in the past.

(j) Paperwork Reduction Act Burden Statement

    A federal agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not 
required to respond to, nor shall a person be subject to a penalty 
for failure to comply with a collection of information subject to 
the requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act unless that 
collection of information displays a current valid OMB Control 
Number. The OMB Control Number for this information collection is 
2120-0056. Public reporting for this collection of information is 
estimated to be approximately 5 minutes per response, including the 
time for reviewing instructions, completing and reviewing the 
collection of information. All responses to this collection of 
information are mandatory. Comments concerning the accuracy of this 
burden and suggestions for reducing the burden should be directed to 
the FAA at: 800 Independence Ave. SW., Washington, DC 20591, Attn: 
Information Collection Clearance Officer, AES-200.

(k) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Fort Worth Airplane Certification Office, 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 the Related Information section 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.

 (l) Related Information

    For more information about this AD, contact Andrew McAnaul, 
Aerospace Engineer, FAA, ASW-150 (c/o San Antonio MIDO (SW-MIDO-
43)), 10100 Reunion Place, Suite 650, San Antonio, Texas 78216; 
phone: (210) 308-3365; fax: (210) 308-3370; email: 
andrew.mcanaul@faa.gov.

 (m) 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 the AD specifies otherwise.
    (i) M7 Aerospace LLC SA226 Series Service Bulletin 226-53-016, 
dated July 27, 2012, with Supplement A--SB 226-53-016, dated June 
22, 2012.
    (ii) M7 Aerospace LLC SA227 Series Service Bulletin 227-53-010, 
dated July 27, 2012, with Supplement A--SB 227-53-010, dated June 
22, 2012.
    (iii) M7 Aerospace LLC SA227 Series Service Bulletin CC7-53-006, 
dated July 27, 2012, with Supplement A--SB CC7-53-006, dated June 
22, 2012.
    (3) For M7 Aerospace LLC service information identified in this 
AD, contact M7 Aerospace LP, 10823 NE Entrance Road, San Antonio, 
Texas 78216; phone: (210) 824-9421; fax: (210) 804-7766; Internet: 
http://www.m7aerospace.com.
    (4) 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.
    (5) 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/index.html.

Appendix 1 to AD 2012-18-01

Initial and Repetitive Inspection Compliance Times

Models SA226-AT, SA226-T, SA226-T(B), SA226-TC, All Serial Numbers

    Initial Inspection--As of September 21, 2012 (the effective date 
of this AD):
    For owner/operators who do not track total aircraft flight 
cycles (TAC), for the purposes of this AD, use the following 
conversion calculation: Use a .5 to 1 conversion, e.g., 35,000 TAC 
is equivalent to 17,500 hours time-in-service (TIS).
    For owner/operators who do not track flight cycles, for the 
purposes of this AD use the following conversion calculation for the 
initial inspection compliance time: Use a 1 to 1 conversion, e.g., 
300 flight cycles are equivalent to 300 hours TIS.
    For airplanes with more than 35,000 TAC: Inspect within the next 
300 flight cycles after September 21, 2012 (the effective date of 
this AD).
    For airplanes with at least 20,000 TAC but no more than 35,000 
TAC: Inspect within the next 500 flight cycles after September 21, 
2012 (the effective date of this AD).
    For airplanes with at least 10,600 TAC but no more than 19,999 
TAC: Inspect within the next 1,000 flight cycles after September 21, 
2012 (the effective date of this AD).
    For airplanes with less than 10,600 TAC: Inspect upon reaching 
10,600 TAC or within the next 1,000 flight cycles after September 
21, 2012 (the effective date of this AD), whichever occurs later.
    Repetitive Inspection:
    For owner/operators who do not track flight cycles, for the 
purposes of this AD use the following conversion calculation for the 
repetitive inspection compliance times: Use a .5 to 1 conversion, 
e.g., 10,600 flight cycles are equivalent to 5,300 hours TIS.
    If no cracks are found during the initial inspection or during 
any subsequent repetitive inspection required by this AD and the 
original wing-to-fuselage attach fitting is reinstalled using the 
same size bolts, repetitively thereafter inspect every 10,600 flight 
cycles.

[[Page 54790]]

Initial and Repetitive Inspection Compliance Times

    If no cracks are found during the initial inspection or during 
any subsequent repetitive inspection required by this AD and the 
original wing-to-fuselage attach fitting is reinstalled using 
oversized bolts, repetitively thereafter inspect every 7,700 flight 
cycles.
    If cracks are found during the initial inspection or during any 
subsequent repetitive inspection required by this AD and the 
replacement wing-to-fuselage attach fitting is installed using the 
same size bolts, repetitive thereafter inspect every 16,600 flight 
cycles.
    If cracks are found during the initial inspection or during any 
subsequent repetitive inspection required by this AD and the 
replacement wing-to-fuselage attach fitting is installed using the 
oversized bolts, repetitive thereafter inspect every 13,100 flight 
cycles.

Models SA227-CC and SA227-DC (C-26B), All Serial Numbers

    Initial Inspection--As of September 21, 2012 (the effective date 
of this AD):
    For owner/operators who do not track total aircraft flight 
cycles (TAC), for the purposes of this AD, use the following 
conversion calculation: Use a .5 to 1 conversion, e.g., 35,000 TAC 
is equivalent to 17,500 hours time-in-service (TIS).
    For owner/operators who do not track flight cycles, for the 
purposes of this AD use the following conversion calculation for the 
initial inspection compliance time: Use a 1 to 1 conversion, e.g., 
300 flight cycles are equivalent to 300 hours TIS.
    For airplanes with more than 35,000 TAC: Inspect within the next 
300 flight cycles after September 21, 2012 (the effective date of 
this AD).
    For airplanes with at least 20,000 TAC but no more than 35,000 
TAC: Inspect within the next 500 flight cycles after September 21, 
2012 (the effective date of this AD).
    For airplanes with at least 14,200 TAC but no more than 19,999 
TAC: Inspect within the next 1,000 flight cycles after September 21, 
2012 (the effective date of this AD).
    For airplanes with less than 14,200 TAC: Inspect upon reaching 
14,200 TAC or within the next 1,000 flight cycles after September 
21, 2012 (the effective date of this AD), whichever occurs later.

Initial and Repetitive Inspection Compliance Times

Repetitive Inspection

    For owner/operators who do not track flight cycles, for the 
purposes of this AD use the following conversion calculation for the 
repetitive inspection compliance times: Use a .5 to 1 conversion, 
e.g., 14,200 flight cycles are equivalent to 7,100 hours TIS.
    If no cracks are found during the initial inspection or during 
any subsequent repetitive inspection required by this AD and the 
original wing-to-fuselage attach fitting is reinstalled using the 
same size bolts, repetitively thereafter inspect every 14,200 flight 
cycles.
    If no cracks are found during the initial inspection or during 
any subsequent repetitive inspection required by this AD and the 
original wing-to-fuselage attach fitting is reinstalled using 
oversized bolts, repetitively thereafter inspect every 10,900 flight 
cycles.
    If cracks are found during the initial inspection or during any 
subsequent repetitive inspection required by this AD and the 
replacement wing-to-fuselage attach fitting is installed using the 
same size bolts, repetitive thereafter inspect every 16,600 flight 
cycles.
    If cracks are found during the initial inspection or during any 
subsequent repetitive inspection required by this AD and the 
replacement wing-to-fuselage attach fitting is installed using the 
oversized bolts, repetitive thereafter inspect every 13,100 flight 
cycles.

Models SA227-AC (C-26A) and SA227-AT: Serial Numbers 600 and 
Subsequent; and Model SA227-BC (C-26A) Airplanes, All Serial 
Numbers

    Initial Inspection--As of September 21, 2012 (the effective date 
of this AD):
    For owner/operators who do not track total aircraft flight 
cycles (TAC), for the purposes of this AD, use the following 
conversion calculation: Use a .5 to 1 conversion, e.g., 35,000 TAC 
is equivalent to 17,500 hours time-in-service (TIS).
    For owner/operators who do not track flight cycles, for the 
purposes of this AD use the following conversion calculation for the 
initial inspection compliance time: Use a 1 to 1 conversion, e.g., 
300 flight cycles are equivalent to 300 hours TIS.
    For airplanes with more than 35,000 TAC: Inspect within the next 
300 flight cycles after September 21, 2012 (the effective date of 
this AD).

Inspection Compliance Times

    For airplanes with at least 20,000 TAC but no more than 35,000 
TAC: Inspect within the next 500 flight cycles after September 21, 
2012 (the effective date of this AD).
    For airplanes with at least 14,200 TAC but no more than 19,999 
TAC: Inspect within the next 1,000 flight cycles after September 21, 
2012 (the effective date of this AD).
    For airplanes with less than 14,200 TAC: Inspect upon reaching 
14,200 TAC or within the next 1,000 flight cycles after September 
21, 2012 (the effective date of this AD), whichever occurs later.

Repetitive Inspection

    For owner/operators who do not track flight cycles, for the 
purposes of this AD use the following conversion calculation for the 
repetitive inspection compliance times: Use a .5 to 1 conversion, 
e.g., 14,200 flight cycles are equivalent to 7,100 hours TIS.
    If no cracks are found during the initial inspection or during 
any subsequent repetitive inspection required by this AD and the 
original wing-to-fuselage attach fitting is reinstalled using the 
same size bolts, repetitively thereafter inspect every 14,200 flight 
cycles.
    If no cracks are found during the initial inspection or during 
any subsequent repetitive inspection required by this AD and the 
original wing-to-fuselage attach fitting is reinstalled using 
oversized bolts, repetitively thereafter inspect every 10,900 flight 
cycles.
    If cracks are found during the initial inspection or during any 
subsequent repetitive inspection required by this AD and the 
replacement wing-to-fuselage attach fitting is installed using the 
same size bolts, repetitive thereafter inspect every 16,600 flight 
cycles.
    If cracks are found during the initial inspection or during any 
subsequent repetitive inspection required by this AD and the 
replacement wing-to-fuselage attach fitting is installed using the 
oversized bolts, repetitive thereafter inspect every 13,100 flight 
cycles.

Inspection Compliance Times

Models SA227-AC (C-26A) and SA227-AT: All Serial Numbers Through 
599; and Model SA227-TT Airplanes, All Serial Numbers

    Initial Inspection--As of September 21, 2012 (the effective date 
of this AD):
    For owner/operators who do not track total aircraft flight 
cycles (TAC), for the purposes of this AD, use the following 
conversion calculation: Use a .5 to 1 conversion, e.g., 35,000 TAC 
is equivalent to 17,500 hours time-in-service (TIS).
    For owner/operators who do not track flight cycles, for the 
purposes of this AD use the following conversion calculation for the 
initial inspection compliance time: Use a 1 to 1 conversion, e.g., 
300 flight cycles are equivalent to 300 hours TIS.
    For airplanes with more than 35,000 TAC: Inspect within the next 
300 flight cycles after September 21, 2012 (the effective date of 
this AD).
    For airplanes with at least 20,000 TAC but no more than 35,000 
TAC: Inspect within the next 500 flight cycles after September 21, 
2012 (the effective date of this AD).
    For airplanes with at least 10,600 TAC but no more than 19,999 
TAC: Inspect within the next 1,000 flight cycles after September 21, 
2012 (the effective date of this AD).
    For airplanes with less than 10,600 TAC: Inspect upon reaching 
10,600 TAC or within the next 1,000 flight cycles after September 
21, 2012 (the effective date of this AD), whichever occurs later.
    Repetitive Inspection:
    For owner/operators who do not track flight cycles, for the 
purposes of this AD use the following conversion calculation for the 
repetitive inspection compliance times: Use a .5 to 1 conversion, 
e.g., 10,600 flight cycles are equivalent to 5,300 hours TIS.
    If no cracks are found during the initial inspection or during 
any subsequent repetitive inspection required by this AD and the 
original wing-to-fuselage attach fitting is reinstalled using the 
same size bolts, repetitively thereafter inspect every 10,600 flight 
cycles.

Inspection Compliance Times

    If no cracks are found during the initial inspection or during 
any subsequent repetitive inspection required by this AD and the 
original wing-to-fuselage attach fitting is reinstalled using 
oversized bolts, repetitively thereafter inspect every 7,700 flight 
cycles.
    If cracks are found during the initial inspection or during any 
subsequent repetitive inspection required by this AD and the 
replacement wing-to-fuselage attach

[[Page 54791]]

fitting is installed using the same size bolts, repetitive 
thereafter inspect every 16,600 flight cycles.
    If cracks are found during the initial inspection or during any 
subsequent repetitive inspection required by this AD and the 
replacement wing-to-fuselage attach fitting is installed using the 
oversized bolts, repetitive thereafter inspect every 13,100 flight 
cycles.

    Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on August 24, 2012.
Earl Lawrence,
Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2012-21536 Filed 9-5-12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P