Airworthiness Directives; Pacific Aerospace Limited Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 212 (Friday, November 5, 2021)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 61063-61064]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-24084]



[[Page 61063]]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2021-0603; Project Identifier 2019-CE-006-AD; Amendment 
39-21770; AD 2021-21-10]
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 chafing damage in the port wing skin caused by 
the fuel system finger filters. This AD requires inspecting the wing 
internal skin for chafing 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 December 10, 2021.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of December 10, 
2021.

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-2021-0603.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket at https://www.regulations.gov by 
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2021-0603; 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 28, 2021 (86 FR 40384). 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/34, 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/34 is prompted by a report of finding chafing damage 
in the port wing skin caused by the fuel finger filters. The [CAA] 
AD is issued to introduce inspection and repair requirements with 
the issue of Pacific Aerospace Mandatory Service Bulletin (MSB) 
PACSB/XL/099 issue 1, dated 16 January 2019.

    The MCAI requires inspecting the wing internal skin for chafing and 
taking any 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-
0603.

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 Limited Mandatory Service 
Bulletin PACSB/XL/099, Issue 1, dated January 16, 2019. The service 
information contains procedures for removing and modifying the 
inspection panel assembly, inspecting the wing internal skin for 
chafing, repairing any chafing damage and replacing the fuel filter as 
necessary, and reinstalling the inspection panel assembly. 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 that it would take about 5 work-hours 
per airplane to do the inspection and modification requirements of this 
proposed AD, and no parts would be necessary. Based on these figures, 
the FAA estimates the cost of the inspection and modification for U.S. 
operators to be $9,725, or $425 per airplane.
    In addition, the FAA estimates that that any necessary follow-on 
actions for repair or replacement requirements of this AD will take 
about 6 work-hours and require parts costing $150, for a cost of $660 
per airplane. The FAA has no way of determining the number of airplanes 
that may need these actions.

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

[[Page 61064]]

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:

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:

2021-21-10 Pacific Aerospace Limited: Amendment 39-21770; Docket No. 
FAA-2021-0603; Project Identifier 2019-CE-006-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective December 10, 
2021.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Pacific Aerospace Limited Model 750XL 
airplanes, serial numbers 100 through 205, 207 through 213, and 
8001, certificated in any category.

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 2800, Aircraft Fuel 
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 chafing damage 
in the port wing skin caused by the fuel system finger filters. The 
FAA is issuing this AD to detect and correct chafing in the left 
hand (LH) wing leading edge tank skin, which if not detected and 
corrected, could result in a port wing fuel leak and lead to engine 
failure or 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, modify the LH inspection panel assembly and inspect the LH 
wing and fuel tank for chafing, and then, before further flight, 
repair any chafing and install the panels in accordance with the 
Accomplishment Instructions in Pacific Aerospace Limited Mandatory 
Service Bulletin PACSB/XL/099, 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/34, effective date 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-
2021-0603.

(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 Limited Mandatory Service Bulletin PACSB/
XL/099, 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 October 8, 2021.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2021-24084 Filed 11-4-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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