Airworthiness Directives; Air Tractor, Inc. Models AT-802 and AT-802A Airplanes, 35398-35400 [E6-9639]

Download as PDF 35398 Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 118 / Tuesday, June 20, 2006 / Proposed Rules continued coverage under part 353 of this chapter, or similar authority. (2) An employee in nonpay status is entitled to continued coverage under paragraph (e) of this section if the employee’s entitlement to benefits under part 353 of this chapter, or similar authority, ends before the expiration of 365 days in nonpay status. (3) If the enrollment of an employee had terminated due to the expiration of 365 days in nonpay status or because of the employee’s separation from service, it may be reinstated for the remainder of the 24-month period beginning on the date that the absence to serve in the uniformed service began, provided that the employee continues to be entitled to continued coverage under part 353 of this chapter, or similar authority. 3. Section 890.304 paragraphs (a)(1)(vi), (a)(1)(vii), and (a)(1)(viii) are revised to read as follows: wwhite on PROD1PC61 with PROPOSALS § 890.304 Termination of enrollment. (a) * * * (1) * * * (vi) The day he or she is separated, furloughed, or placed on leave of absence to serve in the uniformed services under conditions entitling him or her to benefits under part 353 of this chapter, or similar authority, for the purpose of performing duty not limited to 30 days or less, provided the employee elects in writing to have the enrollment so terminated. (vii) For an employee who separates to serve in the uniformed services under conditions entitling him or her to benefits under part 353 of this chapter, or similar authority, for the purpose of performing duty not limited to 30 days or less, the date that is 24 months after the date that the absence to serve in the uniformed services began or the date entitlement to benefits under part 353 of this chapter, or similar authority, ends, whichever is earlier, unless the enrollment is terminated under paragraph (a)(1)(vi) of this section. (viii) For an employee who is furloughed or placed on leave of absence under conditions entitling him or her to benefits under part 353 of this chapter, or similar authority, the date that is 24 months after the date that the absence to serve in the uniformed services began or the date entitlement to benefits under part 353 of this chapter, or similar authority, ends, whichever is earlier, but not earlier than the date the enrollment would otherwise terminate under paragraph (a)(1)(v) of this section. * * * * * 4. Section 890.502 paragraph (f) is revised to read as follows: VerDate Aug<31>2005 15:59 Jun 19, 2006 Jkt 208001 § 890.502 Employee withholdings and contributions. * * * * * (f) Uniformed services. (1) Except as provided in paragraph (f)(2) of this section, an employee whose coverage continues under § 890.303(i) is responsible for payment of the employee share of the cost of enrollment for every pay period for which the enrollment continues for the first 365 days of continued coverage as set forth under paragraph (b) of this section. For coverage that continues after 365 days in nonpay status, the employee must pay, on a current basis, the full subscription charge, including both the employee and Government shares, plus an additional 2 percent of the full subscription charge. (2) As provided by 5 U.S.C. 8906(e)(3), an employing agency may pay both the Government and employee contributions and any additional administrative expenses for the cost of coverage for the employee and the employee’s family for a period of 24 months for employees called or ordered to active duty in support of a contingency operation on or after September 14, 2001. Payment of these contributions and expenses is solely at the discretion of the employing agency. [FR Doc. E6–9666 Filed 6–19–06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6325–39–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2006–24710; Directorate Identifier 2006–CE–29–AD] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Air Tractor, Inc. Models AT–802 and AT–802A Airplanes Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of Transportation (DOT). ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). AGENCY: SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Air Tractor, Inc. Models AT–802 and AT–802A airplanes. This proposed AD would require you to repetitively inspect the attach angles on the firewall mounted hopper rinse tank shelf for damage and/or cracks and replace damaged and/or cracked attach angles. Replacing the attach angles with steel attach angles would terminate the proposed repetitive inspection PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 requirement. Reports of an uncommanded change in the engine power setting caused by separation of the hopper rinse tank shelf from the firewall prompted this proposed AD. We are proposing this AD to detect and correct damage and/or cracks in the attach angles on the firewall mounted hopper rinse tank shelf, which could result in failure of the attach angles. This failure could lead to shelf movement under maneuver load and shifting of the engine power cables, which could result in an uncommanded engine power setting change. DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by August 18, 2006. ADDRESSES: Use one of the following addresses to comment on this proposed AD: • DOT Docket Web site: Go to https://dms.dot.gov and follow the instructions for sending your comments electronically. • Government-wide rulemaking Web site: Go to https://www.regulations.gov and follow the instructions for sending your comments electronically. • Mail: Docket Management Facility; U.S. Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Nassif Building, Room PL–401, Washington, DC 20590– 0001. • Fax: (202) 493–2251. • Hand Delivery: Room PL–401 on the plaza level of the Nassif Building, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. For service information identified in this proposed AD, contact Air Tractor, Inc., P.O. Box 485, Olney, Texas 76374; telephone: (940) 564–5616; facsimile: (940) 564–5612. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Andrew McAnaul, Aerospace Engineer, ASW–150 (c/o MIDO–43), 10100 Reunion Place, Suite 650, San Antonio, Texas 78216; telephone: (210) 308– 3365; facsimile: (210) 308–3370. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Comments Invited We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or arguments regarding this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include the docket number, ‘‘FAA–2006–24710; Directorate Identifier 2006–CE–29–AD’’ at the beginning of your comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the proposed AD. We will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend the proposed AD in light of those comments. E:\FR\FM\20JNP1.SGM 20JNP1 35399 Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 118 / Tuesday, June 20, 2006 / Proposed Rules We will post all comments we receive, without change, to https:// dms.dot.gov, including any personal information you provide. We will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact we receive concerning this proposed AD. Discussion We received reports of cracks in the aluminum attach angles on the firewall mounted hopper rinse tank shelf. The cracks caused the attach angles to fail, allowing the shelf to move during inflight maneuvering. Movement of the shelf during in-flight maneuvering caused the engine power cables, which attach to the hopper rinse tank shelf by a bracket, to shift and resulted in an uncommanded engine power setting change. This condition, if not corrected, could result in failure of the attach angles. This failure could cause the hopper rinse tank shelf to separate from the firewall, allowing the shelf to move under maneuver load. This movement could cause the engine power cables to shift and result in an uncommanded change to the engine power setting. Relevant Service Information We have reviewed Snow Engineering Co. Service Letter #248, dated August 31, 2005. The service information describes procedures for: • Inspecting the hopper rinse tank shelf attach angles for damage and/or cracks; and • Replacing all three attach angles with steel attach angles, part number (P/N) 60568–3, if any damage and/or cracks are found on any of the attach angles. FAA’s Determination and Requirements of the Proposed AD We are proposing this AD because we evaluated all information and determined the unsafe condition described previously is likely to exist or develop on other products of the same type design. This proposed AD would require you to repetitively inspect the attach angles on the firewall mounted hopper rinse tank shelf for damage and/ or cracks and replace damaged and/or cracked attach angles. Replacing the attach angles with steel attach angles, P/N 60568–3, would terminate the proposed repetitive inspection requirement. Costs of Compliance We estimate that this proposed AD would affect 219 airplanes in the U.S. registry. We estimate the following costs to do each proposed inspection: Total cost for each airplane Labor cost Parts cost 1 work-hour × $80 an hour = $80 ........................... Not applicable .......................................................... We estimate the following costs to do any necessary replacements that would be required based on the results of the proposed inspection. We have no way of $80 Total cost on U.S. operators $80 × 219 = $17,520 determining the number of airplanes that may need this replacement: Labor cost Parts cost 3 work-hours × $80 an hour = $240 .............................................................................................................. $105 Total cost for each airplane $240 + $105 = $345 wwhite on PROD1PC61 with PROPOSALS Authority for This Rulemaking Regulatory Findings Examining the AD Docket 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. We have 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 that the 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); and 3. Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria of the Regulatory Flexibility Act. We prepared a regulatory evaluation of the estimated costs to comply with this proposed AD and placed it in the AD docket. You may examine the AD docket that contains the proposed AD, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and other information on the Internet at https://dms.dot.gov; or in person at the Docket Management Facility between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The Docket Office (telephone (800) 647–5227) is located at the street address stated in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt. VerDate Aug<31>2005 15:59 Jun 19, 2006 Jkt 208001 PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39 Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, 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: E:\FR\FM\20JNP1.SGM 20JNP1 35400 Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 118 / Tuesday, June 20, 2006 / Proposed Rules Comments Due Date (a) We must receive comments on this proposed airworthiness directive (AD) action by August 18, 2006. PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES 1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows: Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701. § 39.13 [Amended] 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding the following new AD: Air Tractor, Inc.: Docket No. FAA–2006– 24710; Directorate Identifier 2006–CE– 29–AD. Affected ADs (b) None. Applicability (c) This AD affects Models AT–802 and AT–802A airplanes, all serial numbers beginning with 802/802A–0001 through 802/ 802A–0219, that are certificated in any category. Unsafe Condition (d) This AD results from reports of an uncommanded change in engine power setting caused by separation of a hopper rinse tank shelf from the firewall. We are proposing this AD to detect and correct damage and/or cracks in the attach angles on the firewall mounted hopper rinse tank shelf, which could result in failure of the attach angles. This failure could lead to shelf movement under maneuver load and shifting of the engine power cables, which could result in an uncommanded engine power setting change. Compliance (e) To address this problem, you must do the following: Actions Compliance Procedures (1) Visually inspect the three attach angles on the firewall mounted hopper rinse tank shelf for damage and/or cracks. Initially inspect within the next 100 hours timein-service (TIS) after the effective date of this AD. Repetitively inspect thereafter at intervals not to exceed 100 hours TIS. Replacing all three attach angles with steel attach angles, part number (P/N) 60568–3 (or FAA-approved equivalent P/N), terminates the repetitive inspection requirement of this AD. Before further flight after the inspection in which damage and/or cracks are found. Replacing all three attach angles with steel attach angles, P/N 60568–3 (or FAA-approved equivalent P/N), terminates the repetitive inspection requirement of paragraph (e)(1) of this AD. As of the effective date of this AD ................... Follow Snow Engineering Co. Service Letter #248, dated August 31, 2005. As of the effective date of this AD ................... Not applicable. (2) If you find any damage and/or cracks on any of the three attach angles during any inspection required in paragraph (e)(1) of this AD, replace all three attach angles with steel attach angles, P/N 60568–3 (or FAA-approved equivalent P/N). (3) You may replace the aluminum attach angles on the firewall mounted hopper rinse tank shelf with steel attach angles, P/N 60568–3 (or FAA-approved equivalent P/N), at any time to terminate the repetitive inspections required in paragraph (e)(1) of this AD. (4) Do not install aluminum attach angles on the hopper rinse tank shelf attach angles. wwhite on PROD1PC61 with PROPOSALS (f) 14 CFR 21.303 allows for replacement parts through parts manufacturer approval (PMA). The phrase ‘‘or FAA-approved equivalent P/N’’ in this AD is intended to allow for the installation of parts approved through identicality to the design of the replacement parts. Equivalent replacement parts to correct the unsafe condition under PMA (other than identicality) may also be installed provided they meet current airworthiness standards, which include those actions cited in this AD. Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (g) The Manager, Fort Worth Airplane Certification Office, FAA, ATTN: Andrew McAnaul, Aerospace Engineer, ASW–150 (c/o MIDO–43), 10100 Reunion Place, Suite 650, San Antonio, Texas 78216; telephone: (210) 308–3365; facsimile: (210) 308–3370, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. 15:59 Jun 19, 2006 Jkt 208001 Follow Snow Engineering Co. Service Letter #248, dated August 31, 2005. telephone: (940) 564–5616; facsimile: (940) 564–5612. To view the AD docket, go to the Docket Management Facility; U.S. Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Nassif Building, Room PL–401, Washington, DC, or on the Internet at https://dms.dot.gov. The docket number is Docket No. FAA–2006–24710; Directorate Identifier 2006–CE–29–AD. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on June 13, 2006. James E. Jackson, Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. E6–9639 Filed 6–19–06; 8:45 am] Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A310–300 Airplanes BILLING CODE 4910–13–P PO 00000 Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2006–25079; Directorate Identifier 2006–NM–065–AD] RIN 2120–AA64 Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of Transportation (DOT). ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). AGENCY: SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus Model A310–300 airplanes. This proposed AD would require replacing the existing non-return valve (NRV) of the auxiliary center tanks (ACTs) of the fuel system with a new, improved NRV. This proposed AD Related Information (h) To get copies of the documents referenced in this AD, contact Air Tractor Inc., P.O. Box 485, Olney, Texas 76374; VerDate Aug<31>2005 Follow Snow Engineering Co. Service Letter #248, dated August 31, 2005. Frm 00004 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 E:\FR\FM\20JNP1.SGM 20JNP1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 118 (Tuesday, June 20, 2006)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 35398-35400]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E6-9639]


=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2006-24710; Directorate Identifier 2006-CE-29-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Air Tractor, Inc. Models AT-802 and AT-
802A Airplanes

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

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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

SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
certain Air Tractor, Inc. Models AT-802 and AT-802A airplanes. This 
proposed AD would require you to repetitively inspect the attach angles 
on the firewall mounted hopper rinse tank shelf for damage and/or 
cracks and replace damaged and/or cracked attach angles. Replacing the 
attach angles with steel attach angles would terminate the proposed 
repetitive inspection requirement. Reports of an uncommanded change in 
the engine power setting caused by separation of the hopper rinse tank 
shelf from the firewall prompted this proposed AD. We are proposing 
this AD to detect and correct damage and/or cracks in the attach angles 
on the firewall mounted hopper rinse tank shelf, which could result in 
failure of the attach angles. This failure could lead to shelf movement 
under maneuver load and shifting of the engine power cables, which 
could result in an uncommanded engine power setting change.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by August 18, 2006.

ADDRESSES: Use one of the following addresses to comment on this 
proposed AD:
     DOT Docket Web site: Go to https://dms.dot.gov and follow 
the instructions for sending your comments electronically.
     Government-wide rulemaking Web site: Go to https://
www.regulations.gov and follow the instructions for sending your 
comments electronically.
     Mail: Docket Management Facility; U.S. Department of 
Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Nassif Building, Room PL-401, 
Washington, DC 20590-0001.
     Fax: (202) 493-2251.
     Hand Delivery: Room PL-401 on the plaza level of the 
Nassif Building, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC, between 9 
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    For service information identified in this proposed AD, contact Air 
Tractor, Inc., P.O. Box 485, Olney, Texas 76374; telephone: (940) 564-
5616; facsimile: (940) 564-5612.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Andrew McAnaul, Aerospace Engineer, 
ASW-150 (c/o MIDO-43), 10100 Reunion Place, Suite 650, San Antonio, 
Texas 78216; telephone: (210) 308-3365; facsimile: (210) 308-3370.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

    We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or 
arguments regarding this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address 
listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include the docket number, ``FAA-
2006-24710; Directorate Identifier 2006-CE-29-AD'' at the beginning of 
your comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall 
regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the proposed 
AD. We will consider all comments received by the closing date and may 
amend the proposed AD in light of those comments.

[[Page 35399]]

    We will post all comments we receive, without change, to https://
dms.dot.gov, including any personal information you provide. We will 
also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact we 
receive concerning this proposed AD.

Discussion

    We received reports of cracks in the aluminum attach angles on the 
firewall mounted hopper rinse tank shelf. The cracks caused the attach 
angles to fail, allowing the shelf to move during in-flight 
maneuvering.
    Movement of the shelf during in-flight maneuvering caused the 
engine power cables, which attach to the hopper rinse tank shelf by a 
bracket, to shift and resulted in an uncommanded engine power setting 
change.
    This condition, if not corrected, could result in failure of the 
attach angles. This failure could cause the hopper rinse tank shelf to 
separate from the firewall, allowing the shelf to move under maneuver 
load. This movement could cause the engine power cables to shift and 
result in an uncommanded change to the engine power setting.

Relevant Service Information

    We have reviewed Snow Engineering Co. Service Letter 248, 
dated August 31, 2005.
    The service information describes procedures for:
     Inspecting the hopper rinse tank shelf attach angles for 
damage and/or cracks; and
     Replacing all three attach angles with steel attach 
angles, part number (P/N) 60568-3, if any damage and/or cracks are 
found on any of the attach angles.

FAA's Determination and Requirements of the Proposed AD

    We are proposing this AD because we evaluated all information and 
determined the unsafe condition described previously is likely to exist 
or develop on other products of the same type design. This proposed AD 
would require you to repetitively inspect the attach angles on the 
firewall mounted hopper rinse tank shelf for damage and/or cracks and 
replace damaged and/or cracked attach angles. Replacing the attach 
angles with steel attach angles, P/N 60568-3, would terminate the 
proposed repetitive inspection requirement.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD would affect 219 airplanes in the 
U.S. registry.
    We estimate the following costs to do each proposed inspection:

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                Total cost
             Labor cost                      Parts cost          for each       Total cost on U.S.  operators
                                                                 airplane
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 work-hour x $80 an hour = $80.....  Not applicable.........          $80  $80 x 219 = $17,520
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    We estimate the following costs to do any necessary replacements 
that would be required based on the results of the proposed inspection. 
We have no way of determining the number of airplanes that may need 
this replacement:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                 Total cost for each
          Labor cost            Parts cost            airplane
------------------------------------------------------------------------
3 work-hours x $80 an hour =          $105  $240 + $105 = $345
 $240.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

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 have 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 that the 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); and
    3. Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or 
negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria 
of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.
    We prepared a regulatory evaluation of the estimated costs to 
comply with this proposed AD and placed it in the AD docket.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket that contains the proposed AD, the 
regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and other information on 
the Internet at https://dms.dot.gov; or in person at the Docket 
Management Facility between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, 
except Federal holidays. The Docket Office (telephone (800) 647-5227) 
is located at the street address stated in the ADDRESSES section. 
Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, 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:

[[Page 35400]]

PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

    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]

    2. The FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by adding the following new AD:

Air Tractor, Inc.: Docket No. FAA-2006-24710; Directorate Identifier 
2006-CE-29-AD.

Comments Due Date

    (a) We must receive comments on this proposed airworthiness 
directive (AD) action by August 18, 2006.

Affected ADs

    (b) None.

Applicability

    (c) This AD affects Models AT-802 and AT-802A airplanes, all 
serial numbers beginning with 802/802A-0001 through 802/802A-0219, 
that are certificated in any category.

Unsafe Condition

    (d) This AD results from reports of an uncommanded change in 
engine power setting caused by separation of a hopper rinse tank 
shelf from the firewall. We are proposing this AD to detect and 
correct damage and/or cracks in the attach angles on the firewall 
mounted hopper rinse tank shelf, which could result in failure of 
the attach angles. This failure could lead to shelf movement under 
maneuver load and shifting of the engine power cables, which could 
result in an uncommanded engine power setting change.

Compliance

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

------------------------------------------------------------------------
           Actions                 Compliance            Procedures
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) Visually inspect the      Initially inspect     Follow Snow
 three attach angles on the    within the next 100   Engineering Co.
 firewall mounted hopper       hours time-in-        Service Letter
 rinse tank shelf for damage   service (TIS) after   248, dated
 and/or cracks.                the effective date    August 31, 2005.
                               of this AD.
                               Repetitively
                               inspect thereafter
                               at intervals not to
                               exceed 100 hours
                               TIS. Replacing all
                               three attach angles
                               with steel attach
                               angles, part number
                               (P/N) 60568-3 (or
                               FAA-approved
                               equivalent P/N),
                               terminates the
                               repetitive
                               inspection
                               requirement of this
                               AD.
(2) If you find any damage    Before further        Follow Snow
 and/or cracks on any of the   flight after the      Engineering Co.
 three attach angles during    inspection in which   Service Letter
 any inspection required in    damage and/or         248, dated
 paragraph (e)(1) of this      cracks are found.     August 31, 2005.
 AD, replace all three         Replacing all three
 attach angles with steel      attach angles with
 attach angles, P/N 60568-3    steel attach
 (or FAA-approved equivalent   angles, P/N 60568-3
 P/N).                         (or FAA-approved
                               equivalent P/N),
                               terminates the
                               repetitive
                               inspection
                               requirement of
                               paragraph (e)(1) of
                               this AD.
(3) You may replace the       As of the effective   Follow Snow
 aluminum attach angles on     date of this AD.      Engineering Co.
 the firewall mounted hopper                         Service Letter
 rinse tank shelf with steel                         248, dated
 attach angles, P/N 60568-3                          August 31, 2005.
 (or FAA-approved equivalent
 P/N), at any time to
 terminate the repetitive
 inspections required in
 paragraph (e)(1) of this AD.
(4) Do not install aluminum   As of the effective   Not applicable.
 attach angles on the hopper   date of this AD.
 rinse tank shelf attach
 angles.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (f) 14 CFR 21.303 allows for replacement parts through parts 
manufacturer approval (PMA). The phrase ``or FAA-approved equivalent 
P/N'' in this AD is intended to allow for the installation of parts 
approved through identicality to the design of the replacement 
parts. Equivalent replacement parts to correct the unsafe condition 
under PMA (other than identicality) may also be installed provided 
they meet current airworthiness standards, which include those 
actions cited in this AD.

Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (g) The Manager, Fort Worth Airplane Certification Office, FAA, 
ATTN: Andrew McAnaul, Aerospace Engineer, ASW-150 (c/o MIDO-43), 
10100 Reunion Place, Suite 650, San Antonio, Texas 78216; telephone: 
(210) 308-3365; facsimile: (210) 308-3370, has the authority to 
approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found 
in 14 CFR 39.19.

Related Information

    (h) To get copies of the documents referenced in this AD, 
contact Air Tractor Inc., P.O. Box 485, Olney, Texas 76374; 
telephone: (940) 564-5616; facsimile: (940) 564-5612. To view the AD 
docket, go to the Docket Management Facility; U.S. Department of 
Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Nassif Building, Room PL-
401, Washington, DC, or on the Internet at https://dms.dot.gov. The 
docket number is Docket No. FAA-2006-24710; Directorate Identifier 
2006-CE-29-AD.

    Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on June 13, 2006.
James E. Jackson,
Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
 [FR Doc. E6-9639 Filed 6-19-06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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