Airworthiness Directives; American Champion Aircraft Corp. Models 7ECA, 7GCAA, 7GCBC, 7KCAB, 8KCAB, and 8GCBC Airplanes, 40781-40783 [E9-19448]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 155 / Thursday, August 13, 2009 / Proposed Rules required by section 91.417 (‘‘Maintenance records’’) or section 121.380 (‘‘Maintenance recording requirements’’) of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 91.417 or 14 CFR 121.380, respectively) for the actions required by this AD, provided that the recordkeeping method is approved by the FAA and is included in a revision to the maintenance/inspection program. For the purposes of this paragraph, ‘‘the FAA’’ is defined as the cognizant Principal Maintenance Inspector (PMI) for operators that are assigned a PMI (i.e., part 121, 125, and 135 operators), and the cognizant Flight Standards District Office for other operators (i.e., part 91 operators). (2) After the initial accomplishment of the ED/CPCP tasks required by paragraph (h) of this AD, any extension of the repetitive intervals specified in the manual must be approved by the Manager, New York Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), FAA. sroberts on DSKGBLS3C1PROD with PROPOSALS Corrective Actions (j) If any corrosion is found during accomplishment of any action required by paragraph (h) of this AD: Before further flight, rework, repair, or replace, as applicable, in accordance with a method approved by either the Manager, New York ACO, FAA; or Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA) (or its delegated agent). Reporting Requirements for Level 3 Corrosion Findings (k) If any Level 3 corrosion, as defined in Part 1 of the Bombardier (de Havilland) DHC–6 Twin Otter, Dash 7 & Dash 8 Corrosion Prevention and Control Manual PSM 1–GEN–5, Revision 3, dated November 30, 1998, is found during the accomplishment of any action required by this AD, do paragraphs (k)(1), (k)(2), and (k)(3) of 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. (1) Within 3 days after the finding of Level 3 corrosion, report findings to the Manager, New York ACO, FAA, in accordance with the Bombardier (de Havilland) DHC–6 Twin Otter, Dash 7 & Dash 8 Corrosion Prevention and Control Manual PSM 1–GEN–5, Revision 3, dated November 30, 1998. (2) Within 10 days after the finding of Level 3 corrosion, either submit a plan to the FAA to identify a schedule for accomplishing the applicable CPCP task on the remainder of the airplanes in the operator’s fleet that are subject to this AD, or provide data substantiating that the Level 3 corrosion that was found is an isolated case. The FAA may impose a schedule other than that proposed in the plan upon finding that a change to the schedule is needed to ensure that any other Level 3 corrosion is detected in a timely manner. For the purposes of this paragraph, ‘‘the FAA’’ is defined as the cognizant Principal Maintenance Inspector (PMI) for operators that are assigned a PMI (i.e., part 121, 125, and 135 operators), and the cognizant Flight Standards District Office for other operators (i.e., part 91 operators). (3) Within the time schedule approved in accordance with paragraph (k)(2) of this AD, VerDate Nov<24>2008 18:45 Aug 12, 2009 Jkt 217001 40781 accomplish the applicable task on the remainder of the airplanes in the operator’s fleet that are subject to this AD. Office. The AMOC approval letter must specifically reference this AD. Limiting Future Corrosion Findings (l) If corrosion findings that exceed Level 1 are found in any area during any repeat of any CPCP task after the initial accomplishment required by paragraph (h) of this AD: Within 60 days after such finding, implement a means approved by the FAA to reduce future findings of corrosion in that area to Level 1 or better. For the purposes of this paragraph, ‘‘the FAA’’ is defined as the cognizant PMI for operators that are assigned a PMI (i.e., part 121, 125, and 135 operators), and the cognizant Flight Standards District Office for other operators (i.e., part 91 operators). Issued in Renton, Washington, on August 3, 2009. Ali Bahrami, Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. E9–19420 Filed 8–12–09; 8:45 am] Scheduling Corrosion Tasks for Transferred Airplanes (m) Before any airplane subject to this AD is transferred and placed into service by an operator: Establish a schedule for accomplishing the CPCP tasks required by this AD in accordance with paragraph (m)(1) or (m)(2) of this AD, as applicable. (1) For airplanes on which the CPCP tasks required by this AD have been accomplished previously at the schedule established by this AD: Perform the first CPCP task in each area in accordance with the previous operator’s schedule, or in accordance with the new operator’s schedule, whichever results in an earlier accomplishment of that CPCP task. After the initial accomplishment of each CPCP task in each area as required by this paragraph, repeat each CPCP task in accordance with the new operator’s schedule. (2) For airplanes on which the CPCP tasks required by this AD have not been accomplished previously, or have not been accomplished at the schedule established by this AD: The new operator must perform each initial CPCP task in each area before further flight or in accordance with a schedule approved by the FAA. For the purposes of this paragraph, ‘‘the FAA’’ is defined as the cognizant Principal Maintenance Inspector (PMI) for operators that are assigned a PMI (i.e., part 121, 125, and 135 operators), and the cognizant Flight Standards District Office for other operators (i.e., part 91 operators). Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (n)(1) The Manager, New York ACO, 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: Pong K. Lee, Aerospace Engineer, Airframe and Mechanical Systems Branch, ANE–171, FAA, New York Aircraft Certification Office, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, New York 11590; telephone (516) 228–7324; fax (516) 794–5531. (2) To request a different method of compliance or a different compliance time for this AD, follow the procedures in 14 CFR 39.19. Before using any approved AMOC on any airplane to which the AMOC applies, notify your principal maintenance inspector (PMI) or principal avionics inspector (PAI), as appropriate, or lacking a principal inspector, your local Flight Standards District PO 00000 Frm 00017 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 Related Information (o) Canadian airworthiness directive CF– 2007–06, dated April 10, 2007, also addresses the subject of this AD. BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2009–0745; Directorate Identifier 2009–CE–036–AD] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; American Champion Aircraft Corp. Models 7ECA, 7GCAA, 7GCBC, 7KCAB, 8KCAB, and 8GCBC Airplanes AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of Transportation (DOT). ACTION: Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM). SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all American Champion Aircraft Corp. Models 7ECA, 7GCAA, 7GCBC, 7KCAB, 8KCAB, and 8GCBC airplanes, manufactured prior to 1989 and equipped with folding rear seat backs. This proposed AD would require inspection of the rear seat back hinge areas for cracking and excessive elongation of the rear seat hinge bolt hole and, if cracking or excessive elongation is found, replacement of the rear seat frame. This proposed AD results from an occurrence of the rear seat hinge area failing in flight. We are proposing this AD to detect and correct cracking of the rear seat back hinge area and excessive elongation of the rear seat hinge bolt hole, either of which could result in failure of the seat back. This failure could lead to a rear-seated pilot or passenger inadvertently interfering with the control stick while attempting to not roll to the rear of the airplane upon seat back failure. Consequently, this failure could result in loss of control. DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by September 28, 2009. E:\FR\FM\13AUP1.SGM 13AUP1 40782 Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 155 / Thursday, August 13, 2009 / Proposed Rules 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 American Champion Aircraft Corporation, P.O. Box 37, 32032 Washington Ave., Rochester, Wisconsin 53167; telephone: (262) 534–6315; fax: (262) 534–2395; Internet: https:// www.amerchampionaircraft.com/ Technical/Technical.html. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Wess Rouse, Aerospace Engineer, 2300 East Devon Avenue, Room 107, Des Plaines, Illinois 60018; telephone: (847) 294–8113; fax: (847) 294–7834. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: ADDRESSES: 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 section. Include the docket number, ‘‘FAA–2009–0745; Directorate Identifier 2009–CE–036–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. ADDRESSES Discussion We received information that during a training flight on an American Champion Aircraft Corp. Model 8KCAB airplane the rear seat hinge failed. While performing spins, with the student pilot in the front seat and the instructor pilot in the rear seat, the rear seat hinge broke, which resulted in the rear seat back failing. The instructor pilot partially fell into the baggage area. The student and the instructor were able to recover from the spins and landed safely at the airport. The Models 7GCAA, 7GCBC, 7KCAB, and 8GCBC airplanes incorporate the same or similar seat configuration. This condition, if not corrected, could result in failure of the rear seat back. This failure could lead to a rear-seated pilot or passenger inadvertently interfering with the control stick while attempting to not roll to the rear of the airplane upon seat back failure. Consequently, this failure could result in loss of control. Relevant Service Information We have reviewed American Champion Aircraft Corp. Service Letter No. 431, dated July 20, 2009. The service information describes procedures for inspecting the rear seat hinge areas for cracking and excessive elongation of the rear seat hinge bolt and, if cracking or excessive elongation is found, replacing the rear seat frame. FAA’s Determination and Requirements of the Proposed AD We are proposing this AD because we evaluated all information and determined the unsafe condition described previously is likely to exist or develop on other products of the same type design. This proposed AD would require inspecting the rear seat back hinge areas for cracking and excessive elongation of the rear seat hinge bolt hole and, if cracking or excessive elongation is found, replacing the rear seat frame. Costs of Compliance We estimate that this proposed AD would affect 2,000 airplanes in the U.S. registry. We estimate the following costs to do the proposed inspection: Labor cost Parts cost Total cost per airplane Total cost on U.S. operators .5 work-hour × $80 per hour = $40 ........................................................... Not applicable .................................. $40 $80,000 We estimate the following costs to do any necessary replacements that would be required based on the results of the proposed inspection. We have no way of determining the number of airplanes that may need this replacement: Labor cost Parts cost Total cost per airplane 1.5 work-hours × $80 per hour = $120 .............. Remanufactured seat $200, New standard seat $645, New wide seat $765. Remanufactured seat $320, New standard seat $765, New wide seat $885. sroberts on DSKGBLS3C1PROD 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 VerDate Nov<24>2008 18:45 Aug 12, 2009 Jkt 217001 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. PO 00000 Frm 00018 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 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: E:\FR\FM\13AUP1.SGM 13AUP1 Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 155 / Thursday, August 13, 2009 / Proposed Rules 1. Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory action’’ under Executive Order 12866; 2. Is not a ‘‘significant rule’’ under the DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); and 3. Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria of the Regulatory Flexibility Act. We prepared a regulatory evaluation of the estimated costs to comply with this proposed AD and placed it in the AD docket. List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39 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. 1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows: 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: Affected ADs (b) None. Applicability (c) This AD applies to Models 7ECA, 7GCAA, 7GCBC, 7KCAB, 8KCAB, and 8GCBC airplanes, all serial numbers, that are: (1) Manufactured prior to 1989; (2) Equipped with folding rear seat backs; and (3) Certificated in any category. Unsafe Condition PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701. § 39.13 40783 [Amended] 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding the following new AD: American Champion Aircraft Corp.: Docket No. FAA–2009–0745; Directorate Identifier 2009–CE–036–AD. Comments Due Date (a) We must receive comments on this airworthiness directive (AD) action by September 28, 2009. (d) This AD results from an occurrence of the rear seat frame failing in flight. We are proposing this AD to detect and correct cracking of the rear seat back hinge area and excessive elongation of the rear seat hinge bolt hole, which could result in failure of the rear seat back. This failure could lead to a rear-seated pilot or passenger inadvertently interfering with the control stick while attempting to not roll to the rear of the airplane upon seat back failure. Consequently, this failure could result in loss of control. Compliance (e) To address this problem, you must do the following, unless already done: Actions Compliance Procedures (1) Inspect the rear seat back hinge area for cracking and elongation of the rear seat hinge bolt hole. Within the next 25 hours time-in-service (TIS) after the effective date of this AD and repetitively thereafter at intervals not to exceed every 100 hours TIS or every 12 months, whichever occurs first. Before further flight after the inspection where cracking or excessive elongation of the rear seat bolt hole is found. Follow American Champion Aircraft Corp. Service Letter No. 431, dated July 20, 2009. Not applicable .................................................. Follow American Champion Aircraft Corp. Service Letter No. 431, dated July 20, 2009. (2) If cracking or excessive elongation of the rear seat bolt hole is found during any inspection required in paragraph (e)(1) of this AD, replace the seat frame with a factory remanufactured seat frame, a new part number (P/N) 7–1500 (standard) seat frame, or a new P/N 7–1501 (wide) seat frame. Replacement of the seat frame terminates the repetitive inspections requirements of this AD. (3) You may at any time replace the rear seat frame with a factory remanufactured seat frame, a new part number (P/N) 7–1500 (standard) seat frame, or a new P/N 7–1501 (wide) seat frame to terminate the repetitive inspection requirements of this AD. sroberts on DSKGBLS3C1PROD with PROPOSALS Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) Related Information (f) The Manager, Chicago 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: Wess Rouse, Aerospace Engineer, 2300 East Devon Avenue, Room 107, Des Plaines, Illinois 60018; telephone: (847) 294–8113; fax: (847) 294–7834. 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. VerDate Nov<24>2008 18:45 Aug 12, 2009 Jkt 217001 (g) To get copies of the service information referenced in this AD, contact American Champion Aircraft Corporation, P.O Box 37, 32032 Washington Ave., Rochester, Wisconsin 53167; telephone: (262) 534–6315; fax: (262) 534–2395; Internet: https:// www.amerchampionaircraft.com/Technical/ Technical.html. 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. PO 00000 Frm 00019 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 Follow American Champion Aircraft Corp. Service Letter No. 431, dated July 20, 2009. Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on August 7, 2009. Scott A. Horn, Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. E9–19448 Filed 8–12–09; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P E:\FR\FM\13AUP1.SGM 13AUP1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 74, Number 155 (Thursday, August 13, 2009)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 40781-40783]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E9-19448]


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

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2009-0745; Directorate Identifier 2009-CE-036-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; American Champion Aircraft Corp. Models 
7ECA, 7GCAA, 7GCBC, 7KCAB, 8KCAB, and 8GCBC Airplanes

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

ACTION: Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM).

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

SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all 
American Champion Aircraft Corp. Models 7ECA, 7GCAA, 7GCBC, 7KCAB, 
8KCAB, and 8GCBC airplanes, manufactured prior to 1989 and equipped 
with folding rear seat backs. This proposed AD would require inspection 
of the rear seat back hinge areas for cracking and excessive elongation 
of the rear seat hinge bolt hole and, if cracking or excessive 
elongation is found, replacement of the rear seat frame. This proposed 
AD results from an occurrence of the rear seat hinge area failing in 
flight. We are proposing this AD to detect and correct cracking of the 
rear seat back hinge area and excessive elongation of the rear seat 
hinge bolt hole, either of which could result in failure of the seat 
back. This failure could lead to a rear-seated pilot or passenger 
inadvertently interfering with the control stick while attempting to 
not roll to the rear of the airplane upon seat back failure. 
Consequently, this failure could result in loss of control.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by September 28, 
2009.

[[Page 40782]]


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 
American Champion Aircraft Corporation, P.O. Box 37, 32032 Washington 
Ave., Rochester, Wisconsin 53167; telephone: (262) 534-6315; fax: (262) 
534-2395; Internet: https://www.amerchampionaircraft.com/Technical/Technical.html.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Wess Rouse, Aerospace Engineer, 2300 
East Devon Avenue, Room 107, Des Plaines, Illinois 60018; telephone: 
(847) 294-8113; fax: (847) 294-7834.

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-
2009-0745; Directorate Identifier 2009-CE-036-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

    We received information that during a training flight on an 
American Champion Aircraft Corp. Model 8KCAB airplane the rear seat 
hinge failed. While performing spins, with the student pilot in the 
front seat and the instructor pilot in the rear seat, the rear seat 
hinge broke, which resulted in the rear seat back failing. The 
instructor pilot partially fell into the baggage area. The student and 
the instructor were able to recover from the spins and landed safely at 
the airport.
    The Models 7GCAA, 7GCBC, 7KCAB, and 8GCBC airplanes incorporate the 
same or similar seat configuration.
    This condition, if not corrected, could result in failure of the 
rear seat back. This failure could lead to a rear-seated pilot or 
passenger inadvertently interfering with the control stick while 
attempting to not roll to the rear of the airplane upon seat back 
failure. Consequently, this failure could result in loss of control.

Relevant Service Information

    We have reviewed American Champion Aircraft Corp. Service Letter 
No. 431, dated July 20, 2009.
    The service information describes procedures for inspecting the 
rear seat hinge areas for cracking and excessive elongation of the rear 
seat hinge bolt and, if cracking or excessive elongation is found, 
replacing the rear seat frame.

FAA's Determination and Requirements of the Proposed AD

    We are proposing this AD because we evaluated all information and 
determined the unsafe condition described previously is likely to exist 
or develop on other products of the same type design. This proposed AD 
would require inspecting the rear seat back hinge areas for cracking 
and excessive elongation of the rear seat hinge bolt hole and, if 
cracking or excessive elongation is found, replacing the rear seat 
frame.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD would affect 2,000 airplanes in 
the U.S. registry.
    We estimate the following costs to do the proposed inspection:

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                 Total cost per   Total cost on
                  Labor cost                              Parts cost                airplane      U.S. operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
.5 work-hour x $80 per hour = $40............  Not applicable.................             $40          $80,000
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                       Total cost per
         Labor cost                Parts cost             airplane
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1.5 work-hours x $80 per      Remanufactured seat   Remanufactured seat
 hour = $120.                  $200, New standard    $320, New standard
                               seat $645, New wide   seat $765, New wide
                               seat $765.            seat $885.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

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:

[[Page 40783]]

    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.


Sec.  39.13  [Amended]

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

American Champion Aircraft Corp.: Docket No. FAA-2009-0745; 
Directorate Identifier 2009-CE-036-AD.

Comments Due Date

    (a) We must receive comments on this airworthiness directive 
(AD) action by September 28, 2009.

Affected ADs

    (b) None.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to Models 7ECA, 7GCAA, 7GCBC, 7KCAB, 8KCAB, 
and 8GCBC airplanes, all serial numbers, that are:
    (1) Manufactured prior to 1989;
    (2) Equipped with folding rear seat backs; and
    (3) Certificated in any category.

Unsafe Condition

    (d) This AD results from an occurrence of the rear seat frame 
failing in flight. We are proposing this AD to detect and correct 
cracking of the rear seat back hinge area and excessive elongation 
of the rear seat hinge bolt hole, which could result in failure of 
the rear seat back. This failure could lead to a rear-seated pilot 
or passenger inadvertently interfering with the control stick while 
attempting to not roll to the rear of the airplane upon seat back 
failure. Consequently, this failure could result in loss of control.

Compliance

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

------------------------------------------------------------------------
           Actions                 Compliance            Procedures
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) Inspect the rear seat     Within the next 25    Follow American
 back hinge area for           hours time-in-        Champion Aircraft
 cracking and elongation of    service (TIS) after   Corp. Service
 the rear seat hinge bolt      the effective date    Letter No. 431,
 hole.                         of this AD and        dated July 20,
                               repetitively          2009.
                               thereafter at
                               intervals not to
                               exceed every 100
                               hours TIS or every
                               12 months,
                               whichever occurs
                               first.
(2) If cracking or excessive  Before further        Follow American
 elongation of the rear seat   flight after the      Champion Aircraft
 bolt hole is found during     inspection where      Corp. Service
 any inspection required in    cracking or           Letter No. 431,
 paragraph (e)(1) of this      excessive             dated July 20,
 AD, replace the seat frame    elongation of the     2009.
 with a factory                rear seat bolt hole
 remanufactured seat frame,    is found.
 a new part number (P/N) 7-
 1500 (standard) seat frame,
 or a new P/N 7-1501 (wide)
 seat frame. Replacement of
 the seat frame terminates
 the repetitive inspections
 requirements of this AD.
(3) You may at any time       Not applicable......  Follow American
 replace the rear seat frame                         Champion Aircraft
 with a factory                                      Corp. Service
 remanufactured seat frame,                          Letter No. 431,
 a new part number (P/N) 7-                          dated July 20,
 1500 (standard) seat frame,                         2009.
 or a new P/N 7-1501 (wide)
 seat frame to terminate the
 repetitive inspection
 requirements of this AD.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (f) The Manager, Chicago 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: Wess 
Rouse, Aerospace Engineer, 2300 East Devon Avenue, Room 107, Des 
Plaines, Illinois 60018; telephone: (847) 294-8113; fax: (847) 294-
7834. 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 American Champion Aircraft Corporation, P.O Box 37, 
32032 Washington Ave., Rochester, Wisconsin 53167; telephone: (262) 
534-6315; fax: (262) 534-2395; Internet: https://www.amerchampionaircraft.com/Technical/Technical.html. 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 August 7, 2009.
Scott A. Horn,
Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. E9-19448 Filed 8-12-09; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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