82 FR 24462 - Airworthiness Directives; Learjet, Inc., Airplanes

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration

Federal Register Volume 82, Issue 102 (May 30, 2017)

We are superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2017-08-07 for certain Learjet, Inc., Model 60 airplanes. AD 2017-08-07 required a one-time inspection of the fuselage skin for corrosion, and related investigative and corrective actions if necessary. This new AD retains the actions of AD 2017-08-07 and removes certain airplanes from the applicability. This AD was prompted by a determination that only certain airplanes are affected by the unsafe condition. We are issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 102 (Tuesday, May 30, 2017)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 24462-24465]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2017-10786]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2017-0501; Directorate Identifier 2017-NM-053-AD; 
Amendment 39-18908; AD 2017-11-09]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Learjet, Inc., Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

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SUMMARY: We are superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2017-08-07 for 
certain Learjet, Inc., Model 60 airplanes. AD 2017-08-07 required a 
one-time inspection of the fuselage skin for corrosion, and related 
investigative and corrective actions if necessary. This new AD retains 
the actions of AD 2017-08-07 and removes certain airplanes from the 
applicability. This AD was prompted by a determination that only 
certain airplanes are affected by the unsafe condition. We are issuing 
this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective May 30, 2017.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of May 22, 2017 
(82 FR 18084, April 17, 2017).
    We must receive comments on this AD by July 14, 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 final rule, 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. It is also available on 
the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and 
locating Docket No. FAA-2017-0501.

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-2017-
0501; 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 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:

Discussion

    On April 7, 2017, we issued AD 2017-08-07, Amendment 39-18856 (82 
FR 18084, April 17, 2017) (``AD 2017-08-07''), for Learjet, Inc., Model 
60 airplanes, serial numbers 60-002 through 60-430 inclusive. AD 2017-
08-07 required a one-time inspection of the fuselage skin for 
corrosion, and related investigative and corrective actions if 
necessary. AD 2017-08-07 resulted from 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). We 
issued AD 2017-08-07 to detect and correct corrosion of the fuselage 
skin, which could result in reduced structural integrity of the 
airplane.

Actions Since AD 2017-08-07 Was Issued

    Since we issued AD 2017-08-07, we determined that only certain 
airplanes identified in the applicability of AD 2017-08-07 are affected 
by the unsafe condition. For Learjet, Inc., Model 60 airplanes, serial 
numbers 60-002 through 60-430 inclusive, the unsafe condition affects 
only airplanes with a dorsal-mounted oxygen bottle and

[[Page 24463]]

airplanes that have had the dorsal-mounted oxygen bottle removed but 
have retained the oxygen line fairing installed on top of the fuselage. 
These airplanes are identified in the effectivity of Learjet 60 Service 
Bulletin 60-53-19, Revision 3, dated August 29, 2016, which is the 
appropriate source of service information for accomplishing the actions 
required by AD 2017-08-07. Therefore, we have revised paragraph (c) of 
this AD to identify only those airplanes affected by the unsafe 
condition.

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 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 issuing 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.

AD Requirements

    This AD requires a one-time inspection of the fuselage skin for 
corrosion, and related investigative and corrective actions if 
necessary. This AD also requires sending the inspection results to the 
FAA.

Differences Between This 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 AD requires 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 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.

FAA's Justification and Determination of the Effective Date

    We determined that unaffected airplanes were inadvertently included 
in the applicability of AD 2017-08-07, which applied to Learjet, Inc., 
Model 60 airplanes, serial numbers 60-002 through 60-430 inclusive. 
However, only airplanes identified in Learjet 60 Service Bulletin 60-
53-19, Revision 3, dated August 29, 2016, are subject to the identified 
unsafe condition. The actions required by this AD are not required to 
be done on airplanes that are not identified in Learjet 60 Service 
Bulletin 60-53-19, Revision 3, dated August 29, 2016. Therefore, we are 
superseding AD 2017-08-07 to correct the applicability. We find that 
notice and opportunity for prior public comment are unnecessary and 
that good cause exists for making this amendment effective in less than 
30 days.

Comments Invited

    This AD is a final rule that involves requirements affecting flight 
safety and was not preceded by notice and an opportunity for public 
comment. However, we invite you to send any written data, views, or 
arguments about this AD. Send your comments to an address listed under 
the ADDRESSES section. Include the docket number FAA-2017-0501 and 
Directorate Identifier 2017-NM-053-AD at the beginning of your 
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this AD. We will 
consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend this 
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 AD.

Costs of Compliance

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

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                     Cost per      Cost on U.S.
                Action                         Labor cost           Parts cost        product        operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inspection (retained action from AD     46 work-hours x $85 per             $265          $4,175      $1,185,700
 2017[dash]08-07).                       hour = $3,910.
Reporting (retained action from AD      1 work-hour x $85 per                  0              85          24,140
 2017[dash]08-07).                       hour = $85.
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    This AD adds no additional economic burden.
    We have received no definitive data that would enable us to provide 
cost estimates for the on-condition actions specified in this AD.
    According to the manufacturer, some of the costs of this 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 known 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

[[Page 24464]]

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

    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 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.

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 Airworthiness Directive (AD) 
2017-08-07, Amendment 39-18856 (82 FR 18084, April 17, 2017), and 
adding the following new AD:

2017-11-09 Learjet, Inc.: Amendment 39-18908; Docket No. FAA-2017-
0501; Directorate Identifier 2017-NM-053-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD is effective May 30, 2017.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD replaces AD 2017-08-07, Amendment 39-18856 (82 FR 18084, 
April 17, 2017) (``AD 2017-08-07'').

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Learjet, Inc., Model 60 airplanes, 
certificated in any category, having serial numbers 60-002 through 
60-430 inclusive, and having a configuration identified in paragraph 
(c)(1) or (c)(2) of this AD.
    (1) Airplanes with a dorsal-mounted oxygen bottle.
    (2) Airplanes that have had the dorsal-mounted oxygen bottle 
removed but have retained the oxygen line fairing installed on top 
of the fuselage.

(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) Retained Inspection of the Fuselage Skin, and Related Investigative 
and Corrective Actions, With No Changes

    This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (g) of AD 
2017-08-07, with no changes. 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 
May 22, 2017 (the effective date of AD 2017-08-07): Within 12 months 
after May 22, 2017.
    (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 May 22, 2017 (the 
effective date of AD 2017-08-07): Within 24 months after May 22, 
2017.
    (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 
May 22, 2017 (the effective date of AD 2017-08-07): Within 36 months 
after May 22, 2017.

(h) Retained Service Information Exception, With No Changes

    This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (h) of AD 
2017-08-07, with no changes. 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) Retained Reporting, With No Changes

    This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (i) of AD 
2017-08-07, with no changes. 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 
the introductory text of paragraph (g) of this AD to: [email protected]; or Ann Johnson, Wichita Aircraft Certification Office 
(ACO), 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 (flight hours) on the airplane, the total number of 
landings on the airplane, whether corrosion was detected, whether 
corrosion was repaired, the structural repair manual (SRM) chapter 
and revision used (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, if used as an aid to 
determine minimum thickness).
    (1) If the inspection was done on or after May 22, 2017 (the 
effective date of AD 2017-08-07): Submit the report within 30 days 
after the inspection.
    (2) If the inspection was done before May 22, 2017 (the 
effective date of AD 2017-08-07): Submit the report within 30 days 
after May 22, 2017.

(j) Retained Credit for Previous Actions, With No Changes

    This paragraph restates the credit provided in paragraph (j) of 
AD 2017-08-07, with no

[[Page 24465]]

changes. This paragraph provides credit for the actions specified in 
the introductory text to paragraph (g) of this AD, if those actions 
were performed before May 22, 2017 (the effective date of AD 2017-
08-07), 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.
    (4) AMOCs approved previously for AD 2017-08-07 are approved as 
AMOCs for the corresponding provisions of 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) Service information identified in this AD that is not 
incorporated by reference is available at the addresses specified in 
paragraphs (n)(4) and (n)(5) of this AD.

(n) 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.
    (3) The following service information was approved for IBR on 
May 22, 2017 (82 FR 18084, April 17, 2017).
    (i) Learjet 60 Service Bulletin 60-53-19, Revision 3, dated 
August 29, 2016.
    (ii) Reserved.
    (4) For Learjet, Inc., 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.
    (5) You may view this 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.
    (6) 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 Renton, Washington, on May 18, 2017.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2017-10786 Filed 5-26-17; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P