Document ID: FAA-2016-1363-0004
Agency: faa
Document Type: Rule
Title: Airworthiness Directives: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. Airplanes
Posted Date: 2016-05-02T04:00Z

[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 84 (Monday, May 2, 2016)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 26097-26099]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-09239]

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  Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 84 / Monday, May 2, 2016 / Rules and 
Regulations  

[[Page 26097]]

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2016-1363; Directorate Identifier 2015-CE-040-AD; 
Amendment 39-18496; AD 2016-08-19]
RIN 2120-AA64

Airworthiness Directives; Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. 
Airplanes

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

ACTION: Final rule.

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

SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain 
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. Models MU-2B-30, MU-2B-35, MU-2B-36, 
MU-2B-36A, and MU-2B-60 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 cracks found in the attach fittings of the main 
landing gear oleo strut. We are issuing this AD to require actions to 
address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective June 6, 2016.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in the AD as of June 6, 2016.

ADDRESSES: You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2016-
1363; or in person at Document Management Facility, U.S. Department of 
Transportation, Docket Operations, 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 Mitsubishi 
Heavy Industries America, Inc., c/o Turbine Aircraft Services, Inc., 
4550 Jimmy Doolittle Drive, Addison, Texas 75001; telephone: (972) 248-
3108, ext. 209; fax: (972) 248-3321; Internet: http://mu-2aircraft.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. It is also available on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for Docket No. FAA-2016-1363.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Andrew McAnaul, Aerospace Engineer, 
FAA, ASW-143 (c/o San Antonio MIDO), 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 issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR 
part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to certain Mitsubishi Heavy 
Industries, Ltd. Models MU-2B-30, MU-2B-35, MU-2B-36, MU-2B-36A, and 
MU-2B-60 airplanes. The NPRM was published in the Federal Register on 
January 26, 2016 (81 FR 4217). The NPRM proposed to correct an unsafe 
condition for the specified products and was based on mandatory 
continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) originated by an aviation 
authority of another country.
    The Japan Civil Aviation Bureau (JCAB), which is the aviation 
authority for Japan, has issued AD No. TCD-8595-2015, dated July 1, 
2015 (referred to after this as ``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe 
condition for certain Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. (MHI) Models 
MU-2B-30, MU-2B-35, and MU-2B-36 airplanes. You may examine the MCAI on 
the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov/#!docketDetail;D=FAA-2016-
1363.
    We have received reports of seven failures of the main landing gear 
oleo strut attach fitting on certain MHI Models MU-2B-30, MU-2B-35, MU-
2B-36, MU-2B-36A, and MU-2B-60 airplanes. Investigation revealed that 
the failures resulted from improper lubrication and/or hard landings, 
which caused cracks to develop in the main landing gear oleo strut 
attach fitting.
    Japan is the State of Design for MHI Models MU-2B-30, MU-2B-35, and 
MU-2B-36 airplanes, which the MCAI AD applies to, and the United States 
is the State of Design for MHI Models MU-2B-36A and MU-2B-60 airplanes.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this AD. We received no comments on the NPRM (81 FR 4217, January 26, 
2016) or on the determination of the cost to the public.

Conclusion

    We reviewed the relevant data and determined that air safety and 
the public interest require adopting the AD as proposed except for 
minor editorial changes. We have determined that these minor changes:
     Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the 
NPRM (81 FR 4217, January 26, 2016) for correcting the unsafe 
condition; and
     Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was 
already proposed in the NPRM (81 FR 4217, January 26, 2016).

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    We reviewed Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. MU-2 Service Bulletin 
No. 243, dated June 30, 2015, and MU-2 Service Bulletin No. 105/32-017, 
dated September 29, 2015. The service information describes procedures 
for visually inspecting the lugs of the oleo attach fittings on both 
sides for cracks, and if any visible cracks are found, replacing with a 
new fitting. We also reviewed Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. MU-2 
Service News JCAB T.C.: No. 171, FAA T.C.: No. 124/32-011, dated April 
27, 2012, and MU-2 Service News JCAB T.C.: No. 176, FAA T.C.: No. 128/
32-013, dated July 18, 2013. This service information specifies doing 
repetitive ultrasound inspections of the main landing gear oleo upper 
attach fittings for cracks and ensuring proper lubrication of the main 
landing gear oleo fitting. 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.

[[Page 26098]]

Differences Between This AD and the MCAI

    We have determined that the repetitive visual inspections specified 
in the MCAI are not adequate for detecting cracks in the main landing 
gear oleo strut attach fitting. Repetitive ultrasonic inspections of 
the main landing gear oleo strut attach fitting have been added into 
the maintenance requirement manual for these airplanes, which is not 
considered mandatory in the FAA's airworthiness regulatory system. 
Therefore, we are incorporating that requirement through the rulemaking 
process.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD will affect 95 products of U.S. registry. 
We also estimate that it will take about 5 work-hours per product to 
comply with the visual inspection requirement of this AD. The average 
labor rate is $85 per work-hour.
    Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of the visual 
inspection requirements of this AD on U.S. operators to be $40,375, or 
$425 per product.
    We also estimate that it will take about 3 work-hours per product 
to comply with the ultrasound inspection requirements of this AD. The 
average labor rate is $85 per work-hour.
    Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of the ultrasound 
inspection requirements of this AD on U.S. operators to be $24,225, or 
$255 per product.
    Owner/operators have the option to do an ultrasound inspection in 
lieu of the required visual inspection.
    In addition, we estimate that any necessary follow-on actions will 
take about 24 work-hours and require parts costing $5,220, for a cost 
of $7,260 per product to replace the left-hand main landing gear oleo 
strut. We have no way of determining the number of products that may 
need this action.
    In addition, we also estimate that any necessary follow-on actions 
will take about 45 work-hours and require parts costing $5,220, for a 
cost of $9,045 per product to replace the right-hand main landing gear 
oleo strut. We have no way of determining the number of products that 
may need this action.

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 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.

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-2016-
1363; 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 the NPRM, 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.

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 AD:

2016-08-19 Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.: Amendment 39-18496; 
Docket No. FAA-2016-1363; Directorate Identifier 2015-CE-040-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective June 6, 
2016.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. Models MU-
2B-30, MU-2B-35, and MU-2B-36 airplanes, serial numbers 502 through 
696, except 652 and 661, and Models MU-2B-36A and MU-2B-60 
airplanes, serial numbers 661SA, and 697SA through 1569SA, 
certificated in any category.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association of America (ATA) Code 32: Landing 
Gear.

(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 reports of 
cracks found in the upper attach fittings of the main landing gear 
oleo strut. We are issuing this AD to prevent failure of the main 
landing gear oleo strut attach fitting, which could cause the 
landing gear to fail and result in loss of control.

(f) Actions and Compliance

    Unless already done, do the following actions:
    (1) Within the next 100 hours time-in-service (TIS) after June 
6, 2016 (the effective date of this AD) or within the next 6 months 
after June 6, 2016 (the effective date of this AD), whichever occurs 
first, do a visual inspection of the main landing gear oleo upper 
attach fittings for cracks. Do the inspection following the 
INSTRUCTIONS section in Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. MU-2 
Service Bulletin No. 243, dated June 30, 2015, and the INSTRUCTIONS 
section in Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. MU-2 Service Bulletin 
No. 105/32-017, dated September 29, 2015, as applicable.
    (2) Before further flight after the inspection required in 
paragraph (f)(1) of this AD, if no signs of cracks are found, 
lubricate the pin assembly attached to the main landing gear oleo 
attach fitting as specified in Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. MU-
2 Service News JCAB T.C.: No. 171, FAA T.C.: No. 124/32-011, dated 
April 27, 2012.
    (3) Within the next 100 hours TIS after doing the initial visual 
inspection required in

[[Page 26099]]

paragraph (f)(1) of this AD or within the next 12 months after doing 
the initial visual inspection required in paragraph (f)(1) of this 
AD, whichever occurs first, do an ultrasound inspection of the main 
landing gear oleo upper attach fittings for cracks as specified in 
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. MU-2 Service News JCAB T.C.: No. 
176, FAA T.C.: No. 128/32-013, dated July 18, 2013. This ultrasound 
inspection may also be done in place of the visual inspection 
required in paragraph (f)(1) of this AD if done within the next 100 
hours TIS after June 6, 2016 (the effective date of this AD) or 
within the next 6 months after June 6, 2016 (the effective date of 
this AD), whichever occurs first. Repetitively thereafter ultrasound 
inspect the attach fittings every 600 hours TIS or 36 months, 
whichever occurs first, and any time a hard landing or overweight 
landing occurs.
    (4) Before further flight after any inspection required in 
paragraph (f)(3) of this AD, if no signs of cracks are found, 
lubricate the pin assembly attached to the main landing gear oleo 
attach fitting as specified in Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. MU-
2 Service News JCAB T.C.: No. 171, FAA T.C.: No. 124/32-011, dated 
April 27, 2012, and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. MU-2 Service 
News JCAB T.C.: No. 176, FAA T.C.: No. 128/32-013, dated July 18, 
2013.
    (5) Before further flight after any inspection required in 
paragraph (f)(1) and (f)(3) of this AD where cracks are found, 
replace the main landing gear oleo upper attach fittings following 
the INSTRUCTIONS section in Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. MU-2 
Service Bulletin No. 243, dated June 30, 2015, and the INSTRUCTIONS 
sections in Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. MU-2 Service Bulletin 
No. 105/32-017, dated September 29, 2015, as applicable. After 
replacement, continue with the repetitive ultrasound inspection 
requirements of paragraph (f)(3) and lubrication requirements of 
paragraph (f)(4) 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: Andrew McAnaul, Aerospace Engineer, FAA, ASW-
143 (c/o San Antonio MIDO), 10100 Reunion Place, Suite 650, San 
Antonio, Texas 78216; phone: (210) 308-3365; fax: (210) 308-3370; 
email: andrew.mcanaul@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 Japan Civil Aviation Bureau (JCAB) AD No. TCD-
8585-2015, dated July 1, 2015, for related information. You may 
examine the MCAI on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov/#!docketDetail;D=FAA-2016-1363.

(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) Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. MU-2 Service Bulletin No. 
105/32-017, dated September 29, 2015.
    (ii) Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. MU-2 Service Bulletin No. 
243, dated June 30, 2015.
    (iii) Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. MU-2 Service News JCAB 
T.C.: No. 176, FAA T.C.: No. 128/32-013, dated July 18, 2013.
    (iv) Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. MU-2 Service News JCAB 
T.C.: No. 171, FAA T.C.: No. 124/32-011, dated April 27, 2012.
    (3) For Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd service information 
identified in this AD, contact Mitsubishi Heavy Industries America, 
Inc., c/o Turbine Aircraft Services, Inc., 4550 Jimmy Doolittle 
Drive, Addison, Texas 75001; telephone: (972) 248-3108, ext. 209; 
fax: (972) 248-3321; Internet: http://mu-2aircraft.com.
    (4) You may view this 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. In addition, you can access this service information 
on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and 
locating Docket No. FAA-2016-1363.
    (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 April 14, 2016.
Robert P. Busto,
Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2016-09239 Filed 4-29-16; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P