Airworthiness Directives; M7 Aerospace LP Models SA226-AT, SA226-T, SA226-TC, SA227-AC (C-26A), SA227-AT, SA227-BC (C-26A), SA227-CC, and SA227-DC (C-26B) Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 74, Number 101 (Thursday, May 28, 2009)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 25390-25394]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E9-11989]


-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2009-0119; Directorate Identifier 2008-CE-068-AD; 
Amendment 39-15916; AD 2009-11-06]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; M7 Aerospace LP Models SA226-AT, SA226-
T, SA226-TC, SA227-AC (C-26A), SA227-AT, SA227-BC (C-26A), SA227-CC, 
and SA227-DC (C-26B) Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of 
Transportation (DOT).

ACTION: Final rule.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) to 
supersede AD 2008-12-16, which applies to certain M7 Aerospace LP SA226 
and SA227 series airplanes. AD 2008-12-16 currently requires you to 
inspect wires and tube assemblies for chafing, arcing, or insufficient 
clearance between components. If chafing, arcing, or insufficient 
clearance between components is found, AD 2008-12-16 requires you to 
clear, repair, and/or replace all chafed wires, components, and tube 
assemblies. AD 2008-12-16 also requires you to cover the four-gauge 
wires leaving the battery box with firesleeving and secure them with a 
clamp. Since we issued AD 2008-12-16, M7 Aerospace LP has notified us 
that Model SA227-BC (C-26A) was inadvertently left out of the 
Applicability section of the AD, and they updated some of the service 
information due to parts availability. Operators have also identified 
issues with model applicability that needed clarification. 
Consequently, this AD retains the actions of AD 2008-12-16, adds Model 
SA227-BC (C-26A) to the Applicability section, and regroups the models 
for clarification. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct chafing 
of electrical wires, components, and tube assemblies. This condition 
could result in arcing of exposed wires with consequent burning of a 
hole in a hydraulic line or the bleed air line. This failure could lead 
to a hydraulic fluid leak and a possible fire in the engine nacelle 
compartment.

DATES: This AD becomes effective on July 2, 2009.
    On July 2, 2009, the Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in Table 2 of 
this AD.
    As of July 23, 2008 (73 FR 34615, June 18, 2008), the Director of 
the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of certain 
publications listed in Table 3 of this AD.

ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this AD, contact M7 
Aerospace Repair Station, 10823 NE Entrance Road, San Antonio, Texas 
78216; telephone: (210) 824-9421; fax: (210) 804-7766; Internet: http://www.m7aerospace.com.
    To view the AD docket, go to U.S. Department of Transportation, 
Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 
New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590, or on the Internet at 
http://www.regulations.gov. The docket number is FAA-2009-0119; 
Directorate Identifier 2008-CE-068-AD.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Werner Koch, Aerospace Engineer, ASW-
150, Fort Worth Airplane Certification Office, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort 
Worth, Texas 76137; telephone: (817) 222-5133; fax: (817) 222-5960.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Discussion

    On February 6, 2009, we issued a proposal to amend part 39 of the 
Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) to include an AD that 
would apply to certain M7 Aerospace LP SA226 and SA227 series 
airplanes. This proposal was published in the Federal Register as a 
notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) on February 12, 2009 (74 FR 7006). 
The NPRM proposed to supersede AD 2008-12-16 with a new AD that would 
retain the actions of AD 2008-12-16, add the Model SA227-BC (C-26A) to 
the Applicability section, and regroup the models for clarification.

Comments

    We provided the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this AD. The following presents the comment received on the proposal 
and FAA's response:

Comment Issue: Inspection Applicability

    George L. Smith commented that it was unclear if paragraph (e)(3) 
of the AD applied to airplanes with batteries mounted in the nose of 
the airplane or if the AD only applied to airplanes with the battery 
located in the wing leading edge.
    As specified in the Applicability section, this AD applies to all 
serial numbers regardless of where the battery is located. Therefore 
the actions required in paragraph (e)(3) of this AD apply to all 
airplanes listed in the Applicability section regardless of where the 
battery is located. For added clarity we are adding the applicable 
serial numbers to the paragraph.
    We are changing the final rule AD by adding the applicable serial 
numbers to each action based on this comment.

Conclusion

    We have carefully reviewed the available data and determined that 
air safety and the public interest require adopting the AD as proposed 
except for the change previously discussed and minor editorial 
corrections. We have determined that these minor corrections:
    <bullet> Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the 
NPRM for correcting the unsafe condition; and
    <bullet> Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was 
already proposed in the NPRM.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD affects 268 airplanes in the U.S. 
registry.
    We estimate the following costs to do the inspection:

[[Page 25391]]



----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                  Total cost per   Total cost on
                  Labor cost                               Parts cost                airplane     U.S. operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4 work-hours x $80 per hour = $320............  Not Applicable..................            $320         $85,760
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    We estimate the following costs to do any necessary modifications 
for certain Models SA226-AT, SA226-T, SA226-TC, SA227-AC, and SA227-AT 
airplanes referenced in M7 Aerospace SA226 Series Service Bulletin 226-
24-019, revised: November 21, 2008; or M7 Aerospace SA227 Series 
Service Bulletin 227-24-001, revised: November 21, 2008. We estimate 88 
airplanes may need this modification:

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                  Total cost per   Total cost on
                           Labor cost                               Parts cost       airplane     U.S. operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
13 work-hours x $80 per hour = $1,040...........................              $7          $1,047         $92,136
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    We estimate the following costs to do any necessary repairs for 
certain Models SA226-AT, SA226-TC, SA227-AC, and SA227-AT referenced in 
M7 Aerospace SA226 Series Service Bulletin 226-24-020, revised: August 
4, 2008; or M7 Aerospace SA227 Series Service Bulletin 227-24-002, 
revised: November 21, 2008. We have no way of determining the number of 
airplanes that may need this repair:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                          Total cost per
               Labor cost                   Parts cost       airplane
------------------------------------------------------------------------
50 work-hours x $80 per hour = $4,000...          $3,000          $7,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------

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.
    We are 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 AD.

Regulatory Findings

    We have determined that 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. Is not a ``significant rule'' under the 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.
    We prepared a summary of the costs to comply with this AD (and 
other information as included in the Regulatory Evaluation) and placed 
it in the AD Docket. You may get a copy of this summary by sending a 
request to us at the address listed under ADDRESSES. Include ``Docket 
No. FAA-2009-0119; Directorate Identifier 2008-CE-068-AD'' in your 
request.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

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

Adoption of the Amendment

0
Accordingly, under 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

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 removing Airworthiness Directive (AD) 
2008-12-16, Amendment 39-15560 (73 FR 34615, June 18, 2008), and adding 
the following new AD:

2009-11-06 M7 Aerospace LP: Amendment 39-15916; Docket No. FAA-2009-
0119; Directorate Identifier 2008-CE-068-AD.

Effective Date

    (a) This AD becomes effective on July 2, 2009.

Affected ADs

    (b) This AD supersedes AD 2008-12-16, Amendment 39-15560.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to Models SA226-AT, SA226-T, SA226-TC, 
SA227-AC (C-26A), SA227-AT, SA227-BC (C-26A), SA227-CC, and SA227-DC 
(C-26B) airplanes, all serial numbers, that are certificated in any 
category.

Unsafe Condition

    (d) This AD results from five reports of chafing between the 
bleed air tube assembly and the electrical starter cables on M7 
Aerospace LP SA226 and SA227 series airplanes with one incident 
resulting in a fire. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct 
chafing of electrical wires and components, hydraulic tube 
assemblies, and bleed air tube assemblies. This condition could 
result in arcing of the exposed wires with consequent burning of a 
hole in a hydraulic line or the bleed air line. This failure could 
lead to a possible hydraulic fluid leak and fire in the engine 
nacelle compartment.

Compliance

    (e) To address this problem, you must do the following, unless 
already done:

[[Page 25392]]



                                  Table 1--Actions, Compliance, and Procedures
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Actions                             Compliance                            Procedures
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) For the following model and       Within 250 hours time-in-service      Use the following service
 serial number (S/N) airplanes,        (TIS) after July 23, 2008 (the        information as applicable:
 inspect the main battery leads        effective date of AD 2008-12-16).    (A) For Models SA226-AT, SA226-T,
 running forward from the battery                                            and SA226-TC airplanes: Follow M7
 compartment for deterioration,                                              Aerospace SA226 Series Service
 cover the four-gauge wires leaving                                          Bulletin No. 226-24-019, revised:
 the battery box with firesleeving,                                          November 21, 2008; or Fairchild
 and secure them with a clamp:                                               Aircraft Corporation SA226 Series
(i) SA226-AT, S/N AT-001 through AT-                                         Service Bulletin No. SB 24-019,
 419;                                                                        revised: May 17, 1983; or
(ii) SA226-T, S/N T-201 through T-                                          (B) For Models SA227-AC (C-26A) and
 248;                                                                        SA227-AT airplanes: Follow M7
(iii) SA226-TC, S/N TC-201 through                                           Aerospace SA227 Series Service
 TC-419;                                                                     Bulletin No. 227-24-001, revised:
(iv) SA227-AC (C-26A), S/N AC-420                                            November 21, 2008; or Fairchild
 through AC-539, AC-541, AC-543, AC-                                         Aircraft Corporation SA227 Series
 544, AC-547 through AC-551; and                                             Service Bulletin No. SB24-001,
(v) SA227-AT, S/N AT-423 through AT-                                         revised: May 17, 1983.
 551.
(2) For the following model and S/N   Before further flight after the       Use the following service
 airplanes, reroute the hydraulic      modification required in paragraph    information as applicable:
 tube assemblies in the right wing     (e)(1) of this AD and you were not   (A) For Models SA226-AT, and SA226-
 leading edge, reroute the battery     able to obtain a minimum 0.50-inch    TC airplanes: Follow M7 Aerospace
 cables and 22-gauge wire bundle,      clearance between the bleed air       SA226 Series Service Bulletin No.
 and install a new access panel        line and the tubing on the battery    226-24-020, revised: August 4,
 forward of the battery box:           cables.                               2008; or Fairchild Aircraft
(i) SA226-AT, S/N AT-001 through AT-                                         Corporation SA226 Series Service
 074;                                                                        Bulletin No. SB 24-020, revised:
(ii) SA226-TC, S/N TC-201 through TC-                                        February 15, 1984; or
 419;                                                                       (B) For Models SA227-AC (C-26A) and
(iii) SA227-AC (C-26A), S/N AC-420                                           SA227-AT, airplanes: Follow M7
 through AC-539, AC-541, AC-543, AC-                                         Aerospace SA227 Series Service
 544, AC-547 through AC-550; and                                             Bulletin No. 227-24-002, revised:
(iv) SA227-AT, S/N AT-423 through AT-                                        November 21, 2008; or Fairchild
 551.                                                                        Aircraft Corporation SA227 Series
                                                                             Service Bulletin No. SB24-002,
                                                                             revised: February 15, 1984.
(3) For model SA226-AT, SA226-T,      Within 250 hours TIS after July 23,   Use the following service
 SA226-TC, SA227-AC (C-26A), SA227-    2008 (the effective date of AD 2008-  information as applicable:
 AT, SA227-CC, and SA227-DC (C-26B)    12-16). Repetitively thereafter      (i) For Models SA226-AT, SA226-T,
 airplanes, all S/N: Inspect           inspect at intervals not to exceed    and SA226-TC airplanes: Follow M7
 electrical wires and components,      12 months.                            Aerospace SA226 Series Service
 hydraulic tube assemblies, and                                              Bulletin No. 226-24-036, revised
 bleed air tube assemblies at the                                            November 21, 2008; or M7 Aerospace
 left hand and right hand (LH/RH)                                            SA226 Series Service Bulletin No.
 inboard wing leading edge/battery                                           226-24-036, issued: September 19,
 box areas, LH/RH wing stations                                              2007;
 51.167 to 81.174, and at all feed-                                         (ii) For Models SA227-AC (C-26A) and
 through locations into the LH/RH                                            SA227-AT, airplanes: Follow M7
 inboard keelson for any evidence of                                         Aerospace SA227 Series Service
 chafing or arcing.                                                          Bulletin No. 227-24-019, revised:
                                                                             November 21, 2008; or M7 Aerospace
                                                                             SA227 Series Service Bulletin No.
                                                                             227-24-019, issued: September 19,
                                                                             2007; or
                                                                            (iii) For Models SA227-CC and SA227-
                                                                             DC (C-26B) airplanes: Follow SA227
                                                                             Series Commuter Category Service
                                                                             Bulletin No. CC7-24-010, revised
                                                                             November 21, 2008; or SA227 Series
                                                                             Commuter Category Service Bulletin
                                                                             No. CC7-24-010, issued September
                                                                             19, 2007.
(4) For model SA227-BC (C-26A)        Within 250 hours TIS after July 2,    Follow M7 Aerospace SA227 Series
 airplanes, all S/N: Inspect the       2009 (the effective date of this      Service Bulletin No. 227-24-001,
 main battery leads running forward    AD).                                  revised: November 21, 2008.
 from the battery compartment for
 any evidence of insulation
 deterioration.
(5) For model SA227-BC (C-26A)        Within 250 hours TIS after July 2,    Follow M7 Aerospace SA227 Series
 airplanes, all S/N: Inspect           2009 (the effective date of this      Service Bulletin No. 227-24-019,
 electrical wires and components,      AD). Repetitively thereafter          revised: November 21, 2008.
 hydraulic tube assemblies, and        inspect at intervals not to exceed
 bleed air tube assemblies at LH/RH    12 months.
 inboard wing leading edge/battery
 box areas, LH/RH wing stations
 51.167 to 81.174, and at all feed-
 through locations into the LH/RH
 inboard keelson for any evidence of
 insulation deterioration, chafing,
 or arcing.

[[Page 25393]]

 
(6) For all model and S/N airplanes:  Before further flight after any       Use the service information from
 Clear, repair, and/or replace all     inspection required in paragraphs     paragraphs (e)(1), (e)(3), (e)(4),
 electrical wires and components,      (e)(1), (e)(3), (e)(4), and (e)(5)    and (e)(5) of this AD, as
 hydraulic tube assemblies, and        of this AD where any evidence of      applicable.
 bleed air tube assemblies, in the     insulation deterioration, chafing,
 inspection area and feed-through      or arcing was found.
 locations that show any sign of
 insulation deterioration, chafing,
 or arcing, as required.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


    Note: Although not a requirement of this AD, you may incorporate 
Swearingen Aviation Corporation SA226 Series Service Bulletin No. 
57-010, revised: December 5, 1975, on those airplanes that have not 
installed the access panel. Installation of the access panel will 
simplify the incorporation of the service bulletins referenced in 
this AD and future inspections of the areas of concern.

Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (f) The Manager, Fort Worth Airplane Certification Office, FAA, 
has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using 
the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. Send information to ATTN: 
Werner Koch, Aerospace Engineer, ASW-150, Fort Worth Airplane 
Certification Office, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas 76137; 
telephone: (817) 222-5133; fax: (817) 222-5960. Before using any 
approved AMOC on any airplane to which the AMOC applies, notify your 
appropriate principal inspector (PI) in the FAA Flight Standards 
District Office (FSDO), or lacking a PI, your local FSDO

Material Incorporated by Reference

    (g) You must use the service information specified in Table 2 or 
Table 3 of this AD to do the actions required by this AD, unless the 
AD specifies otherwise.
    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference of the service information listed in 
Table 2 of this AD under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.

               Table 2--Material Incorporated by Reference
------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Service Bulletin No.                         Date
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(i) M7 Aerospace SA226 Series   Revised: November 21, 2008.
 Service Bulletin No. 226-24-
 019.
(ii) M7 Aerospace SA226 Series  Revised: August 4, 2008.
 Service Bulletin No. 226-24-
 020.
(iii) M7 Aerospace SA226        Revised: November 21, 2008.
 Series Service Bulletin No.
 226-24-036.
(iv) M7 Aerospace SA227 Series  Revised: November 21, 2008.
 Service Bulletin No. 227-24-
 001.
(v) M7 Aerospace SA227 Series   Revised: November 21, 2008.
 Service Bulletin No. 227-24-
 002.
(vi) M7 Aerospace SA227 Series  Revised: November 21, 2008.
 Service Bulletin No. 227-24-
 019.
(vii) M7 Aerospace SA227        Revised: November 21, 2008.
 Series Commuter Category
 Service Bulletin No. CC7-24-
 010.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (2) On July 23, 2008 (73 FR 34615, June 18, 2008), the Director 
of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of 
the service information listed in Table 3 of this AD.

          Table 3--Previous Material Incorporated by Reference
------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Service Bulletin No.                         Date
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(i) Fairchild Aircraft          Revised: May 17, 1983.
 Corporation SA226 Series
 Service Bulletin No. SB 24-
 019.
(ii) Fairchild Aircraft         Revised: February 15, 1984.
 Corporation SA226 Series
 Service Bulletin No. SB 24-
 020.
(iii) M7 Aerospace SA226        Issued: September 19, 2007.
 Series Service Bulletin No.
 226-24-036.
(iv) Fairchild Aircraft         Revised: May 17, 1983.
 Corporation SA227 Series
 Service Bulletin No. SB24-001.
(v) Fairchild Aircraft          Revised: February 15, 1984.
 Corporation SA227 Series
 Service Bulletin No. SB24-002.
(vi) M7 Aerospace SA227 Series  Issued: September 19, 2007.
 Service Bulletin No. 227-24-
 019.
(vii) M7 Aerospace SA227        Issued: September 19, 2007.
 Series Commuter Category
 Service Bulletin No. CC7-24-
 010.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


[[Page 25394]]

    (3) For service information identified in this AD, contact M7 
Aerospace Repair Station, 10823 NE Entrance Road, San Antonio, Texas 
78216; telephone: (210) 824-9421; fax: (210) 804-7766; Internet: 
http://www.m7aerospace.com.
    (4) You may review copies of the service information 
incorporated by reference for this AD at the FAA, Central Region, 
Office of the Regional Counsel, 901 Locust, Kansas City, Missouri 
64106. For information on the availability of this material at the 
Central Region, call (816) 329-3768.
    (5) You may also review copies of the service information 
incorporated by reference for this AD at the National Archives and 
Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability 
of this material at NARA, call (202) 741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html.

    Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on May 18, 2009.
Kim Smith,
Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. E9-11989 Filed 5-27-09; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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