Airworthiness Directives; Pacific Aerospace Limited Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 198 (Monday, October 18, 2021)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 57558-57560]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-22460]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2021-0576; Project Identifier 2019-CE-008-AD; Amendment 
39-21758; AD 2021-20-20]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Pacific Aerospace Limited Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
certain Pacific Aerospace Limited Model 750XL airplanes. 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 identifies 
the unsafe condition as installation of the wing leading edge tank fuel 
pickup assembly in a pre-stressed condition, which could cause cracks 
in the wing spar web or the fuel pickup assembly pipe. This AD requires 
inspecting the angle of the support bracket on the wing leading edge 
tank fuel pickup assembly and taking any necessary corrective actions. 
The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these 
products.

DATES: This AD is effective November 22, 2021.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of November 22, 
2021.

[[Page 57559]]


ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule, 
contact the Civil Aviation Authority of New Zealand, Level 15, Asteron 
Centre, 55 Featherston Street, Wellington 6011; phone: +64 4 560 9400; 
fax: +64 4 569 2024; email: [email protected]. You may view this service 
information at the FAA, Airworthiness Products Section, Operational 
Safety Branch, 901 Locust, Kansas City, MO 64106. For information on 
the availability of this material at the FAA, call (816) 329-4148. It 
is also available at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and 
locating Docket No. FAA-2021-0576.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket at https://www.regulations.gov by 
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2021-0576; 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 
MCAI, any comments received, and other information. The address for 
Docket Operations is 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: Mike Kiesov, Aviation Safety Engineer, 
General Aviation & Rotorcraft Section, International Validation Branch, 
FAA, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas City, MO 64106; phone: (816) 329-
4144; fax: (816) 329-4090; email: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

    The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 
CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to certain serial-numbered 
Pacific Aerospace Limited Model 750XL airplanes. The NPRM published in 
the Federal Register on July 22, 2021 (86 FR 38615). The NPRM was 
prompted by MCAI originated by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), 
which is the aviation authority for New Zealand. The CAA of New Zealand 
has issued AD No. DCA/750XL/36, effective date February 7, 2019 
(referred to after this as ``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe 
condition for certain Pacific Aerospace Limited Model 750XL airplanes. 
The MCAI states:

    DCA/750XL/36 is prompted by a review of the installation of the 
wing leading edge fuel pickup assemblies. It was found that the fuel 
pickup assemblies could have been installed in a pre-stressed 
condition, which could result in cracks in the wing spar web, or 
cracks in the fuel pickup pipe. The [CAA] AD is issued to introduce 
the instructions in Pacific Aerospace Mandatory Service Bulletin 
(MSB) PACSB/XL/109 issue 1, dated 16 January 2019.

    The MCAI requires inspecting the installation of the fuel pickup 
assembly and the wing spar web on both wings and, if any defects are 
found, taking all necessary corrective actions.
    You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2021-
0576.

Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive

Comments

    The FAA received no comments on the NPRM or on the determination of 
the costs.

Conclusion

    This product has been approved by the aviation authority of another 
country and is approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant to 
the FAA's bilateral agreement with this State of Design Authority, it 
has notified the FAA of the unsafe condition described in the MCAI and 
service information referenced above. The FAA reviewed the relevant 
data and determined that air safety requires adopting this AD as 
proposed. Accordingly, the FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe 
condition on these products. This AD is adopted as proposed in the 
NPRM.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    The FAA reviewed Pacific Aerospace Mandatory Service Bulletin 
PACSB/XL/109, Issue 1, dated January 16, 2019. The service information 
contains procedures for inspecting the wing leading edge tank fuel 
pickup assembly to determine if the assembly is under stress and for 
accomplishing additional inspections and corrective actions if 
necessary. 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 ADDRESSES.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this AD affects 23 airplanes of U.S. 
registry. The FAA also estimates it will take about 1 work-hour per 
airplane to comply with the inspection required by this AD. The average 
labor rate is $85 per work-hour.
    Based on these figures, the FAA estimates the inspection cost of 
this AD on U.S. operators to be $1,955 or $85 per airplane.
    In addition, the FAA estimates that any necessary follow-on actions 
will take 4 work-hours and require parts costing $500, for a cost of 
$840 per airplane. The FAA has no way of determining the number of 
airplanes that may need these actions.
    The FAA has included all known costs in its cost estimate. 
According to the manufacturer, however, some of the costs of this AD 
may be covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost impact on 
affected operators.

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.

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) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
    (3) 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.

The Amendment

    Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows:

[[Page 57560]]

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:

2021-20-20 Pacific Aerospace Limited: Amendment 39-21758; Docket No. 
FAA-2021-0576; Project Identifier 2019-CE-008-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective November 22, 
2021.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Pacific Aerospace Limited Model 750XL 
airplanes, serial numbers 177, 186 through 213, 220, 8001, and 8002, 
certificated in any category.

 (d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 3600, Pneumatic 
System.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    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 failure of the 
installation of the wing leading edge tank fuel pickup assembly in a 
pre-stressed condition, which could cause cracks in the wing spar 
web or the fuel pickup assembly pipe. The FAA is issuing this AD to 
prevent cracks in the wing spar web and the fuel pickup pipe. This 
condition could result in reduced structural integrity of the wing 
spar or cause a fuel leak, which could result in an engine fire.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Required Actions

    Within 165 hours time-in-service after the effective date of 
this AD, inspect the angle of the support bracket on the wing 
leading edge tank fuel pickup assembly and, before further flight, 
take any necessary additional actions and corrective actions by 
following the Accomplishment Instructions in Pacific Aerospace 
Mandatory Service Bulletin PACSB/XL/109, Issue 1, dated January 16, 
2019.

(h) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, International Validation Branch, 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 (i)(1) of this AD or 
email: [email protected].
    (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

    (1) For more information about this AD, contact Mike Kiesov, 
Aviation Safety Engineer, General Aviation & Rotorcraft Section, 
International Validation Branch, FAA, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas 
City, MO 64106; phone: (816) 329-4144; fax: (816) 329-4090; email: 
[email protected].
    (2) Refer to Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) of New Zealand AD 
No. DCA/750XL/36, dated February 7, 2019, for more information. You 
may examine the CAA AD in the AD docket at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-
2021-0576.

(j) Material Incorporated by Reference

    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference 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) Pacific Aerospace Mandatory Service Bulletin PACSB/XL/109, 
Issue 1, dated January 16, 2019.
    (ii) Reserved.
    (3) For service information identified in this AD, contact the 
Civil Aviation Authority of New Zealand, Level 15, Asteron Centre, 
55 Featherston Street, Wellington 6011; phone: +64 4 560 9400; fax: 
+64 4 569 2024; email: [email protected].
    (4) You may view this service information at FAA, Airworthiness 
Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 901 Locust, Kansas 
City, MO 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, email: [email protected], or go to: https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued on September 23, 2021.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2021-22460 Filed 10-15-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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