Airworthiness Directives; Aermacchi S.p.A. Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 220 (Thursday, November 14, 2013)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 68357-68360]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-26681]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2013-0939; Directorate Identifier 2013-CE-043-AD; 
Amendment 39-17655; AD 2013-22-23]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Aermacchi S.p.A. Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

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SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
Aermacchi S.p.A. Models F.260, F.260B, F.260C, F.260D, F.260E, F.260F, 
S.208, and S.208A airplanes equipped with a Lycoming O-540 wide 
cylinder flange engine with a front crankcase mounted propeller 
governor. This AD results from mandatory continuing airworthiness 
information (MCAI) issued by the aviation authority of another country 
to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an aviation product. The 
MCAI describes the unsafe condition as the set screw that fixes the 
setting of the propeller governor idler gear shaft was not in the 
proper position. We are issuing this AD to require actions to address 
the unsafe condition on these products.

[[Page 68358]]


DATES: This AD is effective December 16, 2013.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in the AD as of December 16, 
2013.
    We must receive comments on this AD by December 30, 2013.

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, 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 Alenia 
Aermacchi S.p.A, Via Paola Foresio, 1, 21040 Venegono Superiore 
(Varese)--Italy; telephone: 0331-813111; fax: 0331-827595; Internet: 
http://www.aleniaaermacchi.it/en-US/Pages/custsupp.aspx. You may view 
this referenced service information at the FAA, Small Airplane 
Directorate, 901 Locust, Kansas City, Missouri 64106. 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 (telephone (800) 647-5527) is in the ADDRESSES 
section. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after 
receipt.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mike Kiesov, Aerospace Engineer, FAA, 
Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas City, Missouri 
64106; telephone: (816) 329-4144; fax: (816) 329-4090; email: 
[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Discussion

    The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical 
Agent for the Member States of the European Community, has issued EASA 
AD No.: 2012-0228R1, dated November 13, 2012 (referred to after this as 
``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for the specified 
products. The MCAI states:

    A case of in-flight complete loss of engine oil pressure 
indications has been reported, resulting in an emergency landing. 
During the post-flight inspection on the affected engine, some 
metallic parts (2-4 mm) have been found. Although the origin of 
these parts has not been established, it seems probable that they 
originated from the set screw, Part Number (P/N) AN565B1032H, that 
fixes the setting of the propeller governor idler gear shaft, 
because in the affected engine, it was not found in the proper 
position.
    This condition, if not detected and corrected, could lead to 
engine failure, possible resulting in a forced landing, consequent 
damage to the aeroplane, and injury to occupants.
    To address this potential unsafe condition, Alenia Aermacchi 
issued Bollettino Tecnico (BT) 205B65 and BT 260SB-136 to instruct 
owners and operators of the aeroplanes that could be affected.
    To correct this potential unsafe condition, EASA issued 
Emergency AD 2012-0228-E to require repetitive inspections of the 
affected engines and, in case any discrepancy is found, 
accomplishment of the applicable corrective actions.
    Since AD 2012-0228-E was issued, it has become clear that only 
`wide cylinder flange' engines equipped with a front crankcase 
propeller governor (ref to Lycoming Service Instruction No. 1343B 
and Lycoming Service Letter L220C) are equipped with the affected 
set screw P/N AN565B1032H that is the subject of this AD.
    For the reason described above, this AD is revised to reduce the 
Applicability, requiring only actions on aeroplanes fitted with a 
`wide cylinder flange' engine equipped with a front crankcase 
propeller governor. This AD is also revised to remove, after the 
first inspection/correction, the limitation that prohibited 
aerobatic manoeuvres.
    This is still considered to be a temporary measure and further 
AD action may follow.

You may examine the MCAI on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov 
by searching for and locating it in Docket No. FAA-2013-0939.

Relevant Service Information

    Alenia Aermacchi Una Societa Finmeccanica has issued Mandatory 
Bollettino Tecnico (English Translation: Technical Bulletin) No. 
205B65, Revision 1, dated November 12, 2012; and Alenia Aermacchi Una 
Societa Finmeccanica has issued Mandatory Bollettino Tecnico (English 
Translation: Technical Bulletin) No. 260SB-136, Revision 1, dated 
November 12, 2012. The actions described in this service information 
are intended to correct the unsafe condition identified in the MCAI.

FAA's Determination and Requirements of the AD

    This product has been approved by the aviation authority of another 
country, and is approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant 
to our bilateral agreement with this State of Design Authority, they 
have notified us of the unsafe condition described in the MCAI and 
service information referenced above. We are issuing this AD because we 
evaluated all information provided by the State of Design Authority and 
determined the unsafe condition exists and is likely to exist or 
develop on other products of the same type design.

FAA's 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 
improper position of the set screw that fixes the setting of the 
propeller governor idler gear could result in loss of engine oil 
pressure indications resulting in emergency landing. Therefore, we 
determined that notice and opportunity for public comment before 
issuing this AD are impracticable and that good cause exists for making 
this amendment effective in fewer than 30 days.

Comments Invited

    This AD is a final rule that involves requirements affecting flight 
safety, and we did not precede it by notice and opportunity for public 
comment. We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or 
arguments about this AD. Send your comments to an address listed under 
the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2013-0939; Directorate 
Identifier 2013-CE-043-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 will affect 43 products of U.S. registry. 
We also estimate that it would take about 2 work-hours per product to 
comply with

[[Page 68359]]

the basic requirements of this AD. The average labor rate is $85 per 
work-hour. Required parts would cost about $50 per product.
    Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of the AD on U.S. 
operators to be $9,460, or $220 per product.
    Since there currently are no repair instructions available when 
discrepancies are found during the required inspection, the FAA has no 
way of determining what the cost would be per airplane that would need 
such repairs.

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: 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

    We 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 the 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 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 adding the following new AD:

2013-22-23 Aermacchi S.p.A.: Amendment 39-17655; Docket No. FAA-
2013-0939; Directorate Identifier 2013-CE-043-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective December 16, 
2013.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to the following AERMACCHI S.p.A. airplanes that 
are certificated in any category:
    (1) Models F.260, F.260B, F.260C, F.260D, F.260E, and F.260F 
airplanes, all serial numbers, that are equipped with either a 
Lycoming O-540, IO-540, or AEIO-540 wide cylinder flange engine 
(identified by the suffix ``A'' or ``E'' in the serial number) with 
a front crankcase mounted propeller governor; and
    (2) Models S.208 and S.208A airplanes, all serial numbers, that 
are equipped with a Lycoming O-540 wide cylinder flange engine 
(identified by the suffix ``A'' or ``E'' in the serial number) with 
a front crankcase mounted propeller governor.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association of America (ATA) Code 71: Powerplant.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by mandatory continuing airworthiness 
information (MCAI) issued by the aviation authority of another 
country to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an aviation 
product. The MCAI describes the unsafe condition as the set screw 
that fixes the setting of the propeller governor idler gear shaft 
was not in the proper position. We are issuing this AD to detect and 
correct improper position of the set screw, which could lead to 
complete loss of engine oil pressure indications and result in 
emergency landing.

 (f) Actions and Compliance

    Unless already done, do the following actions in paragraphs 
(f)(1) through (f)(5) of this AD.
    (1) For Models F.260, F.260B, F.260C, F.260D, F.260E, and F.260F 
airplanes: Before further flight after December 16, 2013 (the 
effective date of this AD), fabricate and install a placard that 
states: ``AEROBATIC MANEUVERS ARE PROHIBITED.'' Fabricate the 
placard using 1/8-inch black lettering on a white background and 
install the placard on the instrument panel in clear view of the 
pilot.
    (2) In lieu of installing the placard, a copy of this AD may be 
inserted into the limitations section of the applicable airplane 
flight manual (AFM) to comply with the action required by paragraph 
(f)(1) of this AD. The insertion of the AD into the AFM may be done 
by an owner/operator (pilot) holding at least a private pilot 
certificate and must be entered into the airplane records showing 
compliance with this AD in accordance with 14 CFR 43.9 (a)(1)(4) and 
14 CFR 91.417(a)(2)(v). The record must be maintained as required by 
14 CFR 91.173, 121.380, or 135.439.
    (3) For all airplanes: Within the next 10 hours time-in-service 
(TIS) after December 16, 2013 (the effective date of this AD) and 
repetitively thereafter at intervals not to exceed 100 hours TIS, 
inspect the propeller governor idler gear shaft set screw, part 
number (P/N) AN565B1032H, following the Compliance Instructions of 
Alenia Aermacchi Una Societa Finmeccanica Mandatory Bollettino 
Tecnico (English Translation: Technical Bulletin) No. 205B65, 
Revision 1, dated November 12, 2012; or Alenia Aermacchi Una Societa 
Finmeccanica Mandatory Bollettino Tecnico (English Translation: 
Technical Bulletin) No. 260SB-136, Revision 1, dated November 12, 
2012, as applicable.
    (4) If a discrepancy (e.g., set screw missing or unscrewed) is 
found during any inspection required by paragraph (f)(3) of this AD, 
before further flight, contact Alenia Aermacchi S.p.A. for repair 
instructions approved by the FAA specifically for this AD and 
incorporate the repair instructions. You may contact Alenia 
Aermacchi S.p.A. using the contact information found in paragraph 
(k)(3) of this AD.
    (5) After the initial inspection required by paragraph (f)(3) of 
this AD, provided no discrepancies were found or any discrepancies 
found were corrected as required by paragraph (f)(4) of this AD, 
remove the placard or the copy of the AD that was inserted into the 
AFM required by paragraphs (f)(1) or (f)(2) of this AD.

(g) Credit for Actions Accomplished in Accordance With Previous Service 
Information

    This AD allows credit for the actions required in paragraphs 
(f)(2) and (f)(3) of this AD if done before December 16, 2013 (the 
effective date of this AD) following Alenia Aermacchi Una Societa 
Finmeccanica Mandatory Bollettino Tecnico (English Translation: 
Technical Bulletin) No. 205B65, dated October 26, 2012; or Alenia 
Aermacchi Una Societa Finmeccanica Mandatory Bollettino Tecnico 
(English Translation: Technical Bulletin) No. 260SB-136, dated 
October 26, 2012, as applicable.

[[Page 68360]]

(h) Other FAA AD Provisions

    The following provisions also apply to this AD:
    (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, 
Standards Office, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this 
AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. Send 
information to ATTN: Mike Kiesov, Aerospace Engineer, FAA, Small 
Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas City, Missouri 
64106; telephone: (816) 329-4144; fax: (816) 329-4090; email: 
[email protected]. Before using any approved AMOC on any airplane 
to which the AMOC applies, notify your appropriate principal 
inspector (PI) in the FAA Flight Standards District Office (FSDO), 
or lacking a PI, your local FSDO.
    (2) Airworthy Product: For any requirement in this AD to obtain 
corrective actions from a manufacturer or other source, use these 
actions if they are FAA-approved. Corrective actions are considered 
FAA-approved if they are approved by the State of Design Authority 
(or their delegated agent). You are required to assure the product 
is airworthy before it is returned to service.

(i) Special Flight Permit

    Special flight permits are permitted with the following 
limitation: Aerobatic maneuvers are prohibited until the actions of 
the AD are complied with.

(j) Related Information

    Refer to MCAI European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD No.: 
2012-0228R1, dated November 13, 2012, for related information. You 
may examine the MCAI on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov 
by searching for and locating it in Docket No. FAA-2013-0939.

(k) Material Incorporated by Reference

    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference (IBR) of the service information listed 
in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
    (2) You must use this service information as applicable to do 
the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
    (i) Alenia Aermacchi Una Societa Finmeccanica Mandatory 
Bollettino Tecnico (English Translation: Technical Bulletin) No. 
205B65, Revision 1, dated November 12, 2012.
    (ii) Alenia Aermacchi Una Societa Finmeccanica Mandatory 
Bollettino Tecnico (English Translation: Technical Bulletin) No. 
260SB-136, Revision 1, dated November 12, 2012.
    (3) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Alenia Aermacchi S.p.A, Via Paola Foresio, 1, 21040 Venegono 
Superiore (Varese)--Italy; telephone: 0331-813111; fax: 0331-827595; 
Internet: http://www.aleniaaermacchi.it/en-US/Pages/custsupp.aspx.
    (4) You may view this referenced service information at the FAA, 
Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Kansas City, Missouri 64106. 
For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, 
call (816) 329-4148.
    (5) You may view this service information that is incorporated 
by reference 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/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on October 31, 2013.
Earl Lawrence,
Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2013-26681 Filed 11-13-13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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