Airworthiness Directives; Vulcanair S.p.A. P 68 Series Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 67, Number 186 (Wednesday, September 25, 2002)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 60114-60117]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 02-24179]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2002-CE-13-AD; Amendment 39-12888; AD 2002-19-08]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Vulcanair S.p.A. P 68 Series Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) that 
applies to certain Vulcanair S.p.A. (Vulcanair) P 68 series airplanes. 
This AD requires you to inspect the flight and engine control systems 
to ensure that there is correct connecting bolt and linkage 
installation, no interference, and correct installation of certain 
components. This AD also requires you to make any necessary adjustments 
and modify and install the split link and full travel limit assembly. 
This AD is the result of mandatory continuing airworthiness information 
(MCAI) issued by the airworthiness authority for Italy. The actions 
specified by this AD are intended to prevent failure of the primary 
flight control system caused by certain configurations. Such failure 
could lead to loss of airplane flight control.

DATES: This AD becomes effective on November 8, 2002.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in the regulations as of 
November 8, 2002.

ADDRESSES: You may get the service information referenced in this AD 
from Vulcanair S.p.A., Via G. Pascoli 7, 80026 Casoria (Naples) Italy, 
telephone: +39.081.5918111; facsimile: +39.081.5918172. You may view 
this information at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Central 
Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, Attention: Rules Docket No. 
2002-CE-13-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: Doug Rudolph, Aerospace Engineer, FAA, 
Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas City, Missouri 
64106; telephone: (816) 329-4059; facsimile: (816) 329-4090.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Discussion

What Events Have Caused This AD?

    The Ente Nazionale per l'Aviazione Civile (ENAC), which is the 
airworthiness authority for Italy, recently notified FAA that an unsafe 
condition may exist on certain Vulcanair Models P 68, P 68B, P 68C, P 
68C-TC, P 68 ``OBSERVER'', AP68TP300 ``SPARTACUS'', P68TC ``OBSERVER'', 
AP68TP 600 ``VIATOR'', and P68 ``OBSERVER 2'' airplanes. The ENAC 
reports several instances of incorrectly installed bolts, missing nuts, 
and the presence of interference between the forward control lever 
assembly and the airframe.

What Is the Potential Impact if FAA Took No Action?

    If not detected and corrected, these conditions could result in 
failure of the primary flight controls. Such failure could lead to loss 
of airplane flight control.

Has FAA Taken Any Action to This Point?

    We issued a proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal Aviation 
Regulations (14 CFR part 39) to include an AD that would apply to 
certain Vulcanair P 68 series airplanes. This proposal was published in 
the Federal Register as a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) on July 
15, 2002 (67 FR 46427). The NPRM proposed to require you to:

--Inspect for interference between the control column interconnection 
chain and the engine control pedestal assembly when the flight controls 
are in the maximum nose-down position;
--Inspect to ensure that the split link is correctly installed in the 
chain and that the lock-wire is present and undamaged;
--Make any necessary adjustments;
--Modify and install the split link and full travel limit assembly;

[[Page 60115]]

--Inspect all control cable and control rod connecting bolts and 
linkages for proper installation;
--Inspect for interference between the flight control components and 
the airframe installations;
--Make any necessary adjustments; and
--Inspect for the correct installation of the part number AN24-18A bolt 
that connects the forward control cable rod to the control column and 
reinstalling if necessary.

Was the Public Invited To Comment?

    The FAA encouraged interested persons to participate in the making 
of this amendment. We did not receive any comments on the proposed rule 
or on our determination of the cost to the public.

FAA's Determination

What Is FAA's Final Determination on This Issue?

    After careful review of all available information related to the 
subject presented above, we have determined that air safety and the 
public interest require the adoption of the rule as proposed except for 
minor editorial corrections. We have determined that these minor 
corrections:

--Provide the intent that was proposed in the NPRM for correcting the 
unsafe condition; and
--Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was already 
proposed in the NPRM.

Cost Impact

How Many Airplanes Does This AD Impact?

    We estimate that this AD affects 58 airplanes in the U.S. registry. 
The actions specified in Vulcanair P68 Series Service Bulletin No. 110 
affect 15 U.S.-registered airplanes. The actions specified in Vulcanair 
P68 Series Service Bulletin No. 111, Rev. 1, affect 58 U.S.-registered 
airplanes.

What Is the Cost Impact of This AD on Owners/Operators of the Affected 
Airplanes?

    We estimate the following costs to accomplish the inspections and 
modifications of Vulcanair P68 Series Service Bulletin No. 110:

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                 Total cost per   Total cost  on
                          Labor cost                              Parts cost        airplane     U.S.  operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
7 workhours x $60 per hour = $420............................            $150             $570           $8,550
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    We estimate the following costs to accomplish the inspections of 
Vulcanair P68 Series Service Bulletin No. 111, Rev. 1:

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                Total cost  per   Total cost  on
                  Labor cost                              Parts cost                airplane     U.S.  operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4 workhours x $60 per hour = $240............  None...........................            $240          $13,920
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The FAA has no method of determining the number of necessary 
adjustments each owner/operator will incur if connecting bolts, 
linkage, etc. were found incorrectly installed. We estimate the cost to 
be minor.

Compliance Time of This AD

What Will Be the Compliance Time of This AD?

    The compliance time of this AD is ``within the next 30 days after 
the effective date of the AD.''

Why Is the Compliance Time Presented in Calendar Time Instead of Hours 
Time-in-Service (TIS)?

    The compliance of this AD is presented in calendar time instead of 
hours TIS because these missing or incorrectly installed parts is due 
to a lack of quality control at the factory. The problem has the same 
chance of existing on an airplane with 50 hours TIS as it would for an 
airplane with 1,000 hours TIS. Therefore, we believe that 30 days will:

--Ensure that the unsafe condition does not go undetected for a long 
period of time on the affected airplanes; and
--Not inadvertently ground any of the affected airplanes.

Regulatory Impact

Does This AD Impact Various Entities?

    The regulations adopted herein 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, it 
is determined that this final rule does not have federalism 
implications under Executive Order 13132.

Does This AD Involve a Significant Rule or Regulatory Action?

    For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this action (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); and (3) 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. A copy of the final evaluation prepared for this 
action is contained in the Rules Docket. A copy of it may be obtained 
by contacting the Rules Docket at the location provided under the 
caption ADDRESSES.

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 Federal Aviation Administration 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 Sec.  39.13 by adding a new AD to read as follows:

2002-19-08 Vulcanair S.P.A.: Amendment 39-12888; Docket No. 2002-CE-
13-AD.

    (a) What airplanes are affected by this AD? This AD affects the 
following airplane models and serial numbers that are certificated 
in any category:
    (1) Group 1 Airplanes: Model P 68 ``OBSERVER 2'', serial numbers 
401 through 411.
    (2) Group 2 Airplanes: Model P 68 ``OBSERVER 2'', serial numbers 
412 and 413.

[[Page 60116]]

    (3) Group 3 Airplanes: Model P 68C, serial number 402.
    (4) Group 4 Airplanes:

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            Model                             Serial Nos.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
P 68 ``OBSERVER''...........  All serial numbers through 411.
-----------------------------
P 68 ``OBSERVER 2''.........  All serial numbers through 400.
-----------------------------
P68TC ``OBSERVER''..........  All serial numbers through 411.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Group 5 Airplanes:

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                    Model                                               Serial Numbers
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AP68TP300 ``SPARTACUS''.....................  All serial numbers through 413.
---------------------------------------------
P 68........................................  All serial numbers through 413.
---------------------------------------------
P 68 ``OBSERVER''...........................  412 and 413.
P 68 B......................................  All serial numbers through 413.
---------------------------------------------
P 68C.......................................  All serial numbers through 401 and 403 through 413.
---------------------------------------------
P 68C-TC....................................  All serial numbers through 413.
---------------------------------------------
P68TC ``OBSERVER''..........................  412 and 413.
---------------------------------------------
P68TP 600 ``VIATOR''........................  All serial numbers through 413.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (b) Who must comply with this AD? Anyone who wishes to operate 
any of the airplanes identified in paragraphs (a) (1) through (a)(5) 
of this AD must comply with this AD.
    (c) What problem does this AD address? The actions specified by 
this AD are intended to prevent failure of the primary flight 
control system caused by certain configurations. Such failure could 
lead to loss of airplane flight control.
    (d) What actions must I accomplish to address this problem? To 
address this problem, you must accomplish the following:

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                                                                    Airplane groups
               Actions                        Compliance                affected                Procedures
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) Inspect the connecting bolts in    Within the next 30 days  Group 1, Group 2, and    Inspect in accordance
 the stabilator, rudder, aileron, and   after November 8, 2002   Group 3.                 with paragraph 2. WORK
 flap controls to verify the correct    (the effective date of                            PROCEDURE, 2.1 PART A,
 installation and inspect the forward   this AD). Perform                                 of Vulcanair P68
 control lever for interference with    necessary repairs                                 Series Service
 the airframe.                          prior to further                                  Bulletin No. 111 Rev.
(i) If interference or any incorrect    flight after the                                  1, dated February 20,
 installations are found during the     inspection in which                               2002. Repair in
 inspections, obtain a repair scheme    the interference or                               accordance with the
 from the manufacturer through the      any incorrect                                     repair scheme obtained
 FAA at the address specified in        installation is found.                            from Vulcanair S.p.A.,
 paragraph (f) of this AD.                                                                Via G. Pascoli 7,
(ii) Incorporate this repair scheme..                                                     80026 Casoria (Naples)
                                                                                          Italy. Obtain this
                                                                                          repair scheme through
                                                                                          the FAA at the address
                                                                                          specified in paragraph
                                                                                          (f) of this AD
--------------------------------------
(2) Accomplish the following           Inspect within the next  Group 1 and Group 4....  In accordance with the
 inspections:                           30 days after November                            WORK PROCEDURE section
(i) Inspect to ensure that there is     8, 2002 (the effective                            of Vulcanair P68
 no interference between the control    date of this AD). Make                            Series Service
 column interconnection chain and       any necessary                                     Bulletin No. 110,
 engine control pedestal assembly       corrections or repairs                            dated March 19, 2002.
 when the flight controls are in the    prior to further                                  Repair in accordance
 maximum nose down position. Correct    flight after the                                  with the repair scheme
 any interference as specified in the   inspection where the                              obtained from
 service information or obtain a        problem is found.                                 Vulcanair S.p.A., Via
 repair scheme from the manufacturer                                                      G. Pascoli 7, 80026
 through FAA at the address specified                                                     Casoria (Naples)
 in paragraph (f) of this AD, as                                                          Italy. Obtain this
 applicable.                                                                              repair scheme through
                                                                                          the FAA at the address
                                                                                          specified in paragraph
                                                                                          (f) of this AD.

[[Page 60117]]

 
(ii) Inspect to ensure that the split
 link (part number NOR7.059-1) is
 correctly installed in the chain and
 that the lock-wire is present,
 undamaged, and installed correctly.
 Make any necessary corrections.
--------------------------------------
(3) Install and modify the following:  Within the next 30 days  Group 1 and Group 4....  In accordance with the
(i) Split Link, part number NOR7.059-   after November 8, 2002                            WORK PROCEDURE section
 1..                                    (the effective date of                            of Vulcanair P68
(ii) Full Travel Limit Assembly, part   this AD).                                         Series Service
 number 5.3077-1/-2..                                                                     Bulletin No. 110,
                                                                                          dated March 19, 2002.
--------------------------------------
(4) Inspect bolt part number AN24-18A  Within the next 30 days  Group 1, Group 2, Group  In accordance with the
 to verify the correct installation     after November 8, 2002   3, Group 4, and Group    WORK PROCEDURE section
 and inspect for the existence of a     (the effective date of   5.                       of Vulcanair P68
 part number MS21083N4 nut. Correctly   this AD). Install                                 Series Service
 install an incorrectly installed       prior to further                                  Bulletin No. 111 Rev.
 bolt and, if missing, install the      flight after the                                  1, dated February 20,
 nut.                                   inspection where                                  2002.
                                        problems are found.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (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 Standards Office 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 Standards Office Manager.

    Note 1: 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.


    Note 2: The FAA recommends that owners/operators report results 
of all inspections required in paragraphs (d)(1), (d)(2)(i), 
(d)(2)(ii), and (d)(4) of this AD to the manufacturer as stated in 
the service bulletins.

    (f) Where can I get information about any already-approved 
alternative methods of compliance? Contact Doug Rudolph, Aerospace 
Engineer, FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Room 301, 
Kansas City, Missouri 64106; telephone: (816) 329-4059; facsimile: 
(816) 329-4090.
    (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 
Sec. Sec.  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? Actions required by this AD must be done in accordance 
with Vulcanair P68 Series Service Bulletin No. 110, dated March 19, 
2002, and Vulcanair P68 Series Service Bulletin No. 111 Rev. 1, 
dated February 20, 2002. The Director of the Federal Register 
approved this incorporation by reference under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 
CFR part 51. You may get copies from Vulcanair S.p.A., Via G. 
Pascoli 7, 80026 Casoria, Naples, Italy. You may view copies at the 
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.

    Note 3: The subject of this AD is addressed in Italian AD Number 
2002-212, dated March 28, 2002; and Italian AD Number 2002-155, 
dated February 22, 2002.

    (i) When does this amendment become effective? This amendment 
becomes effective on November 8, 2002.

    Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on September 17, 2002.
Michael Gallagher,
Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 02-24179 Filed 9-24-02; 8:45 am]
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