Airworthiness Directives; Aviat Aircraft, Inc. Models S-1S, S-1T, S-2, S-2A, S-2S, and S-2B Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 190 (Thursday, October 1, 1998)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 52585-52586]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-25956]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 96-CE-23-AD; Amendment 39-10805; AD 96-12-03 R2]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Aviat Aircraft, Inc. Models S-1S, S-1T, 
S-2, S-2A, S-2S, and S-2B Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This amendment revises Airworthiness Directive (AD) 96-12-03 
R1, which applies to Aviat Aircraft, Inc. (Aviat) Models S-1S, S-1T, S-
2, S-2A, S-2S, and S-2B airplanes that are equipped with aft lower 
fuselage wing attach fittings incorporating part number (P/N) 76090, P/
N 2-2107-1, or P/N 1-210-102. AD 96-12-03 R1 currently requires 
repetitively inspecting the aft lower fuselage wing attach fitting on 
both wings for cracks, and modifying any cracked aft lower fuselage 
wing attach fitting. Modifying both aft lower fuselage wing attach 
fittings eliminates the repetitive inspection requirement of AD 96-12-
03. Aviat started incorporating modified aft lower fuselage wing attach 
fittings on newly manufactured airplanes beginning with serial number 
5337, instead of 5349 as referenced in the existing AD. This AD retains 
the repetitive inspection and possible modification requirements of AD 
96-12-03 R1, and will change the applicability accordingly. The actions 
specified by this AD are intended to prevent possible in-flight 
separation of the wing from the airplane caused by a cracked fuselage 
wing attach fitting.

DATES: Effective November 20, 1998.
    The incorporation by reference of Aviat Service Bulletin No. 25, 
dated April 3, 1996; Revised: November 12, 1996; Revised: November 11, 
1997, as listed in the regulations is approved by the Director of the 
Federal Register as of November 20, 1998.
    The incorporation by reference of Aviat Service Bulletin No. 25, 
dated April 3, 1996, Revised: November 12, 1996, as listed in the 
regulations, was previously approved by the Director of the Federal 
Register as of October 3, 1997 (62 FR 44535, August 22, 1997).
    The incorporation by reference of Aviat Service Bulletin No. 25, 
dated April 3, 1996, as listed in the regulations, was previously 
approved by the Director of the Federal Register as of June 24, 1996 
(61 FR 28730, June 6, 1996).

ADDRESSES: Service information that applies to this AD may be obtained 
from Aviat Aircraft, Inc., P.O. Box 1240, Afton, Wyoming 83110; 
telephone: (307) 886-3151; facsimile: (307) 886-9674. This information 
may also be examined at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), 
Central Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, Attention: Rules Docket 
No. 96-CE-23-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. Roger Caldwell, Aerospace 
Engineer, FAA, Denver Aircraft Certification Office, 26805 E. 68th 
Avenue, Room 214, Denver, Colorado 80249; telephone: (303) 342-1086; 
facsimile: (303) 342-1088.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Events Leading to the Issuance of This AD

    A proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 
CFR part 39) to include an AD that would apply to Aviat Models S-1S, S-
1T, S-2, S-2A, S-2S, and S-2B airplanes that are equipped with aft 
lower fuselage wing attach fittings incorporating P/N 76090, P/N 2-
2107-1, or P/N 1-210-102, was published in the Federal Register as a 
notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) on June 5, 1998 (63 FR 30658). The 
NPRM proposed to revise AD 96-12-03 R1, which currently requires the 
following on Aviat Models S-1S, S-1T, S-2, S-2A, S-2S, and S-2B 
airplanes that are equipped with aft lower fuselage wing attach 
fittings incorporating P/N 76090, P/N 2-2107-1, or P/N 1-210-102:

--Repetitively inspecting the aft lower fuselage wing attach fitting on 
both wings for cracks; and
--Modifying any cracked aft lower fuselage wing attach fitting. 
Modifying both aft lower fuselage wing attach fittings eliminates the 
repetitive inspection requirement of AD 96-12-03.

    The NPRM also proposed to retain the repetitive inspection and 
possible modification requirements of AD 96-12-03 R1, and would change 
the applicability of the Model S-2B airplanes from an ending serial 
number of 5348 to an ending serial number of 5336. Accomplishment of 
the proposed action as specified in the NPRM would be in accordance 
with Aviat Service Bulletin No. 25, dated April 3, 1996; Revised: 
November 12, 1996; Revised: November 11, 1997.
    The NPRM was the result of Aviat reporting to the FAA that the 
ending serial number for the Model S-2B airplanes is incorrect.
    Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate 
in the making of this amendment. No comments were received on the 
proposed rule or the FAA's determination of the cost to the public.

The FAA's Determination

    After careful review of all available information related to the 
subject presented above, the FAA has determined that air safety and the 
public interest require the adoption of the rule as proposed except for 
minor editorial corrections. The FAA has determined that these minor 
corrections will not change the meaning of the AD and will not add any 
additional burden upon the public than was already proposed.

Cost Impact

    The FAA estimates that 500 airplanes in the U.S. registry will be 
affected by this AD, that it will take approximately 2 workhours per 
airplane to accomplish the initial inspection, and that the average 
labor rate is approximately $60 an hour. Parts to accomplish the 
inspections cost approximately $100 per airplane. Based on these 
figures, the total cost impact of this AD on U.S. operators is 
estimated to be $110,000. These figures do not take into account the 
cost of repetitive inspections. The FAA has no way of determining how 
many repetitive inspections each owner/operator may incur over the life 
of each airplane.
    AD 96-12-03 R1 currently requires the same actions on the affected 
airplanes as this AD. The only difference between this AD and AD 96-12-
03 R1 is a change in the ending serial number of the Model S-2B 
airplanes. Therefore, this AD has no additional cost impact over that 
already required by AD 96-12-03 R1.

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

[[Page 52586]]

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 copy of the final evaluation prepared for this 
action is contained in the Rules Docket. A copy of it may be obtained 
by contacting 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 removing Airworthiness Directive 
(AD) 96-12-03 R1, Amendment 39-10109 (62 FR 44535, August 22, 1997), 
and by adding a new AD to read as follows:

96-12-03  R2 Aviat Aircraft, Inc.: Amendment 39-10805; Docket No. 
96-CE-23-AD; Revises AD 96-12-03 R1, Amendment 39-10109.

    Applicability: The following airplane models and serial numbers, 
certificated in any category, that are equipped with aft lower 
fuselage wing attach fittings incorporating part number (P/N) 76090, 
P/N 2-2107-1, or P/N 1-210-102, and where these aft lower fuselage 
wing attach fittings on both wings have not been modified in 
accordance with the ACCOMPLISHMENT INSTRUCTIONS section of one of 
the following service bulletins (SB):

Service Bulletins

--Aviat SB No. 25, dated April 3, 1996, Revised: November 12, 1996, 
Revised: November 11, 1997;
--Aviat SB No. 25, dated April 3, 1996, Revised: November 12, 1996; 
or
--Aviat SB No. 25, dated April 3, 1996.

Airplanes Affected

--Models S-1S, S-1T, S-2, S-2A, and S-2S airplanes, all serial 
numbers.
--Model S-2B airplanes, serial numbers 5000 through 5336.

    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 (e) 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 as indicated in the body of this AD.
    To prevent possible in-flight separation of the wing from the 
airplane caused by a cracked aft lower fuselage wing attach fitting, 
accomplish the following:
    (a) Within 50 hours time-in-service (TIS) after October 3, 1997 
(the effective date of AD 96-12-03 R1), unless already accomplished 
(compliance with either AD 96-12-03 R1 or AD 96-12-03), and 
thereafter at intervals not to exceed 50 hours TIS, inspect the aft 
lower fuselage wing attach fitting on both wings for cracks. 
Accomplish these inspections in accordance with the ACCOMPLISHMENT 
INSTRUCTIONS section of one of the following SB's:
    (1) Aviat SB No. 25, dated April 3, 1996, Revised: November 12, 
1996, Revised: November 11, 1997;
    (2) Aviat SB No. 25, dated April 3, 1996, Revised: November 12, 
1996; or
    (3) Aviat SB No. 25, dated April 3, 1996.
    (b) If any cracked aft lower fuselage wing attach fitting is 
found during any inspection required by this AD, prior to further 
flight, modify the cracked aft lower fuselage wing attach fitting in 
accordance with the ACCOMPLISHMENT INSTRUCTIONS section of one of 
the SB's referenced in paragraphs (a)(1), (a)(2), and (a)(3) of this 
AD. Repetitive inspections are no longer necessary on an aft lower 
fuselage wing attachment fitting that was found cracked and has the 
referenced modification incorporated.
    (c) Modifying the aft lower fuselage wing attach fitting on both 
wings in accordance with the ACCOMPLISHMENT INSTRUCTIONS section of 
one of the SB's referenced in paragraphs (a)(1), (a)(2), and (a)(3) 
of this AD is considered terminating action for the repetitive 
inspection requirement of this AD.
    (d) 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.
    (e) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the 
initial or repetitive compliance times that provides an equivalent 
level of safety may be approved by the Manager, Denver Aircraft 
Certification Office (ACO), 26805 E. 68th Avenue, Room 214, Denver, 
Colorado 80249.
    (1) The request shall be forwarded through an appropriate FAA 
Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send it to the 
Manager, Denver ACO.
    (2) Alternative methods of compliance approved in accordance 
with AD 96-12-03 R1 or AD 96-12-03 are considered approved for this 
AD.

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

    (f) The inspections and modifications required by this AD shall 
be done in accordance with Aviat Service Bulletin No. 25, dated 
April 3, 1996; Revised: November 12, 1996; Revised: November 11, 
1997, Aviat Service Bulletin No. 25, dated April 3, 1996, Revised: 
November 12, 1996; or Aviat Service Bulletin No. 25, dated April 3, 
1996.
    (1) The incorporation by reference of Aviat Service Bulletin No. 
25, dated April 3, 1996; Revised: November 12, 1996; Revised: 
November 11, 1997, was approved by the Director of the Federal 
Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
    (2) The incorporation by reference of Aviat Service Bulletin No. 
25, dated April 3, 1996, Revised: November 12, 1996, was previously 
approved by the Director of the Federal Register in accordance with 
5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51 as of October 3, 1997 (62 FR 
44535, August 22, 1997).
    (3) The incorporation by reference of Aviat Service Bulletin No. 
25, dated April 3, 1996, was previously approved by the Director of 
the Federal Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR 
part 51 as of June 24, 1996 (61 FR 28730, June 6, 1996).
    (4) Copies may be obtained from Aviat Aircraft, Inc., P.O. Box 
1240, Afton, Wyoming 83110. 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.
    (g) This amendment revises AD 96-12-03 R1, Amendment 39-10109.
    (h) This amendment becomes effective on November 20, 1998.

    Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on September 22, 1998.
James E. Jackson,
Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 98-25956 Filed 9-30-98; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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