Document ID: FAA-2018-0372-0001
Agency: faa
Document Type: Rule
Title: Airworthiness Directives: Pacific Aerospace Limited Airplanes
Posted Date: 2018-05-15T04:00Z

[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 94 (Tuesday, May 15, 2018)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 22349-22351]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-10025]

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 Rules and Regulations
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  Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 94 / Tuesday, May 15, 2018 / Rules 
and Regulations  

[[Page 22349]]

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2018-0372; Product Identifier 2018-CE-011-AD; Amendment 
39-19279; AD 2018-10-04]
RIN 2120-AA64

Airworthiness Directives; Pacific Aerospace Limited Airplanes

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

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments

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

SUMMARY: We are superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2018-03-15 for 
Pacific Aerospace Limited Model 750XL airplanes. 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 reports of finding abrasion damage behind the instrument 
panel caused by ventilation hose chafing. We are issuing this AD to 
require actions to address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective June 4, 2018.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in the AD as of June 4, 2018.
    We must receive comments on this AD by June 29, 2018.

ADDRESSES: You may examine the AD docket on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2018-
0372; or in person at Docket Operations, U.S. Department of 
Transportation, 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 Pacific 
Aerospace Limited, Airport Road, Hamilton, Private Bag 3027, Hamilton 
3240, New Zealand; phone: +64 7843 6144; fax: +64 843 6134; email: 
[email protected]; internet: www.aerospace.co.nz. 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 and locating Docket No. FAA-2018-0372.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mike Kiesov, Aerospace Engineer, FAA, 
Small Airplane Standards Branch, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas City, 
Missouri 64106; telephone: (816) 329-4144; fax: (816) 329-4090; email: 
[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Discussion

    We issued AD 2018-03-15, Amendment 39-19188 (83 FR 6110; February 
13, 2018) (``AD 2018-03-15''). That AD required actions intended to 
address an unsafe condition on 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 2018-03-15, it has been found that an optional 
SCAT hose configuration may be found fitted to certain airplanes, and 
instructions have been clarified on the installation of the self-
adhesive mounts and the tape used on the SCAT hose.
    The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), which is the aviation authority 
for New Zealand, has issued CAA AD DCA/750XL/22A, dated February 28, 
2018 (referred to after this as ``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe 
condition for Pacific Aerospace Limited Model 750XL airplanes. The MCAI 
states:

    This AD is prompted by two reports of finding abrasion damage 
behind
    the instrument panel caused by ventilation hose chafing. This 
[CAA] AD supersedes DCA/750XL/22 to introduce Pacific Aerospace 
Limited Mandatory Service Bulletin (MSB) PACSB/XL/083 issue 2, dated 
16 January 2018. There are no changes to the AD applicability. The 
PAL MSB revised to include an optional scat hose configuration which 
may be found fitted to certain aircraft, to clarify that the self-
adhesive mounts should be attached directly to the metallic surface, 
and recommend that 25mm wide 3M Scotch 27 glass cloth tape is used 
to wrap the scat hose.

You may examine the MCAI on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov 
by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2018-0372.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    Pacific Aerospace Limited has issued Pacific Aerospace Mandatory 
Service Bulletin PACSB/XL/083, Issue 2, dated January 16, 2018. The 
service information describes procedures for inspecting the ventilation 
SCAT hose behind the instrument panel, wrapping the ventilation hose 
with anti-abrasion tape, and rerouting the hose. 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 the AD.

FAA's Determination and Requirements of the 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 issuing this AD because we 
evaluated all information provided by the State of Design Authority and 
determined the unsafe condition exists and is likely to exist or 
develop on other products of the same type design.

FAA's 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 and comment prior to adoption of this rule because 
chafing of the ventilation hose on instrument components and wiring 
could cause abrasion damage and lead to a short circuit, smoke, and/or 
inflight fire. Therefore, we determined that notice and opportunity for 
public comment before issuing this AD are impracticable and that good 
cause exists for making this amendment effective in fewer than 30 days.

[[Page 22350]]

Comments Invited

    This AD is a final rule that involves requirements affecting flight 
safety, and we did not precede it by notice and opportunity for public 
comment. We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or 
arguments about this AD. Send your comments to an address listed under 
the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2018-0372; Directorate 
Identifier 2018-CE-011-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 will affect 22 products of U.S. registry. 
We also estimate that it would take about 1 work-hour per product to 
comply with the basic requirements of this AD. The average labor rate 
is $85 per work-hour.
    Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of the AD on U.S. 
operators to be $1,870, or $85 per product.
    In addition, we estimate that any necessary follow-on actions would 
take about 2 work-hours with parts costing $90, for a cost of $260 per 
product. The extent of abrasion damage could vary from airplane to 
airplane. We have no way of knowing how many airplanes may have 
abrasion damage or the extent of that damage to determine the cost of 
any necessary repair/replacement.

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 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 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 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.

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 Airworthiness Directive (AD) 
2018-03-15, Amendment 39-19188 (83 FR 6110; February 13, 2018) and 
adding the following new AD:
2018-10-04 Pacific Aerospace Limited: Amendment 39-19279; Docket No. 
FAA-2018-0372; Product Identifier 2018-CE-011-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD becomes effective June 4, 2018.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD replaces AD 2018-03-15, Amendment 39-19188 (83 FR 6110; 
February 13, 2018) (``AD 2018-03-15'').

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Pacific Aerospace Limited Model 750XL 
airplanes, all serial numbers up to and including serial number 220, 
certificated in any category.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association of America (ATA) Code 31: Instruments.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by mandatory continuing airworthiness 
information (MCAI) issued by the aviation authority of another 
country to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an aviation 
product. The MCAI describes the unsafe condition as reports of 
finding abrasion damage behind the instrument panel caused by 
ventilation hose chafing. We are issuing this AD to prevent such 
abrasion damage, which could cause short circuit of electrical 
equipment, smoke and/or inflight fire.

(f) Actions and Compliance

    Unless already done, do the actions in paragraphs (f)(1) through 
(3) of this AD.
    (1) Within 15 days after June 4, 2018 (the effective date of 
this AD), inspect behind the left, center, and right instrument 
panels for chafing or damage following Part A of the Accomplishment 
Instructions in Pacific Aerospace Mandatory Service Bulletin PACSB/
XL/083, Issue 2, dated January 16, 2018.
    (2) If any chafing or damage is found during the inspection 
required in paragraph (f)(1) of this AD, before further flight, 
contact Pacific Aerospace Limited for FAA-approved repair 
instructions and incorporate those instructions. Use the contact 
information found in paragraph (i)(3) of this AD to contact the 
manufacturer.
    (3) If no damage is found during the inspection required in 
paragraph (f)(1) of this AD, within 45 days after June 4, 2018 (the 
effective date of this AD), do the actions in Part B of the 
Accomplishment Instructions in Pacific Aerospace Mandatory Service 
Bulletin PACSB/XL/083, Issue 2, dated January 16, 2018.

(g) Other FAA AD Provisions

    The following provisions also apply to this AD:
    (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, 
Small Airplane Standards Branch, 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: Mike Kiesov, Aerospace Engineer, 
FAA, Small Airplane Standards Branch, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas 
City, Missouri 64106; telephone:

[[Page 22351]]

(816) 329-4144; fax: (816) 329-4090; email: [email protected]. 
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) Contacting the Manufacturer: For any requirement in this AD 
to obtain corrective actions from a manufacturer, the action must be 
accomplished using a method approved by the Manager, Standards 
Office, FAA; or the Civil Aviation Authority of New Zealand (CAA).

(h) Related Information

    Refer to the MCAI by the CAA, AD DCA/750XL/22A, dated February 
28, 2018; and for related information. You may examine the MCAI on 
the internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and 
locating Docket No. FAA-2018-0372.

(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 the AD specifies otherwise.
    (i) Pacific Aerospace Mandatory Service Bulletin PACSB/XL/083, 
Issue 2, dated January 16, 2018.
    (ii) Reserved.
    (3) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Pacific Aerospace Limited, Airport Road, Hamilton, Private Bag 3027, 
Hamilton 3240, New Zealand; phone: +64 7843 6144; fax: +64 843 6134; 
email: [email protected]; internet: www.aerospace.co.nz.
    (4) You may view this 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. It is also available on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for locating Docket No. FAA-2018-
0372.
    (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/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on May 4, 2018.
Melvin J. Johnson,
Deputy Director, Policy & Innovation Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2018-10025 Filed 5-14-18; 8:45 am]
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