Airworthiness Directives; Air Tractor, Inc. Models AT-602, AT-802, and AT-802A Airplanes, 12131-12133 [E7-4737]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 50 / Thursday, March 15, 2007 / Proposed Rules Issued in Renton, Washington, on March 7, 2007. Ali Bahrami, Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. E7–4741 Filed 3–14–07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2007–27212; Directorate Identifier 2007–CE–011–AD] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Air Tractor, Inc. Models AT–602, AT–802, and AT– 802A Airplanes Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of Transportation (DOT). ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). rmajette on PROD1PC67 with PROPOSALS AGENCY: SUMMARY: We propose to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2006–22– 08, which applies to all Air Tractor, Inc. (Air Tractor) Models AT–602, AT–802, and AT–802A airplanes. AD 2006–22– 08 currently requires you to repetitively inspect the engine mount for any cracks, repair or replace any cracked engine mount, and report any cracks found to the FAA. Since we issued AD 2006–22– 08, the FAA has received reports of two Model AT–802A airplanes with cracked engine mounts (at 2,815 hours time-inservice (TIS) and 1,900 hours TIS) below the initial compliance time in AD 2006–22–08. The FAA has determined that an initial inspection at 1,300 hours TIS is required instead of 4,000 hours TIS required by AD 2006–22–08. Consequently, this proposed AD would retain the actions of AD 2006–22–08 while requiring the initial inspection at 1,300 hours TIS. We are proposing this AD to detect and correct cracks in the engine mount, which could result in failure of the engine mount. Such failure could lead to separation of the engine from the airplane. DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by May 14, 2007. 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 VerDate Aug<31>2005 14:19 Mar 14, 2007 Jkt 211001 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. • Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments. 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–2007–27212; Directorate Identifier 2007–CE–011–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. 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 Two reports from Air Tractor of cracked engine mounts resulting from fatigue caused us to issue AD 2006–22– 08, Amendment 39–14805 (71 FR 62910, October 27, 2006). AD 2006–22– 08 currently requires the following on all Air Tractor Models AT–602, AT–802, and AT–802A airplanes: PO 00000 Frm 00010 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 12131 • Inspect (initially and repetitively) the engine mount for any cracks; • Repair or replace any cracked engine mount; and • Report any cracks found to the FAA. Since we issued AD 2006–22–08, the FAA has received reports of two Model AT–802A airplanes with cracked engine mounts (at 2,815 hours TIS and 1,900 hours TIS) below the initial compliance time in AD 2006–22–08. The FAA has determined that an initial inspection at 1,300 hours TIS is required instead of 4,000 hours TIS as required by AD 2006–22–08. This condition, if not corrected, could result in failure of the engine mount. Such failure could lead to separation of the engine from the airplane. Relevant Service Information We have reviewed Snow Engineering Co. Service Letter #253, dated December 12, 2005, revised January 22, 2007. The service information describes procedures for performing a visual inspection for cracks of the engine mount and requesting a repair scheme from the manufacturer. Snow Engineering Co. has a licensing agreement with Air Tractor that allows them to produce technical data to use for Air Tractor products. 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 supersede AD 2006–22–08 with a new AD that would require you to repetitively inspect the engine mount for any cracks, repair or replace any cracked engine mount, and report any cracks found to the FAA. To repair a cracked engine mount, you would obtain an FAA-approved repair scheme from Air Tractor following the instructions in the service information. This proposed AD would require you to use the service information described previously to perform these actions. Costs of Compliance We estimate that this AD affects 368 airplanes in the U.S. registry. We estimate the following costs to do each required inspection: E:\FR\FM\15MRP1.SGM 15MRP1 12132 Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 50 / Thursday, March 15, 2007 / Proposed Rules Labor cost Parts cost Total cost per airplane per inspection Total cost on U.S. operators for initial inspection 1.5 work-hours × $80 per hour = $120 .......................................................................................... Not Applicable. $120 $44,160 We have no way of determining the number of airplanes that may need replacement of the engine mount. We estimate the following costs to do the replacement: Labor cost Parts cost 81 work-hours × $80 per hour = $6,480 ................................................................................................................. Any required ‘‘upon-condition’’ repairs would vary depending upon the damage found during each inspection. Based on this, we have no way of determining the potential repair costs for each airplane. rmajette on PROD1PC67 with PROPOSALS 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: VerDate Aug<31>2005 14:19 Mar 14, 2007 Jkt 211001 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: PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES Frm 00011 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 $10,462 Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701. § 39.13 [Amended] 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by removing Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2006–22–08, Amendment 39–14805 (71 FR 62910, October 27, 2006), and adding the following new AD: Air Tractor, Inc: Docket No. FAA–2007– 27212; Directorate Identifier 2007–CE– 011–AD. Comments Due Date (a) We must receive comments on this airworthiness directive (AD) action by May 14, 2007. Affected ADs (b) This AD supersedes AD 2006–22–08, Amendment 39–14805. Applicability (c) This AD affects all Models AT–602, AT–802, and AT–802A airplanes, all serial numbers, that are certificated in any category. Unsafe Condition (d) This AD results from reports of two Model AT–802A airplanes with cracked engine mounts (at 2,815 hours time-inservice (TIS) and 1,900 hours TIS) below the initial compliance time in AD 2006–22–08. The FAA has determined that an initial inspection at 1,300 hours TIS is required instead of 4,000 hours TIS as required by AD 2006–22–08. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct cracks in the engine mount, which could result in failure of the engine mount. Such failure could lead to separation of the engine from the airplane. Compliance 1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows: PO 00000 $3,982 Total cost per airplane per replacement (e) To address this problem, you must do the following, unless already done: E:\FR\FM\15MRP1.SGM 15MRP1 Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 50 / Thursday, March 15, 2007 / Proposed Rules 12133 Actions Compliance Procedures (1) Visually inspect the engine mount for any cracks. Initially inspect upon accumulating 1,300 hours TIS or within the next 100 hours TIS after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later, unless already done. Thereafter, inspect repetitively at intervals not to exceed 300 hours TIS. Before further flight after any inspection required by paragraph (e)(1) of this AD where crack damage is found. If you repair the cracked engine mount, then continue to reinspect at intervals not to exceed 300 hours TIS, unless the repair scheme states differently. If you replace the engine mount, then initially inspect upon accumulating 1,300 hours TIS and repetitively at intervals not to exceed 300 hours TIS. Within the next 30 days after you find the cracks or within the next 30 days after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later. Follow Snow Engineering Co. Service Letter #253, dated December 12, 2005, revised January 22, 2007. (2) If you find any crack damage, do the following: (i) Obtain an FAA-approved repair scheme or replacement procedure from the manufacturer; and (ii) Repair following the FAA-approved repair scheme or replace the engine mount with a new engine mount following the replacement procedure. (3) Report any cracks that you find to the FAA at the address specified in paragraph (f) of this AD. Include in your report: (i) Airplane serial number; (ii) Airplane hours TIS and engine mount hours TIS; (iii) Crack location(s) and size(s); (iv) Corrective action taken; and (v) Point of contact name and telephone number. For obtaining a repair scheme or replacement procedure: Contact Air Tractor Inc., P.O. Box 485, Olney, Texas 76374; telephone: (940) 564–5616; facsimile: (940) 564–5612. The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approved the information collection requirements contained in this regulation under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1980 (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.) and assigned OMB Control Number 2120–0056. Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION directional control during critical phases of take-off and landing. (f) 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. Before using any approved AMOC on any airplane to which the AMOC applies, notify your appropriate principal inspector (PI) in the FAA Flight Standards District Office (FSDO), or lacking a PI, your local FSDO. (g) AMOCs approved for AD 2006–22–08 are not approved for this AD. Federal Aviation Administration 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 April 16, 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. Related Information rmajette on PROD1PC67 with PROPOSALS (h) To get copies of the service information 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:// ms.dot.gov. The docket number is Docket No. FAA–2007–27212; Directorate Identifier 2007–CE–011–AD. Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on March 8, 2007. David R. Showers, Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. E7–4737 Filed 3–14–07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P VerDate Aug<31>2005 14:19 Mar 14, 2007 Jkt 211001 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2007–27213; Directorate Identifier 2007–CE–012–AD] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; British Aerospace Regional Aircraft Model HP.137 Jetstream Mk.1, Jetstream Series 200, Jetstream Series 3101, and Jetstream Model 3201 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 that would supersede an existing AD. This proposed AD results from mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) originated 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: Cracking has been found in the nose landing gear steering jack piston rod adjacent to the eye-end. This was caused by the application of excessive tightening torque applied to the eye-end whilst being assembled during component overhaul. Failure of the steering jack piston during operation will result in loss of nose wheel steering, which may lead to loss of PO 00000 Frm 00012 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 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. E:\FR\FM\15MRP1.SGM 15MRP1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 72, Number 50 (Thursday, March 15, 2007)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 12131-12133]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E7-4737]


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

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2007-27212; Directorate Identifier 2007-CE-011-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Air Tractor, Inc. Models AT-602, 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 supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2006-22-
08, which applies to all Air Tractor, Inc. (Air Tractor) Models AT-602, 
AT-802, and AT-802A airplanes. AD 2006-22-08 currently requires you to 
repetitively inspect the engine mount for any cracks, repair or replace 
any cracked engine mount, and report any cracks found to the FAA. Since 
we issued AD 2006-22-08, the FAA has received reports of two Model AT-
802A airplanes with cracked engine mounts (at 2,815 hours time-in-
service (TIS) and 1,900 hours TIS) below the initial compliance time in 
AD 2006-22-08. The FAA has determined that an initial inspection at 
1,300 hours TIS is required instead of 4,000 hours TIS required by AD 
2006-22-08. Consequently, this proposed AD would retain the actions of 
AD 2006-22-08 while requiring the initial inspection at 1,300 hours 
TIS. We are proposing this AD to detect and correct cracks in the 
engine mount, which could result in failure of the engine mount. Such 
failure could lead to separation of the engine from the airplane.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by May 14, 2007.

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.
     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.
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to https://
www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
    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-
2007-27212; Directorate Identifier 2007-CE-011-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.
    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

    Two reports from Air Tractor of cracked engine mounts resulting 
from fatigue caused us to issue AD 2006-22-08, Amendment 39-14805 (71 
FR 62910, October 27, 2006). AD 2006-22-08 currently requires the 
following on all Air Tractor Models AT-602, AT-802, and AT-802A 
airplanes:
     Inspect (initially and repetitively) the engine mount for 
any cracks;
     Repair or replace any cracked engine mount; and
     Report any cracks found to the FAA.
    Since we issued AD 2006-22-08, the FAA has received reports of two 
Model AT-802A airplanes with cracked engine mounts (at 2,815 hours TIS 
and 1,900 hours TIS) below the initial compliance time in AD 2006-22-
08. The FAA has determined that an initial inspection at 1,300 hours 
TIS is required instead of 4,000 hours TIS as required by AD 2006-22-
08.
    This condition, if not corrected, could result in failure of the 
engine mount. Such failure could lead to separation of the engine from 
the airplane.

Relevant Service Information

    We have reviewed Snow Engineering Co. Service Letter 253, 
dated December 12, 2005, revised January 22, 2007.
    The service information describes procedures for performing a 
visual inspection for cracks of the engine mount and requesting a 
repair scheme from the manufacturer.
    Snow Engineering Co. has a licensing agreement with Air Tractor 
that allows them to produce technical data to use for Air Tractor 
products.

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 supersede AD 2006-22-08 with a new AD that would require you to 
repetitively inspect the engine mount for any cracks, repair or replace 
any cracked engine mount, and report any cracks found to the FAA. To 
repair a cracked engine mount, you would obtain an FAA-approved repair 
scheme from Air Tractor following the instructions in the service 
information.
    This proposed AD would require you to use the service information 
described previously to perform these actions.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD affects 368 airplanes in the U.S. 
registry.
    We estimate the following costs to do each required inspection:

[[Page 12132]]



----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                   Total cost on
                                                                                  Total cost per  U.S. operators
                  Labor cost                               Parts cost              airplane per     for initial
                                                                                    inspection      inspection
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1.5 work-hours x $80 per hour = $120.........  Not Applicable...................            $120         $44,160
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    We have no way of determining the number of airplanes that may need 
replacement of the engine mount. We estimate the following costs to do 
the replacement:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                          Total cost per
               Labor cost                   Parts cost     airplane per
                                                            replacement
------------------------------------------------------------------------
81 work-hours x $80 per hour = $6,480...          $3,982         $10,462
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Any required ``upon-condition'' repairs would vary depending upon 
the damage found during each inspection. Based on this, we have no way 
of determining the potential repair costs for each airplane.

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:

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 removing Airworthiness Directive 
(AD) 2006-22-08, Amendment 39-14805 (71 FR 62910, October 27, 2006), 
and adding the following new AD:

Air Tractor, Inc: Docket No. FAA-2007-27212; Directorate Identifier 
2007-CE-011-AD.

Comments Due Date

    (a) We must receive comments on this airworthiness directive 
(AD) action by May 14, 2007.

Affected ADs

    (b) This AD supersedes AD 2006-22-08, Amendment 39-14805.

Applicability

    (c) This AD affects all Models AT-602, AT-802, and AT-802A 
airplanes, all serial numbers, that are certificated in any 
category.

Unsafe Condition

    (d) This AD results from reports of two Model AT-802A airplanes 
with cracked engine mounts (at 2,815 hours time-in-service (TIS) and 
1,900 hours TIS) below the initial compliance time in AD 2006-22-08. 
The FAA has determined that an initial inspection at 1,300 hours TIS 
is required instead of 4,000 hours TIS as required by AD 2006-22-08. 
We are issuing this AD to detect and correct cracks in the engine 
mount, which could result in failure of the engine mount. Such 
failure could lead to separation of the engine from the airplane.

Compliance

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

[[Page 12133]]



------------------------------------------------------------------------
           Actions                 Compliance            Procedures
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) Visually inspect the      Initially inspect     Follow Snow
 engine mount for any cracks.  upon accumulating     Engineering Co.
                               1,300 hours TIS or    Service Letter
                               within the next 100   253, dated
                               hours TIS after the   December 12, 2005,
                               effective date of     revised January 22,
                               this AD, whichever    2007.
                               occurs later,
                               unless already
                               done. Thereafter,
                               inspect
                               repetitively at
                               intervals not to
                               exceed 300 hours
                               TIS.
(2) If you find any crack     Before further        For obtaining a
 damage, do the following:     flight after any      repair scheme or
(i) Obtain an FAA-approved     inspection required   replacement
 repair scheme or              by paragraph (e)(1)   procedure: Contact
 replacement procedure from    of this AD where      Air Tractor Inc.,
 the manufacturer; and.        crack damage is       P.O. Box 485,
(ii) Repair following the      found. If you         Olney, Texas 76374;
 FAA-approved repair scheme    repair the cracked    telephone: (940)
 or replace the engine mount   engine mount, then    564-5616;
 with a new engine mount       continue to           facsimile: (940)
 following the replacement     reinspect at          564-5612.
 procedure..                   intervals not to
                               exceed 300 hours
                               TIS, unless the
                               repair scheme
                               states differently.
                               If you replace the
                               engine mount, then
                               initially inspect
                               upon accumulating
                               1,300 hours TIS and
                               repetitively at
                               intervals not to
                               exceed 300 hours
                               TIS.
(3) Report any cracks that    Within the next 30    The Office of
 you find to the FAA at the    days after you find   Management and
 address specified in          the cracks or         Budget (OMB)
 paragraph (f) of this AD.     within the next 30    approved the
 Include in your report:       days after the        information
(i) Airplane serial number;.   effective date of     collection
(ii) Airplane hours TIS and    this AD, whichever    requirements
 engine mount hours TIS;.      occurs later.         contained in this
(iii) Crack location(s) and                          regulation under
 size(s);.                                           the provisions of
(iv) Corrective action                               the Paperwork
 taken; and.                                         Reduction Act of
(v) Point of contact name                            1980 (44 U.S.C.
 and telephone number..                              3501 et seq.) and
                                                     assigned OMB
                                                     Control Number 2120-
                                                     0056.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (f) 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. Before using any approved AMOC on any airplane to 
which the AMOC applies, notify your appropriate principal inspector 
(PI) in the FAA Flight Standards District Office (FSDO), or lacking 
a PI, your local FSDO.
    (g) AMOCs approved for AD 2006-22-08 are not approved for this 
AD.

Related Information

    (h) To get copies of the service information 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://ms.dot.gov. The 
docket number is Docket No. FAA-2007-27212; Directorate Identifier 
2007-CE-011-AD.

    Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on March 8, 2007.
David R. Showers,
Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. E7-4737 Filed 3-14-07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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