Airworthiness Directives; Avions Pierre Robin Model R3000 Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 219 (Thursday, November 13, 1997)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 60772-60773]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 97-29535]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 97-CE-89-AD; Amendment 39-10196; AD 97-23-08]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Avions Pierre Robin Model R3000 
Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

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SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) that 
applies to all Avions Pierre Robin Model R3000 airplanes that are 
equipped with yaw damper Modification No. 013. This AD requires 
inspecting the bridle cable ends for correct installation in the 
grooved screw, inspecting for correct cable winding on the capstan and 
correct cable tension, and correcting any discrepancies found. This AD 
also requires installing lockwire to the tension adjustment screw. This 
AD is the result of mandatory continuing airworthiness information 
(MCAI) issued by the airworthiness authority for France. The actions 
specified in this AD are intended to prevent the rudder control from 
becoming jammed because of the yaw damper control cables slipping out 
of the groove on the tension adjustment screw, which could result in a 
reduction in the directional controllability of the airplane.

DATES: Effective December 5, 1997.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of December 5, 1997.
    Comments for inclusion in the Rules Docket must be received on or 
before December 8, 1997.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), Central Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, 
Attention: Rules Docket 97-CE-89-AD, Room 1558, 601 E. 12th Street, 
Kansas City, Missouri 64106.
    Service information that applies to this AD may be obtained from 
Avions Pierre Robin, 1, route de Troyes, 21121 Darois-France; 
telephone: 03 80 44 20 50; facsimile: 03 80 35 60 80. This information 
may also be examined at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), 
Central Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, Attention: Rules Docket 
No. 97-CE-89-AD, Room 1558, 601 E. 12th Street, Kansas City, Missouri 
64106; or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol 
Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Karl M. Schletzbaum, Aerospace 
Engineer, Small Airplane Directorate, Airplane Certification Service, 
FAA, 1201 Walnut, suite 900, Kansas City, Missouri 64106; telephone 
(816) 426-6932; facsimile (816) 426-2169.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Events Leading to Issuance of This AD

    The Direction Generale de l'Aviation Civile (DGAC), which is the 
airworthiness authority for France, recently notified the FAA that an 
unsafe condition may exist on Avion Pierre Robin Model R3000 airplanes 
that are equipped with yaw damper Modification No. 013. The DGAC 
reports an incident where the yaw damper jammed due to the cable 
slipping out of the tension adjustment screw during operation. This 
condition, if not corrected in a timely manner, could result in the 
rudder control becoming jammed with possible reduction in the 
directional controllability of the airplane.

Relevant Service Information

    Avions Pierre Robin has issued Service Bulletin No. 152, dated 
September 30, 1996, which specifies the following:

--inspecting the bridle cable ends for correct installation in the 
grooved screw;
--inspecting for correct cable winding on the capstan and correct cable 
tension;
--correcting any discrepancies found; and
--installing lockwire to the tension adjustment screw.
    The DGAC classified this service bulletin as mandatory and issued 
French AD 97-079(A), dated March 12, 1997, in order to assure the 
continued airworthiness of these airplanes in France.

The FAA's Determination

    This airplane model is manufactured in France and is type 
certificated for operation in the United States under the provisions of 
section 21.29 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.29) and 
the applicable bilateral airworthiness agreement. Pursuant to this 
bilateral airworthiness agreement, the DGAC has kept the FAA informed 
of the situation described above.
    The FAA has examined the findings of the DGAC; reviewed all 
available information, including the service information referenced 
above; and determined that AD action is necessary for products of this 
type design that are certificated for operation in the United States.

Explanation of the Provisions of This AD

    Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to 
exist or develop on other Pierre Robin Model R3000 airplanes of the 
same type design registered in the United States that are equipped with 
yaw damper Modification No. 013, the FAA is issuing an AD. This AD 
requires inspecting the bridle cable ends for correct installation in 
the grooved screw, inspecting for correct cable winding on the capstan 
and correct cable tension, correcting any discrepancies found, and 
installing lockwire to the tension adjustment screw. Accomplishment of 
the actions of this AD would be in accordance with the previously 
referenced service bulletin.

Comments Invited

    Although this action is in the form of a final rule and was not 
preceded by notice and opportunity for public comment, comments are 
invited on this rule. Interested persons are invited to comment on this 
rule by submitting such written data, views, or arguments as they may 
desire. Communications shall identify the Rules Docket number and be 
submitted in triplicate to the address specified under the caption 
ADDRESSES. All communications received on or before the closing date 
for comments will be considered, and this rule may be amended in light 
of the comments received. Factual information that supports the 
commenter's ideas and suggestions is extremely helpful in evaluating 
the effectiveness of the AD action and determining whether additional 
rulemaking action would be needed.
    Comments are specifically invited on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of

[[Page 60773]]

the rule that might suggest a need to modify the rule. All comments 
submitted will be available, both before and after the closing date for 
comments, in the Rules Docket for examination by interested persons. A 
report that summarizes each FAA-public contact concerned with the 
substance of this AD will be filed in the Rules Docket.
    Commenters wishing the FAA to acknowledge receipt of their comments 
submitted in response to this rule must submit a self-addressed, 
stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: ``Comments 
to Docket No. 97-CE-89-AD.'' The postcard will be date stamped and 
returned to the commenter.

Regulatory Impact

    The regulations adopted herein will not have substantial direct 
effects 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. Therefore, in 
accordance with Executive Order 12612, it is determined that this final 
rule does not have sufficient federalism implications to warrant the 
preparation of a Federalism Assessment.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this action (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); 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. A final evaluation has been prepared for this action 
and it is contained in the Rules Docket. A copy of it may be obtained 
from the Rules Docket at the location provided under the caption 
ADDRESSES.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

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

Adoption of the Amendment

    Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration amends part 39 of 
the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) as follows:

PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

    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]

    2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding a new airworthiness directive 
(AD) to read as follows:

97-23-08  Avions Pierre Robin: Amendment 39-10196; Docket No. 97-CE-
89-AD.

    Applicability: Model R3000 airplanes; all serial numbers; 
certificated in any category, that are equipped with yaw damper 
Modification No. 013.

    Note 1: This AD applies to each airplane identified in the 
preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been 
modified, altered, or repaired in the area subject to the 
requirements of this AD. For airplanes that have been modified, 
altered, or repaired so that the performance of the requirements of 
this AD is affected, the owner/operator must request approval for an 
alternative method of compliance in accordance with paragraph (d) of 
this AD. The request should include an assessment of the effect of 
the modification, alteration, or repair on the unsafe condition 
addressed by this AD; and, if the unsafe condition has not been 
eliminated, the request should include specific proposed actions to 
address it.

    Compliance: Required prior to further flight after the effective 
date of this AD, unless already accomplished.
    To prevent the rudder control from becoming jammed because of 
the yaw damper control cables slipping out of the groove on the 
tension adjustment screw, which could result in a reduction in the 
directional controllability of the airplane, accomplish the 
following:
    (a) Inspect the bridle cable ends for correct installation in 
the grooved screw and inspect for correct cable winding on the 
capstan and correct cable tension in accordance with Avions Pierre 
Robin Service Bulletin No. 152, dated September 30, 1996. Prior to 
further flight, correct any discrepancies in accordance with this 
service bulletin.
    (b) Install lockwire to the tension adjustment screw in 
accordance with Avions Pierre Robin Service Bulletin No. 152, dated 
September 30, 1996.
    (c) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with 
sections 21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 
CFR 21.197 and 21.199) to operate the airplane to a location where 
the requirements of this AD can be accomplished.
    (d) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the 
compliance time that provides an equivalent level of safety may be 
approved by the Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, FAA, 1201 
Walnut, suite 900, Kansas City, Missouri 64106. The request should 
be forwarded through an appropriate FAA Maintenance Inspector, who 
may add comments and then send it to the Manager, Small Airplane 
Directorate.

    Note 2: Information concerning the existence of approved 
alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be 
obtained from the Small Airplane Directorate.

    (e) The inspections and installation required by this AD shall 
be done in accordance with Avions Pierre Robin Service Bulletin No. 
152, dated September 30, 1996. This incorporation by reference was 
approved by the Director of the Federal Register in accordance with 
5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. Copies may be obtained from 
Avions Pierre Robin, 1, route de Troyes, 21121 Darois-France. Copies 
may be inspected at the FAA, Central Region, Office of the Regional 
Counsel, Room 1558, 601 E. 12th Street, Kansas City, Missouri, or at 
the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., 
suite 700, Washington, DC.

    Note 3: The subject of this AD is addressed in French AD 97-
079(A), dated March 12, 1997.

    (f) This amendment (39-10196) becomes effective on December 5, 
1997.

    Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on October 31, 1997.
James E. Jackson,
Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 97-29535 Filed 11-12-97; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U

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