Airworthiness Directives; Short Brothers Model SD3-60, SD3-SHERPA, and SD3-60 SHERPA Series Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 69, Number 241 (Thursday, December 16, 2004)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 75233-75236]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 04-27331]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2004-18661; Directorate Identifier 2003-NM-273-AD; 
Amendment 39-13901; AD 2004-25-13]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Short Brothers Model SD3-60, SD3-
SHERPA, and SD3-60 SHERPA Series Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: The FAA is superseding an existing airworthiness directive 
(AD), which applies to certain Short Brothers Model SD3-60 and SD3-
SHERPA series airplanes. That AD currently requires a one-time 
inspection to detect cracks and/or corrosion of the gland nut on the 
shock absorber of the main landing gear (MLG), and follow-on actions. 
That AD also requires repair or replacement of any cracked/corroded 
gland nut with a new nut. This new AD adds airplanes to the 
applicability; adds repetitive inspections and corrective actions; and 
provides an optional action that ends the repetitive inspections. This 
AD is prompted by reports of cracked aluminum alloy gland nuts that had 
been inspected previously using the existing AD. We are issuing this AD 
to prevent failure of the aluminum alloy gland nut on the MLG shock 
absorber, which could cause the MLG to collapse.

DATES: This AD becomes effective January 20, 2005.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the AD is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as of 
January 20, 2005.
    On December 11, 1996 (61 FR 57311, November 6, 1996), the Director 
of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of 
certain other publications, as listed in the regulations.

ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this AD, contact Short 
Brothers, Airworthiness & Engineering Quality, P.O. Box 241, Airport 
Road, Belfast BT3 9DZ, Northern Ireland.
    You can examine this information 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/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html.
    You can examine the contents of this AD docket on the Internet at 
http://dms.dot.gov, or in person at the Docket Management Facility, 
U.S. Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, SW., room PL-
401, on the plaza level of the Nassif Building, Washington, DC.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
    Technical information: Todd Thompson, Aerospace Engineer, 
International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056; telephone (425) 
227-1175; fax (425) 227-1149.
    Plain language information: Marcia Walters, [email protected].

Examining the Docket

    The AD docket contains the proposed AD, comments, and any final 
disposition. You can examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://dms.dot.gov, or in person at the Docket Management Facility office 
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal 
holidays. The Docket Management Facility office (telephone (800) 647-
5227) is located on the plaza level of the Nassif Building at the DOT 
street address stated in the ADDRESSES section.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The FAA proposed to amend part 39 of the 
Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) with an AD to supersede 
AD 96-22-09, amendment 39-9797 (61 FR 57311, November 6, 1996). The 
existing AD applies to certain Short Brothers Model SD3-60 and SD3-
SHERPA series airplanes. The proposed AD was published in the Federal 
Register on July 22, 2004 (69 FR 43779). The proposed AD continued to 
require a one-time inspection to detect cracks and/or corrosion of the 
gland nut on the shock absorber of the main landing gear (MLG), and 
follow-on actions. The proposed AD also continued to require repair or 
replacement of any cracked/corroded gland nut with a new nut. The 
proposed AD added airplanes to the applicability; added repetitive 
inspections and corrective actions; and provided an optional action 
that would end the repetitive inspections.

Comments

    We provided the public the opportunity to participate in the 
development of this AD. No comments have been submitted on the proposed 
AD or on the determination of the cost to the public.

Editorial Changes to AD

    Minor editorial changes have been incorporated into this AD. These 
include changes in the following areas:
    <bullet> Summary section, accurately identifying the airplanes 
affected by the AD being superseded.
    <bullet> Note 2 of the body, updating text for the definition of a 
detailed inspection.
    <bullet> Table 3, correcting the dates of certain service bulletins 
and correcting the service bulletin reference for certain other service 
bulletins.
    <bullet> Changing all service bulletin references from ``Short 
Brothers'' service bulletin(s) to ``Shorts'' service bulletin(s). This 
change was made to comply with the Office of the Federal Register's 
guidelines for material incorporated by reference.
    <bullet> Paragraph (l), correcting the document number of the 
British airworthiness directive.

Conclusion

    We have carefully reviewed the available data and determined that 
air safety and the public interest require adopting the AD with the 
changes described previously. We have determined that these changes 
will not increase the economic burden on any operator or increase the 
scope of the AD.

Costs of Compliance

    The following table provides the estimated costs for U.S. operators 
to comply with this AD.

[[Page 75234]]



                                                                     Estimated Costs
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                                          Number of U.S.-
                         Action                             Work hours    Average  labor       Parts         Cost per       registered      Fleet cost
                                                                          rate  per hour                     airplane        airplanes
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inspections required by AD 96-22-09.....................               5             $65             N/A            $325              58         $18,850
Proposed inspections (per inspection cycle).............               5              65             N/A             325              85          26,625
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Authority for This Rulemaking

    The FAA's authority to issue rules regarding aviation safety is 
found in Title 49 of the United States Code. 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.
    This rulemaking is promulgated under the authority described in 
Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701, ``General 
requirements.'' Under that section, the FAA is charged 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 AD.

Regulatory Findings

    We have 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 that this AD:
    (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.
    We prepared a regulatory evaluation of the estimated costs to 
comply with this AD. See the ADDRESSES section for a location to 
examine the regulatory evaluation.

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 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 amendment 39-9797 (61 FR 
57311, November 6, 1996) and adding the following new airworthiness 
directive (AD):

2004-25-13 Short Brothers PLC: Amendment 39-13901. Docket No. FAA-
2004-18661; Directorate Identifier 2003-NM-273-AD.

Effective Date

    (a) This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective January 
20, 2005.

Affected ADs

    (b) This AD supersedes AD 96-22-09, amendment 39-9797.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to Short Brothers Model SD3-60, SD3-SHERPA, 
and SD3-60 SHERPA series airplanes; certificated in any category; 
that are equipped with aluminum alloy gland nuts, part number (P/N) 
200920604, on the main landing gear (MLG) shock absorber.

Unsafe Condition

    (d) This AD was prompted by reports of cracked aluminum alloy 
gland nuts on the MLG shock absorber that had been previously 
inspected using AD 96-22-09. We are issuing this AD to prevent 
failure of the aluminum alloy gland nut on the MLG shock absorber, 
which could cause the MLG to collapse.

Compliance

    (e) You are responsible for having the actions required by this 
AD performed within the compliance times specified, unless the 
actions have already been done.

Service Bulletin Reference

    (f) The term ``service bulletin,'' as used in this AD, means the 
Accomplishment Instructions of the applicable service bulletin or 
service bulletins listed in the following paragraphs:
    (1) For the requirements specified in paragraphs (g) and (h) of 
this AD, which are restated from AD 96-22-09, use the applicable 
service bulletins in Table 1 of this AD.

                          Table 1.--Shorts Service Bulletins for Restated Requirements
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              Model                  Service bulletin            Revision                       Date
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SD3-SHERPA series airplanes......  SD3 SHERPA-32-2.....  Original................  September 22, 1995.
SD3-SHERPA series airplanes......  SD3 SHERPA-32-2.....  1.......................  June 30, 2003.
SD3-60 series airplanes..........  SD360-32-34.........  Original................  September 22, 1995.
SD3-60 series airplanes..........  SD360-32-34.........  1.......................  June 30, 2003.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (2) For the new requirements specified in paragraphs (i) and (j) 
of this AD, use the applicable service bulletin in Table 2 of this 
AD.

                             Table 2.--Shorts Service Bulletins for New Requirements
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              Model                  Service bulletin            Revision                       Date
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SD3-SHERPA series airplanes......  SD3 SHERPA-32-2.....  1.......................  June 30, 2003.
SD3-60 SHERPA series airplanes...  SD360 SHERPA-32-1...  Original................  June 30, 2003.

[[Page 75235]]

 
SD3-60 series airplanes..........  SD360-32-34.........  1.......................  June 30, 2003.
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    Note 1: The Messier-Dowty service bulletins listed in Table 3 of 
this AD are additional sources of service information for certain 
actions in the Shorts service bulletins.


           Table 3.--Additional Sources of Service Information
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                     Is an additional source of service
    This Messier-Dowty service      information for these shorts service
            bulletin--                           bulletins--
------------------------------------------------------------------------
32-78SD, dated July 19, 1995......  SD3 SHERPA-32-2, dated September 22,
                                     1995; and SD360-32-34, dated
                                     September 22, 1995.
32-78SD, Revision 1, dated          SD360 SHERPA-32-1, dated June 30,
 December 9, 2002.                   2003; and SD360-32-34, Revision 1,
                                     dated June 30, 2003.
32-80SD, dated August 31, 2000....  SD360 SHERPA-32-1, dated June 30,
                                     2003; SD3 SHERPA-32-2, Revision 1,
                                     dated June 30, 2003; and SD360-32-
                                     34, Revision 1, dated June 30,
                                     2003.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Restatement of the Requirements of AD 96-22-09

    (g) For Model SD3-60 series airplanes and Model SD3-SHERPA 
series airplanes: Within 90 days after December 11, 1996 (the 
effective date AD 96-22-09), perform a one-time visual and 
fluorescent dye penetrant inspection to detect cracks and/or 
corrosion of the gland nut on the shock absorber of the MLG, in 
accordance with the applicable service bulletin.
    (1) If no crack and/or corrosion is detected, no further action 
is required by paragraph (g) of this AD.
    (2) If no crack is detected, but corrosion is detected that is 
within the limits specified in the service bulletin, prior to 
further flight, repair the gland nut in accordance with the 
applicable service bulletin.
    (3) If any crack is detected, or if any corrosion is detected 
that is outside the limits specified in the applicable service 
bulletin, prior to further flight, replace the gland nut with a new 
gland nut, in accordance with the applicable service bulletin.
    (h) Following accomplishment of paragraph (g) of this AD, prior 
to further flight, apply grease to the threads of the cylinder, and 
apply sealant to the inner radius of the gland nut, in accordance 
with the applicable service bulletin.

New Requirements of This AD

Detailed Inspection and Corrective Action

    (i) For all airplanes: Within 4 months after the effective date 
of this AD, do a detailed inspection of the P/N 200920604 gland nut 
on the MLG shock absorber for corrosion and/or cracking, and do any 
applicable corrective action before further flight, in accordance 
with the applicable service bulletin. Repeat the inspection at 
intervals not to exceed 12 months.

    Note 2: For the purposes of this AD, a detailed inspection is: 
``An intensive examination of a specific item, installation, or 
assembly to detect damage, failure, or irregularity. Available 
lighting is normally supplemented with a direct source of good 
lighting at an intensity deemed appropriate. Inspection aids such as 
mirror, magnifying lenses, etc., may be necessary. Surface cleaning 
and elaborate procedures may be required.''

Optional Terminating Action

    (j) Replacing the aluminum alloy gland nut, P/N 200920604, with 
a new steel gland nut, P/N 200920639, in accordance with the 
applicable service bulletin, terminates the requirements of this AD.

Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (k) The Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport 
Airplane Directorate, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for 
this AD, if requested in accordance with the procedures found in 14 
CFR 39.19.

Related Information

    (l) British airworthiness directive 008-06-2003 also addresses 
the subject of this AD.

Material Incorporated by Reference

    (m) You must use the service information that is specified in 
Table 4 of this AD to perform the actions that are required by this 
AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise. For copies of the service 
information, contact Short Brothers, Airworthiness & Engineering 
Quality, P.O. Box 241, Airport Road, Belfast BT3 9DZ, Northern 
Ireland. For information on the availability of this material at the 
National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), call (202) 741-
6030, or go to http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html. You may view the AD docket 
at the Docket Management Facility, U.S. Department of 
Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, SW., room PL-401, Nassif 
Building, Washington, DC.

                                  Table 4.--Material Incorporated by Reference
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
        Shorts service bulletin                    Revision level                            Date
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SD3 SHERPA-32-2.......................  Original...........................  September 22, 1995.
SD3 SHERPA-32-2.......................  1..................................  June 30, 2003.
SD360 SHERPA-32-1.....................  Original...........................  June 30, 2003.
SD360-32-34...........................  Original...........................  September 22, 1995.
SD360-32-34...........................  1..................................  June 30, 2003.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (1) The incorporation by reference of the service information 
listed in Table 5 of this AD is approved by the Director of the 
Federal Register, in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 
51.

                               Table 5.--Material Newly Incorporated by Reference
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
        Shorts service bulletin                    Revision level                            Date
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SD3 SHERPA-32-2.......................  1..................................  June 30, 2003.
SD360 SHERPA-32-1.....................  Original...........................  June 30, 2003.
SD360-32-34...........................  1..................................  June 30, 2003.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


[[Page 75236]]

    (2) The incorporation by reference of the service information 
listed in Table 6 of this AD was approved previously by the Director 
of the Federal Register as of December 11, 1996 (61 FR 57311, 
November 6, 1996).

                             Table 6.--Material Previously Incorporated by Reference
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
        Shorts service bulletin                    Revision level                            Date
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SD3 SHERPA-32-2.......................  Original...........................  September 22, 1995.
SD360-32-34...........................  Original...........................  September 22, 1995.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


    Issued in Renton, Washington, on December 1, 2004.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 04-27331 Filed 12-15-04; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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