Airworthiness Directives; Alpha Aviation Design Limited (Type Certificate No. A48EU Previously Held by Apex Aircraft and Avions Pierre Robin) Model R2160 Airplanes, 674-676 [E7-48]
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<![CDATA[
674
Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 4 / Monday, January 8, 2007 / Proposed Rules
the MLG for conformity with the key lock
system installation description in Figure 3 of
the REIMS AVIATION INDUSTRIES Service
Bulletin No. F406–56, dated April 12, 2005;
(iv) For airplanes with Cessna MLG
P/N 9910136–8: inspect the MLG for
conformity with the key lock system
installation description in Figure 4 of the
REIMS AVIATION INDUSTRIES Service
Bulletin No. F406–56, dated April 12, 2005;
(2) For all airplanes: prior to further flight
after any inspection from (e)(1) of this AD
where the key lock system does not conform
to the appropriate installation description,
install a key lock system that conforms to the
appropriate installation description.
FAA AD Differences
Note: This AD differs from the MCAI and/
or service information as follows: No
differences.
Other FAA AD Provisions
(f) The following provisions also apply to
this AD:
(1) Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs): The Manager, Standards Staff,
FAA, ATTN: Mike Kiesov, Aerospace
Engineer, FAA, Small Airplane Directorate,
901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas City, Missouri
64106; telephone: (816) 329–4144; fax: (816)
329–4090, has the authority to approve
AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the
procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19.
(2) Airworthy Product: For any requirement
in this AD to obtain corrective actions from
a manufacturer or other source, use these
actions if they are FAA-approved. Corrective
actions are considered FAA-approved if they
are approved by the State of Design Authority
(or their delegated agent). You are required
to assure the product is airworthy before it
is returned to service.
(3) Reporting Requirements: For any
reporting requirement in this AD, under the
provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act
(44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.), the Office of
Management and Budget (OMB) has
approved the information collection
requirements and has assigned OMB Control
Number 2120–0056.
Related Information
sroberts on PROD1PC70 with PROPOSALS
´ ´
(g) Refer to MCAI Direction Generale de
L’Aviation Civile AD No. F–2005–065, dated
April 27, 2005, and REIMS AVIATION
INDUSTRIES Service Bulletin No. F406–56,
dated April 12, 2005, for related information.
Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on
December 29, 2006.
John R. Colomy,
Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate,
Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. E7–50 Filed 1–5–07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
VerDate Aug<31>2005
16:21 Jan 05, 2007
Jkt 211001
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2006–26495; Directorate
Identifier 2006–CE–80–AD]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Alpha
Aviation Design Limited (Type
Certificate No. A48EU Previously Held
by Apex Aircraft and Avions Pierre
Robin) Model R2160 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 the
products listed above. This proposed
AD results from mandatory continuing
airworthiness information (MCAI)
issued by an aviation authority of
another country to identify and correct
an unsafe condition on an aviation
product. The MCAI describes the unsafe
condition as:
development of the New Zealand produced
Alpha 160A aircraft identified an issue with
the fuel shut-off valve, where it may not be
possible to switch the valve ON once the
valve has been placed in the OFF position.
This is due to friction in the shut-off system.
The fuel shut-off valve, which is normally
ON, is a safety feature to allow the pilot to
stop fuel flow to the engine in an emergency
situation such as a forced landing without
power. The fuel shut-off control is guarded
and requires a deliberate action by the pilot
to operate. Not withstanding this, a
hazardous situation is possible if the fuel
shut-off valve is inadvertently switched OFF
in flight and the pilot is not able to switch
it back ON.
The proposed AD would require actions
that are intended to address the unsafe
condition described in the MCAI.
DATES: We must receive comments on
this proposed AD by February 7, 2007.
ADDRESSES: You may send comments by
any of the following methods:
• DOT Docket Web site: Go to https://
dms.dot.gov and follow the instructions
for sending your comments
electronically.
• Fax: (202) 493–2251.
• Mail: Docket Management Facility,
U.S. Department of Transportation, 400
Seventh Street, SW., Nassif Building,
Room PL–401, Washington, DC 20590–
0001.
• 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.
PO 00000
Frm 00015
Fmt 4702
Sfmt 4702
• Federal eRulemaking Portal: https://
www.regulations.gov. Follow the
instructions for submitting comments.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket 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 AD docket contains this
proposed AD, the regulatory evaluation,
any comments received, and other
information. The street address for the
Docket Office (telephone (800) 647–
5227) is in the ADDRESSES section.
Comments will be available in the AD
docket shortly after receipt.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Karl
Schletzbaum, Aerospace Engineer, FAA,
Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust,
Room 301, Kansas City, Missouri 64106;
telephone: (816) 329–4146; fax: (816)
329–4090.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Streamlined Issuance of AD
The FAA is implementing a new
process for streamlining the issuance of
ADs related to MCAI. The streamlined
process will allow us to adopt MCAI
safety requirements in a more efficient
manner and will reduce safety risks to
the public. This process continues to
follow all FAA AD issuance processes to
meet legal, economic, Administrative
Procedure Act, and Federal Register
requirements. We also continue to meet
our technical decision-making
responsibilities to identify and correct
unsafe conditions on U.S.-certificated
products.
This proposed AD references the
MCAI and related service information
that we considered in forming the
engineering basis to correct the unsafe
condition. The proposed AD contains
text copied from the MCAI and for this
reason might not follow our plain
language principles.
Comments Invited
We invite you to send any written
relevant data, views, or arguments about
this proposed AD. Send your comments
to an address listed under the
ADDRESSES section. Include ‘‘Docket No.
FAA–2006–26495; Directorate Identifier
2006–CE–80–AD’’ at the beginning of
your comments. We specifically invite
comments on the overall regulatory,
economic, environmental, and energy
aspects of this proposed AD. We will
consider all comments received by the
closing date and may amend this
proposed AD because of those
comments.
We will post all comments we
receive, without change, to https://
E:\FR\FM\08JAP1.SGM
08JAP1
Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 4 / Monday, January 8, 2007 / Proposed Rules
dms.dot.gov, including any personal
information you provide. We will also
post a report summarizing each
substantive verbal contact we receive
about this proposed AD.
Discussion
The Civil Aviation Authority of New
Zealand, which is the airworthiness
authority for New Zealand, has issued
AD DCA/R2000/39 dated August 31,
2006, to correct an unsafe condition for
the specified products. The MCAI states
that:
development of the New Zealand produced
Alpha 160A aircraft identified an issue with
the fuel shut-off valve, where it may not be
possible to switch the valve ON once the
valve has been placed in the OFF position.
This is due to friction in the shut-off system.
The fuel shut-off valve, which is normally
ON, is a safety feature to allow the pilot to
stop fuel flow to the engine in an emergency
situation such as a forced landing without
power. The fuel shut-off control is guarded
and requires a deliberate action by the pilot
to operate. Not withstanding this, a
hazardous situation is possible if the fuel
shut-off valve is inadvertently switched OFF
in flight and the pilot is not able to switch
it back ON.
You may obtain further information by
examining the MCAI in the AD docket.
provided in the MCAI and related
service information.
We might also have proposed
different actions in this AD from those
in the MCAI in order to follow FAA
policies. Any such differences are
described in a separate paragraph of the
proposed AD. These requirements, if
ultimately adopted, will take
precedence over the actions copied from
the MCAI.
Costs of Compliance
Based on the service information, we
estimate that this proposed AD would
affect about 10 products of U.S. registry.
We also estimate that it would take
about 3 work-hours per product to
comply with the proposed AD. The
average labor rate is $80 per work-hour.
Required parts would cost about $300
per product. Where the service
information lists required parts costs
that are covered under warranty, we
have assumed that there will be no
charge for these costs. As we do not
control warranty coverage for affected
parties, some parties may incur costs
higher than estimated here. Based on
these figures, we estimate the cost of the
proposed AD on U.S. operators to be
$5,400, or $540 per product.
FAA’s Determination and Requirements
of the Proposed AD
This product has been approved by
the aviation authority of another
country, and is approved for operation
in the United States. Pursuant to our
bilateral agreement with this State of
Design Authority, they have notified us
of the unsafe condition described in the
MCAI and service information
referenced above. We are proposing this
AD because we evaluated all
information and determined the unsafe
condition exists and is likely to exist or
develop on other products of the same
type design.
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.
Differences Between This Proposed AD
and the MCAI or Service Information
We have reviewed the MCAI and
related service information and, in
general, agree with their substance. But
we might have found it necessary to use
different words from those in the MCAI
to ensure the AD is clear for U.S.
operators and is enforceable. In making
these changes, we do not intend to differ
substantively from the information
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.
sroberts on PROD1PC70 with PROPOSALS
Relevant Service Information
Alpha Aviation has issued Service
Bulletin AA–SB–28–002, dated June 28,
2006. The actions described in this
service information are intended to
correct the unsafe condition identified
in the MCAI.
VerDate Aug<31>2005
16:21 Jan 05, 2007
Jkt 211001
PO 00000
Frm 00016
Fmt 4702
Sfmt 4702
675
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); 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.
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:
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:
Alpha Aviation Design Limited (Type
Certificate No. A–48EU Previously Held
by Apex Aircraft and Avions Pierre
Robin): Docket No. FAA–2006–26495;
Directorate Identifier 2006–CE–80–AD.
Comments Due Date
(a) We must receive comments by February
7, 2007.
Affected ADs
(b) None.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to Model R2160
airplanes, serial numbers 001 through 191,
certificated in any category.
Reason
(d) The mandatory continuing
airworthiness information (MCAI) states that:
development of the New Zealand produced
Alpha 160A aircraft identified an issue with
the fuel shut-off valve, where it may not be
possible to switch the valve ON once the
valve has been placed in the OFF position.
This is due to friction in the shut-off system.
The fuel shut-off valve, which is normally
ON, is a safety feature to allow the pilot to
stop fuel flow to the engine in an emergency
situation such as a forced landing without
power. The fuel shut-off control is guarded
and requires a deliberate action by the pilot
to operate. Not withstanding this, a
hazardous situation is possible if the fuel
shut-off valve is inadvertently switched OFF
E:\FR\FM\08JAP1.SGM
08JAP1
676
Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 4 / Monday, January 8, 2007 / Proposed Rules
in flight and the pilot is not able to switch
it back ON.
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Actions and Compliance
(e) Unless already done, do the following
actions:
(1) To prevent the shut-off valve from
remaining partially closed when the selector
is turned to the ON position, due to the
possibility of excess friction in the fuel shutoff valve causing deflection of the push pull
cable, accomplish the inspection and rework
instructions in Alpha Aviation Service
Bulletin (SB) No. AA–SB–28–2002, dated
June 28, 2006, within 25 hours time-inservice (TIS) after the effective date of this
AD.
(2) If the fuel shut-off valve cable is bent,
replace the cable per SB No. AA–SB–28–
2002, before further flight.
(3) If the force required to operate the fuel
shut-off valve exceeds the limits specified in
SB No. AA–SB–28–002, dated June 28, 2006,
rework or replace the valve as required, per
SB No. AA–SB–28–002, dated June 28, 2006,
before further flight.
Federal Aviation Administration
FAA AD Differences
Note: This AD differs from the MCAI and/
or service information as follows: No
differences.
Other FAA AD Provisions
(f) The following provisions also apply to
this AD:
(1) Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs): The Manager, Standards Staff,
FAA, ATTN: Karl Schletzbaum, Aerospace
Engineer, FAA, Small Airplane Directorate,
901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas City, Missouri
64106; telephone: (816) 329–4146; fax: (816)
329–4090, has the authority to approve
AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the
procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19.
(2) Airworthy Product: For any requirement
in this AD to obtain corrective actions from
a manufacturer or other source, use these
actions if they are FAA-approved. Corrective
actions are considered FAA-approved if they
are approved by the State of Design Authority
(or their delegated agent). You are required
to assure the product is airworthy before it
is returned to service.
(3) Reporting Requirements: For any
reporting requirement in this AD, under the
provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act
(44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.), the Office of
Management and Budget (OMB) has
approved the information collection
requirements and has assigned OMB Control
Number 2120–0056.
sroberts on PROD1PC70 with PROPOSALS
Related Information
(g) Refer to MCAI Airworthiness Authority
of New Zealand AD DCA/R2000/39, dated
August 31, 2006, and Alpha Aviation Service
Bulletin AA–SB–28–002, dated June 28, 2006
for related information.
Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on
December 28, 2006.
John R. Colomy,
Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate,
Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. E7–48 Filed 1–5–07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
VerDate Aug<31>2005
16:21 Jan 05, 2007
Jkt 211001
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2006–26491; Directorate
Identifier 2006–CE–76–AD]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Alpha
Aviation Design Limited (Type
Certificate No. A48EU Previously Held
by Apex Aircraft and Avions Pierre
Robin) Model R2160 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 the
products listed above. This proposed
AD results from mandatory continuing
airworthiness information (MCAI)
issued by an aviation authority of
another country to identify and correct
an unsafe condition on an aviation
product. The MCAI describes the unsafe
condition as:
To prevent fuel system leaks inspect the
bronze/brass hollow threaded fuel line
fittings for type and leaks, per Avions Pierre
Robin Service Bulletin (SB) No. 86. Replace
leaking Type 1 fuel line fittings with Type 2
fittings, per SB No. 86, before further flight.
The proposed AD would require actions
that are intended to address the unsafe
condition described in the MCAI.
DATES: We must receive comments on
this proposed AD by February 7, 2007.
ADDRESSES: You may send comments by
any of the following methods:
• DOT Docket Web site: Go to https://
dms.dot.gov and follow the instructions
for sending your comments
electronically.
• Fax: (202) 493–2251.
• Mail: Docket Management Facility,
U.S. Department of Transportation, 400
Seventh Street, SW., Nassif Building,
Room PL–401, Washington, DC 20590–
0001.
• 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.
• Federal eRulemaking Portal: https://
www.regulations.gov. Follow the
instructions for submitting comments.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket on
the Internet at https://dms.dot.gov; or in
person at the Docket Management
Facility between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.,
PO 00000
Frm 00017
Fmt 4702
Sfmt 4702
Monday through Friday, except Federal
holidays. The AD docket contains this
proposed AD, the regulatory evaluation,
any comments received, and other
information. The street address for the
Docket Office (telephone (800) 647–
5227) is in the ADDRESSES section.
Comments will be available in the AD
docket shortly after receipt.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Karl
Schletzbaum, Aerospace Engineer, FAA,
Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust,
Room 301, Kansas City, Missouri 64106;
telephone: (816) 329–4146; fax: (816)
329–4090.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Streamlined Issuance of AD
The FAA is implementing a new
process for streamlining the issuance of
ADs related to MCAI. The streamlined
process will allow us to adopt MCAI
safety requirements in a more efficient
manner and will reduce safety risks to
the public. This process continues to
follow all FAA AD issuance processes to
meet legal, economic, Administrative
Procedure Act, and Federal Register
requirements. We also continue to meet
our technical decision-making
responsibilities to identify and correct
unsafe conditions on U.S.-certificated
products.
This proposed AD references the
MCAI and related service information
that we considered in forming the
engineering basis to correct the unsafe
condition. The proposed AD contains
text copied from the MCAI and for this
reason might not follow our plain
language principles.
Comments Invited
We invite you to send any written
relevant data, views, or arguments about
this proposed AD. Send your comments
to an address listed under the
ADDRESSES section. Include ‘‘Docket No.
FAA–2006–26491; Directorate Identifier
2006–CE–76–AD’’ at the beginning of
your comments. We specifically invite
comments on the overall regulatory,
economic, environmental, and energy
aspects of this proposed AD. We will
consider all comments received by the
closing date and may amend this
proposed AD because of those
comments.
We will post all comments we
receive, without change, to https://
dms.dot.gov, including any personal
information you provide. We will also
post a report summarizing each
substantive verbal contact we receive
about this proposed AD.
Discussion
The Civil Aviation Authority of New
Zealand, which is the airworthiness
E:\FR\FM\08JAP1.SGM
08JAP1
]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 72, Number 4 (Monday, January 8, 2007)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 674-676]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E7-48]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2006-26495; Directorate Identifier 2006-CE-80-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Alpha Aviation Design Limited (Type
Certificate No. A48EU Previously Held by Apex Aircraft and Avions
Pierre Robin) Model R2160 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 the
products listed above. This proposed AD results from mandatory
continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) issued by an aviation
authority of another country to identify and correct an unsafe
condition on an aviation product. The MCAI describes the unsafe
condition as:
development of the New Zealand produced Alpha 160A aircraft
identified an issue with the fuel shut-off valve, where it may not
be possible to switch the valve ON once the valve has been placed in
the OFF position. This is due to friction in the shut-off system.
The fuel shut-off valve, which is normally ON, is a safety feature
to allow the pilot to stop fuel flow to the engine in an emergency
situation such as a forced landing without power. The fuel shut-off
control is guarded and requires a deliberate action by the pilot to
operate. Not withstanding this, a hazardous situation is possible if
the fuel shut-off valve is inadvertently switched OFF in flight and
the pilot is not able to switch it back ON.
The proposed AD would require actions that are intended to address the
unsafe condition described in the MCAI.
DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by February 7,
2007.
ADDRESSES: You may send comments by any of the following methods:
DOT Docket Web site: Go to https://dms.dot.gov and follow
the instructions for sending your comments electronically.
Fax: (202) 493-2251.
Mail: Docket Management Facility, U.S. Department of
Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Nassif Building, Room PL-401,
Washington, DC 20590-0001.
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.
Federal eRulemaking Portal: https://www.regulations.gov.
Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket 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 AD
docket contains this proposed AD, the regulatory evaluation, any
comments received, and other information. The street address for the
Docket Office (telephone (800) 647-5227) is in the ADDRESSES section.
Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Karl Schletzbaum, Aerospace Engineer,
FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas City,
Missouri 64106; telephone: (816) 329-4146; fax: (816) 329-4090.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Streamlined Issuance of AD
The FAA is implementing a new process for streamlining the issuance
of ADs related to MCAI. The streamlined process will allow us to adopt
MCAI safety requirements in a more efficient manner and will reduce
safety risks to the public. This process continues to follow all FAA AD
issuance processes to meet legal, economic, Administrative Procedure
Act, and Federal Register requirements. We also continue to meet our
technical decision-making responsibilities to identify and correct
unsafe conditions on U.S.-certificated products.
This proposed AD references the MCAI and related service
information that we considered in forming the engineering basis to
correct the unsafe condition. The proposed AD contains text copied from
the MCAI and for this reason might not follow our plain language
principles.
Comments Invited
We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or
arguments about this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address
listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2006-
26495; Directorate Identifier 2006-CE-80-AD'' at the beginning of your
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory,
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this proposed AD. We
will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend
this proposed AD because of those comments.
We will post all comments we receive, without change, to https://
[[Page 675]]
dms.dot.gov, including any personal information you provide. We will
also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact we
receive about this proposed AD.
Discussion
The Civil Aviation Authority of New Zealand, which is the
airworthiness authority for New Zealand, has issued AD DCA/R2000/39
dated August 31, 2006, to correct an unsafe condition for the specified
products. The MCAI states that:
development of the New Zealand produced Alpha 160A aircraft
identified an issue with the fuel shut-off valve, where it may not
be possible to switch the valve ON once the valve has been placed in
the OFF position. This is due to friction in the shut-off system.
The fuel shut-off valve, which is normally ON, is a safety feature
to allow the pilot to stop fuel flow to the engine in an emergency
situation such as a forced landing without power. The fuel shut-off
control is guarded and requires a deliberate action by the pilot to
operate. Not withstanding this, a hazardous situation is possible if
the fuel shut-off valve is inadvertently switched OFF in flight and
the pilot is not able to switch it back ON.
You may obtain further information by examining the MCAI in the AD
docket.
Relevant Service Information
Alpha Aviation has issued Service Bulletin AA-SB-28-002, dated June
28, 2006. The actions described in this service information are
intended to correct the unsafe condition identified in the MCAI.
FAA's Determination and Requirements of the Proposed AD
This product has been approved by the aviation authority of another
country, and is approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant
to our bilateral agreement with this State of Design Authority, they
have notified us of the unsafe condition described in the MCAI and
service information referenced above. We are proposing this AD because
we evaluated all information and determined the unsafe condition exists
and is likely to exist or develop on other products of the same type
design.
Differences Between This Proposed AD and the MCAI or Service
Information
We have reviewed the MCAI and related service information and, in
general, agree with their substance. But we might have found it
necessary to use different words from those in the MCAI to ensure the
AD is clear for U.S. operators and is enforceable. In making these
changes, we do not intend to differ substantively from the information
provided in the MCAI and related service information.
We might also have proposed different actions in this AD from those
in the MCAI in order to follow FAA policies. Any such differences are
described in a separate paragraph of the proposed AD. These
requirements, if ultimately adopted, will take precedence over the
actions copied from the MCAI.
Costs of Compliance
Based on the service information, we estimate that this proposed AD
would affect about 10 products of U.S. registry. We also estimate that
it would take about 3 work-hours per product to comply with the
proposed AD. The average labor rate is $80 per work-hour. Required
parts would cost about $300 per product. Where the service information
lists required parts costs that are covered under warranty, we have
assumed that there will be no charge for these costs. As we do not
control warranty coverage for affected parties, some parties may incur
costs higher than estimated here. Based on these figures, we estimate
the cost of the proposed AD on U.S. operators to be $5,400, or $540 per
product.
Authority for This Rulemaking
Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the
authority of the FAA Administrator. ``Subtitle VII: Aviation
Programs,'' describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's
authority.
We are issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in
``Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: General
requirements.'' Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with
promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing
regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator
finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within
the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition
that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this
rulemaking action.
Regulatory Findings
We determined that this 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); 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.
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:
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:
Alpha Aviation Design Limited (Type Certificate No. A-48EU
Previously Held by Apex Aircraft and Avions Pierre Robin): Docket
No. FAA-2006-26495; Directorate Identifier 2006-CE-80-AD.
Comments Due Date
(a) We must receive comments by February 7, 2007.
Affected ADs
(b) None.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to Model R2160 airplanes, serial numbers 001
through 191, certificated in any category.
Reason
(d) The mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI)
states that:
development of the New Zealand produced Alpha 160A aircraft
identified an issue with the fuel shut-off valve, where it may not
be possible to switch the valve ON once the valve has been placed in
the OFF position. This is due to friction in the shut-off system.
The fuel shut-off valve, which is normally ON, is a safety feature
to allow the pilot to stop fuel flow to the engine in an emergency
situation such as a forced landing without power. The fuel shut-off
control is guarded and requires a deliberate action by the pilot to
operate. Not withstanding this, a hazardous situation is possible if
the fuel shut-off valve is inadvertently switched OFF
[[Page 676]]
in flight and the pilot is not able to switch it back ON.
Actions and Compliance
(e) Unless already done, do the following actions:
(1) To prevent the shut-off valve from remaining partially
closed when the selector is turned to the ON position, due to the
possibility of excess friction in the fuel shut-off valve causing
deflection of the push pull cable, accomplish the inspection and
rework instructions in Alpha Aviation Service Bulletin (SB) No. AA-
SB-28-2002, dated June 28, 2006, within 25 hours time-in-service
(TIS) after the effective date of this AD.
(2) If the fuel shut-off valve cable is bent, replace the cable
per SB No. AA-SB-28-2002, before further flight.
(3) If the force required to operate the fuel shut-off valve
exceeds the limits specified in SB No. AA-SB-28-002, dated June 28,
2006, rework or replace the valve as required, per SB No. AA-SB-28-
002, dated June 28, 2006, before further flight.
FAA AD Differences
Note: This AD differs from the MCAI and/or service information
as follows: No differences.
Other FAA AD Provisions
(f) The following provisions also apply to this AD:
(1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager,
Standards Staff, FAA, ATTN: Karl Schletzbaum, Aerospace Engineer,
FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas City,
Missouri 64106; telephone: (816) 329-4146; fax: (816) 329-4090, has
the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the
procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19.
(2) Airworthy Product: For any requirement in this AD to obtain
corrective actions from a manufacturer or other source, use these
actions if they are FAA-approved. Corrective actions are considered
FAA-approved if they are approved by the State of Design Authority
(or their delegated agent). You are required to assure the product
is airworthy before it is returned to service.
(3) Reporting Requirements: For any reporting requirement in
this AD, under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act (44
U.S.C. 3501 et seq.), the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has
approved the information collection requirements and has assigned
OMB Control Number 2120-0056.
Related Information
(g) Refer to MCAI Airworthiness Authority of New Zealand AD DCA/
R2000/39, dated August 31, 2006, and Alpha Aviation Service Bulletin
AA-SB-28-002, dated June 28, 2006 for related information.
Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on December 28, 2006.
John R. Colomy,
Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. E7-48 Filed 1-5-07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
