Airworthiness Directives; Allied Ag Cat Productions, Inc. Models G-164, G-164A, G-164B, G-164B With 73″ Wing Gap, G-164B-15T, G-164B-34T, G-164B-20T, G-164C, G-164D, and G-164D With 73″ Wing Gap Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 41 (Wednesday, March 2, 2011)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 11324-11327]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-4160]


=======================================================================
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2011-0149; Directorate Identifier 2011-CE-001-AD; 
Amendment 39-16616; AD 2011-05-07]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Allied Ag Cat Productions, Inc. Models 
G-164, G-164A, G-164B, G-164B With 73'' Wing Gap, G-164B-15T, G-164B-
34T, G-164B-20T, G-164C, G-164D, and G-164D With 73'' Wing Gap 
Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

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

SUMMARY: We are superseding an existing airworthiness directive (AD) 
for the products listed above. That AD currently requires repetitively 
inspecting the interior and the exterior of the main tubular spar of 
the rudder assembly for corrosion, taking necessary corrective action 
if corrosion is found, and applying corrosion protection. This AD 
retains the requirements of the previous AD and changes the compliance 
time for certain products listed above. This AD was prompted by our 
determination that the compliance time specified for Models G-164, G-
164A, and G-164B airplanes does not adequately address the unsafe 
condition. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct corrosion in 
the rudder main tubular spar, which could result in failure of the 
rudder main spar tube. This failure could lead to loss of directional 
control.

DATES: This AD is effective March 17, 2011.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of December 19, 
2008 (73 FR 67372, November 14, 2008).
    We must receive any comments on this AD by April 18, 2011.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments by any of the following methods:
    <bullet> Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
    <bullet> Fax: 202-493-2251.
    <bullet> Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590.
    <bullet> Hand Delivery: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor,

[[Page 11325]]

Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590, 
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal 
holidays.
    For service information identified in this AD, contact Allied Ag 
Cat Productions, Inc., 301 West Walnut Street, P.O. Box 482, Walnut 
Ridge, Arkansas 72479; telephone: (870) 886-2418. You may review copies 
of the referenced service information at the FAA, Small Airplane 
Directorate, 901 Locust St., Kansas City, Missouri 64016. For 
information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call (816) 
329-4148.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov; 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 this AD, the regulatory evaluation, 
any comments received, and other information. The street address for 
the Docket Office (phone: 800-647-5527) is in the ADDRESSES section. 
Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Andrew McAnaul, Aerospace Engineer, 
ASW-150 (c/o MIDO-43), 10100 Reunion Place, Suite 650, San Antonio, 
Texas 78216; phone: (210) 308-3365; fax: (210) 308-3370; e-mail: 
[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Discussion

    On October 23, 2008, we issued AD 2008-22-21, Amendment 39-15718 
(73 FR 67372, November 14, 2008), for all Allied Ag Cat Productions, 
Inc. Models G-164, G-164A, G-164B, G-164B with 73'' wing gap, G-164B-
15T, G-164B-34T, G-164B-20T, G-164C, G-164D, and G-164D with 73'' wing 
gap airplanes.
    That AD supersedes AD 78-08-09, Amendment 39-3191 (43 FR 16699, 
April 20, 1978), and requires repetitively inspecting the interior and 
the exterior of the main tubular spar of the rudder assembly for 
corrosion, taking necessary corrective action if corrosion is found, 
and applying corrosion protection. That AD resulted from failure of the 
rudder main tubular spar on a Model G164B airplane not previously 
affected by AD 78-08-09.
    AD 78-08-09 required a one-time inspection of the interior of the 
rudder main tubular spar for corrosion and 300-hour repetitive 
inspections of the exterior of the rudder main tubular spar for 
corrosion.

Actions Since AD was Issued

    Since we issued AD 2008-22-21, we determined the compliance time of 
the initial inspection for Models G-164, G-164A, and G-164B airplanes 
(airplanes previously affected by AD 78-08-09) allows the interior of 
the rudder main tubular spar to remain unchecked for corrosion for up 
to an additional 5 years beyond the effective date of AD 2008-22-21. 
This compliance time does not adequately address the unsafe condition.
    We are issuing this AD to detect and correct corrosion in the 
rudder main tubular spar, which could result in failure of the rudder 
main spar tube. This failure could lead to loss of directional control.

FAA's Determination

    We are issuing this AD because we evaluated all the relevant 
information and determined the unsafe condition described previously is 
likely to exist or develop in other products of the same type design.

AD Requirements

    This AD requires repetitively inspecting the interior and the 
exterior of the main tubular spar of the rudder assembly for corrosion, 
taking necessary corrective action if corrosion is found, and applying 
corrosion protection.

FAA's Justification and Determination of the Effective Date

    An unsafe condition exists that requires the immediate adoption of 
this AD. The FAA has found that the risk to the flying public justifies 
waiving notice and comment prior to adoption of this rule because 
failure of the rudder main tubular spar could lead to loss of 
directional control. Therefore, we find that notice and opportunity for 
prior public comment are impracticable and that good cause exists for 
making this amendment effective in less than 30 days.

Comments Invited

    This AD is a final rule that involves requirements affecting flight 
safety, and we did not provide you with notice and an opportunity to 
provide your comments before it becomes effective. However, we invite 
you to send any written data, views, or arguments about this AD. Send 
your comments to an address listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include 
Docket Number FAA-2011-0149 and Directorate Identifier 2011-CE-001-AD 
at the beginning of your comments. We specifically invite comments on 
the overall regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of 
this AD. We will consider all comments received by the closing date and 
may amend this AD because of those comments.
    We will post all comments we receive, without change, to http://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. We 
will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact we 
receive about this AD.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD affects 2,700 airplanes of U.S. registry.
    We estimate the following costs to comply with this AD:

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                        Cost per    Cost on U.S.
              Action                        Labor cost               Parts cost          product      operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Drill access hole and visual        4 work-hours X $85 per      Not applicable......         $340      $918,000
 inspection [retained actions from   hour = $340.
 existing AD].
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

     We have no way of determining the cost of repairs, parts 
replacement, or the number of airplanes that may require repair or 
parts replacement based on the result of the proposed inspections.

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,

[[Page 11326]]

``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

    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),
    (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.

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 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. The FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by removing Airworthiness Directive (AD) 
2008-22-21, Amendment 39-15718 (73 FR 67372, November 14, 2008) and 
adding the following new AD:

2011-05-07 Allied Ag Cat Productions, Inc.: Amendment 39-16616; 
Docket No. FAA-2011-0149; Directorate Identifier 2011-CE-001-AD.

Effective Date

    (a) This AD is effective March 17, 2011.

Affected ADs

    (b) This AD supersedes AD 2008-22-21, Amendment 39-15718.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to the following Allied Ag Cat Productions, 
Inc. model airplanes, all serial numbers, that are certificated in 
any category:

                                                     Models
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
G-164................................  G-164A.................  G-164B.................  G-164B with 73'' wing
                                                                                          gap.
G-164B-15T...........................  G-164B-20T.............  G-164B-34T.............  G-164C.
G-164D...............................  G-164D with 73'' wing
                                        gap.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Subject

    (d) Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC)/Air Transport 
Association (ATA) of America Code 55, Stabilizers.

Unsafe Condition

    (e) This AD was prompted by reports of the rudder main tubular 
spar failing and our determination that the previous compliance 
times specified for Models G-164, G-164A, and G-164B airplanes do 
not adequately address the unsafe condition. We are issuing this AD 
to detect and correct corrosion in the rudder main tubular spar, 
which could result in failure of the rudder main spar tube. This 
failure could lead to loss of directional control.

Compliance

    (f) Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, 
unless already done.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
           Actions                 Compliance            Procedures
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) Drill an access hole and  Initially inspect     Following Steps 1
 do a visual inspection        within the next 30    through 3 of
 using a borescope of the      days after March      Grumman American
 lower end internal cavity     17, 2011 (the         Aviation
 of the rudder main spar       effective date of     Corporation Ag-Cat
 tube for corrosion and do a   this AD), unless      Service Bulletin
 visual inspection of the      already done within   No. 61, dated June
 exterior of the rudder main   the previous 60       6, 1977.
 spar tube for corrosion.      months.
                               Repetitively
                               inspect thereafter
                               at intervals not to
                               exceed 60 months
                               from the last
                               inspection.
(2) If corrosion is found     Before further        As specified in
 during any inspection         flight after any      Steps 5 and 6 of
 required in paragraph         inspection in which   Grumman American
 (f)(1) of this AD, repair     corrosion is found.   Aviation
 in accordance with Chapter                          Corporation Ag-Cat
 4 of FAA Advisory Circular                          Service Bulletin
 43.13-1B, Chg 1, dated                              No. 61, dated June
 September 27, 2001, or                              6, 1977, and
 replace the damaged part(s).                        following Chapter 4
                                                     of FAA Advisory
                                                     Circular 43.13-1B,
                                                     Chg 1, dated
                                                     September 27, 2001,
                                                     which can be found
                                                     at http://rgl.faa.gov/.
(3) After each inspection,    Before further        As specified in Step
 repair, or replacement        flight after each     4 of Grumman
 required in this AD,          inspection required   American Aviation
 corrosion protect the spar    in paragraph (f)(1)   Corporation Ag-Cat
 tube internal cavity by       of this AD and        Service Bulletin
 filling with warm, raw        after each repair     No. 61, dated June
 linseed oil, Paralketone,     or replacement        6, 1977.
 or CRC3 (LPS Heavy Duty       required in
 Rust Inhibitor Type 3), or    paragraph (f)(2) of
 suitable equivalent           this AD.
 protector for alloy steel,
 and allow to drain. Seal
 access hole with Scotch
 caulking compound, a
 suitable silicone based
 sealant, or equivalent.
(4) Verify rigging check of   Before further        Following Ag-Cat
 the rudder.                   flight after each     Maintenance Manual
                               inspection required   pages 6-14 through
                               in paragraph (f)(1)   6-16, copyright
                               of this AD and        1978; or Ag-Cat G-
                               after each repair     164D Maintenance
                               or replacement        Manual pages 6-24
                               required in           and 6-29, copyright
                               paragraph (f)(2) of   1995, as
                               this AD.              applicable.

[[Page 11327]]

 
(5) Only install a rudder     As of 30 days after   Not applicable.
 that has been inspected as    March 17, 2011 (the
 specified in paragraph        effective date of
 (f)(1) of this AD, is found   this AD).
 free of corrosion, has had
 the corrosion protection
 applied, and has been
 sealed as specified in
 paragraph (f)(3) of this AD.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (g)(1) The Manager, Fort Worth Airplane Certification Office, 
FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested 
using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 
CFR 39.19, send your request to your principal inspector or local 
Flight Standards District Office, as appropriate. If sending 
information directly to the manager of the ACO, send it to the 
attention of the person identified in the Related Information 
section of this AD.
    (2) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate 
principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager 
of the local flight standards district office/certificate holding 
district office.

Related Information

    (h) For more information about this AD, contact Andrew McAnaul, 
Aerospace Engineer, ASW-150 (c/o MIDO-43), 10100 Reunion Place, 
Suite 650, San Antonio, Texas 78216; phone: (210) 308-3365; fax: 
(210) 308-3370; e-mail: [email protected].

Material Incorporated by Reference

    (i) You must use Grumman American Aviation Corporation Ag-Cat 
Service Bulletin No. 61, dated June 6, 1977; Ag-Cat Maintenance 
Manual pages 6-14 through 6-16, copyright 1978; and Ag-Cat G-164D 
Maintenance Manual pages 6-24 and 6-29, copyright 1995, to do the 
actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
    (1) The Director of the Federal Register previously approved the 
incorporation by reference of Grumman American Aviation Corporation 
Ag-Cat Service Bulletin No. 61, dated June 6, 1977; Ag-Cat 
Maintenance Manual pages 6-14 through 6-16, copyright 1978; and Ag-
Cat G-164D Maintenance Manual pages 6-24 and 6-29, copyright 1995, 
on December 19, 2008 (73 FR 67372, November 14, 2008).
    (2) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Allied Ag Cat Productions, Inc., 301 West Walnut Street, P.O. Box 
482, Walnut Ridge, Arkansas 72479; telephone: (870) 886-2418.
    (3) You may review copies of the service information at the FAA, 
Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust St., Kansas City, Missouri 
64016. For information on the availability of this material at the 
FAA, call (816) 329-4148.
    (4) You may also review copies of the service information that 
is incorporated by reference at the National Archives and Records 
Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this 
material at an NARA facility, call 202-741-6030, or go to http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html.

    Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on February 17, 2011.
Earl Lawrence,
Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2011-4160 Filed 3-1-11; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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