Airworthiness Directives; Air Tractor, Inc. Models AT-200, AT-300, AT-400, AT-500, AT-600, and AT-800 Series Airplanes, 63096-63098 [E8-25286]
Download as PDF
<![CDATA[
63096
Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 206 / Thursday, October 23, 2008 / Proposed Rules
compliances were assessed using Transport
Canada Policy Letter No. 525–001 to
determine if mandatory corrective action was
required.
The assessment showed that a single
failure due to chafing of fuel system wiring
with high power wiring at the center fuel
tank front spar could result in overheating of
the fuel boost pump. The assessment also
showed that chafing of the high power wiring
with the centre fuel tank front spar structures
could result in overheating of the fuel tank
wall. Overheating of the fuel tank wall could
lead to hot surface ignition resulting in a fuel
tank explosion.
To correct the unsafe condition, this
directive mandates separation of the high
power wiring from the fuel system wiring at
the centre fuel tank front spar area and the
installation of additional clamping and
support for the high power wiring [i.e.,
modifying the routing and support of
electrical wires in the center fuel tank front
spar area].
Required actions also include an inspection
to determine if pins have a minimum of one
thread above the nuts, and a visual
inspection for damage of the sealant.
Corrective actions include replacing pins and
nuts and applying sealant.
Actions and Compliance
(f) Unless already done, do the following
actions.
(1) Within 4,500 flight hours after the
effective date of this AD, modify the routing
and support of the electrical wires in the
center fuel tank front spar area (including an
inspection to determine if pins have a
minimum of one thread above the nuts, and
a visual inspection for damage of the sealant,
and applicable corrective actions) in
accordance with the Accomplishment
Instructions of Bombardier Service Bulletin
670BA–24–012, Revision B, dated July 25,
2007. Do all applicable related investigative
and corrective actions before further flight.
(2) Actions done before the effective date
of this AD in accordance with Bombardier
Service Bulletin 670BA–24–012, dated April
18, 2005, or Revision A, dated October 25,
2006, are acceptable for compliance with the
corresponding requirements of this AD.
inspector (PI) in the FAA Flight Standards
District Office (FSDO), or lacking a PI, your
local FSDO.
(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 FAAapproved 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,
the Office of Management and Budget (OMB)
has approved the information collection
requirements and has assigned OMB Control
Number 2120–0056.
Related Information
(h) Refer to MCAI Canadian Airworthiness
Directive CF–2008–24, dated July 3, 2008,
and Bombardier Service Bulletin 670BA–24–
012, Revision B, dated July 25, 2007, for
related information.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on October
10, 2008.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate,
Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. E8–25309 Filed 10–22–08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2008–1120; Directorate
Identifier 2008–CE–064–AD]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Air Tractor,
Inc. Models AT–200, AT–300, AT–400,
AT–500, AT–600, and AT–800 Series
Airplanes
overturn skid plate installed on Model
AT–401B airplanes. We are proposing
this AD to prevent the front and rear
connections of the overturn skid plate to
the airplane from breaking, which could
allow foreign debris to enter the cockpit
during an airplane overturn. This
condition, if not corrected, could lead to
pilot injury.
DATES: We must receive comments on
this proposed AD by November 24,
2008.
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; e-mail:
airmail@airtractor.com; Internet: https://
www.airtractor.com.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Andy McAnaul, Aerospace Engineer,
ASW–150, FAA San Antonio MIDO–43,
10100 Reunion Pl., Ste. 650, San
Antonio, Texas 78216; telephone: (210)
308–3365; fax: (210) 308–3370.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
ADDRESSES:
AGENCY:
Comments Invited
Note 1: This AD differs from the MCAI
and/or service information as follows: No
differences.
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking
(NPRM).
Other FAA AD Provisions
(g) The following provisions also apply to
this AD:
(1) Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs): The Manager, Airframe and
Propulsion Branch, ANE–171, 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: Rocco
Viselli, Aerospace Engineer, Airframe and
Propulsion Branch, ANE–171, FAA, New
York Aircraft Certification Office, 1600
Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, New
York 11590; telephone (516) 228–7331; fax
(516) 794–5531. Before using any approved
AMOC on any airplane to which the AMOC
applies, notify your appropriate principal
SUMMARY: We propose to supersede
Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2008–11–
17, which applies to certain Air Tractor,
Inc. Models AT–200, AT–300, AT–400,
AT–500, AT–600, and AT–800 series
airplanes. AD 2008–11–17 currently
requires you to install an overturn skid
plate kit or a modification to the
overturn skid plate already installed.
Since we issued AD 2008–11–17, the
manufacturer has notified us that Model
AT–401B airplanes also require a
modification to the overturn skid plate.
Consequently, this proposed AD would
retain the actions of AD 2008–11–17
and add the requirement to modify the
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–2008–1120; Directorate
Identifier 2008–CE–064–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
dwashington3 on PRODPC61 with PROPOSALS
FAA AD Differences
VerDate Aug<31>2005
14:57 Oct 22, 2008
Jkt 217001
PO 00000
Frm 00013
Fmt 4702
Sfmt 4702
E:\FR\FM\23OCP1.SGM
23OCP1
63097
Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 206 / Thursday, October 23, 2008 / Proposed Rules
substantive verbal contact we receive
concerning this proposed AD.
Discussion
Reports of foreign material entering
the cabin area during an overturn skid
on Air Tractor, Inc. (Air Tractor) AT–
301 and AT–401 series airplanes caused
us to issue AD 2002–25–09,
Amendment 39–12985 (67 FR 78156,
December 23, 2002). AD 2002–25–09
required you to install overturn skid
plate, part number (P/N) 11411–1–500
or an FAA-approved equivalent P/N.
The manufacturer incorporated skid
plates in some production models
including Models AT–401B, AT–402B,
AT–502B, AT–602, and AT–802A
airplanes.
Since we issued AD 2002–25–09, we
received a report of the bolts breaking in
an overturn accident where they attach
the forward end of the original design
overturn skid plate to the airframe. This
allowed the skid plate to rotate around
the rear attach point and the forward
end of the plate to enter the cockpit
area. This report caused us to issue AD
2008–11–17, Amendment 39–15540 (73
FR 31351, June 2, 2008). AD 2008–11–
17 currently retains the actions of AD
2002–25–09 and requires you to install
a modification kit if certain overturn
skid plates are already installed.
Since we issued AD 2008–11–17, the
manufacturer has notified us that Model
AT–401B airplanes also require a
modification to the overturn skid plane.
Consequently, this proposed AD would
retain the actions of AD 2008–11–17
and add the requirement to modify the
overturn skid plate installed on Model
AT–401B airplanes.
We are proposing this AD to prevent
the front and rear connections of the
overturn skid plate to the airplane from
breaking, which could allow foreign
debris to enter the cockpit during an
airplane overturn. This condition, if not
corrected, could lead to pilot injury.
FAA’s Determination and Requirements
of the Proposed AD
Relevant Service Information
We estimate that this proposed AD
would affect 1,309 airplanes in the U.S.
registry.
In determining the total cost on U.S.
operators, we presume all airplanes in
the U.S. fleet have an overturn skid
plate installed (as required by AD 2002–
25–09) and the only cost is to
incorporate the modification kit P/N
11411–1–501. We estimate the following
costs to do the proposed modification of
installing the overturn skid plate
modification kit P/N 11411–1–501 to
those planes that currently have the
overturn skid plate installed:
We have reviewed Snow Engineering
Company Service Letter #97, Revised
September 19, 2008.
The service information describes
procedures for:
• Modifying the overturn skid plate
by enlarging the mounting holes and
replacing existing clamps and hardware
on airplanes with the overturn skid
plate installed; and
• Installing the overturn skid plate for
airplanes that do not have the overturn
skid plate currently installed.
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 2008–11–17 with a new
AD that would retain the actions of AD
2008–11–17 and add the requirement to
modify the overturn skid plate installed
on Model AT–401B airplanes. This
proposed AD would require you to use
the service information described
previously to perform these actions.
Costs of Compliance
Labor cost
Parts cost
Total cost per
airplane
Total cost on
U.S. operators
2 work-hours × $80 per hour = $160 ..........................................................................................
$42
$202
$264,418
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.
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.
regulatory evaluation, any comments
received, and other information 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 Docket Office (telephone
(800) 647–5527) is located at the street
address stated in the ADDRESSES section.
Comments will be available in the AD
docket shortly after receipt.
Regulatory Findings
Examining the AD Docket
We have determined that this
proposed AD would not have federalism
You may examine the AD docket that
contains the proposed AD, the
1. The authority citation for part 39
continues to read as follows:
dwashington3 on PRODPC61 with PROPOSALS
Authority for This Rulemaking
VerDate Aug<31>2005
14:57 Oct 22, 2008
Jkt 217001
PO 00000
Frm 00014
Fmt 4702
Sfmt 4702
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation
safety, Incorporation by reference,
Safety.
The Proposed Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority
delegated to me by the Administrator,
the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part
39 as follows:
PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS
DIRECTIVES
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
E:\FR\FM\23OCP1.SGM
23OCP1
63098
§ 39.13
Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 206 / Thursday, October 23, 2008 / Proposed Rules
[Amended]
2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by
removing Airworthiness Directive (AD)
2008–11–17, Amendment 39–15540 (73
FR 31351, June 2, 2008), and adding the
following new AD:
Air Tractor, Inc.: Docket No. FAA–2008–
1120; Directorate Identifier 2008–CE–
064–AD.
Affected ADs
(b) This AD supersedes AD 2008–11–17,
Amendment 39–15540.
Comments Due Date
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to the following
airplane models and serial numbers that are
certificated in any category:
(a) We must receive comments on this
airworthiness directive (AD) action by
November 24, 2008.
Group 1 models
Serial Nos.
AT–250, AT–300, AT–301, AT–302, AT–400, AT–400A, AT–401, AT–401A, AT–402, AT–402A, and AT–402B ...........
AT–501, AT–502, AT–502A, and AT–502B .......................................................................................................................
AT–602 ................................................................................................................................................................................
AT–802A .............................................................................................................................................................................
Group 2 model
(d) Since we issued AD 2008–11–17, the
manufacturer has notified us that Model AT–
401B airplanes also require a modification to
the overturn skid plate. Consequently, this
proposed AD retains the actions of AD 2008–
11–17 and adds the requirement to modify
the overturn skid plate installed on Model
AT–401B airplanes. We are issuing this AD
to prevent the front and rear connections of
the overturn skid plate to the airplane from
breaking, which could allow foreign debris to
enter the cockpit during an airplane overturn.
Actions
Compliance
(f) The Manager, Fort Worth Airplane
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 Pl., Ste.
650, San Antonio, Texas 78216; telephone:
(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.
dwashington3 on PRODPC61 with PROPOSALS
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; e-mail: airmail@airtractor.com;
Internet: https://www.airtractor.com. 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.
VerDate Aug<31>2005
14:57 Oct 22, 2008
Jkt 217001
Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on
October 14, 2008.
John Colomy,
Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate,
Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. E8–25286 Filed 10–22–08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 91
[Docket No. FAA–2008–1097; Notice No. 08–
12]
Aircraft Noise Certification Documents
for International Operations
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking
(NPRM).
AGENCY:
SUMMARY: This action would require
operators of U.S. registered civil aircraft
flying outside the United States to carry
Frm 00015
Fmt 4702
Sfmt 4702
–0952 through –1196.
This condition, if not corrected, could lead
to pilot injury.
Compliance
(e) To address this problem, you must do
the following, unless already done:
Follow Snow Engineering Co. Service Letter
#97, revised November 7, 2007; or Snow
Engineering Co. Service Letter #97, revised
September 19, 2008.
Follow Snow Engineering Co. Service Letter
#97, revised November 7, 2007; or Snow
Engineering Co. Service Letter #97, revised
September 19, 2008.
Follow Snow Engineering Co. Service Letter
#97, revised September 19, 2008.
aircraft noise certification information
on board the aircraft. This proposed rule
is needed to ensure that U.S. operators
have consistent noise certification
information on board when they fly
outside the United States. The intended
effect of this proposal is to ensure
consistent compliance with the
International Civil Aviation
Organization, Annex 16, Volume 1,
Amendment 8 that requires certain
noise information be carried on board
the aircraft.
Send your comments on or
before January 21, 2009.
DATES:
You may send comments
identified by Docket Number FAA–
2008–1097 using any of the following
methods:
• Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to
https://www.regulations.gov and follow
the online instructions for sending your
comments electronically.
• Mail: Send comments to Docket
Operations, M–30; U.S. Department of
Transportation, 1200 New Jersey
Avenue, SE., Room W12–140, West
ADDRESSES:
RIN 2120–AJ31
PO 00000
–1196.
–2620.
–1153.
–0282.
Procedures
(1) For Group 1 airplanes: If overturn skid plate Within the next 180 days after July 7, 2008
part number (P/N) 11411–1–500 or an FAA(the effective date of AD 2008–11–17).
approved equivalent P/N is already installed
then install P/N 11411–1–501 modification kit.
(2) For Group 1 airplanes: If there is no over- Within the next 180 days after July 7, 2008
turn skid plate installed, then install overturn
(the effective date of AD 2008–11–17).
skid plate kit P/N 11411–1–502 or an FAAapproved equivalent part number.
(3) For Group 2 airplanes: Install P/N 11411– Within the next 180 days after the effective
1–501 modification kit.
date of this AD.
Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs)
through
through
through
through
Serial Nos.
AT–401B .............................................................................................................................................................................
Unsafe Condition
–0001
–0001
–0337
–0003
E:\FR\FM\23OCP1.SGM
23OCP1
]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 73, Number 206 (Thursday, October 23, 2008)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 63096-63098]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E8-25286]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2008-1120; Directorate Identifier 2008-CE-064-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Air Tractor, Inc. Models AT-200, AT-
300, AT-400, AT-500, AT-600, and AT-800 Series Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: We propose to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2008-11-
17, which applies to certain Air Tractor, Inc. Models AT-200, AT-300,
AT-400, AT-500, AT-600, and AT-800 series airplanes. AD 2008-11-17
currently requires you to install an overturn skid plate kit or a
modification to the overturn skid plate already installed. Since we
issued AD 2008-11-17, the manufacturer has notified us that Model AT-
401B airplanes also require a modification to the overturn skid plate.
Consequently, this proposed AD would retain the actions of AD 2008-11-
17 and add the requirement to modify the overturn skid plate installed
on Model AT-401B airplanes. We are proposing this AD to prevent the
front and rear connections of the overturn skid plate to the airplane
from breaking, which could allow foreign debris to enter the cockpit
during an airplane overturn. This condition, if not corrected, could
lead to pilot injury.
DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by November 24,
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; e-mail: airmail@airtractor.com; Internet:
https://www.airtractor.com.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Andy McAnaul, Aerospace Engineer, ASW-
150, FAA San Antonio MIDO-43, 10100 Reunion Pl., Ste. 650, 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-
2008-1120; Directorate Identifier 2008-CE-064-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
[[Page 63097]]
substantive verbal contact we receive concerning this proposed AD.
Discussion
Reports of foreign material entering the cabin area during an
overturn skid on Air Tractor, Inc. (Air Tractor) AT-301 and AT-401
series airplanes caused us to issue AD 2002-25-09, Amendment 39-12985
(67 FR 78156, December 23, 2002). AD 2002-25-09 required you to install
overturn skid plate, part number (P/N) 11411-1-500 or an FAA-approved
equivalent P/N. The manufacturer incorporated skid plates in some
production models including Models AT-401B, AT-402B, AT-502B, AT-602,
and AT-802A airplanes.
Since we issued AD 2002-25-09, we received a report of the bolts
breaking in an overturn accident where they attach the forward end of
the original design overturn skid plate to the airframe. This allowed
the skid plate to rotate around the rear attach point and the forward
end of the plate to enter the cockpit area. This report caused us to
issue AD 2008-11-17, Amendment 39-15540 (73 FR 31351, June 2, 2008). AD
2008-11-17 currently retains the actions of AD 2002-25-09 and requires
you to install a modification kit if certain overturn skid plates are
already installed.
Since we issued AD 2008-11-17, the manufacturer has notified us
that Model AT-401B airplanes also require a modification to the
overturn skid plane. Consequently, this proposed AD would retain the
actions of AD 2008-11-17 and add the requirement to modify the overturn
skid plate installed on Model AT-401B airplanes.
We are proposing this AD to prevent the front and rear connections
of the overturn skid plate to the airplane from breaking, which could
allow foreign debris to enter the cockpit during an airplane overturn.
This condition, if not corrected, could lead to pilot injury.
Relevant Service Information
We have reviewed Snow Engineering Company Service Letter
97, Revised September 19, 2008.
The service information describes procedures for:
Modifying the overturn skid plate by enlarging the
mounting holes and replacing existing clamps and hardware on airplanes
with the overturn skid plate installed; and
Installing the overturn skid plate for airplanes that do
not have the overturn skid plate currently installed.
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 2008-11-17 with a new AD that would retain the
actions of AD 2008-11-17 and add the requirement to modify the overturn
skid plate installed on Model AT-401B airplanes. This proposed AD would
require you to use the service information described previously to
perform these actions.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this proposed AD would affect 1,309 airplanes in
the U.S. registry.
In determining the total cost on U.S. operators, we presume all
airplanes in the U.S. fleet have an overturn skid plate installed (as
required by AD 2002-25-09) and the only cost is to incorporate the
modification kit P/N 11411-1-501. We estimate the following costs to do
the proposed modification of installing the overturn skid plate
modification kit P/N 11411-1-501 to those planes that currently have
the overturn skid plate installed:
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total cost per Total cost on
Labor cost Parts cost airplane U.S. operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2 work-hours x $80 per hour = $160........................... $42 $202 $264,418
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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://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 Docket Office (telephone (800) 647-5527)
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, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.
The Proposed Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part 39 as follows:
PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
[[Page 63098]]
Sec. 39.13 [Amended]
2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by removing Airworthiness Directive
(AD) 2008-11-17, Amendment 39-15540 (73 FR 31351, June 2, 2008), and
adding the following new AD:
Air Tractor, Inc.: Docket No. FAA-2008-1120; Directorate Identifier
2008-CE-064-AD.
Comments Due Date
(a) We must receive comments on this airworthiness directive
(AD) action by November 24, 2008.
Affected ADs
(b) This AD supersedes AD 2008-11-17, Amendment 39-15540.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to the following airplane models and serial
numbers that are certificated in any category:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Group 1 models Serial Nos.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
AT-250, AT-300, AT-301, AT-302, AT- -0001 through -1196.
400, AT-400A, AT-401, AT-401A, AT-
402, AT-402A, and AT-402B.
AT-501, AT-502, AT-502A, and AT- -0001 through -2620.
502B.
AT-602............................ -0337 through -1153.
AT-802A........................... -0003 through -0282.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Group 2 model Serial Nos.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
AT-401B........................... -0952 through -1196.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Unsafe Condition
(d) Since we issued AD 2008-11-17, the manufacturer has notified
us that Model AT-401B airplanes also require a modification to the
overturn skid plate. Consequently, this proposed AD retains the
actions of AD 2008-11-17 and adds the requirement to modify the
overturn skid plate installed on Model AT-401B airplanes. We are
issuing this AD to prevent the front and rear connections of the
overturn skid plate to the airplane from breaking, which could allow
foreign debris to enter the cockpit during an airplane overturn.
This condition, if not corrected, could lead to pilot injury.
Compliance
(e) To address this problem, you must do the following, unless
already done:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Actions Compliance Procedures
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) For Group 1 airplanes: If Within the next Follow Snow
overturn skid plate part number 180 days after Engineering Co.
(P/N) 11411-1-500 or an FAA- July 7, 2008 (the Service Letter
approved equivalent P/N is effective date of 97,
already installed then install AD 2008-11-17). revised November
P/N 11411-1-501 modification 7, 2007; or Snow
kit. Engineering Co.
Service Letter
97,
revised September
19, 2008.
(2) For Group 1 airplanes: If Within the next Follow Snow
there is no overturn skid plate 180 days after Engineering Co.
installed, then install July 7, 2008 (the Service Letter
overturn skid plate kit P/N effective date of 97,
11411-1-502 or an FAA-approved AD 2008-11-17). revised November
equivalent part number. 7, 2007; or Snow
Engineering Co.
Service Letter
97,
revised September
19, 2008.
(3) For Group 2 airplanes: Within the next Follow Snow
Install P/N 11411-1-501 180 days after Engineering Co.
modification kit. the effective Service Letter
date of this AD. 97,
revised September
19, 2008.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(f) The Manager, Fort Worth Airplane 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 Pl., Ste. 650, San Antonio, Texas 78216; telephone: (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; e-mail:
airmail@airtractor.com; Internet: https://www.airtractor.com. 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 October 14, 2008.
John Colomy,
Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. E8-25286 Filed 10-22-08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
