Airworthiness Directives; M7 Aerospace LLC Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 79, Number 84 (Thursday, May 1, 2014)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 24553-24556]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2014-09419]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2014-0023; Directorate Identifier 2013-CE-048-AD; 
Amendment 39-17837; AD 2014-09-02]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; M7 Aerospace LLC Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain 
M7 Aerospace LLC Models SA26-T, SA26-AT, SA226-AT, SA226-T, SA226-T(B), 
SA226-TC, SA227-AC (C-26A), SA227-AT, SA227-TT, SA227-BC (C-26A), 
SA227-CC, and SA227-DC (C-26B) airplanes. This AD was prompted by 
reports of jamming of the aileron control cable chain in the pilot and 
copilot control columns due to inadequate lubrication and maintenance 
of the chain. This AD requires repetitively replacing and lubricating 
the aileron chain, sprocket, and bearings in the control columns. We 
are issuing this AD to correct the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective June 5, 2014.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in the AD as of June 5, 2014.

ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this AD, contact M7 
Aerospace LP, 10823 NE Entrance Road, San Antonio, Texas 78216; phone: 
(210) 824-9421; fax: (210) 804-7766; Internet: http://www.elbitsystems-us.com; email: none. You may review copies of the 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 by searching for and locating it in Docket No. FAA-
2014-0023; 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 address for the Docket Office 
(phone: 800-647-5527) is 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 FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Andrew McAnaul, Aerospace Engineer, 
FAA, ASW-150 (c/o San Antonio MIDO), 10100 Reunion Place, Suite 650, 
San Antonio, Texas 78216; phone: (210) 308-3365; fax: (210) 308-3370; 
email: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Discussion

    We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR 
part 39 to include an AD that would apply to certain M7 Aerospace LLC 
Models SA26-T, SA26-AT, SA226-AT, SA226-T, SA226-T(B), SA226-TC, SA227-
AC (C-26A), SA227-AT, SA227-TT, SA227-BC (C-26A), SA227-CC, and SA227-
DC (C-26B) airplanes. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on 
January 21, 2014 (79 FR 3336). The NPRM proposed to require 
repetitively replacing and lubricating the aileron chain, sprocket, and 
bearings in the control columns.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this AD. The following presents the comments received on the proposal 
and the FAA's response to the comments.

Request To Withdraw the Proposed AD

    Pat Kremer of Ameriflight, LLC stated that the proposed AD is too 
broad of a stroke across the industry because of a limited number of 
operators that have not performed maintenance to the level in the 
proposed AD.
    Pat Kremer also stated they replace the aileron chains every 10,000 
hours time-in-service (TIS) (the compliance time in the proposed AD), 
along with the respective cables, on their fleet of 45 Model SA227 
airplanes, and they have only occasionally found bearings that are 
worn. He also stated that they have never found a faulty sprocket.
    From these statements, we infer that Pat Kremer wants the proposed 
AD withdrawn because it is unnecessary

[[Page 24554]]

and already covered through general maintenance.
    We do not agree with the commenter. The flight hour and calendar 
replacement times in the proposed AD were based on service history 
showing wear and corrosion in the aileron chains and metal wear to the 
sprocket teeth. For example, a worn chain that jammed in the control 
column had only 7,000 total hours TIS and 17 years in service. Another 
operator found a severely corroded chain that had been installed for 18 
years. M7 Aerospace, LLC received two aileron chains replaced by an 
operator after 10,000 hours TIS and thought to be ``good''; however, M7 
found those chains had small metal particles within the grease, not 
from the chain but from worn sprockets. We also mirrored the required 
replacement times specified in the related service information provided 
by M7 Aerospace, LLC, the type certificate holder. M7 Aerospace, LLC. 
Customer Support representatives have a long history with these 
airplanes and have regularly seen issues over the last 30 years where 
the chains and bearings need to be replaced. Based on their service 
history experience, M7 Aerospace, LLC believes and the FAA has 
determined that including replacement of the sprocket and bearing with 
the chain replacement more fully addresses the unsafe condition. 
Although some operators do repetitively replace the aileron chains 
during cable replacement without finding damage, the original 
maintenance requirements do not clearly require mandatory periodic 
replacement of the chain, sprocket, and bearings, as intended by the 
airplane's manufacturer. We believe the replacement times in the 
proposed AD are necessary to assure that no unsafe condition develops 
due to an operator failing to comply with the proposed replacement 
times and lubrication requirements.
    We have not changed the final rule AD action based on this comment.

Request To Incorporate Revised Service Bulletin

    M7 Aerospace, LLC requested that we incorporate Revision 3 of SA26 
Series Service Bulletin 26-27-001, dated April 8, 2014, into the AD to 
replace SA26 Series Service Bulletin 26-27-001 R2, dated October 23, 
2013.
    M7 Aerospace, LLC issued revision 3 to correct the part number of 
the chain in Steps 1.D.(1)(a) NOTE, 1.D.(4), 2.A.(2), and Table 1. 
Revision 3 also states that this part number chain must be used with 
new sprocket per Kit 26K71004-001. The SA26 airplanes were supplied 
with chain P/N 26-71026-001 and sprocket P/N 26-71010-001 from the 
factory. This chain and sprocket are a matched set. The new replacement 
chain P/N 27-71026-003 and sprocket included in kit P/N 27K71004-001 
are also a matched set. Do not cross mix and match these chains and 
sprockets as the sprockets have different teeth pitch to mate with 
their respective chain. Only install either the chain P/N 27-71026-003 
with sprocket kit P/N 27K71004-001 as a matched set or alternatively 
chain P/N 26-71026-001 with sprocket P/N 26-71010-001 as a matched set.
    We agree with the commenter and have changed the final rule AD 
action based on this comment.

Conclusion

    We reviewed the relevant data, considered the comments received, 
and determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting 
the AD with the changes described previously and minor editorial 
changes. We have determined that these minor changes:
    <bullet> Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the 
NPRM (79 FR 3336, January 21, 2014) for correcting the unsafe 
condition; and
    <bullet> Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was 
already proposed in the NPRM (79 FR 3336, January 21, 2014).
    We also determined that these changes will not increase the 
economic burden on any operator or increase the scope of the AD.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD affects 360 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
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Replacing and lubricating the aileron   20 work-hours x $85 per          $1,935          $3,635      $1,308,600
 chain, sprocket, and bearings in the    hour = $1,700.
 control columns.
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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

    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 14 CFR part 39 as follows:

[[Page 24555]]

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 airworthiness 
directive (AD):

2014-09-02 M7 Aerospace LLC: Amendment 39-17837; Docket No. FAA-
2014-0023; Directorate Identifier 2013-CE-048-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD is effective June 5, 2014.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to M7 Aerospace LLC Models SA226-AT, SA226-T, 
SA226-T(B), SA226-TC, SA227-AC (C-26A), SA227-AT, SA227-TT, SA227-BC 
(C-26A), SA227-CC, and SA227-DC (C-26B) airplanes, all serial 
numbers; Model SA26-T airplanes, serial numbers T26-2 through T26-
99; and Model SA26-AT airplanes, serial numbers AT26-100 through 
AT26-180E, certificated in any category.

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC)/Air Transport Association 
(ATA) of America Code: 27, Flight Controls.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by reports of jamming of the aileron 
control cable chain in the pilot and copilot control columns. We are 
issuing the AD to prevent jamming of the aileron control cable 
chain, which could result in loss of control.

(f) Compliance

    Comply with this AD by doing the actions specified in paragraph 
(g) through paragraph (h) of this AD, including all subparagraphs, 
unless already done.

(g) Initially Replace and Lubricate the Aileron Control Cable Chain, 
Sprocket, and Bearings

    Initially replace and lubricate the aileron control cable chain, 
sprocket, and bearings, and check the aileron control cable tension 
based on the conditions and compliance times in paragraphs (g)(1), 
(g)(2), and (g)(3) of this AD, including all subparagraphs. The 
corrosion preventative must be removed from the chain (but not the 
cable) and the required actions must be done following the 
Accomplishment Instructions in M7 Aerospace LLC SA26 Series Service 
Bulletin 26-27-001 R3, dated April 8, 2014; M7 Aerospace LLC SA226 
Series Service Bulletin 226-27-074 R2, dated October 23, 2013; M7 
Aerospace LLC SA227 Series Service Bulletin 227-27-054 R2, dated 
October 23, 2013; and M7 Aerospace LLC SA227 Series Commuter 
Category Service Bulletin CC7-27-026 R2, dated October 23, 2013, as 
applicable. Criteria for the term ``properly lubricated'' is 
included in paragraphs 5a, 5b, and 5c of the Accomplishment 
Instructions section of M7 Aerospace LLC SA26 Series Service 
Bulletin 26-27-001 R3, dated April 8, 2014, and paragraphs 6a, 6b, 
and 6c of the Accomplishment Instructions section of M7 Aerospace 
LLC SA226 Series Service Bulletin 226-27-074 R2, dated October 23, 
2013; M7 Aerospace LLC SA227 Series Service Bulletin 227-27-054 R2, 
dated October 23, 2013; and M7 Aerospace LLC SA227 Series Commuter 
Category Service Bulletin CC7-27-026 R2, dated October 23, 2013.
    (1) A review of the airplane records positively indicates that 
the aileron control cable chain in the pilot's and the copilot's 
control columns have been replaced and properly lubricated: At 
whichever of the compliance times specified in paragraphs (g)(1)(i) 
or (g)(1)(ii) of this AD that occurs later.
    (i) On or before reaching 10,000 hours time-in-service (TIS) 
from the time of the last aileron control cable chain replacement or 
within 13 years from the date of the last aileron control cable 
chain replacement, whichever occurs first.
    (ii) Within the next 24 months from June 5, 2014 (the effective 
date of this AD).
    (2) A review of the airplane records positively indicates that 
the aileron control cable chain in the pilot's and the copilot's 
control columns have been replaced within the last 10,000 hours TIS, 
but proper lubrication cannot be verified: At whichever of the 
compliance times specified in paragraphs (g)(2)(i) or (g)(2)(ii) of 
this AD that occurs first.
    (i) On or before reaching 10,000 hours TIS since the last 
replacement or within the next 1,000 hours TIS after June 5, 2014 
(the effective date of this AD), whichever occurs later.
    (ii) Within the next 24 months from June 5, 2014 (the effective 
date of this AD).
    (3) A review of the airplane records does not positively 
indicate that the aileron control cable chain in the pilot's and the 
copilot's control columns have been replaced within the last 10,000 
hours TIS: At the compliance times specified in paragraphs 
(g)(3)(i), (g)(3)(ii), (g)(3)(iii), and (g)(3)(iv) of this AD, as 
applicable.
    (i) For airplanes with less than 10,000 hours TIS: At whichever 
of the compliance times specified in paragraphs (3)(i)(A) or 
(3)(i)(B) of this AD that occurs first:
    (A) On or before reaching 10,000 hours TIS or within the next 
1,000 hours TIS after June 5, 2014 (the effective date of this AD), 
whichever occurs later.
    (B) Within the next 24 months after June 5, 2014 (the effective 
date of this AD).
    (ii) For airplanes with 10,000 hours TIS or more but less than 
20,001 hours TIS: Within the next 1,000 hours TIS after June 5, 2014 
(the effective date of this AD) or within the next 12 calendar 
months after June 5, 2014 (the effective date of this AD), whichever 
occurs first.
    (iii) For airplanes with 20,001 hours TIS or more but less than 
30,001 hours TIS: Within the next 750 hours TIS after June 5, 2014 
(the effective date of this AD) or within the next 6 calendar months 
after June 5, 2014 (the effective date of this AD), whichever occurs 
first.
    (iv) For airplanes with 30,001 hours TIS or more: Within the 
next 400 hours TIS after June 5, 2014 (the effective date of this 
AD) or within the next 3 calendar months after June 5, 2014 (the 
effective date of this AD), whichever occurs first.

(h) Repetitively Replace and Lubricate the Aileron Control Cable Chain, 
Sprocket, and Bearings

    Replace and lubricate the aileron control cable chain, sprocket, 
and bearings, and check the aileron control cable tension 
repetitively thereafter at intervals not to exceed 10,000 hours TIS 
or 13 years after the date of the last aileron control cable chain 
replacement, whichever occurs first. The corrosion preventative must 
be removed from the chain (but not the cable) and the required 
actions must be done following the Accomplishment Instructions in M7 
Aerospace LLC SA26 Series Service Bulletin 26-27-001 R3, dated April 
8, 2014; M7 Aerospace LLC SA226 Series Service Bulletin 226-27-074 
R2, dated October 23, 2013; M7 Aerospace LLC SA227 Series Service 
Bulletin 227-27-054 R2, dated October 23, 2013; and M7 Aerospace LLC 
SA227 Series Commuter Category Service Bulletin CC7-27-026 R2, dated 
October 23, 2013, as applicable.

(i) Credit for Actions Done Following Previous Service Information

    This AD allows credit for the actions required in paragraphs 
(g)(1) through (g)(3) of this AD, including all subparagraphs, if 
done before June 5, 2014 (the effective date of this AD), following 
M7 Aerospace LLC SA26 Series Service Bulletin 26-27-001, dated June 
6, 2013, or Service Bulletin 26-27-001 R1, dated September 30, 2013; 
M7 Aerospace LLC SA226 Series Service Bulletin 226-27-074, dated 
June 6, 2013, or Service Bulletin 226-27-074 R1, dated September 30, 
2013; M7 Aerospace LLC SA227 Series Service Bulletin 227-27-054, 
dated June 6, 2013, or Service Bulletin 227-27-054 R1, dated 
September 30, 2013; and M7 Aerospace LLC SA227 Series Commuter 
Category Service Bulletin CC7-27-026, dated June 6, 2013, or Service 
Bulletin CC7-27-026 R1, dated September 30, 2013, as applicable.

(j) Paperwork Reduction Act Burden Statement

    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

[[Page 24556]]

20591, Attn: Information Collection Clearance Officer, AES-200.

(k) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (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.

(l) Related Information

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

(m) 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) M7 Aerospace LLC SA26 Series Service Bulletin 26-27-001 R3, 
dated April 8, 2014.
    (ii) M7 Aerospace LLC SA226 Series Service Bulletin 226-27-074 
R2, dated October 23, 2013.
    (iii) M7 Aerospace LLC SA227 Series Service Bulletin 227-27-054 
R2, dated October 23, 2013.
    (iv) M7 Aerospace LLC SA227 Series Commuter Category Service 
Bulletin CC7-27-026 R2, dated October 23, 2013.
    (3) For M7 Aerospace service information identified in this AD, 
contact M7 Aerospace LP, 10823 NE Entrance Road, San Antonio, Texas 
78216; phone: (210) 824-9421; fax: (210) 804-7766; Internet: http://www.elbitsystems-us.com; email: none.
    (4) You may view this service information at 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 April 18, 2014.
Earl Lawrence,
Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2014-09419 Filed 4-30-14; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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