Airworthiness Directives; Alpha Aviation Concept Limited Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 79, Number 90 (Friday, May 9, 2014)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 26608-26610]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2014-10058]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2014-0130; Directorate Identifier 2014-CE-005-AD; 
Amendment 39-17847; AD 2014-09-12]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Alpha Aviation Concept Limited 
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 certain 
Alpha Aviation Concept Limited Model R2160 airplanes. This AD results 
from

[[Page 26609]]

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 the metal screen shield over the ignition switch may 
ground out the ignition terminals. We are issuing this AD to require 
actions to address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective June 13, 2014.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in the AD as of June 13, 
2014.

ADDRESSES: You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2014-
0130; 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 Alpha 
Aviation, 59 Hautapu Road, RD 1, Cambridge 3493, New Zealand; 
telephone: +64 7 827 0528; fax: +64 7 929 2878; Internet: 
www.alphaaviation.co.nz. 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: Karl Schletzbaum, Aerospace Engineer, 
FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas City, 
Missouri 64106; telephone: (816) 329-4123 ; fax: (816) 329-4090; email: 
[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Discussion

    We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR 
part 39 to add an AD that would apply to certain Alpha Aviation Concept 
Limited Model R2160 airplane. The NPRM was published in the Federal 
Register on March 3, 2014 (79 FR 11723). The 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:

    The AD is prompted by an overseas DR300/180R aircraft accident 
which occurred during take-off. Investigation revealed a distorted 
metal screen shield which grounded the ignition switch terminals and 
resulted in loss of engine power.
    Robin aircraft manufactured prior to 1985 were fitted with 
ignition switches protected with a metal screen shield. With 
subsequent radio and electrical system improvements ignition switch 
shielding is no longer required, and most aircraft do not have metal 
screen shielded ignition switches.
    This AD requires a one-time inspection of the ignition switch to 
determine if a metal screen shield is installed, and depending on 
findings, to modify or replace the ignition switch with a 
serviceable part. The AD prohibits the installation of a metal 
screen shield ignition switch on any aircraft.

The MCAI can be found in the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov/#!documentDetail;D=FAA-2014-0130-0002.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this AD. We received no comments on the NPRM (79 FR 11723, March 3, 
2014) 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 the 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 (79 FR 11723, March 3, 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 11723, March 3, 2014).

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD will affect 10 products of U.S. registry. 
We also estimate that it will take about 3 work-hours per product to 
comply with the basic requirements 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 $2,550, or $255 per product.
    In addition, we estimate that any necessary follow-on actions will 
take about 3 work-hours and require parts costing $100, for a cost of 
$355 per product. 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 Docket No. FAA-2012-
0130; 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,

[[Page 26610]]

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:

2014-09-12 Alpha Aviation Concept Limited: Amendment 39-17847; 
Docket No. FAA-2014-0130; Directorate Identifier 2014-CE-005-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective June 13, 
2014.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Alpha Aviation Concept Limited Model R2160 
airplanes, serial numbers 001 through 378, certificated in any 
category.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association of America (ATA) Code 74: Ignition.

(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 the metal screen 
shield over the ignition switch may ground out the ignition 
terminals. We are issuing this AD to prevent the ignition switch 
metal screen from grounding out the ignition switch terminals, which 
could cause the engine to shut down.

 (f) Actions and Compliance

    Unless already done, do the actions in paragraphs (f)(1) through 
(f)(3) of this AD:
    (1) Within the next 50 hours time-in-service after June 13, 2014 
(the effective date of this AD) or within the next 3 months after 
June 13, 2014 (the effective date of this AD), whichever occurs 
first, inspect the airplane ignition switch for the presence of a 
metal screen shield. Do the inspection following the Accomplishment 
Instructions in Alpha Aviation Service Bulletin AA-SB-24-002, 
Revision 0, dated January 2014.
    (2) If a metal screen is found during the inspection required in 
paragraph (f)(1) of this AD, before further flight, modify or 
replace the ignition switch following the Accomplishment 
Instructions in Alpha Aviation Service Bulletin AA-SB-24-002, 
Revision 0, dated January 2014.
    (3) As of June 13, 2014 (the effective date of this AD), do not 
install an ignition switch with a metal screen shield.

(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: Karl Schletzbaum, Aerospace Engineer, FAA, 
Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas City, 
Missouri 64106; telephone: (816) 329-4123; 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.

(h) Related Information

    Refer to MCAI Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) AD DCA/R2000/42, 
dated January 29, 2014, for related information. You may examine the 
MCAI on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov/#!documentDetail;D=FAA-2014-0130-0002.

(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 the AD specifies otherwise.
    (i) Alpha Aviation Service Bulletin AA-SB-24-002, Revision 0, 
dated January 2014.
    (ii) Reserved.
    (3) For Alpha Aviation Concept Limited service information 
identified in this AD, contact Alpha Aviation, 59 Hautapu Road, RD 
1, Cambridge 3493, New Zealand; telephone: +64 7 827 0528; fax: +64 
7 929 2878; Internet: www.alphaaviation.co.nz.
    (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 April 25, 2014.
Earl Lawrence,
Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2014-10058 Filed 5-8-14; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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