Airworthiness Directives; REIMS AVIATION S.A. Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 188 (Wednesday, September 28, 2016)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 66524-66526]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-22830]



[[Page 66524]]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2016-8161; Directorate Identifier 2016-CE-018-AD; 
Amendment 39-18664; AD 2016-19-15]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; REIMS AVIATION S.A. 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 
REIMS AVIATION S.A. Model F406 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 cracks found in the horizontal stabilizer rear attach 
structure and the vertical fin rear spar attach structure. We are 
issuing this AD to prevent structural failure of the horizontal 
stabilizer and/or the vertical fin rear spar attach structure, which 
could result in damage to the airplane and loss of control.

DATES: This AD is effective November 2, 2016.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of November 2, 
2016.

ADDRESSES: You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2016-
8161; 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 ASI 
Aviation, A[eacute]rodrome de Reims Prunay, 51360 Prunay, France; 
telephone: +33 3 26 48 46 84; fax: +33 3 26 49 18 57; email: 
[email protected]; Internet: http://asi-aviation.fr/page-Accueil.html. 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. It is also available on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for Docket No. FAA-2016-8161.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Albert Mercado, Aerospace Engineer, 
FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas City, 
Missouri 64106; telephone: (816) 329-4119; fax: (816) 329-4090; 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 REIMS AVIATION S.A. 
Model F406 airplanes. The NPRM was published in the Federal Register on 
July 7, 2016 (81 FR 44244). 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:

    Fatigue cracks and holes elongation were found on horizontal 
stabilizer fittings on F406 aeroplanes having accumulated more than 
2 500 flight hours (FH).

    This condition, if not detected and corrected, could result in 
loss of structural integrity of the horizontal stabilizer fittings.
    To initially address this issue, DGAC France published AD 2001-
161 to require repetitive visual inspections of the fittings, and, 
dependings on findings, replacement with a serviceable part.
    Since that AD was issued, during maintenance, cracks were found 
on a slice plate of horizontal stabilizer fittings. Consequently, 
ASI Aviation issued Service Bulletin (SB) CAB01-5 Revision 2 to 
provide instructions for additional eddy-current non-destructive 
test (NDT) inspections.
    For the reasons described above, this AD retains the 
requirements of DGAC France AD 2001-161, which is superseded, and 
requires the additional NDT inspections.

    The MCAI can be found in the AD docket on the Internet at https://www.regulations.gov/document?D=FAA-2016-8161-0002.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this AD. We received no comments on the NPRM (81 FR 44244, July 7, 
2016) 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 this 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 (81 FR 44244, July 7, 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 44244, July 7, 2016).

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    We reviewed ASI Aviation Service Bulletin CAB01-5 Rev 2, dated 
December 3, 2015. The service information describes procedures for 
inspecting the horizontal stabilizer rear attach structure and the 
vertical fin rear spar attach structure for cracks and oversized bolt 
holes and making all necessary repairs and replacements. This 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 AD.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD will affect 7 products of U.S. registry. 
We also estimate that it will take about 20.5 work-hours per product to 
comply with the basic inspections requirements of this AD (18 work-
hours to remove the horizontal stabilizer to gain access for the 
inspection and 2.5 work-hours to do the inspection). The average labor 
rate is $85 per work-hour.
    Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of the inspection on 
U.S. operators to be $12,197.50, or $1,742.50 per product.
    We estimate that it will take about 25 work-hours per product to 
reinstall the horizontal stabilizer after doing the inspection and any 
necessary repairs or replacements. Based on these figures, we estimate 
the cost of this action on U.S. operators to be $14,875, or $2,125 per 
product.
    In addition, we estimate any necessary corrective actions as 
follows:

--Installing Service Kit SKRA406-11-Rev. 2 will take about 3 work-hours 
and require parts costing $65, for a cost of $320 per product. We have 
no way of determining the number of products that may need this action.
--Installing Service Kit SK406-137 (which superseded Service Kit 
SKRA406-12-Rev. 2) will take about 20 work-hours and require parts 
costing $2,000, for a cost of $3,800 per product. We have no way of 
determining the number of products that may need this action.
--Installing Service Kit SKRA406-13-Rev. 2 will take about 8 work-hours 
and require parts costing $1,800, for a cost of $2,480 per product. We 
have no way of determining the number of products that may need this 
action.

[[Page 66525]]

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-2016-
8161; 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, 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:

2016-19-15 REIMS AVIATION S.A.: Amendment 39-18664; Docket No. FAA-
2016-8161; Directorate Identifier 2016-CE-018-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective November 2, 
2016.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to REIMS AVIATION S.A. F406 airplanes, serial 
numbers F406-0001 through F406-0098, certificated in any category.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association of America (ATA) Code 55: Stabilizers.

(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 cracks found in 
the horizontal stabilizer rear attach structure and the vertical fin 
rear spar attach structure. We are issuing this AD to prevent 
structural failure of the horizontal stabilizer and/or the vertical 
fin rear spar attach structure, which could result in damage to the 
airplane and loss of control.

(f) Actions and Compliance

    Unless already done, do the following actions:
    (1) At whichever of the compliance times specified in paragraphs 
(f)(1)(i) through (iii) of this AD that occurs the latest after 
November 2, 2016 (the effective date of this AD), and repetitively 
thereafter every 2,400 hours time-in-service (TIS), do a visual and 
non-destructive test (NDT) inspection of the horizontal stabilizer 
splice plate assembly, part number (P/N) 6032183-1 or P/N 406-5518-
32183-100 (as applicable), and the attach structure assembly P/N 
6031210-1. Do the inspections following the Accomplishment 
Instructions in ASI Aviation Service Bulletin CAB01-5 Rev 2, dated 
December 3, 2015.
    (i) Before accumulating 2,500 hours TIS; or
    (ii) Within the next 100 hours TIS; or
    (iii) At the next 600-hour inspection.
    (2) During any inspection required by paragraph (f)(1) of this 
AD, if any oversized bolt hole or crack is detected on the 
horizontal stabilizer splice plate assembly or attach structure 
assembly, before further flight, repair or replace the affected part 
with a serviceable part following the Accomplishment Instructions in 
ASI Aviation Service Bulletin CAB01-5 Rev 2, dated December 3, 2015. 
After taking the necessary corrective action, continue with the 
repetitive inspection specified in paragraph (f)(1) of this AD.

(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: Albert Mercado, Aerospace Engineer, FAA, Small 
Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas City, Missouri 
64106; telephone: (816) 329-4119; 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.
    (3) Reporting Requirements: For any reporting requirement in 
this AD, a federal agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person 
is not required to respond to, nor shall a person be subject to a 
penalty for failure to comply with a collection of information 
subject to the requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act unless 
that collection of information displays a current valid OMB Control 
Number. The OMB Control Number for this information collection is 
2120-0056. Public reporting for this collection of information is 
estimated to be approximately 5 minutes per response, including the 
time for reviewing instructions, completing and reviewing the 
collection of information. All responses to this collection of 
information are mandatory. Comments concerning the accuracy of this 
burden and suggestions for reducing the burden should be directed to 
the FAA at: 800 Independence Ave SW., Washington, DC 20591, Attn: 
Information Collection Clearance Officer, AES-200.

(h) Related Information

    Refer to MCAI European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD No.: 
2016-0101, dated 25 May 25, 2016, and ASI Aviation Service Kit 
SKRA40611-Rev. 2, dated December 3, 2015,

[[Page 66526]]

ASI Service Kit SK406-137, dated December 3, 2015 (which superseded 
ASI Aviation Service Kit SKRA406-12-Rev. 2, dated December 3, 2015), 
and ASI Aviation Service Kit SKRA406-13-Rev. 2, dated December 3, 
2015, for related information. You may examine the MCAI in the AD 
docket on the Internet at https://www.regulations.gov/document?D=FAA-2016-8161-0002.

(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 this AD specifies otherwise.
    (i) ASI Aviation Service Bulletin CAB01-5 Rev 2, dated December 
3, 2015.
    (ii) Reserved.
    (3) For ASI Aviation service information identified in this AD, 
contact ASI Aviation, A[eacute]rodrome de Reims Prunay, 51360 
Prunay, France; telephone: +33 3 26 48 46 84; fax: +33 3 26 49 18 
57; email: [email protected]; Internet: http://asi-aviation.fr/page-Accueil.html.
    (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. In addition, you can access this service information 
on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and 
locating Docket No. FAA-2016-8161.
    (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 September 16, 2016.
Pat Mullen,
Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2016-22830 Filed 9-27-16; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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