Airworthiness Directives; Air Tractor, Inc. AT-400, AT-500, AT-600, and AT-800 Series Airplanes, 71086-71089 [E7-24215]
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rmajette on PROD1PC64 with PROPOSALS
71086
Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 240 / Friday, December 14, 2007 / Proposed Rules
number of excess cancer fatalities, based
on the BEIR V report. As discussed in
the section titled, ‘‘BEIR Reports,’’ while
the changes between the reports has
increased our understanding of
radiation risk, none of the findings of
the BEIR VII report represent new and
significant information when compared
to the findings of the BEIR V report.
Thus, there is no need to amend NRC
regulations or the GEIS.
Human health effects associated with
ionizing radiation, which the GEIS
classifies as a Category 1 issue, are
divided into two broad categories, nonstochastic and stochastic. The nonstochastic health effects are those in
which the severity varies in direct
relationship with the radiation dose and
for which, according to scientific reports
from ICRP, UNSCEAR, as well as the
BEIR committee, a dose threshold is
known to exist. Radiation-induced
cataract formation is an example of a
non-stochastic effect. The stochastic
health effects are those that occur
randomly and for which the probability
of the effect occurring, rather than its
severity, is assumed to be a linear
function of dose without threshold.
Hereditary effects and cancer incidences
are examples of stochastic effects. For
the mitigation of stochastic health
effects, the NRC endorses the linear, nothreshold dose response model as a
basis for its radiation protection
standards. This model indicates that any
increase in radiation dose, no matter
how small, results in an incremental
increase in the risk of adverse health
effects.
NRC regulations and standards, such
as the annual dose limits contained in
10 CFR Part 20 for members of the
public and for occupational workers,
account for stochastic and nonstochastic health effects of radioactive
material inhaled or ingested into the
human body. For members of the
public, the annual dose limit from
exposure to radiation from an NRC
licensed facility is 0.1 rem. For
occupational workers, there are specific
dose limits to address the stochastic and
non-stochastic health effects. The total
effective dose equivalent limit which
addresses the stochastic health effects is
limited to an annual dose of 5 rem. To
address the non-stochastic health
effects, the annual dose limit to any
individual organ or tissue and the skin,
other than the lens of the eye, is 50 rem;
the annual dose limit to the lens of the
eye is 15 rem. The dose unit is specified
as TEDE in rem. The TEDE dose is the
sum of the deep-dose equivalent (i.e.,
external exposures) and the committed
effective dose equivalent (i.e., internal
exposures received from inhaling or
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ingesting of radioactive material which
includes alpha, beta, gamma, and
neutron emitters). The current dose
regulations and standards contain
adequate radiation safety limits based
on radiation exposures from all types of
radioactive material and therefore,
continue to ensure adequate protection
of the public and occupational workers.
Further, Appendix I to 10 CFR Part 50
provides numerical ALARA dose
criteria for the discharge of radioactive
gaseous and liquid effluents from
nuclear power plants. These dose
objectives are incorporated into each
nuclear power plant’s license
conditions. The NRC collects and
assesses data regarding licensees’
adherence to regulations based on site
visits, audits and inspection records,
and the annual radiological effluent
release reports required to be submitted
to the NRC and concludes that nuclear
power plants continue to maintain their
radioactive effluents to the ALARA dose
criteria.
D. Recognize That There Is No Safe
Dose
The BEIR VII report’s major
conclusion is that current scientific
evidence is consistent with the
hypothesis that there is a linear, nothreshold dose response relationship
between exposure to ionizing radiation
and the development of cancer in
humans. The BEIR VII committee did
not attempt to equate radiation exposure
and safety, nor did it offer any judgment
or opinion on what constitutes a safe
level of radiation exposure. It concludes
that establishing limits on public
exposure to ionizing radiation is the
responsibility of Federal agencies like
the U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency and the NRC. The linear, nothreshold dose response relationship
between exposure to ionizing radiation
and the development of cancer in
humans is consistent with the system of
radiological protection that the NRC
uses as a basis to develop its
regulations. Therefore, the NRC’s
regulations continue to ensure adequate
protection of the public health and
safety and the environment.
Reasons for Denial
The Commission is denying the
petition for rulemaking submitted by
Sally Shaw. The specific issues
contained in the petition are already
adequately addressed in the NRC’s
radiation protection regulations and
standards.
Although this petition is being
denied, the Commission notes that the
current GEIS that referenced the BEIR V,
1999 report, is undergoing planned
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revision and will consider recent
radiological studies, including the BEIR
VII, 2005 report. The summary of
findings as a result of the planned
update will be codified through an
ongoing and routine rulemaking to 10
CFR Part 51, Subpart A, Appendix B,
Table B1—Summary of Findings on
NEPA Issues for License Renewal of
Nuclear Power Plants.
The Commission has concluded that
nuclear plants that are in compliance
with NRC radiation protection
regulations and standards remain
protective of public health and safety
and the environment. The radiological
health and environmental impacts
contained in the GEIS, which are based
on regulatory compliance, remain valid.
For these reasons, the Commission
denies PRM–51–11.
Dated at Rockville, Maryland, this 10th day
of December 2007.
For the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.
Annette L. Vietti-Cook,
Secretary of the Commission.
[FR Doc. E7–24291 Filed 12–13–07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 7590–01–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2007–0258; Directorate
Identifier 2007–CE–090–AD]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Air Tractor,
Inc. AT–400, AT–500, AT–600, and AT–
800 Series Airplanes
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Supplemental notice of
proposed rulemaking (NPRM);
Extension of the comment period.
AGENCY:
SUMMARY: We are revising an earlier
proposed airworthiness directive (AD)
that applies to certain Air Tractor, Inc.
(Air Tractor) AT–400, AT–500, AT–600,
and AT–800 series airplanes. The earlier
NPRM proposed to supersede
Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2007–13–
17, which applies to certain Air Tractor
Models AT–602, AT–802, and AT–802A
airplanes. AD 2007–13–17 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. The
earlier NPRM proposed to retain the
inspection actions of AD 2007–13–17
for Models AT–602, AT–802, and AT–
802A airplanes, including the
compliance times and effective dates;
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Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 240 / Friday, December 14, 2007 / Proposed Rules
establish new inspection actions for the
AT–400 and AT–500 series airplanes;
incorporate a mandatory terminating
action for all airplanes; and terminate
the reporting requirement of AD 2007–
13–17. The earlier NPRM resulted from
a Model AT–502B with a crack located
where the lower engine mount tube is
welded to the engine mount ring, and
the manufacturer developing gussets
that, when installed according to their
service letter, terminate the repetitive
inspection requirement. Since issuance
of the NPRM, the manufacturer revised
the service information and the FAA has
determined that it is necessary to
address the unsafe condition. Therefore,
we are incorporating the service letter
revision into the proposed AD, and we
are extending the comment period to
allow the public additional time to
comment.
We must receive comments on
this proposed AD by February 29, 2008
(an additional 30 days after the
comment close date for the NPRM,
which was January 30, 2008).
ADDRESSES: Use one of the following
addresses to comment on this proposed
AD:
• Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to
https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the
instructions for submitting comments.
• Fax: (202) 493–2251.
• Mail: U.S. Department of
Transportation, Docket Operations, M–
30, West Building Ground Floor, Room
W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE.,
Washington, DC 20590.
• Hand Delivery: U.S. Department of
Transportation, Docket Operations, M–
30, West Building Ground Floor, Room
W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE.,
Washington, DC 20590, between 9 a.m.
and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday,
except Federal holidays.
DATES:
For service information identified in
this proposed AD, contact Air Tractor
Inc., P.O. Box 485, Olney, Texas 76374;
telephone: (940) 564–5616; fax: (940)
564–5612.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Andy McAnaul, Aerospace Engineer,
10100 Reunion Pl., San Antonio, Texas
78216; telephone: (210) 308–3365; fax:
(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–2007–0258; Directorate
Identifier 2007–CE–090–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://
www.regulations.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
On November 23, 2007, we issued a
proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal
Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) to
include an AD that would apply to all
Air Tractor AT–400, AT–500, AT–600,
and AT–800 series airplanes. This
proposal was published in the Federal
Register as a notice of proposed
rulemaking (NPRM) on November 30,
2007 (72 FR 67687). The NPRM
proposed to supersede AD 2007–13–17
71087
with a new AD that would retain the
inspection actions of AD 2007–13–17
for Models AT–602, AT–802, and AT–
802A airplanes, including the
compliance times and effective dates;
establish new inspection actions for the
AT–400 and AT–500 series airplanes;
incorporate a mandatory terminating
action for all airplanes; and terminate
the reporting requirement of AD 2007–
13–17. That proposed AD would have
required you to use Snow Engineering
Co. Service Letter #253 Rev. A, dated
October 16, 2007.
Since issuance of the NPRM, Snow
Engineering Company revised the Snow
Engineering Co. Service Letter #253,
Rev. A to the Rev. B level (dated
November 30, 2007).
FAA’s Determination and Requirements
of This Proposed AD
We have carefully reviewed the
available data and determined that:
• The unsafe condition referenced in
this document exists or could develop
on other products of the same type
design;
• Doing the actions following the
revised service letter is necessary to
address the unsafe condition; and
• We should take AD action to correct
this unsafe condition.
Therefore, we are incorporating the
service letter revision into the proposed
AD, and we are issuing a supplemental
NPRM and extending the comment
period to allow the public additional
time to comment.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this proposed AD
would affect 1,264 airplanes in the U.S.
registry, including those airplanes
affected by AD 2007–13–17.
We estimate the following costs to do
the proposed inspection:
Labor cost
Parts cost
Total cost per
airplane
Total cost on
U.S. operators
1.5 work-hours × $80 per hour = $120 .......................................................................................
$0
$120
$151,680
Labor cost
Parts cost
Total cost per
airplane
Total cost on
U.S. operators
24 work-hours × $80 per hour = $1,920 .....................................................................................
$80
$2,000
$2,528,000
rmajette on PROD1PC64 with PROPOSALS
We estimate the following costs to do
the repair/modification:
The estimated total cost on U.S.
operators includes the cumulative costs
associated with AD 2007–13–17 and
those airplanes and actions being added
in this proposed AD.
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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
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the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII,
Aviation Programs, describes in more
detail the scope of the Agency’s
authority.
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Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 240 / Friday, December 14, 2007 / Proposed Rules
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.
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
removing Airworthiness Directive (AD)
2007–13–17, Amendment 39–15121 (72
FR 36863, July 6, 2007), and adding the
following new AD:
Air Tractor, Inc.: Docket No. FAA–2007–
0258; Directorate Identifier 2007–CE–
090–AD.
Comments Due Date
(a) We must receive comments on this
airworthiness directive (AD) action by
February 29, 2008 (an additional 30 days
after the comment close date for the NPRM
of January 30, 2008).
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation
safety, Safety.
Affected ADs
The Proposed Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority
delegated to me by the Administrator,
the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part
39 as follows:
Applicability
(b) This AD supersedes AD 2007–13–17,
Amendment 39–15121.
(c) This AD applies to the following
airplane models and serial numbers that are
certificated in any category:
Model
Serial Nos.
AT–400, AT–400A, AT–402, AT–402A, and AT–402B ..................................................................................................
AT–502, AT–502A, AT–502B, and AT–503A .................................................................................................................
AT–602 ...........................................................................................................................................................................
AT–802 and AT–802A ....................................................................................................................................................
Unsafe Condition
(d) This AD results from a report of a
Model AT–502B airplane with a crack
located where the lower engine mount tube
is welded to the engine mount ring. The
airplane had 8,436 total hours time-in-service
(TIS). 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:
–0001
–0001
–0001
–0001
through
through
through
through
–1175.
–2597.
–1141.
–0227.
(1) For all airplanes with less than 5,000
hours total TIS that do not have gussets
installed on the engine mount in accordance
with Snow Engineering Co. Service Letter
#253 Rev. A, dated October 16, 2007:
Visually inspect the engine mount as follows:
Compliance
Procedures
(i) For all Models AT–602, AT–802, and AT–
802A airplanes.
Initially before the airplane reaches a total of
1,300 hours TIS or within the next 100
hours TIS after August 10, 2007 (the effective date of AD 2007–13–17), whichever occurs later. Repetitively thereafter at intervals
not to exceed 300 hours TIS.
(ii) For all Model AT–502A airplanes .................
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Affected airplanes
Initially before the airplane reaches a total of
1,300 hours TIS or within the next 100
hours TIS after the effective date of this
AD, whichever occurs later. Repetitively
thereafter at intervals not to exceed 300
hours TIS.
Follow one of the following:
(A) Snow Engineering Co. Service Letter
#253, Rev. B, dated November 30,
2007;
(B) Snow Engineering Co. Service Letter
#253, Rev. A, dated October 16, 2007;
or
(C) Snow Engineering Co. Service Letter
#253, revised January 22, 2007.
Follow Snow Engineering Co. Service Letter
#253 Rev. B, dated November 30, 2007.
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Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 240 / Friday, December 14, 2007 / Proposed Rules
71089
Affected airplanes
Compliance
Procedures
(iii) For all Models AT–400, AT–400A, AT–402,
AT–402A, AT–402B, AT–502, AT–502B, and
AT–503A airplanes.
Initially within the next 12 months after the effective date of this AD.
Repetitively thereafter at intervals not to exceed 12 months.
Follow Snow Engineering Co. Service Letter
#253 Rev. B, dated November 30, 2007.
(2) For all airplanes: Before further flight
after any inspection required by paragraph
(e)(1) of this AD where crack damage is
found, repair and modify the engine mount
by installing gussets following Snow
Engineering Co. Service Letter #253 Rev. B,
dated November 30, 2007. This modification
terminates the repetitive inspections required
in paragraphs (e)(1)(i), (e)(1)(ii), and (e)(1)(iii)
of this AD.
(3) For all airplanes: Before the airplane
reaches 5,000 hours total TIS after the
effective date of this AD or within the next
100 hours TIS after the effective date of this
AD, whichever occurs later; inspect, repair if
cracked, and modify the engine mount by
installing gussets following Snow
Engineering Co. Service Letter #253 Rev. B,
dated November 30, 2007. This modification
terminates the repetitive inspections required
in paragraphs (e)(1)(i), (e)(1)(ii), and (e)(1)(iii)
of this AD.
Note: As a terminating action to the
repetitive inspections required in paragraphs
(e)(1)(i), (e)(1)(ii), and (e)(1)(iii) of this AD,
you may install the gussets before finding
cracks or reaching 5,000 hours total TIS.
Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs)
(f) The Manager, Forth Worth Aircraft
Certification Office, FAA, has the authority to
approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested
using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19.
Send information to ATTN: Andy McAnaul,
Aerospace Engineer, ASW–150, FAA San
Antonio MIDO–43, 10100 Reunion Place, San
Antonio, Texas 78216; phone: (210) 308–
3365; fax: (210) 308–3370. 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.
Related Information
rmajette on PROD1PC64 with PROPOSALS
(g) 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; fax: (940) 564–
5612. To view the AD docket, go to U.S.
Department of Transportation, Docket
Operations, M–30, West Building Ground
Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey
Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590, or on
the Internet at https://www.regulations.gov.
Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on
December 10, 2007.
John R. Colomy,
Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate,
Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. E7–24215 Filed 12–13–07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2007–0294; Directorate
Identifier 2007–CE–087–AD]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Piaggio Aero
Industries S.p.A. Model P 180
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)
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:
Due to pressurization loads, the fuselage
frame of the emergency exit door could suffer
from fatigue and develop cracks in its
corners. The superseded Italian
Airworthiness Directive (AD) 1995–059 was
issued to require modification of the
emergency door frame in accordance with
Piaggio (at the time I.A.M. Rinaldo Piaggio
S.p.A.) Service Bulletin 80–0057 original
issue.
Parts necessary to carry out the
modification were a new door pan assembly
and a doubler; Since these parts are no longer
available, Piaggio Aero Industries S.p.A.
(PAI) designed new suitable part numbers
introduced by Revision 1 of Service Bulletin
80–0057. The present AD mandates
modification of the fuselage emergency door
frame in accordance with Revision 1 of
Service Bulletin 80–0057 from PAI.
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 January 14, 2008.
ADDRESSES: You may send comments by
any of the following methods:
• Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to
https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the
instructions for submitting comments.
• Fax: (202) 493–2251.
• Mail: U.S. Department of
Transportation, Docket Operations, M–
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Sfmt 4702
30, West Building Ground Floor, Room
W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE.,
Washington, DC 20590.
• Hand Delivery: U.S. Department of
Transportation, Docket Operations, M–
30, West Building Ground Floor, Room
W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE.,
Washington, DC 20590, between 9 a.m.
and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday,
except Federal holidays.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket on
the Internet at https://
www.regulations.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) 647–5527) is in the
ADDRESSES section. Comments will be
available in the AD docket shortly after
receipt.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Sarjapur Nagarajan, Aerospace Engineer,
FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 901
Locust, Room 301, Kansas City,
Missouri 64106; telephone: (816) 329–
4145; fax: (816) 329–4090.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
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–2007–****; Directorate Identifier
2007–CE–087–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://
www.regulations.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 European Aviation Safety Agency
(EASA), which is the Technical Agent
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]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 72, Number 240 (Friday, December 14, 2007)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 71086-71089]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E7-24215]
=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2007-0258; Directorate Identifier 2007-CE-090-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Air Tractor, Inc. AT-400, AT-500, AT-
600, and AT-800 Series Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM); Extension of
the comment period.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: We are revising an earlier proposed airworthiness directive
(AD) that applies to certain Air Tractor, Inc. (Air Tractor) AT-400,
AT-500, AT-600, and AT-800 series airplanes. The earlier NPRM proposed
to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2007-13-17, which applies to
certain Air Tractor Models AT-602, AT-802, and AT-802A airplanes. AD
2007-13-17 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. The earlier NPRM proposed to retain
the inspection actions of AD 2007-13-17 for Models AT-602, AT-802, and
AT-802A airplanes, including the compliance times and effective dates;
[[Page 71087]]
establish new inspection actions for the AT-400 and AT-500 series
airplanes; incorporate a mandatory terminating action for all
airplanes; and terminate the reporting requirement of AD 2007-13-17.
The earlier NPRM resulted from a Model AT-502B with a crack located
where the lower engine mount tube is welded to the engine mount ring,
and the manufacturer developing gussets that, when installed according
to their service letter, terminate the repetitive inspection
requirement. Since issuance of the NPRM, the manufacturer revised the
service information and the FAA has determined that it is necessary to
address the unsafe condition. Therefore, we are incorporating the
service letter revision into the proposed AD, and we are extending the
comment period to allow the public additional time to comment.
DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by February 29,
2008 (an additional 30 days after the comment close date for the NPRM,
which was January 30, 2008).
ADDRESSES: Use one of the following addresses to comment on this
proposed AD:
Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to https://
www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
Fax: (202) 493-2251.
Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New
Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590.
Hand Delivery: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New
Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590, 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; fax: (940) 564-5612.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Andy McAnaul, Aerospace Engineer,
10100 Reunion Pl., San Antonio, Texas 78216; telephone: (210) 308-3365;
fax: (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-
2007-0258; Directorate Identifier 2007-CE-090-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://
www.regulations.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
On November 23, 2007, we issued a proposal to amend part 39 of the
Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) to include an AD that
would apply to all Air Tractor AT-400, AT-500, AT-600, and AT-800
series airplanes. This proposal was published in the Federal Register
as a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) on November 30, 2007 (72 FR
67687). The NPRM proposed to supersede AD 2007-13-17 with a new AD that
would retain the inspection actions of AD 2007-13-17 for Models AT-602,
AT-802, and AT-802A airplanes, including the compliance times and
effective dates; establish new inspection actions for the AT-400 and
AT-500 series airplanes; incorporate a mandatory terminating action for
all airplanes; and terminate the reporting requirement of AD 2007-13-
17. That proposed AD would have required you to use Snow Engineering
Co. Service Letter 253 Rev. A, dated October 16, 2007.
Since issuance of the NPRM, Snow Engineering Company revised the
Snow Engineering Co. Service Letter 253, Rev. A to the Rev. B
level (dated November 30, 2007).
FAA's Determination and Requirements of This Proposed AD
We have carefully reviewed the available data and determined that:
The unsafe condition referenced in this document exists or
could develop on other products of the same type design;
Doing the actions following the revised service letter is
necessary to address the unsafe condition; and
We should take AD action to correct this unsafe condition.
Therefore, we are incorporating the service letter revision into
the proposed AD, and we are issuing a supplemental NPRM and extending
the comment period to allow the public additional time to comment.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this proposed AD would affect 1,264 airplanes in
the U.S. registry, including those airplanes affected by AD 2007-13-17.
We estimate the following costs to do the proposed inspection:
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total cost per Total cost on
Labor cost Parts cost airplane U.S. operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1.5 work-hours x $80 per hour = $120......................... $0 $120 $151,680
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
We estimate the following costs to do the repair/modification:
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total cost per Total cost on
Labor cost Parts cost airplane U.S. operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
24 work-hours x $80 per hour = $1,920........................ $80 $2,000 $2,528,000
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The estimated total cost on U.S. operators includes the cumulative
costs associated with AD 2007-13-17 and those airplanes and actions
being added in this proposed AD.
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.
[[Page 71088]]
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) 2007-13-17, Amendment 39-15121 (72 FR 36863, July 6, 2007), and
adding the following new AD:
Air Tractor, Inc.: Docket No. FAA-2007-0258; Directorate Identifier
2007-CE-090-AD.
Comments Due Date
(a) We must receive comments on this airworthiness directive
(AD) action by February 29, 2008 (an additional 30 days after the
comment close date for the NPRM of January 30, 2008).
Affected ADs
(b) This AD supersedes AD 2007-13-17, Amendment 39-15121.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to the following airplane models and serial
numbers that are certificated in any category:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Model Serial Nos.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
AT-400, AT-400A, AT-402, AT-402A, -0001 through -1175.
and AT-402B.
AT-502, AT-502A, AT-502B, and AT- -0001 through -2597.
503A.
AT-602........................... -0001 through -1141.
AT-802 and AT-802A............... -0001 through -0227.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Unsafe Condition
(d) This AD results from a report of a Model AT-502B airplane
with a crack located where the lower engine mount tube is welded to
the engine mount ring. The airplane had 8,436 total hours time-in-
service (TIS). 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:
(1) For all airplanes with less than 5,000 hours total TIS that
do not have gussets installed on the engine mount in accordance with
Snow Engineering Co. Service Letter #253 Rev. A, dated October 16,
2007: Visually inspect the engine mount as follows:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Affected airplanes Compliance Procedures
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(i) For all Models AT-602, Initially before the Follow one of the
AT-802, and AT-802A airplane reaches a following:
airplanes. total of 1,300 (A) Snow Engineering
hours TIS or within Co. Service Letter
the next 100 hours 253, Rev.
TIS after August B, dated November
10, 2007 (the 30, 2007;
effective date of (B) Snow Engineering
AD 2007-13-17), Co. Service Letter
whichever occurs 253, Rev.
later. Repetitively A, dated October
thereafter at 16, 2007; or
intervals not to (C) Snow Engineering
exceed 300 hours Co. Service Letter
TIS. 253,
revised January 22,
2007.
(ii) For all Model AT-502A Initially before the Follow Snow
airplanes. airplane reaches a Engineering Co.
total of 1,300 Service Letter
hours TIS or within 253 Rev.
the next 100 hours B, dated November
TIS after the 30, 2007.
effective date of
this AD, whichever
occurs later.
Repetitively
thereafter at
intervals not to
exceed 300 hours
TIS.
[[Page 71089]]
(iii) For all Models AT-400, Initially within the Follow Snow
AT-400A, AT-402, AT-402A, next 12 months Engineering Co.
AT-402B, AT-502, AT-502B, after the effective Service Letter
and AT-503A airplanes. date of this AD. 253 Rev.
Repetitively B, dated November
thereafter at 30, 2007.
intervals not to
exceed 12 months.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(2) For all airplanes: Before further flight after any
inspection required by paragraph (e)(1) of this AD where crack
damage is found, repair and modify the engine mount by installing
gussets following Snow Engineering Co. Service Letter 253
Rev. B, dated November 30, 2007. This modification terminates the
repetitive inspections required in paragraphs (e)(1)(i), (e)(1)(ii),
and (e)(1)(iii) of this AD.
(3) For all airplanes: Before the airplane reaches 5,000 hours
total TIS after the effective date of this AD or within the next 100
hours TIS after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs
later; inspect, repair if cracked, and modify the engine mount by
installing gussets following Snow Engineering Co. Service Letter
253 Rev. B, dated November 30, 2007. This modification
terminates the repetitive inspections required in paragraphs
(e)(1)(i), (e)(1)(ii), and (e)(1)(iii) of this AD.
Note: As a terminating action to the repetitive inspections
required in paragraphs (e)(1)(i), (e)(1)(ii), and (e)(1)(iii) of
this AD, you may install the gussets before finding cracks or
reaching 5,000 hours total TIS.
Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(f) The Manager, Forth Worth Aircraft Certification Office, FAA,
has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using
the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. Send information to ATTN: Andy
McAnaul, Aerospace Engineer, ASW-150, FAA San Antonio MIDO-43, 10100
Reunion Place, San Antonio, Texas 78216; phone: (210) 308-3365; fax:
(210) 308-3370. 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.
Related Information
(g) 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; fax: (940) 564-5612. To view the AD
docket, go to U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations,
M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey
Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590, or on the Internet at https://
www.regulations.gov.
Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on December 10, 2007.
John R. Colomy,
Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. E7-24215 Filed 12-13-07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
