Airworthiness Directives; M7 Aerospace LLC Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 141 (Friday, July 22, 2016)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 47694-47696]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-17039]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2016-5431; Directorate Identifier 2015-CE-044-AD; 
Amendment 39-18593; AD 2016-15-02]
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 all M7 
Aerospace LLC Models SA26-AT, SA26-T, SA226-AT, SA226-T, SA226-T(B), 
SA226-TC, SA227-AC (C-26A), SA227-AT, SA227-BC (C-26A), SA227-CC, 
SA227-DC (C-26B), and SA227-TT airplanes. This AD was prompted by 
reports of multiple cracks in the steel horizontal tube of the cockpit 
control column. This AD requires inspection of the cockpit control 
column horizontal tube for cracks and repair or replacement of the 
cockpit control column as necessary. We are issuing this AD to correct 
the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective August 26, 2016.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of August 26, 
2016.

ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule, 
contact M7 Aerospace LLC, 10823 NE Entrance Road, San Antonio, Texas 
78216; phone: (210) 824-9421; fax: (210) 804-7766; Internet: http://www.elbitsystems-us.com; email: [email protected]. For 
information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 816-
329-4148. It is also available on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2016-
5431.

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-2016-
5431; 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-143 (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 by adding an AD that would apply to all M7 Aerospace LLC Models 
SA26-AT, SA26-T, SA226-AT, SA226-T, SA226-T(B), SA226-TC, SA227-AC (C-
26A), SA227-AT, SA227-BC (C-26A), SA227-CC, SA227-DC (C-26B), and 
SA227-TT airplanes. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on April 
1, 2016 (81 FR 18804). The NPRM was prompted by reports of multiple 
cracks in the cockpit control column horizontal tube at the corners of 
the access panel cutout, at the pulley bolt welds, and at the elevator 
arm weld in the steel horizontal tube of the control column on M7 
Aerospace SA26, SA226, and SA227 airplanes. The NPRM proposed to 
require inspection of the cockpit control column horizontal tube for 
cracks and repair or replacement of the cockpit control column as 
necessary. This condition, if not corrected, could result in partial or 
complete control column failure with partial or complete loss of pitch 
and/or roll control. We are issuing this AD to correct the unsafe 
condition on these products.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this AD. The following presents the comment received on the NPRM (81 FR 
18804, April 1, 2016) and the FAA's response to the comment.

Request for Previously Done Credit

    Michael O'Brien at Bearskin Airlines commented they had been 
complying with this AD by accomplishing the service bulletins that are 
listed in the proposed AD. He asked if it would be acceptable to just 
accomplish a technical records research to see when the required 
actions were last done.
    We agree that credit should be given for actions previously done 
with the service bulletins called out in the NPRM. The NPRM already 
allows for this with the phrase ``unless already done'' in paragraphs 
(g)(1) and (2) of the NPRM.
    Because the requested change is already part of this AD, we have 
not changed the final rule AD action based on this comment.

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 47695]]

    <bullet> Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the 
NPRM (81 FR 18804, April 1, 2016) for correcting the unsafe condition; 
and
    <bullet> Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was 
already proposed in the NPRM (81 FR 18804, April 1, 2016).

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    We reviewed M7 Aerospace LLC SA26 Series Service Bulletin (SB) 26-
27-002, M7 Aerospace LLC SA226 Series SB 226-27-078, M7 Aerospace LLC 
SA227 Series SB 227-27-058, and M7 Aerospace LLC SA227 Series SB CC7-
27-030, all dated October 8, 2015. The service information describes 
procedures for inspection of the cockpit control column horizontal tube 
for cracks and repair or replacement of the cockpit control column as 
necessary. All of the related service information is reasonably 
available because the interested parties have access to it through 
their normal course of business or by the means identified in the 
ADDRESSES section of this NPRM.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD affects 350 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
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Inspection...................  12 work-hours x $85 per    Not applicable......          $1,020         $357,000
                                hour = $1,020.
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    We estimate the following costs to do any necessary repairs/
replacements that would be required based on the results of the 
inspection. We have no way of determining the number of airplanes that 
might need these repairs/replacements:

                                               On-Condition Costs
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                                                                                                     Cost per
                Action                            Labor cost                    Parts cost            product
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Repair cracks........................  2 work-hours x $85 per hour =     Not applicable.........            $170
                                        $170.
Replace parts........................  16 work-hours x $85 per hour =    $5,000.................           6,360
                                        $1,360.
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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:

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):

2016-15-02 M7 Aerospace LLC: Amendment 39-18593; Docket No. FAA-
2016-5431; Directorate Identifier 2016-CE-044-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD is effective August 26, 2016.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to M7 Aerospace LLC Models SA26-AT, SA26-T, 
SA226-AT, SA226-T, SA226-T(B), SA226-TC, SA227-AC (C-26A), SA227-AT, 
SA227-BC (C-26A), SA227-CC, SA227-DC (C-26B), and SA227-TT 
airplanes, all serial numbers, certificated in any category.

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC)/Air Transport Association 
(ATA) of America Code 2700, Flight Controls.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by reports of multiple cracks in the steel 
horizontal tube of the cockpit control column. We are requiring 
repetitive inspections of the cockpit control column horizontal tube 
with repair or replacement, as necessary, of the cockpit control 
column. We are issuing this AD to

[[Page 47696]]

correct the unsafe condition on these products.

(f) Compliance

    Comply with paragraphs (g)(1) through (2) of this AD using the 
following service bulletins within the compliance times specified 
below, unless already done:
    (1) For Models SA26-T and SA26-AT: M7 Aerospace LLC Service 
Bulletin (SB) 26-27-002, dated October 8, 2015;
    (2) For Models SA226-AT, SA226-T, SA226-T(B), and SA226-TC: M7 
Aerospace LLC SB 226-27-078, dated October 8, 2015;
    (3) For Models SA227-AC(C-26A), SA227-AT, SA227-BC(C-26A), and 
SA227-TT: M7 Aerospace LLC SB 227-27-058, dated October 8, 2015; or
    (4) For Models SA227-CC and SA227-DC (C-26B): M7 Aerospace LLC 
SB CC7-27-030, dated October 8, 2015.

(g) Actions

    (1) For all airplanes: Within the next 2,000 hours time-in-
service (TIS) after [insert date 35 days after date of publication 
in the Federal Register] (the effective date of this AD) or no later 
than when the airplane accumulates 20,000 hours TIS, whichever 
occurs later, do an initial inspection of the cockpit control column 
horizontal tube for cracks following the Accomplishment Instructions 
in section 2. of the service bulletins identified in paragraphs 
(f)(1), (2), (3), or (4) of this AD, as applicable; and repetitively 
inspect as follows:
    (i) For airplanes with less than 35,000 hours TIS as of [insert 
date 35 days after date of publication in the Federal Register] (the 
effective date of this AD): Repetitively inspect the cockpit control 
column horizontal tube for cracks every 5,000 hours TIS until the 
airplane reaches 35,000 hours TIS at which time do the inspection 
within 2,000 hours TIS from the last inspection or within the next 
100 hours TIS, whichever occurs later, and then thereafter at 
intervals not to exceed 2,000 hours TIS.
    (ii) For airplanes with 35,000 hours TIS or more as of [insert 
date 35 days after date of publication in the Federal Register] (the 
effective date of this AD): Repetitively inspect the cockpit control 
column horizontal tube for cracks every 2,000 hours TIS.
    (2) For all airplanes: If any cracks are found following the 
inspections required in paragraphs (g)(1), (g)(1)(i), or (ii), as 
applicable, before further flight, repair the control column 
following the Accomplishment Instructions in section 2. of the 
service bulletins identified in paragraphs (f)(1), (2), (3), or (4), 
as applicable, of this AD.
    Note to paragraph (g)(1) through (2) of this AD: The reporting 
of information requested in paragraph 2.H. of the Accomplishment 
Instructions in the service bulletins identified in paragraphs 
(f)(1), (2), (3), and (4) of this AD is not a required action of 
this AD.

(h) 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 paragraph (j) 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.

(i) Related Information

    For more information about this AD, contact Andrew McAnaul, 
Aerospace Engineer, FAA, ASW-143 (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].

(j) 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 Service Bulletin (SB) 26-27-002, dated 
October 8, 2015;
    (ii) M7 Aerospace LLC SB 226-27-078, dated October 8, 2015;
    (iii) M7 Aerospace LLC SB 227-27-058, dated October 8, 2015; or
    (iv) M7 Aerospace LLC SB CC7-27-030, dated October 8, 2015.
    (3) For service information identified in this AD, contact M7 
Aerospace LLC, 10823 NE Entrance Road, San Antonio, Texas 78216; 
phone: (210) 824-9421; fax: (210) 804-7766; Internet: http://www.elbitsystems-us.com; email: [email protected].
    (4) 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.
    (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 July 13, 2016.
Pat Mullen,
Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2016-17039 Filed 7-21-16; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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