Airworthiness Directives; Airplanes Originally Manufactured by Lockheed for the Military as Model P-3A and P3A Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 79, Number 106 (Tuesday, June 3, 2014)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 31849-31851]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2014-12606]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2013-1073; Directorate Identifier 2012-NM-039-AD; 
Amendment 39-17856; AD 2014-11-06]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airplanes Originally Manufactured by 
Lockheed for the Military as Model P-3A and P3A 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 
airplanes originally manufactured by Lockheed Martin Aeronautics 
Company for the military as Model P-3A or P3A airplanes. This AD was 
prompted by a determination that the existing maintenance or inspection 
program must be revised to address fatigue cracking of the airplane. 
This AD requires revising the maintenance or inspection program, as 
applicable, to incorporate certain limitations. We are issuing this AD 
to detect and correct fatigue cracking, which could result in reduced 
structural integrity of the airplane.

DATES: This AD is effective July 8, 2014.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of July 8, 
2014.

ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Avenger Aircraft and Services, 103 N. Main Street, Suite 106, 
Greenville, SC 29601-4833; telephone: 864-232-8073; fax: 864-232-8074; 
email: [email protected]. You may view this referenced service 
information at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind 
Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For information on the availability of this 
material at the FAA, call 425-227-1221.

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-2013-
1073; 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 Docket 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: George Garrido, Aerospace Engineer, 
Airframe Branch, ANM-120L, FAA, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification 
Office, 3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, CA 90712-4137; phone: 562-
627-5357; fax: 562-627-5210; email: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Discussion

    We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR 
part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to certain airplanes 
originally manufactured by Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company for the 
military as Model P-3A or P3A airplanes. The NPRM published in the 
Federal Register on January 21, 2014 (79 FR 3341). The NPRM was 
prompted by a determination that the existing maintenance program must 
be revised to address fatigue cracking of the airplane. The NPRM 
proposed to require revising the maintenance or inspection program, as 
applicable, to incorporate certain limitations. We are issuing this AD 
to detect and correct fatigue cracking, which could result in reduced 
structural integrity of the airplane.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this AD. We have considered the comment received. The single commenter, 
Lockheed Martin (Lockheed) did not request a change to the NPRM (79 FR 
3341, January 21, 2014).

Conclusion

    We reviewed the relevant data, considered the comment received, 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:

[[Page 31850]]

    <bullet> Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the 
NPRM (79 FR 3341, 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 3341, January 21, 2014).

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD affects 8 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
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Revise the maintenance or           1 work-hour x $85 per                  $0              $85             $680
 inspection program.                 hour = $85.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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:

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):

2014-11-06 Lockheed (Original Manufacturer): Amendment 39-17856; 
Docket No. FAA-2013-1073; Directorate Identifier 2012-NM-039-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD is effective July 8, 2014.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to all Model P-3A or P3A airplanes originally 
manufactured by Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company for the 
military, as identified in paragraphs (c)(1) and (c)(2) of this AD, 
certificated in any category:
    (1) Aero Union Corporation Model P3A airplanes; and
    (2) USDA Forest Service Model P-3A airplanes.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 55, Stabilizers; 
57, Wings.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by a determination that the existing 
maintenance or inspection program must be revised to address fatigue 
cracking of the airplane. We are issuing this AD to detect and 
correct fatigue cracking, which could result in reduced structural 
integrity of the airplane.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Maintenance or Inspection Program Revision

    Within 12 months after the effective date of this AD, revise the 
maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, by incorporating 
airworthiness limitations specified in Avenger Aircraft and Services 
P3A Airworthiness Limitations Section--FAA TCDS A32NM & TCDS 
T00006LA, Forest and Wildlife Conservation Usage (Includes Aerial 
Dispensing of Liquids), AAS-ALS-07-001, Revision D, dated August 2, 
2010.

(h) Compliance Times for Modifications, Replacements, and Inspections

    For the tasks specified in Part-I, Sections B. through E., of 
Procedure 01-00-005, of Avenger Aircraft and Services P3A 
Airworthiness Limitations Section--FAA TCDS A32NM & TCDS T00006LA, 
Forest and Wildlife Conservation Usage (Includes Aerial Dispensing 
of Liquids), AAS-ALS-07-001, Revision D, dated August 2, 2010, the 
compliance times are specified in paragraphs (h)(1) through (h)(4) 
of this AD. For airplanes with combined baseline and aerial 
dispensing usage accumulated, the total remaining life and the total 
remaining hours or flights until inspection is due for the principle 
structural element (PSE) inspection requirements is determined by 
combining the fatigue damage accumulated during the baseline and the 
aerial dispensing of liquids usage. The usage must be combined in 
accordance with a method approved by the Manager, Los Angeles 
Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), FAA.
    (1) For the baseline life limits, the compliance time is: At the 
applicable ``flight hours'' or ``flights,'' whichever occurs first, 
specified in Part-I, Section B, ``Life Limitations Baseline Usage,'' 
of Procedure 01-00-005, of Avenger Aircraft and Services P3A 
Airworthiness Limitations Section--FAA TCDS A32NM & TCDS T00006LA, 
Forest and Wildlife Conservation Usage (Includes Aerial Dispensing 
of Liquids), AAS-ALS-07-001, Revision D, dated August 2, 2010; or 
within 12 months after the effective date of this AD; whichever 
occurs later.
    (2) For the baseline PSE inspection requirements, the compliance 
time is: At the applicable ``threshold interval hours'' or 
``threshold interval flights'' since new, whichever occurs first, as 
specified in Tables C.1, C.2, and C.3, of Part-I, Section C, 
``Principle Structural Element Inspection Requirements--Baseline 
Usage,'' of

[[Page 31851]]

Procedure 01-00-005, of Avenger Aircraft and Services P3A 
Airworthiness Limitations Section--FAA TCDS A32NM & TCDS T00006LA, 
Forest and Wildlife Conservation Usage (Includes Aerial Dispensing 
of Liquids), AAS-ALS-07-001, Revision D, dated August 2, 2010; or 
within 12 months after the effective date of this AD; whichever 
occurs later. Where compliance times are specified as ``threshold 
interval hours,'' those compliance times are total flight hours. 
Where the compliance times are specified as ``threshold interval 
flights,'' those compliance times are total flight cycles.
    (3) For the aerial dispensing of liquids life limits, the 
compliance time is: At the applicable ``flight hours'' or 
``flights,'' whichever occurs first, specified in Part-I, Section D, 
``Life Limitations--Aerial Dispensing of Liquids Usage'' of 
Procedure 01-00-005, of Avenger Aircraft and Services P3A 
Airworthiness Limitations Section--FAA TCDS A32NM & TCDS T00006LA, 
Forest and Wildlife Conservation Usage (Includes Aerial Dispensing 
of Liquids), AAS-ALS-07-001, Revision D, dated August 2, 2010; or 
within 12 months after the effective date of this AD; whichever 
occurs later.
    (4) For the aerial dispensing of liquids PSE inspection 
requirements, the compliance time is: At the applicable ``threshold 
interval hours'' or threshold interval flights,'' whichever occurs 
first, as specified in Tables E.1, E.2, and E.3, of Part-I, Section 
E, ``Principle Structural Element Inspection Requirements--Aerial 
Dispensing of Liquids Usage,'' of Procedure 01-00-005, of Avenger 
Aircraft and Services P3A Airworthiness Limitations Section--FAA 
TCDS A32NM & TCDS T00006LA, Forest and Wildlife Conservation Usage 
(Includes Aerial Dispensing of Liquids), AAS-ALS-07-001, Revision D, 
dated August 2, 2010; or within 12 months after the effective date 
of this AD; whichever occurs later.

(i) No Alternative Actions or Intervals

    After accomplishing the revision required by paragraph (g) of 
this AD, no alternative actions (e.g., inspections) or intervals may 
be used unless the actions or intervals are approved as an 
alternative method of compliance in accordance with the procedures 
specified in paragraph (j) of this AD.

(j) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, Los Angeles ACO, 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 paragraph (k) of this AD. Information may be emailed 
to: [email protected].
    (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.

(k) Related Information

    For more information about this AD, contact George Garrido, 
Aerospace Engineer, Airframe Branch, ANM-120L, FAA, Los Angeles 
Aircraft Certification Office, 3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, 
CA 90712-4137; phone: 562-627-5357; fax: 562-627-5210; email: 
[email protected].

(l) 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) Avenger Aircraft and Services P3A Airworthiness Limitations 
Section--FAA TCDS A32NM & TCDS T00006LA, Forest and Wildlife 
Conservation Usage (Includes Aerial Dispensing of Liquids), AAS-ALS-
07-001, Revision D, dated August 2, 2010. (ii) Reserved.
    (3) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Avenger Aircraft and Services, 103 N. Main Street, Suite 106, 
Greenville, SC 29601-4833; telephone: 864-232-8073; fax: 864-232-
8074; email: [email protected].
    (4) You may view this service information at FAA, Transport 
Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For 
information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 
425-227-1221.
    (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 Renton, Washington, on May 16, 2014.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2014-12606 Filed 6-2-14; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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