Airworthiness Directives; Polskie Zaklady Lotnicze Spolka zo.o. Models PZL M18, PZL M18A, and PZL M18B Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 65, Number 180 (Friday, September 15, 2000)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 55891-55893]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 00-23322]



[[Page 55891]]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 99-CE-84-AD; Amendment 39-11897; AD 2000-18-12]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Polskie Zaklady Lotnicze Spolka zo.o. 
Models PZL M18, PZL M18A, and PZL M18B Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

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SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) that 
applies to all Polskie Zaklady Lotnicze Spolka zo.o. (PZL-Mielac) 
Models PZL M18, PZL M18A, and PZL M18B airplanes. This AD requires you 
to repetitively inspect the centerwing-to-outboard wing attach joints 
for cracks in the lugs, corrosion in the main holes, and ovalization of 
the main holes; repair corrosion and apply anti-corrosion protection; 
replace the wing attach joints, as necessary; and eliminate any 
ovalization of the wing main joint holes. This AD is the result two 
instances of in-flight wing separation on Model PZL M18A airplanes 
where severe corrosion and pitting led to high stress concentrations on 
the wing attachment joints. The actions specified by this AD are 
intended to detect and correct cracks in the lugs, corrosion in the 
main holes, and ovalization of the main holes, in the centerwing-to-
outboard wing attach joints. Such damage could result in failure of the 
joints with consequent in-flight wing separation.

DATES: This amendment becomes effective on September 27, 2000.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in the regulations as of 
September 27, 2000.
    The FAA must receive any comments on this rule on or before October 
17, 2000.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to FAA, Central Region, Office 
of the Regional Counsel, Attention: Rules Docket No. 99-CE-84-AD, 901 
Locust, Room 506, Kansas City, Missouri 64106.
    You may get the service information referenced in this AD from 
Polskie Zaklady Lotnicze Spolka zo.o., Wojska Polskiego 3, 39-300 
Mielec, Poland; telephone: 48 17 788 7818; e-mail: [email protected]. 
You may examine this information at FAA, Central Region, Office of the 
Regional Counsel, Attention: Rules Docket No. 99-CE-84-AD, 901 Locust, 
Room 506, Kansas City, Missouri 64106; or at the Office of the Federal 
Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW, suite 700, Washington, DC.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Brain Hancock, Aerospace Engineer, 
FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas City, 
Missouri 64106; telephone: (816) 329-4143; facsimile: (816) 329-4090.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:   

Discussion

    What events have caused this AD? The FAA has received reports of 
two instances of in-flight wing separation on Model PZL M18A airplanes.
    Investigation of the occurrences reveals that severe corrosion and 
pitting led to high stress concentrations on the centerwing-to-outboard 
wing attach joints. This resulted in cracks that ran radially from the 
bore of the fitting. The cracking consequently caused the in-flight 
separation of the wing on the two airplanes.
    The Models PZL M18, PZL M18A, and PZL M18B incorporate a similar 
type design.
    What are the consequences if the condition is not corrected? 
Cracked or corroded centerwing-to-outboard wing attach joints could 
result in failure of the joints with consequent in-flight wing 
separation.

Relevant Service Information

    Is there service information that applies to this subject? Polskie 
Zaklady Lotnicze Co. Ltd. has issued Service Bulletin No. E/02.170/
2000, dated August 3, 2000.
    What are the provisions of this service bulletin? This service 
bulletin includes procedures for:
--Inspecting the centerwing-to-outboard wing attach joints for cracks 
in the lugs, corrosion in the main holes, and ovalization of the main 
holes;
--Repairing corrosion and applying anti-corrosion protection;
--Replacing the wing attach joints; and
--Eliminating ovalization of the wing main joint holes.

The FAA's Determination and an Explanation of the Provisions of the 
AD

    What has FAA decided? After examining the circumstances and 
reviewing all available information related to the incidents described 
above, FAA has determined that:

--An unsafe condition exists or could develop on PZL-Mielac Models PZL 
M18, PZL M18A, and PZL M18B airplanes of the same type design to those 
referenced above;
--The actions specified in the above service bulletin should be 
incorporated on the affected airplanes; and
--AD action should be taken to detect and correct cracks in the lugs, 
corrosion in the main holes, and ovalization of the main holes, in the 
centerwing-to-outboard wing attach joints. Such damage could result in 
failure of the joints with consequent in-flight wing separation.

    What does this AD require? This AD requires you to:

--Repetitively inspect the centerwing-to-outboard wing attach joints 
for cracks in the lugs, corrosion in the main holes, and ovalization of 
the main holes;
--Repair corrosion and apply anti-corrosion protection;
--Replace the wing attach joints, as necessary; and
--Eliminate any ovalization of the wing main joint holes.
    You must use magnetic particle methods to accomplish the 
inspection, and use the procedures included in the maintenance manual. 
All other procedures to accomplish this AD are included in Polskie 
Zaklady Lotnicze Co. Ltd. Service Bulletin No. E/02.170/2000, dated 
August 3, 2000.
    We will give initial inspection credit to any owner/operator where 
the centerwing-to-outboard attach joints were inspected within the last 
9 months using magnetic particle methods as specified in the 
maintenance manual.
    What is the compliance time of this AD? The initial inspection 
compliance time of this AD is ``Upon accumulating 3,000 hours time-in-
service (TIS) on the airplane or within 30 calendar days after the 
effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later.'' The repetitive 
compliance time of this AD is ``Within 500 hours TIS or 12 calendar 
months after the initial inspection, whichever occurs first; and 
thereafter at intervals not to exceed 500 hours or 12 calendar months, 
whichever occurs first.''
    Why is the compliance presented in both calendar time and hours 
time-in-service (TIS)? Unless you accomplished the initial inspection 
within the last 9 calendar months from the effective date of the AD, 
you must accomplish the initial inspection when the airplane has 
accumulated 3,000 hours TIS or 30 days, whichever occurs later. Since 
most of the affected airplanes have accumulated more than 3,000 hours 
TIS, the 30 days allows a grace period of 30 days for those airplanes. 
This will assure that:

--The high TIS airplanes have the inspection accomplished within 30 
days;

[[Page 55892]]

--The low TIS airplanes will have the inspection accomplished at 3,000 
hours total TIS; and
--None of the affected airplanes will be unnecessarily grounded as a 
result of this action.

    The repetitive compliance time assures that cracks and corrosion do 
not go undetected on all airplanes by:

--Requiring inspection within 500 hours TIS on the high-usage 
airplanes; and
--Requiring inspection within 12 calendar months on the low-usage 
airplanes.

    This would allow the airplane owners/operators to schedule the 
inspections at regularly scheduled maintenance activities.
    Will I have the opportunity to comment prior to the issuance of the 
rule? Because the unsafe condition described in this document could 
result in an in-flight separation of the wing, FAA finds that notice 
and opportunity for public prior comment are impracticable. Therefore, 
good cause exists for making this amendment effective in less than 30 
days.

Comments Invited

    How do I comment on this AD? Although this action is in the form of 
a final rule and was not preceded by notice and opportunity for public 
comment, we invite your comments on the rule. You may submit whatever 
written data, views, or arguments you choose. You need to include the 
rule's docket number and submit your comments in triplicate to the 
address specified under the caption ADDRESSES. We will consider all 
comments received on or before the closing date specified above. We may 
amend this rule in light of comments received. Factual information that 
supports your ideas and suggestions is extremely helpful in evaluating 
the effectiveness of the AD action and determining whether we need to 
take additional rulemaking action.
    Are there any specific portions of the AD I should pay attention 
to? The FAA specifically invites comments on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the rule that might 
suggest a need to modify the rule. You may examine all comments we 
receive before and after the closing date of the rule in the Rules 
Docket. We will file a report in the Rules Docket that summarizes each 
FAA contact with the public that concerns the substantive parts of this 
AD.
    The FAA is reviewing the writing style we currently use in 
regulatory documents, in response to the Presidential memorandum of 
June 1, 1998. That memorandum requires federal agencies to communicate 
more clearly with the public. We are interested in your comments on 
whether the style of this document is clearer, and any other 
suggestions you might have to improve the clarity of FAA communications 
that affect you. You can get more information about the Presidential 
memorandum and the plain language initiative at http://www.plainlanguage.gov.
    How can I be sure FAA receives my comment? If you want us to 
acknowledge the receipt of your comments, you must include a self-
addressed, stamped postcard. On the postcard, write ``Comments to 
Docket No. 99-CE-84-AD.'' We will date stamp and mail the postcard back 
to you.

Regulatory Impact

    Does this AD impact relations between Federal and State 
governments?
    These regulations 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. Therefore, FAA has determined that this 
final rule does not have federalism implications under Executive Order 
13132.
    Does this AD involve a significant rule or regulatory action? The 
FAA has determined that this regulation is an emergency regulation that 
must be issued immediately to correct an unsafe condition in aircraft, 
and is not a significant regulatory action under Executive Order 12866. 
It has been determined further that this action involves an emergency 
regulation under DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034, 
February 26, 1979). If it is determined that this emergency regulation 
otherwise would be significant under DOT Regulatory Policies and 
Procedures, a final regulatory evaluation will be prepared and placed 
in the Rules Docket (otherwise, an evaluation is not required). A copy 
of it, if filed, may be obtained from the Rules Docket.

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, FAA amends part 39 of the Federal Aviation Regulations 
(14 CFR part 39) as follows:

PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

    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]

    2. FAA amends Section 39.13 by adding a new airworthiness directive 
(AD) to read as follows:

2000-18-12  Polskie Zaklady Lotnicze Spolka zo.o.: Amendment 39-
11897; Docket No. 99-CE-84-AD.
    (a) What airplanes are affected by this AD? This AD applies to 
Models PZL M18, PZL M18A, and PZL M18B airplanes, all serial 
numbers, certificated in any category.
    (b) Who must comply with this AD? Anyone who wishes to operate 
any of the above airplanes on the U.S. Register must comply with 
this AD.
    (c) What problem does this AD address? The actions specified by 
this AD are intended to detect and correct cracks in the lugs, 
corrosion in the main holes, and ovalization of the main holes, in 
the centerwing-to-outboard wing attach joints. Such damage could 
result in failure of the joints with consequent in-flight wing 
separation.
    (d) What must I do to address this problem? To address this 
problem, you must accomplish the following:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
           Action                Compliance time         Procedures
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) Inspect, using magnetic   (i) Initial           As specified in
 particle methods, the         inspection: Unless    Polskie Zak Ady
 centerwing-to-outboard wing   you have              Lotnicze Co. Ltd.
 attach joints for cracks in   accomplished the      Service Bulletin
 the lugs, corrosion in the    required inspection   No. E/02.170/2000,
 main holes, and ovalization   since December 27,    dated August 3,
 of the main holes.            1999 (9 months        2000. Use the
                               before the            magnetic particle
                               effective date of     inspection
                               the AD), accomplish   procedures that are
                               upon accumulating     in the maintenance
                               3,000 hours time-in-  manual for these
                               service (TIS) on      inspections.
                               the airplane or
                               within 30 days
                               after September 27,
                               2000 (the effective
                               date of this AD),
                               whichever occurs
                               later.
                              (ii) Repetitive
                               inspections:

[[Page 55893]]

 
                              (A) For existing
                               attach joints:
                               Within 500 hours
                               TIS or 12 calendar
                               months, whichever
                               occurs first, after
                               the initial
                               inspection; and
                               thereafter at
                               intervals not to
                               exceed 500 hours
                               TIS or 12 calendar
                               months, whichever
                               occurs first. The
                               first repetitive
                               inspection starts
                               at 12 calendar
                               months after the
                               last inspection for
                               those airplanes
                               that already had
                               the initial
                               inspection
                               accomplished since
                               December 27, 1999
                               (9 months before
                               the effective date
                               of this AD).
                              (B) For new attach
                               joints: Upon
                               accumulating 3,000
                               hours TIS on the
                               joint, and
                               thereafter at
                               intervals not to
                               exceed 500 hours
                               TIS or 12 calendar
                               months, whichever
                               occurs first.
(2) After each inspection,    Prior to further      In accordance with
 repair corrosion damage       flight after the      the procedures in
 found to the extent allowed   inspection where      Polskie Zak Ady
 in the service bulletin and   the discrepancy was   Lotnicze Co. Ltd.
 apply anti-corrosion          found.                Service Bulletin
 protection.                                         No. E/02.170/2000,
                                                     dated August 3,
                                                     2000.
(3) After each inspection,    Prior to further      In accordance with
 replace the wing attach       flight after the      the procedures in
 joints if found cracked or    inspection where      Polskie Zak Ady
 if the corrosion damage is    the discrepancy was   Lotnicze Co. Ltd.
 more than is specified in     found.                Service Bulletin
 the service bulletin.                               No. E/02.170/2000,
                                                     dated August 3,
                                                     2000.
(4) After each inspection,    Prior to further      In accordance with
 eliminate any ovalization     flight after the      the procedures in
 of the wing main joint        inspection where      Polskie Zak Ady
 holes.                        the discrepancy was   Lotnicze Co. Ltd.
                               found.                Service Bulletin
                                                     No. E/02.170/2000,
                                                     dated August 3,
                                                     2000.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (e) Can I comply with this AD in any other way? You may use an 
alternative method of compliance or adjust the compliance time if:
    (1) Your alternative method of compliance provides an equivalent 
level of safety; and
    (2) The Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, approves your 
alternative. Submit your request through an FAA Principal 
Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send it to the 
Manager, Small Airplane Directorate.

    Note: This AD applies to each airplane identified in paragraph 
(a) of this AD, regardless of whether it has been modified, altered, 
or repaired in the area subject to the requirements of this AD. For 
airplanes that have been modified, altered, or repaired so that the 
performance of the requirements of this AD is affected, the owner/
operator must request approval for an alternative method of 
compliance in accordance with paragraph (e) of this AD. The request 
should include an assessment of the effect of the modification, 
alteration, or repair on the unsafe condition addressed by this AD; 
and, if you have not eliminated the unsafe condition, specific 
actions you propose to address it.

    (f) Where can I get information about any already-approved 
alternative methods of compliance? Contact the Small Airplane 
Directorate, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas City, Missouri 64106; 
telephone: (816) 329-4121; facsimile: (816) 329-4091.
    (g) What if I need to fly the airplane to another location to 
comply with this AD? The FAA can issue a special flight permit under 
sections 21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 
CFR 21.197 and 21.199) to operate your airplane to a location where 
you can accomplish the requirements of this AD.
    (h) Are any service bulletins incorporated into this AD by 
reference? You must accomplish the actions required by this AD in 
accordance with Polskie Zak Ady Lotnicze Co. Ltd. Service Bulletin 
No. E/02.170/2000, dated August 3, 2000. The Director of the Federal 
Register approved this incorporation by reference under 5 U.S.C. 
552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. You can get copies from Polskie Zaklady 
Lotnicze Spolka zo.o., Wojska Polskiego 3, 39-300 Mielec, Poland. 
You may look at copies at FAA, Central Region, Office of the 
Regional Counsel, 901 Locust, Room 506, Kansas City, Missouri, or at 
the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW, 
suite 700, Washington, DC.
    (i) When does this amendment become effective? This amendment 
becomes effective on September 27, 2000.

    Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on September 5, 2000.
Michael Gallagher,
Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 00-23322 Filed 9-14-00; 8:45 am]
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