Document ID: FAA-2018-0833-0001
Agency: faa
Document Type: Proposed Rule
Title: Airworthiness Directives: Weatherly Aircraft Co.
Posted Date: 2018-09-18T04:00Z

[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 181 (Tuesday, September 18, 2018)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 47116-47118]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-20002]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2018-0833; Product Identifier 2018-CE-031-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64

Airworthiness Directives; Weatherly Aircraft Company

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 all 
Weatherly Aircraft Company (Weatherly) Models 201, 201A, 201B, 201C, 
620, 620A, 620B, 620B-TG, and 620TP airplanes. This proposed AD was 
prompted by reports of fatigue cracking of the center wing and outer 
wing spar hinge brackets due to corrosion pitting. This proposed AD 
would require repetitive inspections of the wing hinge brackets, pins, 
and wing spar structure with repair or replacement of parts as 
necessary. We are proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on 
these products.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by November 2, 
2018.

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 NPRM, contact Weatherly 
Aircraft Company, 2034 West Potomac Avenue, Chicago, Illinois 60622-
3152; telephone: (424) 772-1812; email: [email protected]. You may 
review copies of the referenced service information at the FAA, Policy 
and Innovation Division, 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-2018-
0833; or in person at Docket Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., 
Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains 
this NPRM, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and other 
information. The street address for Docket Operations (phone: 800-647-
5527) is listed above. Comments will be available in the AD docket 
shortly after receipt.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mike Lee, Aerospace Engineer, Los 
Angeles Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, 3960 Paramount Blvd., Suite 
100, Lakewood, California, 90712; phone: (562) 627-5325; fax: (562) 
627-5210; email: [email protected].

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-2018-0833; 
Product Identifier 2018-CE-018-AD'' at the beginning of your comments. 
We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, economic, 
environmental, and energy aspects of this NPRM. We will consider all 
comments received by the closing date and may amend this NPRM 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 NPRM.

Discussion

    In 2015, we were notified of a fatal accident caused by the in-
flight structural failure of a wing on a Weatherly Model 620B airplane. 
The accident investigation found multiple fatigue cracks in the center 
wing front spar lower hinge bracket. As a result of operator 
inspections, a cracked hinge bracket in the center wing to outer wing 
joint was also reported on a different airplane. The hinge bracket from 
the second report had completely failed, and the airplane was relying 
on the second failsafe hinge bracket to carry the wing loads. This 
condition, if not addressed, could result in failure of the wing front 
spar lower hinge brackets and lead to in-flight separation of the wing 
with consequent loss of control of the airplane.
    To correct this unsafe condition, we issued AD 2016-07-11 (81 FR 
18461, March 31, 2016) (``AD 2016-07-11''), which requires a one-time 
visual inspection of the center and outer wing front spar lower hinge 
brackets for cracks and corrosion and corrective action as necessary. 
AD 2016-07-11 also requires sending a report of the inspection results 
to the FAA.
    Since we issued AD 2016-07-11, Weatherly has developed improved 
center wing hinge brackets manufactured from corrosion resistant 
material. Weatherly also issued new service information for repetitive 
visual and detailed inspections. Since the cause of the fatigue cracks 
were attributed to corrosion pits on the accident airplane, we propose 
to issue this new AD to require those repetitive visual and detailed 
inspection actions.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    We reviewed Weatherly 201/620 Service Bulletin SB-201/620-18001, 
Revision C, dated May 21, 2018. The service information describes 
procedures for initial and repetitive inspections of the wing hinge 
brackets, pins, and wing spar structure for corrosion and/or cracks 
with repair or replacement as necessary. This service

[[Page 47117]]

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.

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 repetitive visual and detailed 
inspections of the wing hinge brackets, pins, and wing spar structure 
for corrosion and/or cracks with replacement of parts as necessary.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD affects 94 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
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Detailed inspection for          50 work-hours x    Not applicable........  $4,250 per         $399,500 per
 corrosion and cracks with wing   $85 per hour =                             inspection cycle.  inspection
 removed.                         $4,250 per                                                    cycle.
                                  inspection cycle.
Visual inspection for corrosion  4 work-hours x     Not applicable........  $340 per           $31,960 per
 with bolts and pin caps          $85 per hour =                             inspection cycle.  inspection
 removed.                         $340 per                                                      cycle.
                                  inspection cycle.
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    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 airplanes that might need 
these replacements.

                                               On-Condition Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                   Parts cost
                    Action                                Labor cost               (includes         Cost per
                                                                                   hardware)         product
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Replacement of the assembly if all parts are   0 work-hours since part is              $10,500          $10,500
 found with corrosion.                          already removed from airplane.
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    The on-condition costs reflects the cost to replace the entire 
assembly. The scope of damage found in the required inspection and 
which specific parts need replaced could vary significantly from 
airplane to airplane. We have no way of determining how much damage may 
be found on each airplane or the cost to repair damaged parts on each 
airplane or the number of airplanes that may require repair.

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.
    This proposed AD is issued in accordance with authority delegated 
by the Executive Director, Aircraft Certification Service, as 
authorized by FAA Order 8000.51C. In accordance with that order, 
issuance of ADs is normally a function of the Compliance and 
Airworthiness Division, but during this transition period, the 
Executive Director has delegated the authority to issue ADs applicable 
to small airplanes, gliders, balloons, airships, domestic business jet 
transport airplanes, and associated appliances to the Director of the 
Policy and Innovation Division.

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):

Weatherly Aircraft Company: Docket No. FAA-2018-0833; Product 
Identifier 2018-CE-031-AD.

[[Page 47118]]

(a) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by November 2, 2018.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Weatherly Aircraft Company (Weatherly) Models 
201, 201A, 201B, 201C, 620, 620A, 620B, 620B-TG, and 620TP 
airplanes, all serial numbers, certificated in any category.

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC)/Air Transport Association 
(ATA) of America Code 5740, Wing Attach Hinge Fitting.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by reports of cracks found on the center 
wing front spar lower hinge bracket. We are issuing this AD to 
detect and correct corrosion and cracks on the wing hinge brackets 
and pin assemblies. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could 
result in failure of the wing front and rear spar lower hinge 
brackets and lead to in-flight separation of the wing with 
consequent loss of control of the airplane.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Detailed Inspection

    (1) Within 3 months after the effective date of this AD and 
thereafter at intervals not to exceed 5 years, inspect each center 
and outer wing spar and spar cap, wing hinge bracket, and hardware 
for corrosion and cracks by following paragraphs 7 through 22 under 
the Detailed Inspection section in Weatherly 201/620 Service 
Bulletin SB-201/620-18001, Revision C, dated May 21, 2018 (Weatherly 
SB-201/620-18001, Revision C), except this AD does not require you 
to contact Weatherly.
    (2) Serial numbers (S/N) 1155 and 1558 have already had the 
initial detailed inspection required by paragraph (g)(1) of this AD 
and only the 5-year repetitive detailed inspections are required for 
these airplanes.
    (3) If any corrosion or cracking is found during any of the 
inspections required in paragraph (g)(1) of this AD, before further 
flight, repair or replace any parts with corrosion and cracking as 
specified in paragraphs 7 through 13 under the Detailed Inspection 
section in Weatherly SB-201/620-18001, Revision C.

(h) Visual Inspection

    Within 12 months after the initial detailed inspection required 
in paragraph (g) of this AD and thereafter at intervals not to 
exceed 12 months, visually inspect each forward and rear wing hinge 
bracket attachment pins, bolts, removed caps, spacers, and hardware 
for corrosion by following paragraphs 4 through 7 under the Visual 
Inspection section in Weatherly SB-201/620-18001, Revision C. If any 
corrosion is found during any of the inspections required by this 
paragraph, before further flight, inspect further, repair, and/or 
replace any parts with corrosion as specified in paragraphs 5 and 6 
under the Visual Inspection section in Weatherly SB-201/620-18001, 
Revision C. You may perform a detailed inspection in accordance with 
paragraph (g) of this AD instead of any visual inspection required 
by paragraph (h) of this AD.

(i) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, Los Angeles ACO Branch, 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 certification office, send it to the attention of 
the person identified in paragraph (j) 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.

(j) Related Information

    (1) For more information about this AD, contact Mike Lee, 
Aerospace Engineer, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, 
3960 Paramount Blvd., Suite 100, Lakewood, California, 90712; phone: 
(562) 627-5325; fax: (562) 627-5210; email: [email protected].
    (2) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Weatherly Aircraft Company, 2034 West Potomac Avenue, Chicago, 
Illinois 60622-3152; telephone: (424) 772-1812; email: 
[email protected]. You may view this referenced service information 
at the FAA, Policy and Innovation Division, 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 September 7, 2018.
Melvin J. Johnson,
Aircraft Certification Service, Deputy Director, Policy and Innovation 
Division, AIR-601.
[FR Doc. 2018-20002 Filed 9-17-18; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P