Airworthiness Directives; Pacific Aerospace Limited Airplanes, 71357-71359 [2012-29026]
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<![CDATA[
71357
Proposed Rules
Federal Register
Vol. 77, No. 231
Friday, November 30, 2012
This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER
contains notices to the public of the proposed
issuance of rules and regulations. The
purpose of these notices is to give interested
persons an opportunity to participate in the
rule making prior to the adoption of the final
rules.
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2012–1251; Directorate
Identifier 2012–CE–044–AD]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Pacific
Aerospace Limited Airplanes
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking
(NPRM).
AGENCY:
We propose to adopt a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for all
Pacific Aerospace Limited Models
FU24–954 and FU24A–954 airplanes
that would supersede an existing AD.
This proposed AD results from
mandatory continuing airworthiness
information (MCAI) originated by an
aviation authority of another country to
identify and correct an unsafe condition
on an aviation product. The MCAI
describes the unsafe condition as
aircraft operating outside the aircraft aft
center of gravity (C of G) limits during
parachute-drop operations. Exceeding C
of G limits could result in loss of control
of the aircraft. We are issuing this
proposed AD to require actions to
address the unsafe condition on these
products.
SUMMARY:
We must receive comments on
this proposed AD by January 14, 2013.
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–
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–
wreier-aviles on DSK5TPTVN1PROD with
DATES:
VerDate Mar<15>2010
14:06 Nov 29, 2012
Jkt 229001
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: Karl
Schletzbaum, Aerospace Engineer, FAA,
Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust,
Room 301, Kansas City, Missouri 64106;
telephone: (816) 329–4146; fax: (816)
329–4090; email:
karl.schletzbaum@faa.gov.
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–2012–1251; Directorate Identifier
2012–CE–044–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://
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
On September 21, 2010, we issued AD
2010–20–18, Amendment 39–16453 (75
FR 59606, September 28, 2010). That
AD required actions intended to address
an unsafe condition on the products
listed above.
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Sfmt 4702
Since we issued AD 2010–20–18,
Amendment 39–16453 (75 FR 59606,
September 28, 2010), information has
been received that shows that the
operating limitations required by this
AD should be different between turbine
engine and piston engine Pacific
Aerospace Limited Models FU24–954
and FU24A–954 airplanes.
The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA),
which is the aviation authority for New
Zealand, has issued AD DCA/FU24/182,
dated October 25, 2012 (referred to after
this as ‘‘the MCAI’’), to correct an unsafe
condition for the specified products.
The new MCAI AD supersedes the
requirements in AD DCA/FU24/179.
The new MCAI requires adding a
requirement to install station marking
placards inside the rear cabin walls and
inserting a supplement into the airplane
flight manual (AFM) specifically
approved for parachuting operations
that contains detailed information for
determining the weight and balance of
the aircraft for turbine engine airplanes.
This proposed AD also retains all
actions in AD 2010–20–18, Amendment
39–16453 (75 FR 59606, September 28,
2010), for all airplanes.
FAA’s Determination and Requirements
of the Proposed AD
This product has been approved by
the aviation authority of another
country, and is approved for operation
in the United States. Pursuant to our
bilateral agreement with this State of
Design Authority, they have notified us
of the unsafe condition described in the
MCAI and service information
referenced above. We are proposing this
AD because we evaluated all
information and determined the unsafe
condition exists and is likely to exist or
develop on other products of the same
type design.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this proposed AD
would affect 1 product of U.S. registry.
We also estimate that it would take
about 22 work-hours per product to
comply with the basic requirements of
this proposed AD. The average labor
rate is $85 per work-hour.
Based on these figures, we estimate
the cost of the proposed AD on U.S.
operators to be $1,870 per product.
Authority for This Rulemaking
Title 49 of the United States Code
specifies the FAA’s authority to issue
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71358
Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 231 / Friday, November 30, 2012 / Proposed Rules
rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I,
section 106, describes the authority of
the FAA Administrator. ‘‘Subtitle VII:
Aviation Programs,’’ describes in more
detail the scope of the Agency’s
authority.
We are issuing this rulemaking under
the authority described in ‘‘Subtitle VII,
Part A, Subpart III, section 44701:
General requirements.’’ Under that
section, Congress charges the FAA with
promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in
air commerce by prescribing regulations
for practices, methods, and procedures
the Administrator finds necessary for
safety in air commerce. This regulation
is within the scope of that authority
because it addresses an unsafe condition
that is likely to exist or develop on
products identified in this rulemaking
action.
Regulatory Findings
We determined that this proposed AD
would not have federalism implications
under Executive Order 13132. This
proposed AD would not have a
substantial direct effect on the States, on
the relationship between the national
Government and the States, or on the
distribution of power and
responsibilities among the various
levels of government.
For the reasons discussed above, I
certify this proposed regulation:
(1) Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory
action’’ under Executive Order 12866,
(2) Is not a ‘‘significant rule’’ under
the DOT Regulatory Policies and
Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26,
1979),
(3) Will not affect intrastate aviation
in Alaska, and
(4) 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.
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:
wreier-aviles on DSK5TPTVN1PROD with
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 AD 2010–20–18, Amendment
VerDate Mar<15>2010
14:06 Nov 29, 2012
Jkt 229001
39–16453 (75 FR 59606, September 28,
2010), and adding the following new
AD:
Pacific Aerospace Limited: Docket No. FAA–
2012–1251; Directorate Identifier 2012–
CE–044–AD.
(a) Comments Due Date
We must receive comments by January 14,
2013.
(b) Affected ADs
This AD supersedes AD 2010–20–18,
Amendment 39–16453 (75 FR 59606,
September 28, 2010).
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Pacific Aerospace
Limited Models FU24–954 and FU24A–954
airplanes, all serial numbers, that are:
(1) certificated in any category; and
(2) modified to conduct parachute
operations.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association of America
(ATA) Code 8: Leveling and Weighing.
(e) Reason
This AD was prompted by reports of
aircraft operating outside the aft center of
gravity (C of G) limits during parachute-drop
operations. We are issuing this AD to prevent
exceeding C of G limits, which could result
in loss of control of the aircraft.
(f) Actions and Compliance for All Airplanes
(Both Turbine and Piston Engine Airplanes)
Retained From AD 2010–20–18, Amendment
39–16453 (75 FR 59606, September 28, 2010)
Unless already done, do the following
actions:
(1) As of October 18, 2010 (the effective
date retained from AD 2010–20–18,
Amendment 39–16453 (75 FR 59606,
September 28, 2010)), before further
parachute-drop operations:
(i) Amend the airplane flight manual
(AFM) to restrict maximum occupancy of the
cabin aft of fuselage station (F.S) 118.84 to 6
persons. This may be done by inserting a
copy of this AD into the AFM adjacent to the
applicable supplement for parachuting
operations; and
(ii) Fabricate a placard at least 2 by 4
inches (using at least 1⁄8-inch letters) and
install the placard in two places, one on each
side of the aft cabin, in view of all occupants
as they enter and occupy the cabin which
states the following: Maximum occupancy of
this cabin limited to six persons for
parachuting operations. Weight and Balance
must be confirmed for each flight.
(2) As of October 18, 2010 (the effective
date retained from AD 2010–20–18,
Amendment 39–16453 (75 FR 59606,
September 28, 2010)), before further
parachute-drop operations, the weight and
balance calculation must comply with the
following limitations and establish that the
aircraft C of G will remain within AFM limits
for the duration of the flight:
(i) Use actual weights for all occupants and
their equipment to do the calculation;
(ii) Account for the positions of all
occupants in the calculation. Do the
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Frm 00002
Fmt 4702
Sfmt 4702
calculation with the occupants’ (parachuting
group) positions at the most aft positions that
result from the rearmost members of the
group sitting against the aft cabin wall and
subsequent occupants located immediately
forward of them, unless a means of restraint
is provided to prevent the occupants moving
rearwards from their normal position; and
(iii) Keep a record of the C of G
determination for each parachuting
operation.
(g) New Actions and Compliance for Turbine
Engine Airplanes
Within the next 15 days after the effective
date of this AD, do the following:
(1) Add fuselage station (F.S.) reference
line placards inside the rear cabin walls
following the instructions in Section 2.5,
Placards, of the CAA Approved AFM
Supplement for Aircraft Modified for
Parachuting Operations, PT6 Fletcher-EX
Document Reference: AIR 2817–FMS–P1,
dated October 15, 2012, or Walter Fletcher
Document Reference: AIR 2672–FMS–P1,
dated October 15, 2012, as applicable.
(2) Insert Section 2.4, Weight and Balance,
of the CAA Approved AFM Supplement for
Aircraft Modified for Parachuting Operations,
PT6 Fletcher-EX Document Reference: AIR
2817–FMS–P1, dated October 15, 2012, or
Walter Fletcher Document Reference: AIR
2672–FMS–P1, dated October 15, 2012, as
applicable, into the AFM.
(h) Other FAA AD Provisions
The following provisions also apply to this
AD:
(1) Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs): The Manager, Standards 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: Karl Schletzbaum, Aerospace
Engineer, FAA, Small Airplane Directorate,
901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas City, Missouri
64106; telephone: (816) 329–4146; fax: (816)
329–4090; email: karl.schletzbaum@faa.gov.
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.
(2) Airworthy Product: For any requirement
in this AD to obtain corrective actions from
a manufacturer or other source, use these
actions if they are FAA-approved. Corrective
actions are considered FAA-approved if they
are approved by the State of Design Authority
(or their delegated agent). You are required
to assure the product is airworthy before it
is returned to service.
(3) Reporting Requirements: For any
reporting requirement in this AD, a federal
agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a
person is not required to respond to, nor
shall a person be subject to a penalty for
failure to comply with a collection of
information subject to the requirements of
the Paperwork Reduction Act unless that
collection of information displays a current
valid OMB Control Number. The OMB
Control Number for this information
collection is 2120–0056. Public reporting for
this collection of information is estimated to
be approximately 5 minutes per response,
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Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 231 / Friday, November 30, 2012 / Proposed Rules
including the time for reviewing instructions,
completing and reviewing the collection of
information. All responses to this collection
of information are mandatory. Comments
concerning the accuracy of this burden and
suggestions for reducing the burden should
be directed to the FAA at: 800 Independence
Ave. SW., Washington, DC 20591, Attn:
Information Collection Clearance Officer,
AES–200.
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
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–
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 Solo
Kleinmotoren GmbH, Postfach 60 01 52,
D 71050 Sindelfingen, Germany;
telephone: +49 07031–301–0; fax: +49
07031–301–136; email: aircraft@sologermany.com; Internet: https://
aircraft.solo-online.com/. You may
review copies of the referenced service
information at the FAA, Small Airplane
Directorate, 901 Locust, Kansas City,
Missouri 64106. For information on the
availability of this material at the FAA,
call (816) 329–4148.
Federal Aviation Administration
Examining the AD Docket
(i) Related Information
Refer to MCAI Civil Aviation Authority of
New Zealand AD DCA/FU24/182, dated
October 25, 2012; CAA Approved Flight
Manual Supplement PT6 Fletcher-EX for
Aircraft Modified for Parachuting Operations,
Document Reference: AIR 2817–FMS–P1,
dated October 15, 2012; and CAA Approved
Flight Manual Supplement Walter Fletcher
for Aircraft Modified for Parachuting
Operations, Document Reference: AIR 2672–
FMS–P1, dated October 15, 2012, for related
information.
Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on
November 21, 2012.
Earl Lawrence,
Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2012–29026 Filed 11–29–12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2012–1250; Directorate
Identifier 2012–CE–043–AD]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; DG
Flugzeugbau GmbH Gliders
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking
(NPRM).
AGENCY:
We propose to adopt a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for DG
Flugzeugbau GmbH Model DG–1000T
gliders equipped with Solo
Kleinmotoren Model 2350 C engines.
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 a
material defect of the propeller shaft,
most likely caused by a manufacturing
error. We are issuing this proposed AD
to require actions to address the unsafe
condition on these products.
DATES: We must receive comments on
this proposed AD by January 14, 2013.
wreier-aviles on DSK5TPTVN1PROD with
SUMMARY:
VerDate Mar<15>2010
14:06 Nov 29, 2012
Jkt 229001
ADDRESSES:
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: Jim
Rutherford, Aerospace Engineer, FAA,
Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust,
Room 301, Kansas City, Missouri 64106;
telephone: (816) 329–4165; fax: (816)
329–4090; email:
jim.rutherford@faa.gov.
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–2012–1250; Directorate Identifier
2012–CE–043–AD’’ at the beginning of
your comments. We specifically invite
comments on the overall regulatory,
economic, environmental, and energy
PO 00000
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Fmt 4702
Sfmt 4702
71359
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://
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
for the Member States of the European
Community, has issued AD No.: 2012–
0197, dated September 25, 2012
(referred to after this as ‘‘the MCAI’’), to
correct an unsafe condition for the
specified products. The MCAI states:
Two reports have been received of a broken
P/N 20 31 211 propeller shaft on a Solo 2350
C engine. The results of the investigation
showed that the failures were due to a
material defect, most likely caused by a
manufacturing error.
This condition, if not detected and
corrected, could lead to failure of the shaft
and detachment of the propeller from the
aeroplane, which, depending on the flight
conditions, could result in reduced control of
the aeroplane, or injury to persons on the
ground.
For the reasons described above, this AD
requires a one-time inspection (magnetic
particle or dye penetrant) of the affected
propeller shafts to detect cracks and,
depending on findings, replacement of the
propeller pulley assembly (module) with a
serviceable module.
You may obtain further information by
examining the MCAI in the AD docket.
Relevant Service Information
Solo Kleinmotoren GmbH has issued
Service Bulletin Nr. 4603–13, Issue 1,
dated September 24, 2012. The actions
described in this service information are
intended to correct the unsafe condition
identified in the MCAI.
FAA’s Determination and Requirements
of the Proposed AD
This product has been approved by
the aviation authority of another
country, and is approved for operation
in the United States. Pursuant to our
bilateral agreement with this State of
Design Authority, they have notified us
of the unsafe condition described in the
MCAI and service information
referenced above. We are proposing this
AD because we evaluated all
information and determined the unsafe
condition exists and is likely to exist or
develop on other products of the same
type design.
E:\FR\FM\30NOP1.SGM
30NOP1
]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 231 (Friday, November 30, 2012)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 71357-71359]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-29026]
========================================================================
Proposed Rules
Federal Register
________________________________________________________________________
This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains notices to the public of
the proposed issuance of rules and regulations. The purpose of these
notices is to give interested persons an opportunity to participate in
the rule making prior to the adoption of the final rules.
========================================================================
Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 231 / Friday, November 30, 2012 /
Proposed Rules
[[Page 71357]]
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2012-1251; Directorate Identifier 2012-CE-044-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Pacific Aerospace Limited 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
Pacific Aerospace Limited Models FU24-954 and FU24A-954 airplanes that
would supersede an existing AD. This proposed AD results from mandatory
continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) originated by an aviation
authority of another country to identify and correct an unsafe
condition on an aviation product. The MCAI describes the unsafe
condition as aircraft operating outside the aircraft aft center of
gravity (C of G) limits during parachute-drop operations. Exceeding C
of G limits could result in loss of control of the aircraft. We are
issuing this proposed AD to require actions to address the unsafe
condition on these products.
DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by January 14,
2013.
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-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: Karl Schletzbaum, Aerospace Engineer,
FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas City,
Missouri 64106; telephone: (816) 329-4146; fax: (816) 329-4090; email:
karl.schletzbaum@faa.gov.
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-2012-1251;
Directorate Identifier 2012-CE-044-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://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
On September 21, 2010, we issued AD 2010-20-18, Amendment 39-16453
(75 FR 59606, September 28, 2010). That AD required actions intended to
address an unsafe condition on the products listed above.
Since we issued AD 2010-20-18, Amendment 39-16453 (75 FR 59606,
September 28, 2010), information has been received that shows that the
operating limitations required by this AD should be different between
turbine engine and piston engine Pacific Aerospace Limited Models FU24-
954 and FU24A-954 airplanes.
The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), which is the aviation authority
for New Zealand, has issued AD DCA/FU24/182, dated October 25, 2012
(referred to after this as ``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe
condition for the specified products. The new MCAI AD supersedes the
requirements in AD DCA/FU24/179.
The new MCAI requires adding a requirement to install station
marking placards inside the rear cabin walls and inserting a supplement
into the airplane flight manual (AFM) specifically approved for
parachuting operations that contains detailed information for
determining the weight and balance of the aircraft for turbine engine
airplanes. This proposed AD also retains all actions in AD 2010-20-18,
Amendment 39-16453 (75 FR 59606, September 28, 2010), for all
airplanes.
FAA's Determination and Requirements of the Proposed AD
This product has been approved by the aviation authority of another
country, and is approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant
to our bilateral agreement with this State of Design Authority, they
have notified us of the unsafe condition described in the MCAI and
service information referenced above. We are proposing this AD because
we evaluated all information and determined the unsafe condition exists
and is likely to exist or develop on other products of the same type
design.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this proposed AD would affect 1 product of U.S.
registry. We also estimate that it would take about 22 work-hours per
product to comply with the basic requirements of this proposed AD. The
average labor rate is $85 per work-hour.
Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of the proposed AD on
U.S. operators to be $1,870 per product.
Authority for This Rulemaking
Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to
issue
[[Page 71358]]
rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the
authority of the FAA Administrator. ``Subtitle VII: Aviation
Programs,'' describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's
authority.
We are issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in
``Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, section 44701: General
requirements.'' Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with
promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing
regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator
finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within
the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition
that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this
rulemaking action.
Regulatory Findings
We determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism
implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would not
have a substantial direct effect on the States, on the relationship
between the national Government and the States, or on the distribution
of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government.
For the reasons discussed above, I certify this proposed
regulation:
(1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive
Order 12866,
(2) Is not a ``significant rule'' under the DOT Regulatory Policies
and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979),
(3) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
(4) 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.
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 removing AD 2010-20-18, Amendment
39-16453 (75 FR 59606, September 28, 2010), and adding the following
new AD:
Pacific Aerospace Limited: Docket No. FAA-2012-1251; Directorate
Identifier 2012-CE-044-AD.
(a) Comments Due Date
We must receive comments by January 14, 2013.
(b) Affected ADs
This AD supersedes AD 2010-20-18, Amendment 39-16453 (75 FR
59606, September 28, 2010).
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Pacific Aerospace Limited Models FU24-954 and
FU24A-954 airplanes, all serial numbers, that are:
(1) certificated in any category; and
(2) modified to conduct parachute operations.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association of America (ATA) Code 8: Leveling and
Weighing.
(e) Reason
This AD was prompted by reports of aircraft operating outside
the aft center of gravity (C of G) limits during parachute-drop
operations. We are issuing this AD to prevent exceeding C of G
limits, which could result in loss of control of the aircraft.
(f) Actions and Compliance for All Airplanes (Both Turbine and Piston
Engine Airplanes) Retained From AD 2010-20-18, Amendment 39-16453 (75
FR 59606, September 28, 2010)
Unless already done, do the following actions:
(1) As of October 18, 2010 (the effective date retained from AD
2010-20-18, Amendment 39-16453 (75 FR 59606, September 28, 2010)),
before further parachute-drop operations:
(i) Amend the airplane flight manual (AFM) to restrict maximum
occupancy of the cabin aft of fuselage station (F.S) 118.84 to 6
persons. This may be done by inserting a copy of this AD into the
AFM adjacent to the applicable supplement for parachuting
operations; and
(ii) Fabricate a placard at least 2 by 4 inches (using at least
\1/8\-inch letters) and install the placard in two places, one on
each side of the aft cabin, in view of all occupants as they enter
and occupy the cabin which states the following: Maximum occupancy
of this cabin limited to six persons for parachuting operations.
Weight and Balance must be confirmed for each flight.
(2) As of October 18, 2010 (the effective date retained from AD
2010-20-18, Amendment 39-16453 (75 FR 59606, September 28, 2010)),
before further parachute-drop operations, the weight and balance
calculation must comply with the following limitations and establish
that the aircraft C of G will remain within AFM limits for the
duration of the flight:
(i) Use actual weights for all occupants and their equipment to
do the calculation;
(ii) Account for the positions of all occupants in the
calculation. Do the calculation with the occupants' (parachuting
group) positions at the most aft positions that result from the
rearmost members of the group sitting against the aft cabin wall and
subsequent occupants located immediately forward of them, unless a
means of restraint is provided to prevent the occupants moving
rearwards from their normal position; and (iii) Keep a record of the
C of G determination for each parachuting operation.
(g) New Actions and Compliance for Turbine Engine Airplanes
Within the next 15 days after the effective date of this AD, do
the following:
(1) Add fuselage station (F.S.) reference line placards inside
the rear cabin walls following the instructions in Section 2.5,
Placards, of the CAA Approved AFM Supplement for Aircraft Modified
for Parachuting Operations, PT6 Fletcher-EX Document Reference: AIR
2817-FMS-P1, dated October 15, 2012, or Walter Fletcher Document
Reference: AIR 2672-FMS-P1, dated October 15, 2012, as applicable.
(2) Insert Section 2.4, Weight and Balance, of the CAA Approved
AFM Supplement for Aircraft Modified for Parachuting Operations, PT6
Fletcher-EX Document Reference: AIR 2817-FMS-P1, dated October 15,
2012, or Walter Fletcher Document Reference: AIR 2672-FMS-P1, dated
October 15, 2012, as applicable, into the AFM.
(h) Other FAA AD Provisions
The following provisions also apply to this AD:
(1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager,
Standards 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: Karl Schletzbaum, Aerospace Engineer, FAA,
Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas City,
Missouri 64106; telephone: (816) 329-4146; fax: (816) 329-4090;
email: karl.schletzbaum@faa.gov. 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.
(2) Airworthy Product: For any requirement in this AD to obtain
corrective actions from a manufacturer or other source, use these
actions if they are FAA-approved. Corrective actions are considered
FAA-approved if they are approved by the State of Design Authority
(or their delegated agent). You are required to assure the product
is airworthy before it is returned to service.
(3) Reporting Requirements: For any reporting requirement in
this AD, a federal agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person
is not required to respond to, nor shall a person be subject to a
penalty for failure to comply with a collection of information
subject to the requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act unless
that collection of information displays a current valid OMB Control
Number. The OMB Control Number for this information collection is
2120-0056. Public reporting for this collection of information is
estimated to be approximately 5 minutes per response,
[[Page 71359]]
including the time for reviewing instructions, completing and
reviewing the collection of information. All responses to this
collection of information are mandatory. Comments concerning the
accuracy of this burden and suggestions for reducing the burden
should be directed to the FAA at: 800 Independence Ave. SW.,
Washington, DC 20591, Attn: Information Collection Clearance
Officer, AES-200.
(i) Related Information
Refer to MCAI Civil Aviation Authority of New Zealand AD DCA/
FU24/182, dated October 25, 2012; CAA Approved Flight Manual
Supplement PT6 Fletcher-EX for Aircraft Modified for Parachuting
Operations, Document Reference: AIR 2817-FMS-P1, dated October 15,
2012; and CAA Approved Flight Manual Supplement Walter Fletcher for
Aircraft Modified for Parachuting Operations, Document Reference:
AIR 2672-FMS-P1, dated October 15, 2012, for related information.
Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on November 21, 2012.
Earl Lawrence,
Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2012-29026 Filed 11-29-12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
