Airworthiness Directives; Slingsby Aviation Ltd. Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 79, Number 37 (Tuesday, February 25, 2014)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 10342-10344]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2014-03421]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2013-0997; Directorate Identifier 2013-CE-044-AD; 
Amendment 39-17759; AD 2014-04-01]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Slingsby Aviation Ltd. Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of 
Transportation (DOT).

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all 
Slingsby Aviation Ltd. Model T67M260 airplanes. This AD results from 
mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) issued by an 
aviation authority of another country to identify and correct an unsafe 
condition on an aviation product. The MCAI describes the unsafe 
condition as cracked horizontal stabilizer attachment brackets. We are 
issuing this AD to require actions to address the unsafe condition on 
these products.

DATES: This AD is effective April 1, 2014.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of April 1, 
2014.

ADDRESSES: You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov/#!docketDetail;D=FAA-2013-0997; or in person at 
Document Management Facility, U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590.
    For service information identified in this AD, contact Slingsby 
Advanced Composites, Ings Lane, Kirbymoorside, York, YO62 6EZ, United 
Kingdom, telephone: +44 (0) 1751 432474; fax +44 (0) 1751 433016, 
Internet: www.marshall-slingsby.com. 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.

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:

[[Page 10343]]

Discussion

    We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR 
part 39 to include an AD that would apply to all Slingsby Aviation Ltd. 
Model T67M260 airplanes. That NPRM was published in the Federal 
Register on November 21, 2013 (78 FR 69785). That NPRM proposed to 
correct an unsafe condition for the specified products and was based on 
mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) originated by an 
aviation authority of another country. The MCAI states:

    Several cases have been reported of cracked horizontal 
stabiliser attachment brackets on Slingsby T67 aeroplanes.
    This condition, if not detected and corrected, could lead to 
separation of the horizontal stabiliser and consequent loss of 
control of the aeroplane.
    Prompted by these reports, Slingsby issued Service Bulletin (SB) 
179 to provide instructions for repetitive inspections. The CAA UK, 
the State of Design authority at the time, issued AD 001-12-
2002,which was later superseded by AD G-2005-0004 (EASA approval 
2005-564) to require repetitive inspections and, depending on 
findings, replacement of the affected brackets.
    Since that AD was issued, Slingsby published SB 179 issue 4, 
which removed the Model T67M260-T3A from the Applicability (all 
aeroplanes of this Model are confirmed to have been scrapped) and 
clarified that replacement of the affected aluminum brackets with 
titanium brackets (Slingsby Modification M988A or B) constitutes 
terminating action for the repetitive inspections.
    For the reasons described above, this AD retains the 
requirements of CAA UK AD G-2005-0004, which is superseded, removes 
the Model T67M260-T3A from the Applicability and confirms that 
installing titanium brackets constitutes terminating action for the 
repetitive inspection requirements of this AD.

    The MCAI can be found in the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov/#!documentDetail;D=FAA-2013-0997-0002.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this AD. We received no comments on the NPRM (78 FR 69785, November 21, 
2013) or on the determination of the cost to the public.

Conclusion

    We reviewed the relevant data and determined that air safety and 
the public interest require adopting this AD as proposed except for 
minor editorial changes. We have determined that these minor changes:
    <bullet> Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the 
NPRM (78 FR 69785, November 21, 2013) for correcting the unsafe 
condition; and
    <bullet> Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was 
already proposed in the NPRM (78 FR 69785, November 21, 2013).

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD will affect 11 products of U.S. registry. 
We also estimate that it will take about 2 work-hours per product to 
comply with the basic inspection of the aluminum horizontal stabilizer 
attachment brackets requirement of this AD. The average labor rate is 
$85 per work-hour.
    Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of this AD on U.S. 
operators to be $1,870, or $170 per product.
    In addition, we estimate that any necessary follow-on actions will 
take about 8 work-hours and require parts costing $7,250 (for all four 
titanium horizontal stabilizer attachment brackets), for a cost of 
$7,930 per product, or parts costing $9,557 (for all four aluminum 
horizontal stabilizer attachment brackets), for a cost of $10,237. We 
have no way of determining the number of products that may need these 
actions.

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 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.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating it in Docket No. FAA-
2013-0997; 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 the NPRM, 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.

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:

2014-04-01 Slingsby Aviation Ltd.: Amendment 39-17759; Docket No. 
FAA-2013-0997; Directorate Identifier 2013-CE-044-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective April 1, 
2014.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Slingsby Aviation Ltd. Model T67M260 
airplanes, all serial numbers, certificated in any category.

[[Page 10344]]

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association of America (ATA) Code 55: Stabilizers.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by mandatory continuing airworthiness 
information (MCAI) originated by an aviation authority of another 
country to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an aviation 
product. The MCAI describes the unsafe condition as cracked 
horizontal stabilizer attachment brackets. We are issuing this AD to 
prevent separation of the horizontal stabilizer, which could result 
in loss of control.

(f) Actions and Compliance

    Unless already done, do the actions specified in paragraphs 
(f)(1) through (f)(4) of this AD:
    (1) Within the next 150 hours time-in-service (TIS) after April 
1, 2014 (the effective date of this AD) or at the next annual 
inspection after April 1, 2014 (the effective date of this AD), 
whichever occurs later, and repetitively thereafter at intervals not 
to exceed 150 hours TIS, inspect the aluminum horizontal stabilizer 
attachment brackets for cracks. Do the inspections following the 
ACTION instructions in Slingsby Advanced Composites Ltd. Service 
Bulletin S.B. No: 179, Issue 4, dated March 15, 2007.
    (2) If any cracks are found during any inspection required in 
paragraph (f)(1) of this AD, before further flight, replace the 
cracked bracket with a serviceable part. Do the replacement 
following the ACTION instructions in Slingsby Advanced Composites 
Ltd. Service Bulletin S.B. No: 179, Issue 4, dated March 15, 2007. 
If a serviceable aluminum horizontal stabilizer attachment bracket 
is used as a replacement part, repetitively inspect as specified in 
paragraph (f)(1) of this AD.
    (3) To terminate the repetitive inspections required in 
paragraph (f)(1) of this AD, all four aluminum horizontal stabilizer 
attachment brackets must be replaced with titanium horizontal 
stabilizer attachment brackets.
    (4) After installing titanium horizontal stabilizer attachment 
brackets, installing aluminum horizontal stabilizer attachment 
brackets is prohibited.

(g) 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.
    (3) Reporting Requirements: For any reporting requirement in 
this AD, a federal agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person 
is not required to respond to, nor shall a person be subject to a 
penalty for failure to comply with a collection of information 
subject to the requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act unless 
that collection of information displays a current valid OMB Control 
Number. The OMB Control Number for this information collection is 
2120-0056. Public reporting for this collection of information is 
estimated to be approximately 5 minutes per response, including the 
time for reviewing instructions, completing and reviewing the 
collection of information. All responses to this collection of 
information are mandatory. Comments concerning the accuracy of this 
burden and suggestions for reducing the burden should be directed to 
the FAA at: 800 Independence Ave. SW., Washington, DC 20591, Attn: 
Information Collection Clearance Officer, AES-200.

(h) Related Information

    Refer to European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD No. 2012-
0169, dated August 31, 2012, for related information. You may 
examine the MCAI on the Internet at at http://www.regulations.gov/#!documentDetail;D=FAA-2013-0997-0002.

(i) 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 this AD specifies otherwise.
    (i) Slingsby Advanced Composites Ltd. Service Bulletin S.B. No: 
179, Issue 4, dated March 15, 2007.
    (ii) Reserved.
    (3) For Slingsby Aviation Ltd. service information identified in 
this AD, contact Slingsby Advanced Composites, Ings Lane, 
Kirbymoorside, York, YO62 6EZ, United Kingdom, telephone: +44 (0) 
1751 432474; fax +44 (0) 1751 433016, Internet: www.marshall-slingsby.com.
    (4) You may view this 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 February 10, 2014.
Steven W. Thompson,
Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2014-03421 Filed 2-24-14; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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