Airworthiness Directives; Quest Aircraft Design, LLC Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 23 (Wednesday, February 4, 2015)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 5900-5902]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2015-01196]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2015-0099; Directorate Identifier 2014-CE-039-AD; 
Amendment 39-18082; AD 2015-02-15]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Quest Aircraft Design, LLC Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

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SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all 
Quest Aircraft Design, LLC Model KODIAK 100 airplanes. This AD requires 
inspecting the inboard upper and lower elevator skins for cracking, 
repairing cracks, and installing doublers. This AD was prompted by a 
report that fatigue cracks were found in the lower elevator skins. We 
are issuing this AD to correct the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective February 19, 2015.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of February 19, 
2015.
    We must receive comments on this AD by March 23, 2015.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR 
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods:
    <bullet> Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
    <bullet> Fax: 202-493-2251.
    <bullet> Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590.
    <bullet> Hand Delivery: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., 
Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    For service information identified in this AD, contact Quest 
Aircraft Design, LLC, 1200 Turbine Drive, Sandpoint, Idaho 83864; 
telephone: (208) 263-1111; toll free: (866) 263-1112; fax: (208) 263-
1511; [email protected]; www.questaircraft.com. 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 Docket No. FAA-2015-
0099; 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 street address for the Docket Office (phone: 
800-647-5527) is in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available 
in the AD docket shortly after receipt.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jason Deutschman, Aerospace Engineer, 
Seattle Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., 
Renton, Washington 98057; phone: (425) 917-6595; fax: (425) 917-6590; 
email: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Discussion

    We received a report that an operator found two cracks in the lower 
elevator skin, one per elevator, while performing a preflight walk-
around inspection on a Quest Aircraft Design, LLC Model KODIAK 100 
airplane.
    The trailing edge skin has a built-in joggle to maintain the 
aerodynamic profile of the surface in the presence of a skin lap. The 
joggle causes the skin to straighten under tension loads and buckle 
under compression loads. We have determined that secondary bending 
stresses at the joggle are the direct cause of the cracking.
    This condition, if not corrected, could cause failure of the 
elevator skins to sustain limit load, which could result in loss of 
elevator control, elevator flutter, or loss of elevator. We are issuing 
this AD to correct the unsafe condition on these products.

Relevant Service Information

    We reviewed Quest Aircraft KODIAK Mandatory Service Bulletin SB 14-
09,

[[Page 5901]]

Revision 1, dated December 11, 2014, and Quest Aircraft Field Service 
Instruction, Elevator Doubler Installation, Elevator Serial Numbers 
0001 through 0149, Report No. FSI-106, Revision 02, not dated. The 
service information describes procedures for inspecting the inboard 
upper and lower skins of the elevator cracking, repairing cracks, and 
installing doublers to prevent cracking from occuring. You can find 
this information at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and 
locating Docket No. FAA-2015-0099.

FAA's Determination

    We are issuing this AD because we evaluated all the relevant 
information and determined the unsafe condition described previously is 
likely to exist or develop in other products of the same type design.

AD Requirements

    This AD requires accomplishing the actions specified in the service 
information described previously.

FAA's Justification and Determination of the Effective Date

    An unsafe condition exists that requires the immediate adoption of 
this AD. The FAA has found that the risk to the flying public justifies 
waiving notice and comment prior to adoption of this rule because 
failure of the elevator skins to sustain limit load could result in 
loss of elevator control, elevator flutter, or loss of elevator. 
Therefore, we find that notice and opportunity for prior public comment 
are impracticable and that good cause exists for making this amendment 
effective in less than 30 days.

Comments Invited

    This AD is a final rule that involves requirements affecting flight 
safety and was not preceded by notice and an opportunity for public 
comment. However, we invite you to send any written data, views, or 
arguments about this AD. Send your comments to an address listed under 
the ADDRESSES section. Include the docket number FAA-2015-0099 and 
Directorate Identifier 2014-CE-039-AD at the beginning of your 
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this AD. We will 
consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend this 
AD because of those comments.
    We will post all comments we receive, without change, to http://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. We 
will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact we 
receive about this AD.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD affects 57 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
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inspect the inboard upper and       .5 work-hour x $85     Not applicable.......          $42.50       $2,422.50
 lower skins of the elevator for     per hour = $42.50.
 cracking.
Install doublers..................  4 work-hours x $85     Not applicable.......             340          19,380
                                     per hour = $340.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    We estimate the following costs to do any necessary repairs that 
would be required based on the results of the inspection. We have no 
way of determining the number of aircraft that might need this repair:

                                               On-Condition Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Cost per
                 Action                           Labor cost                  Parts cost              product
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Repair cracks to the inboard upper and    .5 work-hour x $85 per      Not applicable............          $42.50
 lower skins of the elevator.              hour = $42.50.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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

    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

[[Page 5902]]

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):

2015-02-15 Quest Aircraft Design, LLC: Amendment 39-18082; Docket 
No. FAA-2015-0099; Directorate Identifier 2014-CE-039-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD is effective February 19, 2015.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Quest Aircraft Design, LLC Model KODIAK 100 
airplanes, all serial numbers, that are:
    (1) Equipped with elevators with serial numbers 0001 through 
0149; and
    (2) certificated in any category.

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC)/Air Transport Association 
(ATA) of America Code 5522; Elevator Skins.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by a report that fatigue cracks were found 
in the lower elevator skins. We are issuing this AD to correct the 
unsafe condition on these products.

(f) Compliance

    Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified in 
paragraphs (g) through (j) of this AD, unless already done.

(g) Inspect the Elevator Skins for Cracking

    At or before reaching 1,500 hours time in service (TIS) on the 
elevator or within the next 25 hours TIS after February 19, 2015 
(the effective date of this AD), whichever occurs later, inspect the 
top and bottom of the elevator for cracking in the forward inboard 
end of the trailing edge skin, aft of the spar. Do the inspection 
following section 4. of Quest Aircraft Field Service Instruction, 
Elevator Doubler Installation, Elevator Serial Numbers 0001 through 
0149, Report No. FSI-106, Revision 02, not dated, as specified in 
Quest Aircraft KODIAK Mandatory Service Bulletin SB 14-09, Revision 
1, dated December 11, 2014.

    Note 1 to paragraph (g) of this AD: Quest Aircraft Field Service 
Instruction, Elevator Doubler Installation, Elevator Serial Numbers 
0001 through 0149, Report No. FSI-106, Revision 02, not dated, 
references Advisory Circular 43.13-1B, Section 2. The reference 
should state Advisory Circular 43.13-1B, chapter 5, section 2. You 
may find Advisory Circular 43.13-1B on the Internet at http://rgl.faa.gov/Regulatory_and_Guidance_Library/rgAdvisoryCircular.nsf/0/99C827DB9BAAC81B86256B4500596C4E?OpenDocument&Highlight=43.13-1b.

(h) Install Doublers

    If no cracking was found during the inspection required in 
paragraph (g) of this AD, before further flight after the 
inspection, install doublers. Do the installation following section 
5.1 of Quest Aircraft Field Service Instruction, Elevator Doubler 
Installation, Elevator Serial Numbers 0001 through 0149, Report No. 
FSI-106, Revision 02, not dated, as specified in Quest Aircraft 
KODIAK Mandatory Service Bulletin SB 14-09, Revision 1, dated 
December 11, 2014.

(i) Repair Cracked Elevator Skins and Install Doublers

    If cracking was found during the inspection required in 
paragraph (g) of this AD, before further flight after the 
inspection, repair the cracks and install doublers, except as 
specified in paragraph (j). Do the repair and installation following 
section 5.2 of Quest Aircraft Field Service Instruction, Elevator 
Doubler Installation, Elevator Serial Numbers 0001 through 0149, 
Report No. FSI-106, Revision 02, not dated, as specified in Quest 
Aircraft KODIAK Mandatory Service Bulletin SB 14-09, Revision 1, 
dated December 11, 2014.

(j) Cracked Elevator Skins That Exceed Service Bulletin Repair Limits

    If the cracking found during the inspection required in 
paragraph (g) of this AD exceeds the repair specified in paragraph 
(i) of this AD, before further flight, obtain an FAA-approved repair 
method from Quest Aircraft by contacting the Manager, Seattle 
Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), FAA, as specified in paragraph 
(k) of this AD. To use a repair method approved by the Manager of 
the Seattle ACO, the approval letter must specifically reference 
this AD.

(k) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, Seattle 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 
(m) 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 Jason Deutschman, 
Aerospace Engineer, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, 1601 
Lind Avenue SW., Renton, Washington 98057; phone: (425) 917-6595; 
fax: (425) 917-6590; 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) Quest Aircraft KODIAK Mandatory Service Bulletin SB 14-09, 
Revision 1, dated December 11, 2014.
    (ii) Quest Aircraft Field Service Instruction, Elevator Doubler 
Installation, Elevator Serial Numbers 0001 through 0149, Report No. 
FSI-106, Revision 02, not dated.
    (3) For Quest Aircraft service information identified in this 
AD, contact Quest Aircraft Design, LLC, 1200 Turbine Drive, 
Sandpoint, Idaho 83864; telephone: (208) 263-1111; toll free: (866) 
263-1112; fax: (208) 263-1511; [email protected]; 
www.questaircraft.com.
    (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 January 16, 2015.
Kelly A. Broadway,
Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2015-01196 Filed 2-3-15; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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