Airworthiness Directives; Textron Aviation Inc. (Type Certificate Previously Held by Beechcraft Corporation) Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 84, Number 216 (Thursday, November 7, 2019)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 59926-59928]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2019-24325]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2019-0853; Product Identifier 2019-CE-036-AD; Amendment 
39-19774; AD 2019-21-08]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Textron Aviation Inc. (Type Certificate 
Previously Held by Beechcraft Corporation) Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

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SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
Textron Aviation Inc. (Textron) Models E33, E33A, E33C, F33, G33, 35-
C33, 35-C33A, K35, M35, N35, P35, S35, V35, V35A, 36, and certain 
Models F33A, F33C, V35B, and A36 airplanes. This AD requires inspecting 
the right aileron flight control cable end fittings (terminal 
attachment fittings) and replacing any damaged cable assembly. This AD 
was prompted by reports of cracked and fractured right aileron flight 
control cable end fittings. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the 
unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective November 22, 2019.
    The FAA must receive comments on this AD by December 23, 2019.

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 https://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.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2019-
0853; 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 street address for the Docket Operations is 
listed above. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after 
receipt.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Alan Levanduski, Aerospace Engineer, 
Wichita ACO Branch, FAA, 1801 Airport Road, Room 100, Wichita, Kansas 
67209; phone: (316) 946-4161; fax: (316) 946-4107; email: 
[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Discussion

    Within the last year, the FAA has received an estimated 17 reports 
of the right aileron flight control cable end fittings failing on 
Textron Models E33A, S35, V35, and A36 airplanes. There are two 
different cable assemblies installed on the right aileron flight 
control system. The forward aileron cable assembly connects the control 
wheel to the turnbuckle, and the aft aileron cable assembly connects 
the aileron surface to the turnbuckle. These failures have occurred at 
the swaged cable end fittings that thread into the turnbuckle. The 
location of the right aileron cable end fittings, just forward of the 
aft carry through spar and underneath a heating duct, creates an 
environment where corrosion may be accelerated. Also, the presence of 
the turnbuckle safety wire, combined with the location beneath the 
heating duct, makes corrosion and cracking difficult to detect. Some of 
the reports of failed cable end fittings revealed that the aileron 
cables had been held together only by the safety wire, while other 
reports were of complete aileron cable separation. Because of airplane 
design similarities, this unsafe condition could also occur on Models 
E33, E33C, F33, F33A, F33C, G33, 35-C33, 35-C33A, K35, M35, N35, P35, 
V35A, V35B, and 36.
    This condition, if not addressed, could result in failure of the 
right aileron flight control cable assembly, un-commanded right roll of 
the airplane, and loss of roll control in the left direction, which may 
lead to loss of control of the airplane. The FAA is issuing this AD to 
address the unsafe condition on these products.

FAA's Determination

    The FAA is issuing this AD because it 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.

[[Page 59927]]

AD Requirements

    This AD requires inspecting the right aileron flight control cable 
end fittings that thread into the turnbuckle for corrosion, pitting, 
and cracks and replacing any damaged cable assembly.

FAA's Justification and Determination of the Effective Date

    An unsafe condition exists that requires the immediate adoption of 
this AD without providing an opportunity for public comments prior to 
adoption. The FAA has found that the risk to the flying public 
justifies waiving notice and comment prior to adoption of this rule 
because the quantity of recent reports of failure of the right aileron 
flight control cable end fittings necessitates that the corrective 
actions be accomplished within 30 days. Therefore, the FAA finds good 
cause that notice and opportunity for prior public comment are 
impracticable. In addition, for the reasons stated above, the FAA finds 
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, the FAA invites you to send any written data, views, 
or arguments about this final rule. Send your comments to an address 
listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include the Docket Number FAA-2019-
0853 and Product Identifier 2019-CE-036-AD at the beginning of your 
comments. The FAA specifically invites comments on the overall 
regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this final 
rule. The FAA will consider all comments received by the closing date 
and may amend this final rule because of those comments.
    The FAA will post all comments it receives, without change, to 
https://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you 
provide. The FAA will also post a report summarizing each substantive 
verbal contact it receives about this final rule.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this AD affects 4,138 airplanes of U.S. 
registry.
    The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:

                                                 Estimated Costs
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                                                                                     Cost per      Cost on U.S.
             Action                    Labor cost              Parts cost             product        operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inspection of the right aileron   5 work-hours x $85   Not applicable...........            $425      $1,758,650
 cable end fittings.               per hour = $425.
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    The FAA estimates the following costs to do any necessary 
replacement that would be required based on the results of the 
inspection. The FAA has no way of determining the number of airplanes 
that might need this replacement:

                                               On-Condition Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Cost per
                   Action                                 Labor cost                Parts cost        product
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Replacement of a forward aileron cable       6 work-hours x $85 per hour = $510.          $1,123          $1,633
 assembly.
Replacement of an aft aileron cable          4 work-hours x $85 per hour = $340.            $785          $1,125
 assembly.
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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.
    The FAA is 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 Flexibility Act

    The requirements of the Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA) do not 
apply when an agency finds good cause pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553 to adopt 
a rule without prior notice and comment. Because FAA has determined 
that it has good cause to adopt this rule without notice and comment, 
RFA analysis is not required.

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, and
    (2) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by 
reference, Safety.

[[Page 59928]]

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:

2019-21-08 Textron Aviation Inc. (Type Certificate Previously Held 
by Beechcraft Corporation) Airplanes: Amendment 39-19774; Docket No. 
FAA-2019-0853; Product Identifier 2019-CE-036-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective November 22, 
2019.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to the following Textron Aviation Inc. (Type 
Certificate previously held by Beechcraft Corporation) airplanes, 
certificated in any category:
    (1) Models E33, E33A, E33C, F33, G33, 35-C33, 35-C33A, K35, M35, 
N35, P35, S35, V35, V35A, and 36, all serial numbers (S/Ns);
    (2) Model F33A, S/Ns CE-290 through CE-680;
    (3) Model F33C, S/Ns CJ-26 through CJ-128;
    (4) Model V35B, S/Ns D-9069 through D-9961; and
    (5) Model A36, S/Ns E-185 through E-925.

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC)/Air Transport Association 
(ATA) of America Code 2710, Aileron Control System.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by reports of cracked and fractured right 
aileron flight control cable end fittings (terminal attachment 
fittings). The FAA is issuing this AD to detect and address damaged 
right aileron flight control cable end fittings. The unsafe 
condition, if not addressed, could result in failure of the right 
aileron flight control cable assembly, un-commanded right roll of 
the airplane, and loss of roll control in the left direction, which 
may lead to loss of control of the airplane.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Inspection

    Within 30 days after November 22, 2019 (the effective date of 
this AD) inspect the forward and aft right aileron flight control 
cable end fittings that thread into the turnbuckle. To gain access 
to the end fittings, you must remove the front seats and floorboards 
and, if installed, the rear seats and under-seat closeout. The end 
fittings are located underneath the heating duct, just forward of 
the aft carry through spar.
    Note to paragraph (g) of this AD: Adjusting the turnbuckle 
relative to the end fittings will affect cable tension.
    (1) Remove any safety wire from the end fittings and turnbuckle, 
if installed. Remove any sleeving and tape on the shank of the cable 
end fittings without gouging or scratching the fitting surface.
    (2) Using a 10X magnification, a mirror, and a light source, 
inspect all exposed surfaces of both control cable end fittings for 
cracks, pitting, and corrosion.

(h) Follow-On Actions

    Before further flight after the inspection required by paragraph 
(g) of this AD, do one of the following actions, as applicable:
    (1) If there are no cracks, no pitting, and no corrosion, check 
cable tension and make any necessary adjustments, and replace safety 
wire; or
    (2) If there is a crack or any pitting or corrosion, replace any 
damaged cable assembly.

(i) Credit for Previous Actions

    (1) If you performed the actions required by paragraphs (g) and 
(h) of this AD before November 22, 2019 (the effective date of this 
AD) using one of the following documents, you met the requirements 
of this AD:
    (i) American Bonanza Society (ABS) Air Safety Foundation 
Beechcraft Control Cable Turn Buckle Inspection Recommendation, 
dated February 8, 2019;
    (ii) ABS Air Safety Foundation Recommended Beechcraft Control 
Cable Turnbuckle Inspection, Update 1, dated February 20, 2019; or
    (iii) ABS Air Safety Foundation Recommended Beechcraft Control 
Cable Turnbuckle Inspection, Update 2, dated August 8, 2019.
    (2) The ABS Air Safety Foundations recommended inspection 
documents are available on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-
2019-0853. You may also obtain copies of these documents by 
contacting the ABS at American Bonanza Society, 3595 N Webb Road, 
Suite 200, Wichita, KS 67226; email: [email protected]; telephone: 
(316) 945-1700; fax: (316) 945-1710; or internet: https://www.bonanza.org/.

(j) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, Wichita 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 certification office, send it to the attention of the 
person identified in paragraph (k) 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.

(k) Related Information

    For more information about this AD, contact Alan Levanduski, 
Aerospace Engineer, Wichita ACO Branch, FAA, 1801 Airport Road, Room 
100, Wichita, Kansas 67209; phone: (316) 946-4161; fax: (316) 946-
4107; email: [email protected].

    Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on November 1, 2019.
Pat Mullen,
Manager, Aircraft Certification Service, Small Airplane Standards 
Branch, AIR-690.
[FR Doc. 2019-24325 Filed 11-6-19; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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