Airworthiness Directives; Pacific Aerospace Limited Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 79, Number 205 (Thursday, October 23, 2014)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 63305-63307]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2014-24698]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2014-0532; Directorate Identifier 2014-CE-016-AD; 
Amendment 39-17994; AD 2014-21-02]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Pacific Aerospace Limited Airplanes

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

ACTION: Final rule.

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[[Page 63306]]

SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Pacific 
Aerospace Limited Model FU24-954 and FU24A-954 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 cracking of the control column at the wiring 
access hole, which could lead to loss of control. We are issuing this 
AD to require actions to address the unsafe condition on these 
products.

DATES: This AD is effective November 28, 2014.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in the AD as of November 28, 
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-
0532; 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 Pacific 
Aerospace Limited, Airport Road, Hamilton Private Bag 3027 Hamilton 
3240, New Zealand; telephone: +64 7 843 6144; fax: +64 7 843 6134; 
email: [email protected]; Internet: http://www.aerospace.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 Pacific Aerospace Limited 
Model FU24-954 and FU24A-954 airplanes. The NPRM was published in the 
Federal Register on August 5, 2014 (79 FR 45383). 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:

    This AD requires an inspection of the control column for 
mechanical damage, deformation and cracks per the instructions in 
Pacific Aerospace Limited (PAL) Mandatory Service Bulletin (MSB) No. 
PACSB/FU/095 issue 2 dated 28 May 2014. For control columns found 
with mechanical damage or deformation the AD requires a 50 hour 
repetitive NDT inspection until replacement. Control column 
replacement is required at the next maintenance inspection, or 
within the next 150 hours TIS, whichever is the later.

The MCAI can be found in the AD docket on the Internet at: http://www.regulations.gov/#!documentDetail;D=FAA-2014-0532-0002.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this AD. We received no comments on the NPRM (79 FR 45383, August 5, 
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 45383, August 5, 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 45383, August 5, 2014).

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD will affect 1 product of U.S. registry. We 
also estimate that it would take about .5 work-hour 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 $42.50, or $42.50 per product.
    In addition, we estimate that any necessary follow-on actions would 
take about 8 work-hours and require parts costing $1,000, for a cost of 
$1,680 per product. We have no way of determining the number of 
products that may need these actions.
    According to the manufacturer, some of the costs of this AD may be 
covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost impact on affected 
individuals. We do not control warranty coverage for affected 
individuals. As a result, we have included all costs in our cost 
estimate.

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-2014-
0532; 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.

[[Page 63307]]

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:

2014-21-02 Pacific Aerospace Limited: Amendment 39-17994; Docket No. 
FAA-2014-0532; Directorate Identifier 2014-CE-016-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective November 28, 
2014.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Pacific Aerospace Limited Models FU24-954 and 
FU24A-954 airplanes, all serial numbers, certificated in any 
category.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association of America (ATA) Code 27: Flight 
Controls.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted 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 cracking of the 
control column at the wiring access hole. We are issuing this AD to 
detect and correct cracking of the control column at the wiring 
access hole, which could cause control column failure and subsequent 
loss of control.

(f) Actions and Compliance

    Unless already done, do the following actions in paragraphs 
(f)(1) through (f)(3) of this AD, following the accomplishment 
instructions in Pacific Aerospace Limited Mandatory Service Bulletin 
PACSB/FU/095, Issue 2, dated May 28, 2014.
    (1) Within the next 50 hours time-in-service (TIS) after 
November 28, 2014 (the effective date of this AD), inspect the 
control column part number (P/N) 08-45031/32 for cracks.
    (2) If any mechanical damage, deformation, or cracks are found, 
before further flight, replace the control column with an airworthy 
control column P/N 08-45031/32.
    (3) If no mechanical damage, deformation, or cracks are found 
after the inspection required in paragraph (f)(1) of this AD, at the 
next scheduled maintenance inspection or within the next 150 hours 
TIS, whichever occurs later, replace the control column with an 
airworthy P/N 08-45031/32.

(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/FU24/183, 
dated May 29, 2014, for related information. The MCAI can be found 
in the AD docket on the Internet at: http://www.regulations.gov/#!documentDetail;D=FAA-2014-0532-0002.

(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) Pacific Aerospace Limited Mandatory Service Bulletin PACSB/
FU/095, Issue 2, dated May 28, 2014.
    (ii) Reserved.
    (3) For Pacific Aerospace Limited service information identified 
in this AD, contact Pacific Aerospace Limited, Airport Road, 
Hamilton Private Bag 3027 Hamilton 3240, New Zealand; telephone: +64 
7 843 6144; fax: +64 7 843 6134; email: [email protected]; 
Internet: http://www.aerospace.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 October 9, 2014.
Earl Lawrence,
Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2014-24698 Filed 10-22-14; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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