Airworthiness Directives; Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. MU-2B Series Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 68, Number 161 (Wednesday, August 20, 2003)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 50064-50067]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 03-20985]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 97-CE-27-AD; Amendment 39-13278; AD 2003-17-04]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. MU-2B 
Series Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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

SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) that 
applies to certain Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. (Mitsubishi) MU-2B 
series airplanes. This AD requires you to repetitively inspect the 
cockpit windshield and cabin window surfaces for damage (damage is 
defined as crazing, scratches, and cracks). If any of the windshield or 
window surfaces have damage that exceeds certain limits, this AD 
requires you to replace the windshield or window. If the damage does 
not exceed certain limits, this AD allows you to blend out the damage 
following maintenance manual procedures. This AD is the result of 
continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) issued by the airworthiness 
authority for Japan. The actions specified by this AD are intended to 
prevent cockpit windshield or cabin window separation during flight, 
which could result in engine ingestion of glass, wing skin damage, or 
propeller damage, and possible loss of control of the airplane.

DATES: This AD becomes effective on October 3, 2003.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in the regulations as of 
October 3, 2003.

ADDRESSES: You may get the service information referenced in this AD 
from Mitsubishi Heavy Industries America, Inc., 4951 Airport Parkway, 
suite 800, Addison, Texas 75001; telephone: (972) 934-5480; facsimile: 
(972) 934-5488.
    You may view this information at the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), Central Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, 
Attention: Rules Docket No. 97-CE-27-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: Direct all questions to:

--For the airplanes manufactured in Japan (Type Certificate A2PC): Mr. 
Carl Fountain, Aerospace Engineer, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification 
Office, FAA, 3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, California, 90712; 
telephone: (562) 627-5222; facsimile: (562) 627-5210; and
--For the airplanes manufactured in the United States (Type Certificate 
A10SW): Mr. Andy McAnaul, Aerospace Engineer, FAA, Airplane 
Certification Office, 2601 Meacham Boulevard, Fort Worth, Texas 76193-
0150; telephone: (817) 222-5156; facsimile: (817) 222-5960.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

[[Page 50065]]

Discussion

What Events Have Caused This AD?

    The Japanese Civil Airworthiness Bureau (JCAB), which is the 
airworthiness authority for Japan, notified the FAA that an unsafe 
condition may exist on certain Mitsubishi MU-2B series airplanes. The 
JCAB reports that several Mitsubishi MU-2B series airplanes have had 
windshield or window separation during flight. Separation is defined as 
shattering glass. Further analysis shows that the separation is 
happening as a result of repeated cabin pressurization cycles.

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 Mitsubishi MU-2B series airplanes. This proposal was published 
in the Federal Register as a supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking 
(NPRM) on March 26, 2003 (68 FR 14558). The supplemental NPRM proposed 
to require you to:

--Repetitively inspect the cockpit windshield and cabin window surfaces 
for damage (damage would be defined as crazing, scratches, and cracks);
--Blend out the damage if the damage does not exceed certain limits; 
and
--Replace the windshield or window if damage exceeds certain limits.

What Is the Potential Impact if FAA Took No Action?

    This condition, if not corrected, could result in shattering or 
separation of the cockpit windshield or cabin windows during flight, 
which could cause loss of control of the airplane.

Was the Public Invited To Comment?

    The FAA encouraged interested persons to participate in the making 
of this amendment. The following presents the comments received on the 
proposal and FAA's response to each comment:

Comment Issue No. 1: Update the Contact Information for Mitsubishi 
Heavy Industries America, Inc. (MHIA)

What Is the Commenter's Concern?

    MIHA has moved and the contact information should be changed to 
reflect the new address and telephone numbers.

What Is FAA's Response to the Concern?

    We concur and have changed the final rule based on this comment.

Comment Issue No. 2: Remove the Contact Information for Mitsubishi 
Heavy Industries, Nagoya, Japan

What Is the Commenter's Concern?

    MIHA is licensed by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. to maintain 
the type design for Model MU-2B series airplanes. Since MIHA 
manufactures replacement and modification parts for Model MU-2B series 
airplanes and is responsible for worldwide support the these airplanes, 
the reference to Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Nagoya, Japan should be 
removed.

What Is FAA's Response to the Concern?

    We concur and have changed the final rule based on this comment.

Comment Issue No. 3: Clarify Which Service Bulletin Is Applicable to 
the Affected Airplane Models and Serial Numbers

What Is the Commenter's Concern?

    The commenter states that the final rule AD should clearly define 
which service bulletin is applicable to each airplane model and serial 
number in order to facilitate the owners/operators in obtaining the 
correct service bulletin for their airplane.

What Is FAA's Response to the Concern?

    We concur with the commenter. In paragraphs (a)(2)(i) and 
(a)(2)(ii) of the proposed AD, we specifically referenced the affected 
airplane models and serial numbers that are applicable to each service 
bulletin. We have added language in paragraph (d) to further clarify 
this issue.
    We have changed the final rule based on this comment.

Comment Issue No. 4: Update the Cost for Parts and Add Configuration 
Information in the Cost Impact Section

What Is the Commenter's Concern?

    Since the issuance of the proposed AD, the price for replacements 
parts has significantly increased. The cost impact section should be 
changed to reflect current pricing and should also include the number 
of windshields and cabin windows each airplane has in its 
configuration.

What Is FAA's Response to the Concern?

    We concur and have changed the final rule based on this comment.

FAA's Determination

What Is FAA's Final Determination on this Issue?

    After careful reviewed 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 supplemental NPRM for 
correcting the unsafe condition; and
--Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was already 
proposed in the supplemental NPRM.

How Does the Revision to 14 CFR Part 39 Affect This AD?

    On July 10, 2002, FAA published a new version of 14 CFR part 39 (67 
FR 47997, July 22, 2002), which governs FAA's AD system. This 
regulation now includes material that relates to special flight 
permits, alternative methods of compliance, and altered products. This 
material previously was included in each individual AD. Since this 
material is included in 14 CFR part 39, we will not include it in 
future AD actions.

Cost Impact

How Many Airplanes Does This AD Impact?

    We estimate that this AD affects 315 airplanes in the U.S. 
registry.

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

    We estimate the following costs to accomplish the inspection:

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                            Total cost  per
             Labor cost                    Parts cost           airplane         Total cost on U.S. operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
8 workhours x $60 = $480...........  No parts required....            $480   $480 x 315 = $151,200
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


[[Page 50066]]

    We estimate the following costs to accomplish any necessary 
replacements that will be required based on the results of the 
inspection. We have no way of determining the number of airplanes that 
may need such replacement:

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                          Number of     Number of    Total  cost
                                              Parts cost per  part No.    parts per     parts per        per
                 Labor cost                            (P/N)             short body     long body    windshield/
                                                                            model         model        window
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
16 workhours x $60 = $960..................      010A-31450-1 = $6,893             1             1        $7,853
                                                 010A-31450-2 = $6,893             1             1         7,853
                                                 010A-31451-1 = $5,024             1             1         5,984
                                                 010A-31451-2 = $5,029             1             1         5,989
                                                 010A-31874-1 = $4,838             1             1         5,798
                                                 010A-31874-2 = $4,838             1             1         5,798
                                                   010A-31870 = $3,279             2             5         4,239
                                                010A-31870-11 = $3,279             2             2         4,239
                                                   030A-32402 = $2,308             0             1         3,268
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

0
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

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. FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by adding a new AD to read as follows:

2003-17-04 Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd: Amendment 39-13278; 
Docket No. 97-CE-27-AD.

    (a) What airplanes are affected by this AD? This AD affects the 
airplane models and serial numbers specified in paragraphs (a)(2)(i) 
and (a)(2)(ii) of this AD that are equipped with the following part-
numbered windshields and cabin windows and that are certificated in 
any category:

(1) Windshields

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                Part No.                        Type of windshield
------------------------------------------------------------------------
010A-31450-1/-2.........................  Windshield (LH/RH).
010A-31451-1/-2.........................  Cockpit side window (LH/RH).
010A-31874-1/-2.........................  Cockpit side window (LH/RH).
010A-31870..............................  Cabin window.
010A-31870-11...........................  Cabin window (at door).
030A-32402..............................  Long body--small cabin window.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


    Note 1: The heated windshield is excluded from the inspection 
and replacement requirements of this AD.

(2) Airplanes Affected by This AD and Applicable Service Information

    (i) Mitsubishi MU-2 Service Bulletin No. 224C applies to the 
following airplane models and serial numbers:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                  Models                             Serial Nos.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
MU-2B/-10/-15/-20/-25/-26.................  008 through 347 (except 313
                                             and 321).
MU-2B-30/-35/-36..........................  501 through 696 (except 652
                                             and 661).
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (ii) Mitsubishi MU-2 Service Bulletin No. 087/56-001B applies to 
the following airplane models and serial numbers:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                  Models                             Serial Nos.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
MU-2B-25/-26/-26A/-40.....................  313SA, 321SA, and 348SA
                                             through 459SA.
MU-2B-35/-36A/-60.........................  652SA, 661SA, and 697SA
                                             through 1569SA.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (b) Who must comply with this AD? Anyone who wishes to operate 
any of the airplanes identified in paragraph (a) 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 cockpit windshield or cabin window 
separation during flight, which could result in engine ingestion of 
glass, wing skin damage, or propeller damage, and possible loss of 
control of the airplane.
    (d) What actions must I accomplish to address this problem? To 
address this problem, you must accomplish the following:

[[Page 50067]]



------------------------------------------------------------------------
           Actions                 Compliance            Procedures
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) Inspect the cockpit       Within the next 100   In accordance with
 windshields and cabin         hours time-in-        Mitsubishi MU-2
 windows for scratching,       service (TIS) after   Service Bulletin
 crazing, and cracking         October 3, 2003       No. 224 (applicable
 (referred to as damage).      (the effective date   to models and
                               of this AD) and       serial numbers
                               thereafter at         specified in
                               intervals not to      paragraph (a)(2)(i)
                               exceed 100 hours      of this AD and as
                               TIS from the last     specified in
                               inspection, repair    paragraph (f) of
                               or replacement.       this AD) and
                                                     Mitsubishi MU-2
                                                     Service Bulletin
                                                     087/56-001
                                                     (applicable to
                                                     models and serial
                                                     numbers specified
                                                     in paragraph
                                                     (a)(2)(ii) of this
                                                     AD and as specified
                                                     in paragraph (f) of
                                                     this AD).
(2) Replace any window or     Prior to further      In accordance with
 windshield if damaged         flight after the      Mitsubishi MU-2
 beyond the limits specified   inspection in which   Service Bulletin
 in Mitsubishi MU-2 Service    the damage was        No. 224 (applicable
 Bulletin No. 224              found.                to models and
 (applicable to models and                           serial numbers
 serial numbers specified in                         specified in
 paragraph (a)(2)(i) of this                         paragraph (a)(2)(i)
 AD and as specified in                              of this AD and as
 paragraph (f) of this AD)                           specified in
 and Mitsubishi MU-2 Service                         paragraph (f) of
 Bulletin 087/56-001                                 this AD) and
 (applicable to models and                           Mitsubishi MU-2
 serial numbers specified in                         Service Bulletin
 paragraph (a)(2)(ii) of                             087/56-001
 this AD and as specified in                         (applicable to
 paragraph (f) of this AD).                          models and serial
                                                     numbers specified
                                                     in paragraph
                                                     (a)(2)(ii) of this
                                                     AD and as specified
                                                     in paragraph (f) of
                                                     this AD).
(3) Repair any damage in the  Prior to further      In accordance with
 windshield or window that     flight after the      the applicable
 is within the limits          inspection in which   Mitsubishi
 specified in Mitsubishi MU-   the damage was        Maintenance Manual.
 2 Service Bulletin No. 224    found.
 (applicable to models and
 serial numbers specified in
 paragraph (a)(2)(i) of this
 AD and as specified in
 paragraph (f) of this AD)
 and Mitsubishi MU-2 Service
 Bulletin 087/56-001
 (applicable to models and
 serial numbers specified in
 paragraph (a)(2)(ii) of
 this AD and as specified in
 paragraph (f) of this AD).
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (e) Can I comply with this AD in any other way? To use an 
alternative method of compliance or adjust the compliance time, use 
the procedures in 14 CFR 39.19. Send these requests to the Manager, 
Standards Office, Small Airplane Directorate. For information on any 
already approved alternative methods of compliance, direct all 
questions to:
    (1) For the airplanes manufactured in Japan ( Type Certificate 
A2PC): Mr. Carl Fountain, Aerospace Engineer, Los Angeles Aircraft 
Certification Office, FAA, 3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, 
California 90712; telephone: (562) 627-5222; facsimile: (562) 627-
5210; and
    (2) For the airplanes manufactured in the United States (Type 
Certificate A10SW): Mr. Andy McAnaul, Aerospace Engineer, FAA, 
Airplane Certification Office, 2601 Meacham Boulevard, Fort Worth, 
Texas 76193-0150; telephone: (817) 222-5156; facsimile: (817) 222-
5960.
    (f) Are any service bulletins incorporated into this AD by 
reference?
    (1) Actions required by this AD must be done in accordance with 
the following:
    (i) Mitsubishi MU-2 Service Bulletin No. 224 which incorporates 
the following pages:

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
             Affected pages                    Revision level                            Date
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3, 5, and 6............................  Original Issue............  June 30, 1995.
2, 4...................................  B.........................  November 11, 1996.
1......................................  C.........................  April 20, 1998.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (ii) Mitsubishi MU-2 Service Bulletin 087/56-001 which 
incorporates the following pages:

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
             Affected pages                    Revision level                            Date
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3, 5, and 6............................  Original Issue............  June 29, 1995.
2......................................  A.........................  September 26, 1996.
1, 4...................................  B.........................  May 4, 1998.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (2) 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 Mitsubishi Heavy Industries America, Inc., 
4951 Airport Parkway, suite 800, Addison, Texas 75001; telephone: 
(972) 934-5480; facsimile: (972) 934-5488. 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 2: The subject of this AD is addressed in Japanese AD No. 
TCD-4311-95, dated November 15, 1995.

    (i) When does this amendment become effective? This amendment 
becomes effective on October 3, 2003.

    Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on August 12, 2003.
Diane K. Malone,
Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 03-20985 Filed 8-19-03; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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