83_FR_9866 83 FR 9820 - Airworthiness Directives; Quest Aircraft Design, LLC Airplanes

83 FR 9820 - Airworthiness Directives; Quest Aircraft Design, LLC Airplanes

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration

Federal Register Volume 83, Issue 46 (March 8, 2018)

Page Range9820-9822
FR Document2018-04650

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Quest Aircraft Design, LLC Model KODIAK 100 airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by reports of cracks found in certain nose landing gear forks. This proposed AD would require a one-time inspection to determine if the affected nose landing gear fork is installed, repetitive inspections of the affected nose landing gear fork for cracks, repetitive inspections of the shimmy damper bracket for looseness if the affected nose landing gear fork is installed, and rework/replacement of parts as necessary. We are proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

Federal Register, Volume 83 Issue 46 (Thursday, March 8, 2018)
[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 46 (Thursday, March 8, 2018)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 9820-9822]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2018-04650]



[[Page 9820]]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2018-0180; Product Identifier 2017-CE-043-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Quest Aircraft Design, LLC Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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

SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all 
Quest Aircraft Design, LLC Model KODIAK 100 airplanes. This proposed AD 
was prompted by reports of cracks found in certain nose landing gear 
forks. This proposed AD would require a one-time inspection to 
determine if the affected nose landing gear fork is installed, 
repetitive inspections of the affected nose landing gear fork for 
cracks, repetitive inspections of the shimmy damper bracket for 
looseness if the affected nose landing gear fork is installed, and 
rework/replacement of parts as necessary. We are proposing this AD to 
address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by April 23, 2018.

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 Quest 
Aircraft Company LLC, 1200 Turbine Drive, Sandpoint, Idaho 83864; 
phone: (208) 263-1111 or 1 (866) 263-1112; email: 
customerservice@questaircraft.com; internet: http://customercare.questaircraft.com/. You may view this service information 
at the FAA, Policy and Innovation Division, 901 Locust, Kansas City, 
Missouri 64106. For information on the availability of this material at 
the FAA, call (816) 329-4148.

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-2018-
0180; or in person at Docket Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., 
Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains 
this NPRM, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and other 
information. The street address for Docket Operations (phone: 800-647-
5527) is in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available in the AD 
docket shortly after receipt.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Wade Sullivan, Aerospace Engineer, 
Seattle ACO Branch, FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue SW, Renton, WA 98057; phone: 
425-917-6430; fax: 425-917-6590; email: wade.sullivan@faa.gov.

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-2018-0180; 
Product Identifier 2017-CE-043-AD'' at the beginning of your comments. 
We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, economic, 
environmental, and energy aspects of this NPRM. We will consider all 
comments received by the closing date and may amend this NPRM 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 NPRM.

Discussion

    We received reports from the manufacturer of fatigue cracks on the 
nose landing gear (NLG) fork on Quest Aircraft Design, LLC Model KODIAK 
100 airplanes. In one report, the NLG fork failed during landing. On 
unimproved surfaces, the NLG shimmy damper system can wear and loosen, 
reducing the resistance of the nose gear to shimmy. Shimmying puts side 
loads on the NLG fork that it was not designed for, which could cause 
fatigue cracks. This condition, if not corrected, could result in 
separation of the fork with consequent reduced control on landing. If 
the fork separates on an unimproved surface, the risk of the NLG 
digging in and the airplane overturning on the ground increases.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    We reviewed Quest Aircraft Field Service Instruction FSI-147, 
Revision 00 (not dated), which provides instructions for inspection 
and, if necessary, replacement of the NLG fork. We reviewed pages 
32_110 and 32_111, section 3252, Shimmy Damper, found in Chapter 32, 
Landing Gear, of Quest Aircraft Company Kodiak 100 Maintenance Manual, 
Revision No. 21, dated February 15, 2017, which describes procedures 
for inspecting the shimmy damper system. We also reviewed Quest 
Aircraft Field Service Instruction FSI-146, Revision 00 (not dated), 
which provides instructions for modifying the shimmy damper attach 
bracket. 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 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.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD affects 116 airplanes of U.S. 
registry.
    We estimate the following costs to comply with this proposed AD:

[[Page 9821]]



                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                     Cost per      Cost on U.S.
             Action                  Labor cost              Parts cost               product        operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Determine if type A or type B    1 work-hour x $85  Not applicable..............             $85          $9,860
 NLG fork is installed.           per hour = $85.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    We estimate the following costs to do any necessary additional 
inspections, replacements, and modifications that would be required 
based on the results of the proposed NLG fork type determination. We 
have no way of determining the number of airplanes that might need 
these inspections, replacements, and modifications:

                                               On-Condition Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                   Cost per
               Action                      Labor cost                    Parts cost                 product
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inspection of the NLG fork for       4 work-hours x $85 per  Not applicable...................            $340
 cracks.                              hour = $340.
Replacement of the NLG fork........  4 work-hours x $85 per  $7,002.36........................        7,342.36
                                      hour = $340.
Inspection of the shimmy damper      1 work-hour x $85 per   Not applicable...................              85
 bracket.                             hour = $85.
Rework of the shimmy damper bracket  4 work-hours x $85 per  $127.33..........................          467.33
                                      hour = $340.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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.
    This AD is issued in accordance with authority delegated by the 
Executive Director, Aircraft Certification Service, as authorized by 
FAA Order 8000.51C. In accordance with that order, issuance of ADs is 
normally a function of the Compliance and Airworthiness Division, but 
during this transition period, the Executive Director has delegated the 
authority to issue ADs applicable to small airplanes, gliders, 
balloons, airships, domestic business jet transport airplanes, and 
associated appliances to the Director of the Policy and Innovation 
Division.

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.


Sec.  39.13  [Amended]

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

Quest Aircraft Design, LLC: Docket No. FAA-2018-0180; Product 
Identifier 2017-CE-043-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by April 23, 2018.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Quest Aircraft Design, LLC Model KODIAK 100 
airplanes; all serial numbers, certificated in any category.

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC)/Air Transport Association 
(ATA) of America Code 32, Landing Gear.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by reports from the manufacturer of fatigue 
cracks on the nose landing gear (NLG) fork. We are issuing this AD 
to detect and prevent fatigue cracking of the NLG fork. The unsafe 
condition, if not corrected, could result in separation of the fork 
with consequent reduced control on landing. If the fork separates on 
an unimproved surface, the risk of the NLG digging in and the 
airplane overturning on the ground increases.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Inspection for Type of NLG Fork

    Within 25 hours time-in-service (TIS) after the effective date 
of this AD, inspect the airplane to determine if a NLG fork part 
number (P/N) 100-410-7001 (type A) or a NLG fork P/N 100-410-7013 
(type B) is installed. If you determine that a NLG P/N 100-410-7013 
(type B) is installed during the inspection, no further action is 
required by this AD. If a review of the maintenance records can 
positively identify the P/N NLG fork that is installed, you may use 
a maintenance records review in lieu of

[[Page 9822]]

inspecting the airplane to determine if a NLG fork P/N 100-410-7001 
(type A) or a NLG fork P/N 100-410-7013 (type B) is installed.

(h) Inspection of the NLG Fork for Cracks

    (1) If you determine that a NLG fork P/N 100-410-7001 (type A) 
is installed during the inspection required in paragraph (g) of this 
AD, within 25 hours TIS after the effective date of this AD and 
repetitively thereafter at intervals not to exceed 100 hours TIS, do 
a fluorescent penetrant, dye penetrant, or open-hole eddy current 
inspection of the NLG fork for cracks following section 5. 
Instructions in Quest Aircraft Field Service Instruction FSI-147, 
Revision 00 (not dated).
    (2) If you find any cracks of the NLG fork during any inspection 
required in paragraph (h)(1) of this AD, before further flight, 
replace the NLG fork with a NLG fork P/N 100-410-7013 (type B) 
following section 5. Instructions in Quest Aircraft Field Service 
Instruction FSI-147, Revision 00 (not dated). Replacement of the NLG 
fork with a NLG fork P/N 100-410-7013 (type B) terminates the 
repetitive inspections required in paragraphs (h)(1) and (i)(1) of 
this AD.

(i) Inspection of the Shimmy Damper Bracket

    (1) If you have not replaced a NLG fork P/N 100-410-7001 (type 
A) per the initial inspection and replacement requirements in 
paragraph (h) of this AD, then within 25 hours TIS after the 
effective date of this AD and repetitively thereafter at intervals 
not to exceed 100 hours TIS (until the NLG fork is replaced with a 
P/N 100-410-7013 (type B fork)), inspect the shimmy damper bracket 
for looseness following pages 32_110 and 32_111, section 3252, 
Shimmy Damper, found in Chapter 32, Landing Gear, of Quest Aircraft 
Company Kodiak 100 Maintenance Manual, Revision No. 21, dated 
February 15, 2017.
    (2) If a loose shimmy damper bracket is found during any 
inspection required in paragraph (i)(1) of this AD, rework the 
shimmy damper bracket with interference-fit bolts following Quest 
Aircraft Field Service Instruction FSI-146, Revision 00 (not dated). 
Reworking the shimmy damper bracket with the interference-fit bolts 
terminates the repetitive inspections required in paragraph (i)(1) 
of this AD.
    (3) If any other damaged (loose, leaking, corrosion, worn, etc.) 
components are found in the shimmy damper system during any 
inspection required in paragraph (i)(1) of this AD, before further 
flight, replace damaged components as necessary following pages 
32_110 and 32_111, section 3252, Shimmy Damper, found in Chapter 32, 
Landing Gear, of Quest Aircraft Company Kodiak 100 Maintenance 
Manual, Revision No. 21, dated February 15, 2017.

(j) Optional Terminating Action

    In lieu of the NLG fork and shimmy damper bracket inspections 
required in paragraphs (h)(1) and (i)(1) of this AD, you may replace 
the NLG fork P/N 100-410-7001 (type A) with a NLG fork P/N 100-410-
7013 (type B) following section 5. Instructions in Quest Aircraft 
Field Service Instruction FSI-147, Revision 00 (not dated). This 
replacement terminates the inspection requirements of this AD and no 
further actions are required.

(k) Restriction of NLG Fork P/N 100-410-7001 (Type A) Installation

    Once a NLG fork P/N 100-410-7013 (type B) is installed on an 
airplane, do not install a NLG fork P/N 100-410-7001 (type A). If a 
NLG fork P/N 100-410-7013 (type B) is removed from the airplane for 
any reason (for example, to install floats), you must reinstall a 
NLG fork P/N 100-410-7013 (type B) when operating with wheels.

 (l) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, Seattle ACO Branch, 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 certification office, send it to the attention of the 
person identified in paragraph (m)(1) of this AD. Information may 
also be emailed to: 9-ANM-Seattle-ACO-AMOC-Requests@faa.gov.
    (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.

(m) Related Information

    (1) For more information about this AD, contact Wade Sullivan, 
Aerospace Engineer, Seattle ACO Branch, FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue SW, 
Renton, WA 98057; phone: 425-917-6430; fax: 425-917-6590; email: 
wade.sullivan@faa.gov.
    (2) For service information identified in this AD, contact Quest 
Aircraft Company LLC, 1200 Turbine Drive, Sandpoint, Idaho 83864; 
phone: (208) 263-1111 or 1 (866) 263-1112; email: 
customerservice@questaircraft.com; internet: http://customercare.questaircraft.com/. You may view this service 
information at the FAA, Policy and Innovation Division, 901 Locust, 
Kansas City, Missouri 64106. For information on the availability of 
this material at the FAA, call (816) 329-4148.

    Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on March 1, 2018.
Pat Mullen,
Acting Deputy Director, Policy & Innovation Division, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2018-04650 Filed 3-7-18; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P



                                                 9820                    Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 46 / Thursday, March 8, 2018 / Proposed Rules

                                                 DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION                            internet: http://                                     100 airplanes. In one report, the NLG
                                                                                                         customercare.questaircraft.com/. You                  fork failed during landing. On
                                                 Federal Aviation Administration                         may view this service information at the              unimproved surfaces, the NLG shimmy
                                                                                                         FAA, Policy and Innovation Division,                  damper system can wear and loosen,
                                                 14 CFR Part 39                                          901 Locust, Kansas City, Missouri                     reducing the resistance of the nose gear
                                                                                                         64106. For information on the                         to shimmy. Shimmying puts side loads
                                                 [Docket No. FAA–2018–0180; Product
                                                 Identifier 2017–CE–043–AD]                              availability of this material at the FAA,             on the NLG fork that it was not designed
                                                                                                         call (816) 329–4148.                                  for, which could cause fatigue cracks.
                                                 RIN 2120–AA64                                                                                                 This condition, if not corrected, could
                                                                                                         Examining the AD Docket
                                                                                                                                                               result in separation of the fork with
                                                 Airworthiness Directives; Quest                            You may examine the AD docket on                   consequent reduced control on landing.
                                                 Aircraft Design, LLC Airplanes                          the internet at http://                               If the fork separates on an unimproved
                                                                                                         www.regulations.gov by searching for                  surface, the risk of the NLG digging in
                                                 AGENCY: Federal Aviation
                                                                                                         and locating Docket No. FAA–2018–                     and the airplane overturning on the
                                                 Administration (FAA), DOT.
                                                                                                         0180; or in person at Docket Operations               ground increases.
                                                 ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking                   between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday
                                                 (NPRM).                                                 through Friday, except Federal holidays.              Related Service Information Under 1
                                                                                                         The AD docket contains this NPRM, the                 CFR Part 51
                                                 SUMMARY:   We propose to adopt a new
                                                                                                         regulatory evaluation, any comments                     We reviewed Quest Aircraft Field
                                                 airworthiness directive (AD) for all
                                                                                                         received, and other information. The                  Service Instruction FSI–147, Revision
                                                 Quest Aircraft Design, LLC Model
                                                                                                         street address for Docket Operations                  00 (not dated), which provides
                                                 KODIAK 100 airplanes. This proposed
                                                                                                         (phone: 800–647–5527) is in the                       instructions for inspection and, if
                                                 AD was prompted by reports of cracks
                                                                                                         ADDRESSES section. Comments will be                   necessary, replacement of the NLG fork.
                                                 found in certain nose landing gear forks.
                                                 This proposed AD would require a one-                   available in the AD docket shortly after              We reviewed pages 32_110 and 32_111,
                                                 time inspection to determine if the                     receipt.                                              section 3252, Shimmy Damper, found in
                                                 affected nose landing gear fork is                      FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:                      Chapter 32, Landing Gear, of Quest
                                                 installed, repetitive inspections of the                Wade Sullivan, Aerospace Engineer,                    Aircraft Company Kodiak 100
                                                 affected nose landing gear fork for                     Seattle ACO Branch, FAA, 1601 Lind                    Maintenance Manual, Revision No. 21,
                                                 cracks, repetitive inspections of the                   Avenue SW, Renton, WA 98057; phone:                   dated February 15, 2017, which
                                                 shimmy damper bracket for looseness if                  425–917–6430; fax: 425–917–6590;                      describes procedures for inspecting the
                                                 the affected nose landing gear fork is                  email: wade.sullivan@faa.gov.                         shimmy damper system. We also
                                                 installed, and rework/replacement of                    SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:                            reviewed Quest Aircraft Field Service
                                                 parts as necessary. We are proposing                                                                          Instruction FSI–146, Revision 00 (not
                                                                                                         Comments Invited                                      dated), which provides instructions for
                                                 this AD to address the unsafe condition
                                                 on these products.                                        We invite you to send any written                   modifying the shimmy damper attach
                                                                                                         relevant data, views, or arguments about              bracket. This service information is
                                                 DATES: We must receive comments on
                                                                                                         this proposal. Send your comments to                  reasonably available because the
                                                 this proposed AD by April 23, 2018.                     an address listed under the ADDRESSES                 interested parties have access to it
                                                 ADDRESSES: You may send comments,                       section. Include ‘‘Docket No. FAA–                    through their normal course of business
                                                 using the procedures found in 14 CFR                    2018–0180; Product Identifier 2017–CE–                or by the means identified in the
                                                 11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following                043–AD’’ at the beginning of your                     ADDRESSES section.
                                                 methods:                                                comments. We specifically invite
                                                    • Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to                                                                        FAA’s Determination
                                                                                                         comments on the overall regulatory,
                                                 http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the                  economic, environmental, and energy                     We are proposing this AD because we
                                                 instructions for submitting comments.                   aspects of this NPRM. We will consider                evaluated all the relevant information
                                                    • Fax: 202–493–2251.                                 all comments received by the closing                  and determined the unsafe condition
                                                    • Mail: U.S. Department of                           date and may amend this NPRM                          described previously is likely to exist or
                                                 Transportation, Docket Operations, M–                   because of those comments.                            develop in other products of the same
                                                 30, West Building Ground Floor, Room                       We will post all comments we                       type design.
                                                 W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE,                     receive, without change, to http://
                                                 Washington, DC 20590.                                                                                         Proposed AD Requirements
                                                                                                         www.regulations.gov, including any
                                                    • Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail                     personal information you provide. We                    This proposed AD would require
                                                 address above between 9 a.m. and 5                      will also post a report summarizing each              accomplishing the actions specified in
                                                 p.m., Monday through Friday, except                     substantive verbal contact we receive                 the service information described
                                                 Federal holidays.                                       about this NPRM.                                      previously.
                                                    For service information identified in
                                                 this NPRM, contact Quest Aircraft                       Discussion                                            Costs of Compliance
                                                 Company LLC, 1200 Turbine Drive,                          We received reports from the                           We estimate that this proposed AD
                                                 Sandpoint, Idaho 83864; phone: (208)                    manufacturer of fatigue cracks on the                 affects 116 airplanes of U.S. registry.
                                                 263–1111 or 1 (866) 263–1112; email:                    nose landing gear (NLG) fork on Quest                    We estimate the following costs to
rmajette on DSKBCKNHB2PROD with PROPOSALS




                                                 customerservice@questaircraft.com;                      Aircraft Design, LLC Model KODIAK                     comply with this proposed AD:




                                            VerDate Sep<11>2014   14:51 Mar 07, 2018   Jkt 244001   PO 00000   Frm 00003   Fmt 4702   Sfmt 4702   E:\FR\FM\08MRP1.SGM   08MRP1


                                                                           Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 46 / Thursday, March 8, 2018 / Proposed Rules                                                           9821

                                                                                                                           ESTIMATED COSTS
                                                                                                                                                                                            Cost per         Cost on U.S.
                                                                      Action                                             Labor cost                              Parts cost                 product           operators

                                                 Determine if type A or type B NLG fork is           1 work-hour × $85 per hour = $85 ...........         Not applicable ...........                   $85         $9,860
                                                   installed.



                                                   We estimate the following costs to do                   would be required based on the results                     determining the number of airplanes
                                                 any necessary additional inspections,                     of the proposed NLG fork type                              that might need these inspections,
                                                 replacements, and modifications that                      determination. We have no way of                           replacements, and modifications:

                                                                                                                         ON-CONDITION COSTS
                                                                                                                                                                                                             Cost per
                                                                          Action                                                      Labor cost                                    Parts cost               product

                                                 Inspection of the NLG fork for cracks ...................     4   work-hours × $85 per hour = $340 ...................     Not applicable ...........             $340
                                                 Replacement of the NLG fork ...............................   4   work-hours × $85 per hour = $340 ...................     $7,002.36 ..................       7,342.36
                                                 Inspection of the shimmy damper bracket ...........           1   work-hour × $85 per hour = $85 .......................   Not applicable ...........               85
                                                 Rework of the shimmy damper bracket ................          4   work-hours × $85 per hour = $340 ...................     $127.33 .....................        467.33



                                                 Authority for This Rulemaking                             substantial direct effect on the States, on                Quest Aircraft Design, LLC: Docket No.
                                                                                                           the relationship between the national                         FAA–2018–0180; Product Identifier
                                                    Title 49 of the United States Code                                                                                   2017–CE–043–AD.
                                                 specifies the FAA’s authority to issue                    Government and the States, or on the
                                                 rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I,                     distribution of power and                                  (a) Comments Due Date
                                                 section 106, describes the authority of                   responsibilities among the various                           We must receive comments by April 23,
                                                 the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII:                      levels of government.                                      2018.
                                                 Aviation Programs, describes in more                        For the reasons discussed above, I                       (b) Affected ADs
                                                 detail the scope of the Agency’s                          certify this proposed regulation:
                                                                                                                                                                        None.
                                                 authority.                                                  (1) Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory
                                                    We are issuing this rulemaking under                   action’’ under Executive Order 12866,                      (c) Applicability
                                                 the authority described in Subtitle VII,                    (2) Is not a ‘‘significant rule’’ under                     This AD applies to Quest Aircraft Design,
                                                 Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701:                                                                                  LLC Model KODIAK 100 airplanes; all serial
                                                                                                           the DOT Regulatory Policies and                            numbers, certificated in any category.
                                                 ‘‘General requirements.’’ Under that                      Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26,
                                                 section, Congress charges the FAA with                    1979),                                                     (d) Subject
                                                 promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in                  (3) Will not affect intrastate aviation                    Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC)/
                                                 air commerce by prescribing regulations                   in Alaska, and                                             Air Transport Association (ATA) of America
                                                 for practices, methods, and procedures                                                                               Code 32, Landing Gear.
                                                 the Administrator finds necessary for                       (4) Will not have a significant
                                                                                                           economic impact, positive or negative,                     (e) Unsafe Condition
                                                 safety in air commerce. This regulation
                                                                                                           on a substantial number of small entities                     This AD was prompted by reports from the
                                                 is within the scope of that authority                                                                                manufacturer of fatigue cracks on the nose
                                                 because it addresses an unsafe condition                  under the criteria of the Regulatory
                                                                                                           Flexibility Act.                                           landing gear (NLG) fork. We are issuing this
                                                 that is likely to exist or develop on                                                                                AD to detect and prevent fatigue cracking of
                                                 products identified in this rulemaking                    List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39                         the NLG fork. The unsafe condition, if not
                                                 action.                                                                                                              corrected, could result in separation of the
                                                    This AD is issued in accordance with                     Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation                   fork with consequent reduced control on
                                                 authority delegated by the Executive                      safety, Incorporation by reference,                        landing. If the fork separates on an
                                                                                                           Safety.                                                    unimproved surface, the risk of the NLG
                                                 Director, Aircraft Certification Service,                                                                            digging in and the airplane overturning on
                                                 as authorized by FAA Order 8000.51C.                      The Proposed Amendment                                     the ground increases.
                                                 In accordance with that order, issuance
                                                 of ADs is normally a function of the                        Accordingly, under the authority                         (f) Compliance
                                                 Compliance and Airworthiness                              delegated to me by the Administrator,                         Comply with this AD within the
                                                 Division, but during this transition                      the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part                      compliance times specified, unless already
                                                 period, the Executive Director has                        39 as follows:                                             done.
                                                 delegated the authority to issue ADs                                                                                 (g) Inspection for Type of NLG Fork
                                                 applicable to small airplanes, gliders,                   PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS
                                                                                                                                                                         Within 25 hours time-in-service (TIS) after
                                                 balloons, airships, domestic business jet                 DIRECTIVES                                                 the effective date of this AD, inspect the
                                                 transport airplanes, and associated                                                                                  airplane to determine if a NLG fork part
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                                                 appliances to the Director of the Policy                  ■ 1. The authority citation for part 39                    number (P/N) 100–410–7001 (type A) or a
                                                 and Innovation Division.                                  continues to read as follows:                              NLG fork P/N 100–410–7013 (type B) is
                                                                                                               Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.             installed. If you determine that a NLG P/N
                                                 Regulatory Findings                                                                                                  100–410–7013 (type B) is installed during the
                                                                                                           § 39.13      [Amended]                                     inspection, no further action is required by
                                                   We determined that this proposed AD                                                                                this AD. If a review of the maintenance
                                                 would not have federalism implications                    ■ 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding                      records can positively identify the P/N NLG
                                                 under Executive Order 13132. This                         the following new airworthiness                            fork that is installed, you may use a
                                                 proposed AD would not have a                              directive (AD):                                            maintenance records review in lieu of



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                                                 9822                    Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 46 / Thursday, March 8, 2018 / Proposed Rules

                                                 inspecting the airplane to determine if a NLG           replacement terminates the inspection                 DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
                                                 fork P/N 100–410–7001 (type A) or a NLG                 requirements of this AD and no further
                                                 fork P/N 100–410–7013 (type B) is installed.            actions are required.                                 Federal Aviation Administration
                                                 (h) Inspection of the NLG Fork for Cracks               (k) Restriction of NLG Fork P/N 100–410–
                                                    (1) If you determine that a NLG fork P/N             7001 (Type A) Installation                            14 CFR Part 71
                                                 100–410–7001 (type A) is installed during
                                                                                                           Once a NLG fork P/N 100–410–7013 (type              [Docket No. FAA–2017–1238; Airspace
                                                 the inspection required in paragraph (g) of
                                                 this AD, within 25 hours TIS after the                  B) is installed on an airplane, do not install        Docket No. 17–ASO–25]
                                                 effective date of this AD and repetitively              a NLG fork P/N 100–410–7001 (type A). If a
                                                 thereafter at intervals not to exceed 100 hours         NLG fork P/N 100–410–7013 (type B) is                 Proposed Amendment of Class E
                                                 TIS, do a fluorescent penetrant, dye                    removed from the airplane for any reason (for         Airspace, Kenansville, NC
                                                 penetrant, or open-hole eddy current                    example, to install floats), you must reinstall
                                                 inspection of the NLG fork for cracks                   a NLG fork P/N 100–410–7013 (type B) when             AGENCY: Federal Aviation
                                                 following section 5. Instructions in Quest              operating with wheels.                                Administration (FAA), DOT.
                                                 Aircraft Field Service Instruction FSI–147,                                                                   ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking
                                                 Revision 00 (not dated).                                (l) Alternative Methods of Compliance
                                                                                                                                                               (NPRM).
                                                    (2) If you find any cracks of the NLG fork           (AMOCs)
                                                 during any inspection required in paragraph               (1) The Manager, Seattle ACO Branch,                SUMMARY:   This action proposes to
                                                 (h)(1) of this AD, before further flight, replace                                                             amend Class E airspace at Duplin
                                                                                                         FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs
                                                 the NLG fork with a NLG fork P/N 100–410–
                                                 7013 (type B) following section 5.                      for this AD, if requested using the procedures        County Airport, Kenansville, NC, to
                                                 Instructions in Quest Aircraft Field Service            found in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with             accommodate airspace reconfiguration
                                                 Instruction FSI–147, Revision 00 (not dated).           14 CFR 39.19, send your request to your               due to the decommissioning of the
                                                 Replacement of the NLG fork with a NLG fork             principal inspector or local Flight Standards         Kenan non-directional radio beacon
                                                 P/N 100–410–7013 (type B) terminates the                District Office, as appropriate. If sending           (NDB), and cancellation of the NDB
                                                 repetitive inspections required in paragraphs           information directly to the manager of the            approach. Controlled airspace is
                                                 (h)(1) and (i)(1) of this AD.                           certification office, send it to the attention of     necessary for the safety and
                                                 (i) Inspection of the Shimmy Damper                     the person identified in paragraph (m)(1) of          management of instrument flight rules
                                                 Bracket                                                 this AD. Information may also be emailed to:          (IFR) operations at this airport. This
                                                    (1) If you have not replaced a NLG fork              9-ANM-Seattle-ACO-AMOC-Requests@                      action also would update the geographic
                                                 P/N 100–410–7001 (type A) per the initial               faa.gov.                                              coordinates of this airport.
                                                 inspection and replacement requirements in                (2) Before using any approved AMOC,                 DATES: Comments must be received on
                                                 paragraph (h) of this AD, then within 25                notify your appropriate principal inspector,          or before April 23, 2018.
                                                 hours TIS after the effective date of this AD           or lacking a principal inspector, the manager
                                                                                                                                                               ADDRESSES: Send comments on this
                                                 and repetitively thereafter at intervals not to         of the local flight standards district office/
                                                 exceed 100 hours TIS (until the NLG fork is                                                                   proposal to: U.S. Department of
                                                                                                         certificate holding district office.
                                                 replaced with a P/N 100–410–7013 (type B                                                                      Transportation, Docket Operations, 1200
                                                 fork)), inspect the shimmy damper bracket               (m) Related Information                               New Jersey Avenue SE, West Building
                                                 for looseness following pages 32_110 and                  (1) For more information about this AD,             Ground Floor, Room W12–140,
                                                 32_111, section 3252, Shimmy Damper,                    contact Wade Sullivan, Aerospace Engineer,            Washington, DC 20590; telephone: (800)
                                                 found in Chapter 32, Landing Gear, of Quest                                                                   647–5527, or (202) 366–9826. You must
                                                                                                         Seattle ACO Branch, FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue
                                                 Aircraft Company Kodiak 100 Maintenance                                                                       identify the Docket No. FAA–2017–
                                                 Manual, Revision No. 21, dated February 15,             SW, Renton, WA 98057; phone: 425–917–
                                                                                                         6430; fax: 425–917–6590; email:                       1238; Airspace Docket No. 17–ASO–25,
                                                 2017.
                                                    (2) If a loose shimmy damper bracket is              wade.sullivan@faa.gov.                                at the beginning of your comments. You
                                                 found during any inspection required in                   (2) For service information identified in           may also submit comments through the
                                                 paragraph (i)(1) of this AD, rework the                 this AD, contact Quest Aircraft Company               internet at http://www.regulations.gov.
                                                 shimmy damper bracket with interference-fit             LLC, 1200 Turbine Drive, Sandpoint, Idaho                FAA Order 7400.11B, Airspace
                                                 bolts following Quest Aircraft Field Service            83864; phone: (208) 263–1111 or 1 (866) 263–          Designations and Reporting Points, and
                                                 Instruction FSI–146, Revision 00 (not dated).           1112; email: customerservice@                         subsequent amendments can be viewed
                                                 Reworking the shimmy damper bracket with                questaircraft.com; internet: http://                  on line at http://www.faa.gov/air_
                                                 the interference-fit bolts terminates the                                                                     traffic/publications/. For further
                                                                                                         customercare.questaircraft.com/. You may
                                                 repetitive inspections required in paragraph
                                                 (i)(1) of this AD.                                      view this service information at the FAA,             information, you can contact the
                                                    (3) If any other damaged (loose, leaking,            Policy and Innovation Division, 901 Locust,           Airspace Policy Group, Federal Aviation
                                                 corrosion, worn, etc.) components are found             Kansas City, Missouri 64106. For information          Administration, 800 Independence
                                                 in the shimmy damper system during any                  on the availability of this material at the           Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20591;
                                                 inspection required in paragraph (i)(1) of this         FAA, call (816) 329–4148.                             telephone: (202) 267–8783. The Order is
                                                 AD, before further flight, replace damaged                                                                    also available for inspection at the
                                                 components as necessary following pages                    Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on March
                                                                                                         1, 2018.                                              National Archives and Records
                                                 32_110 and 32_111, section 3252, Shimmy                                                                       Administration (NARA). For
                                                 Damper, found in Chapter 32, Landing Gear,              Pat Mullen,
                                                 of Quest Aircraft Company Kodiak 100
                                                                                                                                                               information on the availability of FAA
                                                                                                         Acting Deputy Director, Policy & Innovation           Order 7400.11B at NARA, call (202)
                                                 Maintenance Manual, Revision No. 21, dated              Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
                                                 February 15, 2017.                                                                                            741–6030, or go to https://
                                                                                                         [FR Doc. 2018–04650 Filed 3–7–18; 8:45 am]            www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/
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                                                 (j) Optional Terminating Action                         BILLING CODE 4910–13–P                                ibr-locations.html.
                                                    In lieu of the NLG fork and shimmy                                                                            FAA Order 7400.11, Airspace
                                                 damper bracket inspections required in                                                                        Designations and Reporting Points, is
                                                 paragraphs (h)(1) and (i)(1) of this AD, you                                                                  published yearly and effective on
                                                 may replace the NLG fork P/N 100–410–7001
                                                 (type A) with a NLG fork P/N 100–410–7013
                                                                                                                                                               September 15.
                                                 (type B) following section 5. Instructions in                                                                 FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: John
                                                 Quest Aircraft Field Service Instruction FSI–                                                                 Fornito, Operations Support Group,
                                                 147, Revision 00 (not dated). This                                                                            Eastern Service Center, Federal Aviation


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Document Created: 2018-03-08 01:47:52
Document Modified: 2018-03-08 01:47:52
CategoryRegulatory Information
CollectionFederal Register
sudoc ClassAE 2.7:
GS 4.107:
AE 2.106:
PublisherOffice of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration
SectionProposed Rules
ActionNotice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
DatesWe must receive comments on this proposed AD by April 23, 2018.
ContactWade Sullivan, Aerospace Engineer, Seattle ACO Branch, FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue SW, Renton, WA 98057; phone: 425-917-6430; fax: 425-917-6590; email: [email protected]
FR Citation83 FR 9820 
RIN Number2120-AA64
CFR AssociatedAir Transportation; Aircraft; Aviation Safety; Incorporation by Reference and Safety

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