Airworthiness Directives; American Champion Aircraft Corp.

[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 135 (Friday, July 13, 2018)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 32563-32565]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-14686]



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Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 135 / Friday, July 13, 2018 / Rules 
and Regulations

[[Page 32563]]



DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2018-0003; Product Identifier 2017-CE-033-AD; Amendment 
39-19326; AD 2018-14-06]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; American Champion Aircraft Corp.

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: We are superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) (AD) 2017-07-
10 for certain American Champion Aircraft Corp. (ACAC) Model 8KCAB 
airplanes. AD 2017-07-10 required fabrication and installation of a 
placard to prohibit aerobatic flight, inspection of the aileron hinge 
rib and support, and a reporting requirement of the inspection results 
to the FAA. This AD requires repetitive inspections of the aileron 
hinge support, installation of the aileron hinge support reinforcement 
kit, and incorporation of revised pages into the service manual. This 
AD was prompted by a report of a cracked hinge support and cracked 
hinge ribs, which resulted in partial loss of control with the aileron 
binding against the cove. We are issuing this AD to address the unsafe 
condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective August 17, 2018.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of August 17, 
2018.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain other publication listed in this AD as of April 
12, 2017 (82 FR 17542, April 12, 2017).

ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule, 
contact American Champion Aircraft Corp., P.O. Box 37, 32032 Washington 
Ave., Rochester, Wisconsin 53167; telephone: (262) 534-6315; fax: (262) 
534-2395; email: [email protected]; internet: http://www.americanchampionaircraft.com/service-letters.html. You may review 
copies of the referenced service information at the FAA, Policy and 
Innovation Division, 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 and locating Docket No. FAA-2018-
0003.

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-2018-
0003; or in person at Docket Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., 
Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains 
this final rule, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and 
other information. The address for Docket Operations (phone: 800-647-
5527) is U.S. Department of Transportation, M-30, West Building Ground 
Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Wess Rouse, Small Airplane Program 
Manager, 2300 East Devon Avenue, Room 107, Des Plaines, Illinois 60018; 
telephone: (847) 294-8113; fax: (847) 294-7834; email: 
[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Discussion

    We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR 
part 39 to remove AD 2017-07-10, Amendment 39-18849 (82 FR 17542, April 
12, 2017) (``AD 2017-07-10''), and add a new AD. AD 2017-07-10 applied 
to certain American Champion Aircraft Corp. (ACAC) Model 8KCAB 
airplanes. AD 2017-07-10 required fabricating and installing a placard 
to prohibit aerobatic flight, inspecting the aileron hinge rib and 
support, and reporting the inspection results to the FAA. We issued AD 
2017-07-10 to prevent failure of the aileron support structure, which 
may lead to excessive deflection, binding of the control surface, and 
potential loss of control.
    The NPRM published in the Federal Register on January 11, 2018 (83 
FR 1311). The NPRM was prompted by a report of a cracked hinge support 
and cracked hinge ribs, which resulted in partial loss of control with 
the aileron binding against the cove. The NPRM proposed to retain the 
placard and one-time inspection requirements of AD 2017-07-10 and 
remove the reporting requirement. The NPRM also proposed to require 
repetitive inspections of the aileron hinge support, installation of 
the aileron hinge support reinforcement kit, and incorporation of 
revised pages into the service manual. We are issuing this AD to 
address the unsafe condition on these products.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this AD. The following presents the comments received on the NPRM and 
the FAA's response to each comment.

Request To Remove the Reinforcement Kit Requirement

    Scott Austin, Chris Murley, Moritz Bartsch, David Trost, and an 
anonymous individual requested the AD not require installation of the 
reinforcement kit. In support of this request, the commenters state the 
airplanes with failures that prompted the AD had different horsepower, 
different wingtips, and were used repeatedly in ``hard'' aerobatic 
operations. The commenters felt that airplanes with these design 
differences and those used in normal operations would be safely 
mitigated with repetitive inspections and installation of the 
reinforcement kit only if cracks are found.
    We do not agree. The commenters did not provide data to support a 
position that the unsafe condition is affected by the differences in 
horsepower or wing design. Additionally, all Model 8KCAB airplanes are 
certificated to the same operational limits. We have no safety basis to 
only rely on 100-hour/annual inspections to mitigate the unsafe 
condition. We have not changed this AD based on this comment.

Additional Changes Made to This AD

    We have deleted paragraph (g)(1) of the NPRM and renumbered 
paragraphs (g)(2) and (g)(3) to (g)(1) and (g)(2) respectively in this 
AD. Paragraphs (g)(2) and (g)(3) of the NPRM basically presented the 
actions that were

[[Page 32564]]

specified in paragraph (g)(1) of the NPRM, thus making it redundant and 
unnecessary.
    We have also corrected minor typographical errors in paragraphs 
(h)(1), (h)(3), and (h)(4) in this AD.
    Lastly, we have clarified the document title of the airworthiness 
limitations in paragraphs (h)(6) and (h)(7) in this AD.

Conclusion

    We reviewed the relevant data, considered the comments received, 
and determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting 
this final rule as proposed, except for the changes described 
previously. These changes are consistent with the intent of the 
proposals in the NPRM and will not increase the economic burden on any 
operator nor increase the scope of the AD.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    We reviewed American Champion Aircraft Corp. Service Letter 442, 
Revision A, dated August 18, 2017 (ACAC SL No. 442); American Champion 
Aircraft Corp. Service Letter 444 Initial Revision, dated August 18, 
2017 (ACAC SL No. 444); and page 4-1, Manual Revision B, of the 
Airworthiness Limitations section and page 5-9, Manual Revision B, of 
the Time and Maintenance Checks section, both dated October 3, 2017, 
and included in American Champion Aircraft Corporation SM-601 8KCAB 
Service Manual, Reissue B, dated October 3, 2017. ACAC SL No. 442 
describes procedures and inspection intervals for inspection of the 
aileron hinge rib and hinge support. ACAC SL No. 444 provides 
instructions for the installation of the aileron hinge reinforcement 
kit. Page 4-1 and page 5-9 are revised pages that add a repetitive 
inspection to the 8KCAB Service Manual, SM-601, Reissue B, dated 
October 3, 2017. 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.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD affects 64 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
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fabrication of placard, inspection   2 work-hours x $85 per hour            $100         $270.00         $17,280
 of aileron hinge rib and support.    = $170.00.
Repetitive 100-hour TIS inspections  1.5 work-hours x $85 per                N/A          127.50           8,160
                                      hour = $127.50.
Installation of aileron hinge        50 work-hours x $85 per               2,200           6,450         412,800
 support reinforcement kit.           hour = $4,250.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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.
    This AD is issued in accordance with authority delegated by the 
Executive Director, Aircraft Certification Service, as authorized by 
FAA Order 8000.51C. In accordance with that order, issuance of ADs is 
normally a function of the Compliance and Airworthiness Division, but 
during this transition period, the Executive Director has delegated the 
authority to issue ADs applicable to small airplanes, gliders, 
balloons, airships, domestic business jet transport airplanes, and 
associated appliances to the Director of the Policy and Innovation 
Division.

Regulatory Findings

    We have 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 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 removing Airworthiness Directive (AD) 
2017-07-10, Amendment 39-18849 (82 FR 17542, April 12, 2017), and 
adding the following new AD:

2018-14-06 American Champion Aircraft Corp.: Amendment 39-19326; 
Docket No. FAA-2018-0003; Product Identifier 2017-CE-033-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD is effective August 17, 2018.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD replaces AD 2017-07-10, Amendment 39-18849 (82 FR 17542, 
April 12, 2017) (``AD 2017-07-10'').

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to any American Champion Aircraft Corp. Model 
8KCAB airplane, certificated in any category, that either has:

[[Page 32565]]

    (1) A serial number in the range of 1116-2012 through 1120-2012 
or 1122-2012 through 1170-2017; or
    (2) Is equipped with part number 4-2142 exposed balance 
ailerons.

 (d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC)/Air Transport Association 
(ATA) of America Code 57, Wings.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    AD 2017-07-10 was prompted by a report of a cracked hinge 
support and cracked hinge ribs, which resulted in partial loss of 
control with the aileron binding against the cove. This AD 
incorporates a newly designed aileron hinge support reinforcement 
kit. We are issuing this AD to prevent failure of the aileron 
support structure, which may lead to excessive deflection, binding 
of the control surface, and potential loss of control.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Restrict Airplane Operation

    (1) Before further flight after April 12, 2017 (the effective 
date retained from AD 2017-07-10), fabricate a placard using at 
least \1/8\ inch letters with the words ``AEROBATIC FLIGHT 
PROHIBITED'' on it and install the placard on the instrument panel 
within the pilot's clear view.
    (2) This action may be performed by the owner/operator (pilot) 
holding at least a private pilot certificate and must be entered 
into the aircraft records showing compliance with this AD in 
accordance with 14 CFR 43.9(a)(1) through (4) and 14 CFR 
91.417(a)(2)(v). The record must be maintained as required by 14 CFR 
91.417, 121.380, or 135.439.

(h) Inspection and Reinforcement

    (1) Within the next 10 hours time-in-service (TIS) after April 
12, 2017 (the effective date retained from AD 2017-07-10), inspect 
the aileron hinge rib and support for cracks or other damage by 
following American Champion Aircraft Corporation Service Letter (SL) 
442, dated February 16, 2017, or American Champion Aircraft Corp. 
Service Letter (SL) 442, Revision A, dated August 18, 2017 (ACAC SL 
No. 442, Revision A).
    (2) If no cracks or other damage is found during the initial 
inspection required in paragraph (h)(1) of this AD, the placard 
prohibiting aerobatic flight required in paragraph (g)(1) of this AD 
can be removed.
    (3) Within 100 hours TIS from the initial inspection required in 
paragraph (h)(1) of this AD or within 10 hours TIS after August 17, 
2018 (the effective date of this AD), whichever occurs later, and 
repetitively thereafter at intervals not to exceed 100 hours TIS, 
inspect the aileron hinge rib and support for cracks or other damage 
following ACAC SL No. 442, Revision A.
    (4) If cracks or other damage is found during any inspection 
required in paragraph (h)(1) or (3) of this AD, before further 
flight, replace any retained parts or structure that are cracked or 
damaged, and install the aileron hinge reinforcement kit by 
following American Champion Aircraft Corp. Service Letter 444, dated 
August 18, 2017 (ACAC SL No. 444). Unless already removed as 
specified in paragraph (h)(2) of this AD, after completing the 
corrective actions required by this paragraph, the placard 
prohibiting aerobatic flight required in paragraph (g)(1) of this AD 
can be removed.
    (5) Within 400 hours after the initial inspection required in 
paragraph (h)(1) of this AD, if not already done as required in 
paragraph (h)(4) of this AD, install the aileron hinge reinforcement 
kit following the procedures in ACAC SL No. 444.
    (6) After installation of the aileron hinge reinforcement kit 
required in paragraph (h)(4) or (5) of this AD, as applicable, 
insert page 4-1, Manual Revision B, of the Airworthiness Limitations 
section and page 5-9, Manual Revision B, of the Time and Maintenance 
Checks section, both dated October 3, 2017, from the American 
Champion Aircraft Corporation SM-601 8KCAB Service Manual, Reissue 
B, dated October 3, 2017, into the maintenance program (service 
manual).
    (7) Installing the aileron hinge reinforcement kit as required 
in paragraph (h)(4) or (h)(5) of this AD and the insertion of page 
4-1, Manual Revision B, of the Airworthiness Limitations section and 
page 5-9, Manual Revision B, of the Time and Maintenance Checks 
section, both dated October 3, 2017, of the American Champion 
Aircraft Corporation SM-601 8KCAB Service Manual, Reissue B, dated 
October 3, 2017, into the maintenance program (e.g., service 
manual), as required in paragraph (h)(6) of this AD is terminating 
action to this AD. The revised Airworthiness Limitations section 
includes a 100- hour/annual inspection requirement for the aileron 
hinge supports.

(i) Reporting Requirement

    Although ACAC SL No. 442, Revision A, and ACAC SL No. 444 
specify submitting certain information to the manufacturer, this AD 
does not require that action.

(j) Special Flight Permit

    No aerobatic flight permitted with a special flight permit.

(k) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, Chicago ACO Branch, 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 (l) 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 Wess Rouse, Small 
Airplane Program Manager, 2300 East Devon Avenue, Room 107, Des 
Plaines, Illinois 60018; telephone: (847) 294-8113; fax: (847) 294-
7834; 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) American Champion Aircraft Corp. Service Letter 442, 
Revision A, dated August 18, 2017.
    (ii) American Champion Aircraft Corp. Service Letter 444, 
Initial Revision, dated August 18, 2017.
    (iii) Page 4-1, Manual Revision B, of the Airworthiness 
Limitations section of American Champion Aircraft Corporation SM-601 
8KCAB Service Manual, Reissue B, dated October 3, 2017;
    (iv) Page 5-9, Manual Revision B, of the Time and Maintenance 
Checks section of American Champion Aircraft Corporation SM-601 
8KCAB Service Manual, Reissue B, dated October 3, 2017.
    (3) The following service information was approved for IBR on 
April 12, 2017 (82 FR 17542, April 12, 2017).
    (i) American Champion Aircraft Corporation Service Letter 442, 
dated February 16, 2017.
    (ii) Reserved.
    (4) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
American Champion Aircraft Corp., P.O. Box 37, 32032 Washington 
Ave., Rochester, Wisconsin 53167; telephone: (262) 534-6315; fax: 
(262) 534-2395; email: [email protected]; internet: http://www.americanchampionaircraft.com/service-letters.html.
    (5) You may view this referenced service information at the FAA, 
Policy and Innovation Division, 901 Locust, Kansas City, Missouri 
64106. For information on the availability of this material at the 
FAA, call (816) 329-4148.
    (6) 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 June 29, 2018.
Melvin J. Johnson,
Deputy Director, Policy & Innovation Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2018-14686 Filed 7-12-18; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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