81 FR 92745 - Airworthiness Directives; Learjet, Inc. Airplanes

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration

Federal Register Volume 81, Issue 244 (December 20, 2016)

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Learjet Inc. Model 60 airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by an evaluation by the design approval holder (DAH) indicating that the upper fuselage skin under the aft oxygen line fairing is subject to multi-site damage (MSD). This proposed AD would require a one-time inspection of the fuselage skin for corrosion and related investigative and corrective actions if necessary. We are proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 244 (Tuesday, December 20, 2016)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 92745-92747]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2016-30019]


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

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2016-9505; Directorate Identifier 2016-NM-155-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Learjet, Inc. Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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

SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
certain Learjet Inc. Model 60 airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted 
by an evaluation by the design approval holder (DAH) indicating that 
the upper fuselage skin under the aft oxygen line fairing is subject to 
multi-site damage (MSD). This proposed AD would require a one-time 
inspection of the fuselage skin for corrosion and related investigative 
and corrective actions if necessary. We are proposing this AD to 
address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by February 3, 
2017.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR 
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
     Fax: 202-493-2251.
     Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590.
     Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail address above between 9 
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    For service information identified in this NPRM, contact Learjet, 
Inc., One Learjet Way, Wichita, KS 67209-2942; telephone: 316-946-2000; 
fax: 316-946-2220; email: [email protected]; Internet: http://www.bombardier.com. You may view this referenced service information at 
the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, 
WA. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, 
call 425-227-1221.

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-2016-
9505; 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 this proposed AD, the regulatory evaluation, any comments 
received, and other information. The street address for the Docket 
Office (phone: 800-647-5527) is in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will 
be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Paul Chapman, Aerospace Engineer, 
Airframe Branch, ACE-118W, FAA, Wichita Aircraft Certification Office 
(ACO), 1801 Airport Road, Room 100, Dwight D. Eisenhower Airport, 
Wichita, KS 67209; phone: 316-946-4152; fax: 316-946-4107; email: 
[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

    We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or 
arguments about this proposal. Send your comments to an address listed 
under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2016-9505; 
Directorate Identifier 2016-NM-155-AD'' at the beginning of your 
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this proposed AD. We 
will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend 
this proposed AD because of those comments.
    We will post all comments we receive, without change, to http://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. We 
will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact we 
receive about this proposed AD.

Discussion

    We have received a report indicating that the upper fuselage skin 
under the aft oxygen line fairing is subject to MSD (corrosion at 
multiple sites under the fairing). This condition, if not corrected, 
could result in reduced structural integrity of the airplane.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    We reviewed Learjet 60 Service Bulletin 60-53-19, Revision 3, dated 
August 29, 2016. The service information describes procedures for 
inspections of the fuselage crown skin for corrosion and related 
investigative and corrective actions, if necessary. This service 
information is reasonably

[[Page 92746]]

available because the interested parties have access to it through 
their normal course of business or by the means identified in the 
ADDRESSES section.

FAA's Determination

    We are proposing this AD because we evaluated all the relevant 
information and determined the unsafe condition described previously is 
likely to exist or develop in other products of the same type design.

Proposed AD Requirements

    This proposed AD would require accomplishing the actions specified 
in the service information described previously, except as discussed 
under ``Differences Between this Proposed AD and the Service 
Information.'' This proposed AD also would require sending the 
inspection results to the FAA.
    Related investigative actions include a high frequency eddy current 
inspection of the affected skin sections and an ultrasonic skin 
thickness check. Corrective actions include repairing corrosion.

Differences Between This Proposed AD and the Service Information

    Learjet 60 Service Bulletin 60-53-19, Revision 3, dated August 29, 
2016, specifies to contact the manufacturer for instructions on how to 
repair certain conditions, but this proposed AD would require repairing 
those conditions in one of the following ways:
     In accordance with a method that we approve; or
     Using data that meet the certification basis of the 
airplane, and that have been approved by a Delegated Engineering 
Representative (DER) for Learjet Inc., or a Unit Member (UM) of the 
Learjet Organization Designation Authorization (ODA), whom we have 
authorized to make those findings.

Interim Action

    We consider this proposed AD interim action. Because the cause of 
the corrosion is not known, the inspection reports will help determine 
the extent of the corrosion in the affected fleet. Based on the results 
of these reports, we might determine that further corrective action is 
warranted. Once further corrective action has been identified, we might 
consider further rulemaking.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD affects 284 airplanes of U.S. 
registry. We estimate the following costs to comply with this proposed 
AD:

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                     Cost per      Cost on U.S.
                Action                         Labor cost           Parts cost        product        operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inspections...........................  46 work-hours x $85 per             $265          $4,175      $1,185,700
                                         hour = $3,910.
Reporting.............................  1 work-hour x $85 per                  0              85          24,140
                                         hour = $85.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    We have received no definitive data that would enable us to provide 
cost estimates for the on-condition actions specified in this proposed 
AD.
    According to the manufacturer, some of the costs of this proposed 
AD may be covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost impact on 
affected individuals. We do not control warranty coverage for affected 
individuals. As a result, we have included all costs in our cost 
estimate.

Paperwork Reduction Act

    A federal agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not 
required to respond to, nor shall a person be subject to penalty for 
failure to comply with a collection of information subject to the 
requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act unless that collection of 
information displays a current valid OMB control number. The control 
number for the collection of information required by this AD is 2120-
0056. The paperwork cost associated with this AD has been detailed in 
the Costs of Compliance section of this document and includes time for 
reviewing instructions, as well as completing and reviewing the 
collection of information. Therefore, all reporting associated with 
this AD is mandatory. Comments concerning the accuracy of this burden 
and suggestions for reducing the burden should be directed to the FAA 
at 800 Independence Ave. SW., Washington, DC 20591, ATTN: Information 
Collection Clearance Officer, AES-200.

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 proposed AD would not have federalism 
implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would 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 proposed 
regulation:
    (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.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

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

The Proposed Amendment

    Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 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.

[[Page 92747]]

Sec.  39.13   [Amended]

0
2. The FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness 
directive (AD):

Learjet Inc.: Docket No. FAA-2016-9505; Directorate Identifier 2016-
NM-155-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by February 3, 2017.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Learjet Inc. Model 60 airplanes, certificated 
in any category, serial numbers 60-002 through 60-430 inclusive.

(d) Subject

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

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by an evaluation by the design approval 
holder indicating that the upper fuselage skin under the aft oxygen 
line fairing is subject to multi-site damage. We are issuing this AD 
to detect and correct corrosion of the fuselage skin, which could 
result in reduced structural integrity of the airplane.

(f) Compliance

    Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, 
unless already done.

(g) Inspection of the Fuselage Skin and Related Investigative and 
Corrective Actions

    At the applicable time specified in paragraph (g)(1), (g)(2), or 
(g)(3) of this AD: Do a fluorescent dye penetrant inspection of the 
fuselage skin between stringers (S)-2L and S-2R for corrosion; and 
do all applicable related investigative and corrective actions; in 
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Learjet 60 
Service Bulletin 60-53-19, Revision 3, dated August 29, 2016, except 
as required by paragraph (h) of this AD. Do all applicable related 
investigative and corrective actions before further flight.
    (1) For airplanes with more than 12 years since the date of 
issuance of the original airworthiness certificate or the date of 
issuance of the original export certificate of airworthiness as of 
the effective date of this AD: Within 12 months after the effective 
date of this AD.
    (2) For airplanes with more than 6 years but equal to or less 
than 12 years since the date of issuance of the original 
airworthiness certificate or the date of issuance of the original 
export certificate of airworthiness as of the effective date of this 
AD: Within 24 months after the effective date of this AD.
    (3) For airplanes with 6 years or less since the date of 
issuance of the original airworthiness certificate or the date of 
issuance of the original export certificate of airworthiness as of 
the effective date of this AD: Within 36 months after the effective 
date of this AD.

(h) Service Information Exception

    Where Learjet 60 Service Bulletin 60-53-19, Revision 3, dated 
August 29, 2016, specifies contacting Learjet Inc. for appropriate 
action: Before further flight, repair using a method approved in 
accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph (l) of this 
AD.

(i) Reporting

    At the applicable time specified in paragraph (i)(1) or (i)(2) 
of this AD: Submit a report of the findings (both positive and 
negative) of the inspection required by paragraph (g) of this AD to 
[email protected] or Ann Johnson, 1801 Airport Road, Wichita, KS 
67209. The report must include the name of the owner, the address of 
the owner, the name of the organization incorporating Learjet 60 
Service Bulletin 60-53-19, the date that inspection was completed, 
the name of the person submitting the report, the address, telephone 
number, and email of the person submitting the report, the airplane 
serial number, the total time (hours) on the airplane, the total 
landings on the airplane, whether corrosion was detected, whether 
corrosion was repaired, the structural repair manual (SRM) chapter 
and revision (if repaired), and whether corrosion exceeded the 
minimum thickness specified in Learjet 60 Service Bulletin 60-53-19 
(and specify the SRM chapter and revision that was used).
    (1) If the inspection was done on or after the effective date of 
this AD: Submit the report within 30 days after the inspection.
    (2) If the inspection was done before the effective date of this 
AD: Submit the report within 30 days after the effective date of 
this AD.

(j) Credit for Previous Actions

    This paragraph provides credit for the actions specified in 
paragraph (g) of this AD, if those actions were performed before the 
effective date of this AD using Learjet 60 Service Bulletin 60-53-
19, dated November 23, 2015; Learjet 60 Service Bulletin 60-53-19, 
Revision 1, dated April 4, 2016; or Learjet 60 Service Bulletin 60-
53-19, Revision 2, dated April 18, 2016.

(k) Paperwork Reduction Act Burden Statement

    A federal agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not 
required to respond to, nor shall a person be subject to a penalty 
for failure to comply with a collection of information subject to 
the requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act unless that 
collection of information displays a current valid OMB Control 
Number. The OMB Control Number for this information collection is 
2120-0056. Public reporting for this collection of information is 
estimated to be approximately 5 minutes per response, including the 
time for reviewing instructions, completing and reviewing the 
collection of information. All responses to this collection of 
information are mandatory. Comments concerning the accuracy of this 
burden and suggestions for reducing the burden should be directed to 
the FAA at: 800 Independence Ave. SW., Washington, DC 20591, Attn: 
Information Collection Clearance Officer, AES-200.

(l) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, Wichita ACO, FAA, 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 
ACO, send it to the attention of the person identified in paragraph 
(m)(1) of this AD.
    (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.
    (3) An AMOC that provides an acceptable level of safety may be 
used for any repair, modification, or alteration required by this AD 
if it is approved by a Learjet Inc. Designated Engineering 
Representative (DER), or a Unit Member (UM) of the Learjet 
Organization Designation Authorization (ODA), that has been 
authorized by the Manager, Wichita ACO, to make those findings. To 
be approved, the repair, modification deviation, or alteration 
deviation must meet the certification basis of the airplane, and the 
approval must specifically refer to this AD.

(m) Related Information

    (1) For more information about this AD, contact Paul Chapman, 
Aerospace Engineer, Airframe Branch, ACE-118W, FAA, Wichita ACO, 
1801 Airport Road, Room 100, Dwight D. Eisenhower Airport, Wichita, 
KS 67209; phone: 316-946-4152; fax: 316-946-4107; email: [email protected].
    (2) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Learjet, Inc., One Learjet Way, Wichita, KS 67209-2942; telephone: 
316-946-2000; fax: 316-946-2220; email: [email protected]; 
Internet: http://www.bombardier.com. You may view this referenced 
service information at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 
Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For information on the availability of 
this material at the FAA, call 425-227-1221.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on December 2, 2016.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2016-30019 Filed 12-19-16; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P