80 FR 69569 - Airworthiness Directives; Pacific Aerospace Limited Airplanes

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration

Federal Register Volume 80, Issue 217 (November 10, 2015)

We are superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) AD 2014-20-13 for certain Pacific Aerospace Limited Model 750XL airplanes. This AD results from mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) issued 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 fatigue cracks on the fin forward pickup plates, which could cause it to fail. We are issuing this AD to require actions to address the unsafe condition on these products.

[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 217 (Tuesday, November 10, 2015)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 69569-69571]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2015-28338]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2015-3620; Directorate Identifier 2015-CE-029-AD; 
Amendment 39-18319; AD 2015-23-03]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Pacific Aerospace Limited Airplanes

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

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: We are superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) AD 2014-20-13 
for certain Pacific Aerospace Limited Model 750XL airplanes. This AD 
results from mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) 
issued 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 fatigue cracks on the fin forward pickup 
plates, which could cause it to fail. We are issuing this AD to require 
actions to address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective December 15, 2015.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in the AD as of December 15, 
2015.

ADDRESSES: You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2015-
3620; or in person at the Docket Management Facility, 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 service information identified in this AD, contact Pacific 
Aerospace Limited, Airport Road, Hamilton, Private Bag 3027, Hamilton 
3240, New Zealand, phone: +64 7 843 6144; fax: +64 7 843 6134; email: 
[email protected]; Internet: www.aerospace.co.nz. You may view 
this referenced service information at the FAA, Small Airplane 
Directorate, 901 Locust, Kansas City, Missouri 64106. For information 
on the availability of this material at the FAA, call (816) 329-4148. 
It is also available on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by 
searching for Docket No. FAA-2015-3620.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Karl Schletzbaum, Aerospace Engineer, 
FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas City, 
Missouri 64106; telephone: (816) 329-4123; fax: (816) 329-4090; email: 
[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Discussion

    We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR 
part 39 to add an AD that would apply to certain Pacific Aerospace 
Limited Model 750XL airplanes. That NPRM was published in the Federal 
Register on August 27, 2015 (80 FR 51966), and proposed to supersede AD 
2014-20-13, Amendment 39-17986 (79 FR 60329, October 7, 2014).
    Since we issued AD 2014-20-13, Amendment 39-17986 (79 FR 60329, 
October 7, 2014), Pacific Aerospace Limited has revised the related 
service information and developed a terminating action for the 
repetitive inspections.
    The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), which is the aviation authority 
for New Zealand, has issued AD DCA/750XL/18A, dated August 4, 2015 
(referred to after this as ``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe 
condition for the specified products. The MCAI states:

    DCA/750XL/18A revised to add note 2 and introduce minor 
editorial changes. This AD supersedes DCA/750XL/18 and DCA/750XL/16A 
to introduce the requirements in Pacific Aerospace Limited Mandatory 
Service Bulletin (MSB) PACSB/XL/068 issue 5, dated 29 June 2015. The 
revised MSB introduces a life limit for fin forward pickup P/N 11-
10281-1 and reduces the torque setting for the fin forward pickup 
bolt to alleviate some of the loads applied to the pickup. The MSB 
also introduces a replacement fin forward pickup P/N 11-03375-1 
which is not life limited.

    You may examine the MCAI on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov/#!documentDetail;D=FAA-2015-3620-0002.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this AD. We received no comments on the NPRM (80 FR 51966, August 27, 
2015) or on the determination of the cost to the public.

[[Page 69570]]

Conclusion

    We reviewed the relevant data and determined that air safety and 
the public interest require adopting the AD as proposed except for 
minor editorial changes. We have determined that these minor changes:
     Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the 
NPRM (80 FR 51966, August 27, 2015) for correcting the unsafe 
condition; and
     Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was 
already proposed in the NPRM (80 FR 51966, August 27, 2015).

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    We reviewed Pacific Aerospace Limited Mandatory Service Bulletin 
PACSB/XL/068, Issue 5, dated June 29, 2015. The service bulletin 
describes procedures for reducing the torque setting for the fin 
forward pickup bolt. The service bulletin also introduces a new, 
improved replacement fin forward pickup plate, part number (P/N) 11-
0375-1, to replace P/N 11-10281-1. 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 
the ADDRESSES section of this AD.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD will affect 18 products of U.S. registry. 
We also estimate that it will take about 22 work-hours per product to 
comply with all the requirements of this AD. The average labor rate is 
$85 per work-hour. Required parts will cost about $1,692 per product.
    Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of this AD on U.S. 
operators to be $64,116, or $3,562 per product.

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 
rulemaking action.

Regulatory Findings

    We 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 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),
    (3) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
    (4) 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.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2015-
3620; or in person at the Docket Management Facility between 9 a.m. and 
5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket 
contains the NPRM, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, 
and other information. The street address for the Docket Office 
(telephone (800) 647-5527) is in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will 
be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

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

Adoption of 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 removing Amendment 39-17986 (79 FR 
60329, October 7, 2014) and adding the following new AD:

2015-23-03 Pacific Aerospace Limited: Amendment 39-18319; Docket No. 
FAA-2015-3620; Directorate Identifier 2015-CE-024-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This Airworthiness Directive (AD) becomes effective December 15, 
2015.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD replaces AD 2014-20-13, Amendment 39-17986 (79 FR 60329, 
October 7, 2014).

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Pacific Aerospace Limited Model 750XL 
airplanes, all serial numbers through XL-193, XL-195, and XL-197, 
certificated in any category.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association of America (ATA) Code 53: Fuselage.

(e) Reason

    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 fatigue cracks 
on the fin forward pickup plates. We are issuing this AD to detect 
and correct cracked fin forward pickup plates to prevent failure of 
the fin forward pickup plates, which could result in reduced 
control.

(f) Actions and Compliance

    Unless already done, do the actions in paragraphs (f)(1) through 
(f)(4) of this AD:
    (1) Within the next 150 hours time-in-service (TIS) after 
December 15, 2015 (the effective date of this AD), reduce the fin 
forward pickup bolt torque following the procedures in section 1.D., 
paragraphs A. 1) and A. 2) of the PLANNING INFORMATION in Pacific 
Aerospace Limited Mandatory Service Bulletin PACSB/XL/068, Issue 5, 
dated June 29, 2015.
    (2) At or before reaching 2,000 hours total time-in-service 
(TTIS) or within the next 150 hours TIS after December 15, 2015 (the 
effective date of this AD), whichever occurs later, and repetitively 
thereafter at intervals not to exceed 600 hours TIS or 12 months, 
whichever occurs first, do a detailed visual inspection and liquid 
penetrant inspection of the fin forward pickup plates for any 
evidence of cracking. Do the inspections following the procedures in 
sections 2.A. and 2.B. of the ACCOMPLISHMENT INSTRUCTIONS in Pacific 
Aerospace Limited Mandatory Service Bulletin PACSB/XL/068, Issue 5, 
dated June 29, 2015.
    (3) If cracks are found during any inspection required in 
paragraph (f)(2) of this AD, before further flight, replace the fin 
forward pickup plates with new fin forward pickup plates, part 
number (P/N) 11-03375-1. Do the replacement following the procedures 
in section 2.C. of the ACCOMPLISHMENT INSTRUCTIONS in Pacific 
Aerospace Limited Mandatory Service Bulletin PACSB/XL/068, Issue 5, 
dated June

[[Page 69571]]

29, 2015. This replacement terminates the repetitive inspections 
required in paragraph (f)(2) of this AD.
    (4) If no cracks are found during any inspection required in 
paragraph (f)(2) of this AD, at or before reaching 6,000 hours TTIS 
or within the next 600 hours TIS after December 15, 2015 (the 
effective date of this AD), whichever occurs later, replace the fin 
forward pickup plates, P/N 11-10281-1, with P/N 11-03375-1. Do the 
replacement following the procedures in section 2.D. of the 
ACCOMPLISHMENT INSTRUCTIONS in Pacific Aerospace Limited Mandatory 
Service Bulletin PACSB/XL/068, Issue 5, dated June 29, 2015. This 
replacement terminates the repetitive inspections required in 
paragraph (f)(2) of this AD .

(g) Other FAA AD Provisions

    The following provisions also apply to this AD:
    (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, 
Standards 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: Karl Schletzbaum, Aerospace Engineer, FAA, 
Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas City, 
Missouri 64106; telephone: (816) 329-4146; fax: (816) 329-4090; 
email: [email protected]. 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.
    (2) Airworthy Product: For any requirement in this AD to obtain 
corrective actions from a manufacturer or other source, use these 
actions if they are FAA-approved. Corrective actions are considered 
FAA-approved if they are approved by the State of Design Authority 
(or their delegated agent). You are required to assure the product 
is airworthy before it is returned to service.

(h) Related Information

    Refer to MCAI Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) AD DCA/750XL/18A, 
dated August 4, 2015, for related information. You may examine the 
MCAI on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov/#!documentDetail;D=FAA-2015-3620-0002.

(i) Material Incorporated by Reference

    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference (IBR) 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/068, Issue 5, dated June 29, 2015.
    (ii) Reserved.
    (3) For Pacific Aerospace Limited service information identified 
in this AD, contact Pacific Aerospace Limited, Airport Road, 
Hamilton, Private Bag 3027, Hamilton 3240, New Zealand, phone: +64 7 
843 6144; fax: +64 7 843 6134; email: [email protected]; 
Internet: www.aerospace.co.nz.
    (4) You may view this service information at FAA, Small Airplane 
Directorate, 901 Locust, Kansas City, Missouri 64106. For 
information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 
816-329-4148. In addition, you can access this service information 
on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and 
locating Docket No. FAA-2015-3620.
    (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, call 202-741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on November 2, 2015.
Melvin Johnson,
Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2015-28338 Filed 11-9-15; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P