Airworthiness Directives; AQUILA-Aviation by Excellence AG Airplanes, 70200-70202 [2013-27914]
Download as PDF
70200
Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 227 / Monday, November 25, 2013 / Rules and Regulations
(a) Effective Date
This AD becomes effective December 30,
2013.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to all Rolls-Royce
Deutschland Ltd & Co KG (RRD) model Tay
620–15, 650–15, and 651–54 turbofan
engines.
(d) Reason
This AD was prompted by excessive
deterioration of the high-pressure (HP) air
bleed valve operating mechanism which is
influencing the aerodynamic fan flutter
margin. This condition, if not corrected,
could lead to multiple fan blade failure. We
are issuing this AD to prevent multiple fan
blade failure, which could result in
uncontained engine failure and damage to
the airplane.
(e) Actions and Compliance
Unless already done, do the following
actions.
(1) Within 1,500 flight cycles after the
effective date of this AD, perform a one-time
inspection of the HP air bleed valve operating
mechanism. Use paragraphs 3.D. and 3.E. of
RRD Alert Non-Modification Service Bulletin
(NMSB) No. TAY–75–A1784, Revision 1,
dated May 30, 2013, to do your inspection.
(2) If the measured torque necessary to
open and close the HP air bleed valve is
higher than the torque values referenced in
paragraph 3.D.(1)(a)[1] for the Tay 620–15
and 650–15 engines, or 3.D.(2)(a)[1] for the
Tay 651–54 engine, of RRD Alert NMSB No.
TAY–75–A1784, Revision 1, dated May 30,
2013, then before next flight, accomplish
paragraph 3.D(1)(a)[1][a], for the Tay 620–15
and 650–15 engines, or 3.D.(2)(a)[1][a], for
the Tay 651–54 engine, of RRD Alert NMSB
No. TAY–75–A1784, Revision 1, dated May
30, 2013.
emcdonald on DSK67QTVN1PROD with RULES
(f) Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs)
The Manager, Engine Certification Office,
may approve AMOCs for this AD. Use the
procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19 to make
your request.
(g) Related Information
(1) For more information about this AD,
contact Frederick Zink, Aerospace Engineer,
Engine Certification Office, FAA, Engine &
Propeller Directorate, 12 New England
Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803;
phone: 781–238–7779; fax: 781–238–7199;
email: frederick.zink@faa.gov.
(2) Refer to European Aviation Safety
Agency AD 2013–0142, dated July 12, 2013,
for more information. You may examine the
AD on the Internet at https://
www.regulations.gov/
#!documentDetail;D=FAA-2013-0397-0004.
(h) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
(IBR) of the service information listed in this
paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR
part 51.
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15:59 Nov 22, 2013
Jkt 232001
(2) You must use this service information
as applicable to do the actions required by
this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
(i) Rolls-Royce Deutschland Alert NonModification Service Bulletin No. TAY–75–
A1784, Revision 1, dated May 30, 2013.
(ii) Reserved.
(3) For service information identified in
this AD, contact Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd
& Co KG, Eschenweg 11, Dahlewitz, 15827
Blankenfelde-Mahlow, Germany; phone: 49 0
33–7086–1200; fax: 49 0 33–7086–1212.
(4) You may view this service information
at FAA, Engine & Propeller Directorate, 12
New England Executive Park, Burlington,
MA. For information on the availability of
this material at the FAA, call 781–238–7125.
(5) You may view this service information
at the National Archives and Records
Administration (NARA). For information on
the availability of this material at NARA, call
202–741–6030, or go to: https://
www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibrlocations.html.
Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on
November 1, 2013.
Thomas A. Boudreau,
Acting Assistant Directorate Manager, Engine
& Propeller Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2013–27431 Filed 11–22–13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2013–0963; Directorate
Identifier 2013–CE–034–AD; Amendment
39–17663; AD 2013–23–08]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; AQUILA—
Aviation by Excellence AG Airplanes
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule; request for comments
AGENCY:
We are adopting a new
airworthiness directive (AD) AQUILA—
Aviation by Excellence AG Model AT01
airplanes. This AD results from
mandatory continuing airworthiness
information (MCAI) issued by the
aviation authority of another country to
identify and correct an unsafe condition
on an aviation product. The MCAI
describes the unsafe condition as a
defective sealing of a tapped through
bore hole at the inside of the fuel tank
openings in combination with
prolonged periods at maximum fuel
level. We are issuing this AD to require
actions to address the unsafe condition
on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective December
30, 2013.
SUMMARY:
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The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
of a certain publication listed in the AD
as of December 30, 2013.
We must receive comments on this
AD by January 9, 2014.
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.
For service information identified in
this AD, contact AQUILA Aviation
GmbH, OT Schoenhagen, Flugplatz, D–
14959 Trebbin, Germany; phone: +49–
(0) 33731–707–0; fax: +49 (0) 33731–
707–11; Internet: https://www.aquilaaviation.de/; email:
maintenance@aquila-aviation.de. You
may review this 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.
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 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:
Doug Rudolph, Aerospace Engineer,
FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 901
Locust, Room 301, Kansas City,
Missouri 64106; telephone: (816) 329–
4059; fax: (816) 329–4090; email:
doug.rudolph@faa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Discussion
The European Aviation Safety Agency
(EASA), which is the Technical Agent
for the Member States of the European
Community, has issued AD No. 2013–
0236, dated September 25, 2013
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Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 227 / Monday, November 25, 2013 / Rules and Regulations
(referred to after this as ‘‘the MCAI’’), to
correct an unsafe condition for the
specified products. The MCAI states:
public. Therefore, we find that notice
and opportunity for prior public
comment are unnecessary.
During repair in the wing tank area it was
discovered that, when the tank is filled to a
maximum level, fuel can soak into the upper
shell sandwich of the wings. This can be
detected from damaged finishing of the upper
wing shells or from yellow discoloured
bonding wire insulation.
The root cause is a defective sealing of a
tapped through bore hole at the inside of the
fuel tank openings in combination with
prolonged periods at maximum fuel level.
This condition, if not detected and
corrected, could cause long-term structural
degradation of the wing structure.
To address this potential unsafe condition,
AQUILA issued Service Bulletin (SB)–AT01–
027 providing instructions for the inspection
and sealing of tapped bore holes inside both
fuel tank openings.
For the reasons described above, this AD
requires repetitive inspections of the wing
tank area and, depending on findings,
corrective actions.
Comments Invited
This AD is a final rule that involves
requirements affecting flight safety, and
we did not precede it by notice and
opportunity for public comment. We
invite you to send any written relevant
data, views, or arguments about this AD.
Send your comments to an address
listed under the ADDRESSES section.
Include ‘‘Docket No. FAA–2013–0963;
Directorate Identifier 2013–CE–034–
AD’’ at the beginning of your comments.
We specifically invite comments on the
overall regulatory, economic,
environmental, and energy aspects of
this AD. We will consider all comments
received by the closing date and may
amend this AD because of those
comments.
We will post all comments we
receive, without change, to https://
www.regulations.gov, including any
personal information you provide. We
will also post a report summarizing each
substantive verbal contact we receive
about this AD.
You may examine the MCAI on the
Internet at https://www.regulations.gov
by searching for and locating it in
Docket No. FAA–2013–0963.
Relevant Service Information
AQUILA Aviation GmbH issued
Vorgeschrieben Technische Mitteilung
SB–AT01–027, dated August 15, 2013
(English translation: Mandatory Service
Bulletin SB–AT01–027, Issue A.02,
dated August 15, 2013). The actions
described in this service information are
intended to correct the unsafe condition
identified in the MCAI.
emcdonald on DSK67QTVN1PROD with RULES
FAA’s Determination and Requirements
of the 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 issuing this
AD because we evaluated all
information provided by the State of
Design Authority and determined the
unsafe condition exists and is likely to
exist or develop on other products of the
same type design.
FAA’s Determination of the Effective
Date
An unsafe condition exists that
requires the immediate adoption of this
AD. The FAA has found that the risk to
the flying public justifies waiving notice
and comment prior to adoption of this
rule because there are no airplanes
currently on the U.S. registry and thus,
does not have any impact upon the
VerDate Mar<15>2010
15:59 Nov 22, 2013
Jkt 232001
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this AD will affect 0
products of U.S. registry. We also
estimate that it will take about 2 workhours per product to comply with the
basic requirements of this AD. The
average labor rate is $85 per work-hour.
Based on these figures, we estimate
the cost of this AD on U.S. operators to
be $0, or $0 per product.
In addition, we estimate that any
necessary follow-on actions will take
about 2 work-hours and require parts
costing $100, for a cost of $270 per
product. We have no way of
determining the number of products
that may need these actions.
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
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70201
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 AD will not
have federalism implications under
Executive Order 13132. This AD will
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 this AD:
(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.
Adoption of the Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority
delegated to me by the Administrator,
the FAA amends 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.
§ 39.13
[Amended]
2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding
the following new AD:
■
2013–23–08 AQUILA—Aviation by
Excellence AG: Amendment 39–17663;
Docket No. FAA–2013–0963; Directorate
Identifier 2013–CE–034–AD.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes
effective December 30, 2013.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Aquila—Aviation by
Excellence AG Model AT01 airplanes, serial
numbers AT01–100 through AT01–299,
certificated in any category.
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70202
Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 227 / Monday, November 25, 2013 / Rules and Regulations
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association of America
(ATA) Code 28: Fuel.
emcdonald on DSK67QTVN1PROD with RULES
(e) Reason
This AD was prompted by 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 defective
sealing of a tapped through bore hole at the
inside of the fuel tank openings in
combination with prolonged periods at
maximum fuel level. We are issuing this AD
to detect and correct a defective sealing of a
tapped through bore hole at the inside of the
fuel tank openings, which if not detected and
corrected, could cause long-term structural
degradation of the wing structure.
(f) Actions and Compliance
Unless already done, do the following
actions, as specified in paragraphs (f)(1)
through (f)(6), including subparagraphs, of
this AD:
Note 1 to paragraph (f) of this AD: The
service information referenced in this AD
contains German to English translation. The
MCAI cites the English translation. The
following is the English to German
translation of the service information
entitled: AQUILA Aviation GmbH
Vorgeschrieben Technische Mitteilung SB–
AT01–027, dated August 15, 2013 (English
translation: AQUILA Aviation GmbH
Mandatory Service Bulletin SB–AT01–027,
Issue A.02, dated August 15, 2013). For
paragraphs (f)(1) through (f)(6), the service
information will be cited using the English
translation.
(1) Within 100 hours time-in-service (TIS)
after December 30, 2013 (the effective date of
this AD) or 3 months after December 30, 2013
(the effective date of this AD), whichever
occurs first, and repetitively thereafter at
intervals not to exceed 12 months, visually
inspect the left hand (LH) and right hand
(RH) wing tank areas following paragraph (1)
of the Actions section of AQUILA Aviation
GmbH Mandatory Service Bulletin SB–
AT01–027, Issue A.02, dated August 15,
2013.
(2) Concurrent with the initial inspection
required in paragraph (f)(1) of this AD, seal
the tapped through bore holes inside the LH
and RH fuel tank openings following
paragraph (2) of the Actions section of
AQUILA Aviation GmbH Mandatory Service
Bulletin SB–AT01–027, Issue A.02, dated
August 15, 2013.
(3) If, during any subsequent inspection
required in paragraph (f)(1) of this AD, a
tapped through bore hole inside the LH or
RH fuel tank opening is found to be
improperly sealed, within the next 100 hours
TIS after detecting the improper seal or 3
months after detecting the improper seal,
whichever occurs first, renew the sealing of
the affected bore hole following paragraph (2)
of the Actions section of AQUILA Aviation
GmbH Mandatory Service Bulletin SB–
AT01–027, Issue A.02, dated August 15,
2013.
(4) If, during any inspection required in
paragraph (f)(1) of this AD, the upper wing
VerDate Mar<15>2010
15:59 Nov 22, 2013
Jkt 232001
shells show damaged finishing in the tank
areas, before further flight, contact AQUILA
Aviation GmbH following paragraph (3) of
the Actions section of AQUILA Aviation
GmbH Mandatory Service Bulletin SB–
AT01–027, Issue A.02, dated August 15,
2013, at the address identified in paragraph
(i)(3) of this AD for an approved repair
scheme and, accomplish the repair scheme
before further flight.
(5) Accomplishment of corrective actions
required in paragraph (f)(3) or (f)(4) of this
AD does not constitute terminating action for
the repetitive inspections required by
paragraph (f)(1) of this AD.
(6) After accomplishment of the required
initial inspection and sealing in paragraphs
(f)(1) and (f)(2) of this AD, compliance with
the requirements of this AD can be
demonstrated by:
(i) Revising the approved Aircraft
Maintenance Program (AMP) and standard
practices (Instructions for Continued
Airworthiness) on the basis of which the
operator or the owner ensures the continuing
airworthiness of each airplane: Incorporate
the repetitive 12 calendar month visual
inspection of the LH and RH wing tank areas
required in paragraph (f)(1) of this AD,
Actions section of AQUILA Aviation GmbH
Mandatory Service Bulletin SB–AT01–027,
Issue A.02, dated August 15, 2013; and
(ii) Complying with the approved AMP
described in paragraph (f)(6)(i) of this AD.
(g) 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: Doug Rudolph, Aerospace Engineer,
FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust,
Room 301, Kansas City, Missouri 64106;
telephone: (816) 329–4059; fax: (816) 329–
4090; email: doug.rudolph@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 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.
(h) Related Information
Refer to MCAI European Aviation Safety
Agency (EASA) AD No. 2013–0236, dated
September 25, 2013, for related information.
You may examine the MCAI on the Internet
at https://www.regulations.gov by searching
for and locating it in Docket No. FAA–2013–
0963.
(i) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
(IBR) of the service information listed in this
PO 00000
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Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR
part 51.
(2) You must use this service information
as applicable to do the actions required by
this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
(i) AQUILA Aviation GmbH
Vorgeschrieben Technische Mitteilung SB–
AT01–027, dated August 15, 2013 (English
translation: AQUILA Aviation GmbH
Mandatory Service Bulletin SB–AT01–027,
Issue A.02, dated August 15, 2013).
Note 2 to paragraph (i)(2)(i) of this AD:
This service information contains German to
English translation. EASA used the English
translation in referencing the documents
from AQUILA Aviation GmbH. For
enforceability purposes, we will refer to the
AQUILA Aviation GmbH service information
as the titles appear on the documents.
(ii) Reserved.
(3) For AQUILA—Aviation by Excellence
AG service information identified in this AD,
contact AQUILA Aviation GmbH, OT
Schoenhagen, Flugplatz, D–14959 Trebbin,
Germany; phone: +49-(0) 33731–707–0; fax:
+49 (0) 33731–707–11; Internet: https://
www.aquila-aviation.de/; email:
maintenance@aquila-aviation.de.
(4) You may view this 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.
(5) You may view this service information
that is incorporated by reference at the
National Archives and Records
Administration (NARA). For information on
the availability of this material at NARA, call
202–741–6030, or go to: https://
www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibrlocations.html.
Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on
November 5, 2013.
Earl Lawrence,
Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2013–27914 Filed 11–22–13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2013–0354; Directorate
Identifier 2011–SW–072–AD; Amendment
39–17665; AD 2013–23–10]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Eurocopter
France Helicopters
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
We are superseding
Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2010–
21–01 for Eurocopter France
(Eurocopter) Model AS350B, BA, B1,
B2, B3, D, AS355E, F, F1, F2, and N
SUMMARY:
E:\FR\FM\25NOR1.SGM
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Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 227 (Monday, November 25, 2013)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 70200-70202]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-27914]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2013-0963; Directorate Identifier 2013-CE-034-AD;
Amendment 39-17663; AD 2013-23-08]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; AQUILA--Aviation by Excellence AG
Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule; request for comments
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) AQUILA--
Aviation by Excellence AG Model AT01 airplanes. This AD results from
mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) issued by the
aviation authority of another country to identify and correct an unsafe
condition on an aviation product. The MCAI describes the unsafe
condition as a defective sealing of a tapped through bore hole at the
inside of the fuel tank openings in combination with prolonged periods
at maximum fuel level. We are issuing this AD to require actions to
address the unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective December 30, 2013.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in the AD as of December 30,
2013.
We must receive comments on this AD by January 9, 2014.
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.
For service information identified in this AD, contact AQUILA
Aviation GmbH, OT Schoenhagen, Flugplatz, D-14959 Trebbin, Germany;
phone: +49-(0) 33731-707-0; fax: +49 (0) 33731-707-11; Internet: https://www.aquila-aviation.de/; email: maintenance@aquila-aviation.de. You
may review this 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.
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 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: Doug Rudolph, Aerospace Engineer, FAA,
Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas City, Missouri
64106; telephone: (816) 329-4059; fax: (816) 329-4090; email:
doug.rudolph@faa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Discussion
The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical
Agent for the Member States of the European Community, has issued AD
No. 2013-0236, dated September 25, 2013
[[Page 70201]]
(referred to after this as ``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe
condition for the specified products. The MCAI states:
During repair in the wing tank area it was discovered that, when
the tank is filled to a maximum level, fuel can soak into the upper
shell sandwich of the wings. This can be detected from damaged
finishing of the upper wing shells or from yellow discoloured
bonding wire insulation.
The root cause is a defective sealing of a tapped through bore
hole at the inside of the fuel tank openings in combination with
prolonged periods at maximum fuel level.
This condition, if not detected and corrected, could cause long-
term structural degradation of the wing structure.
To address this potential unsafe condition, AQUILA issued
Service Bulletin (SB)-AT01-027 providing instructions for the
inspection and sealing of tapped bore holes inside both fuel tank
openings.
For the reasons described above, this AD requires repetitive
inspections of the wing tank area and, depending on findings,
corrective actions.
You may examine the MCAI on the Internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating it in Docket No. FAA-
2013-0963.
Relevant Service Information
AQUILA Aviation GmbH issued Vorgeschrieben Technische Mitteilung
SB-AT01-027, dated August 15, 2013 (English translation: Mandatory
Service Bulletin SB-AT01-027, Issue A.02, dated August 15, 2013). 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 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 issuing this AD because we
evaluated all information provided by the State of Design Authority and
determined the unsafe condition exists and is likely to exist or
develop on other products of the same type design.
FAA's Determination of the Effective Date
An unsafe condition exists that requires the immediate adoption of
this AD. The FAA has found that the risk to the flying public justifies
waiving notice and comment prior to adoption of this rule because there
are no airplanes currently on the U.S. registry and thus, does not have
any impact upon the public. Therefore, we find that notice and
opportunity for prior public comment are unnecessary.
Comments Invited
This AD is a final rule that involves requirements affecting flight
safety, and we did not precede it by notice and opportunity for public
comment. We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or
arguments about this AD. Send your comments to an address listed under
the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2013-0963; Directorate
Identifier 2013-CE-034-AD'' at the beginning of your comments. We
specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, economic,
environmental, and energy aspects of this AD. We will consider all
comments received by the closing date and may amend this AD because of
those comments.
We will post all comments we receive, without change, to https://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. We
will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact we
receive about this AD.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this AD will affect 0 products of U.S. registry.
We also estimate that it will take about 2 work-hours per product to
comply with the basic requirements of this AD. The average labor rate
is $85 per work-hour.
Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of this AD on U.S.
operators to be $0, or $0 per product.
In addition, we estimate that any necessary follow-on actions will
take about 2 work-hours and require parts costing $100, for a cost of
$270 per product. We have no way of determining the number of products
that may need these actions.
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 determined that this AD will not have federalism implications
under Executive Order 13132. This AD will 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 this AD:
(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.
Adoption of the Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows:
PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
0
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]
0
2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new AD:
2013-23-08 AQUILA--Aviation by Excellence AG: Amendment 39-17663;
Docket No. FAA-2013-0963; Directorate Identifier 2013-CE-034-AD.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective December 30,
2013.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Aquila--Aviation by Excellence AG Model AT01
airplanes, serial numbers AT01-100 through AT01-299, certificated in
any category.
[[Page 70202]]
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association of America (ATA) Code 28: Fuel.
(e) Reason
This AD was prompted by 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 defective
sealing of a tapped through bore hole at the inside of the fuel tank
openings in combination with prolonged periods at maximum fuel
level. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct a defective
sealing of a tapped through bore hole at the inside of the fuel tank
openings, which if not detected and corrected, could cause long-term
structural degradation of the wing structure.
(f) Actions and Compliance
Unless already done, do the following actions, as specified in
paragraphs (f)(1) through (f)(6), including subparagraphs, of this
AD:
Note 1 to paragraph (f) of this AD: The service information
referenced in this AD contains German to English translation. The
MCAI cites the English translation. The following is the English to
German translation of the service information entitled: AQUILA
Aviation GmbH Vorgeschrieben Technische Mitteilung SB-AT01-027,
dated August 15, 2013 (English translation: AQUILA Aviation GmbH
Mandatory Service Bulletin SB-AT01-027, Issue A.02, dated August 15,
2013). For paragraphs (f)(1) through (f)(6), the service information
will be cited using the English translation.
(1) Within 100 hours time-in-service (TIS) after December 30,
2013 (the effective date of this AD) or 3 months after December 30,
2013 (the effective date of this AD), whichever occurs first, and
repetitively thereafter at intervals not to exceed 12 months,
visually inspect the left hand (LH) and right hand (RH) wing tank
areas following paragraph (1) of the Actions section of AQUILA
Aviation GmbH Mandatory Service Bulletin SB-AT01-027, Issue A.02,
dated August 15, 2013.
(2) Concurrent with the initial inspection required in paragraph
(f)(1) of this AD, seal the tapped through bore holes inside the LH
and RH fuel tank openings following paragraph (2) of the Actions
section of AQUILA Aviation GmbH Mandatory Service Bulletin SB-AT01-
027, Issue A.02, dated August 15, 2013.
(3) If, during any subsequent inspection required in paragraph
(f)(1) of this AD, a tapped through bore hole inside the LH or RH
fuel tank opening is found to be improperly sealed, within the next
100 hours TIS after detecting the improper seal or 3 months after
detecting the improper seal, whichever occurs first, renew the
sealing of the affected bore hole following paragraph (2) of the
Actions section of AQUILA Aviation GmbH Mandatory Service Bulletin
SB-AT01-027, Issue A.02, dated August 15, 2013.
(4) If, during any inspection required in paragraph (f)(1) of
this AD, the upper wing shells show damaged finishing in the tank
areas, before further flight, contact AQUILA Aviation GmbH following
paragraph (3) of the Actions section of AQUILA Aviation GmbH
Mandatory Service Bulletin SB-AT01-027, Issue A.02, dated August 15,
2013, at the address identified in paragraph (i)(3) of this AD for
an approved repair scheme and, accomplish the repair scheme before
further flight.
(5) Accomplishment of corrective actions required in paragraph
(f)(3) or (f)(4) of this AD does not constitute terminating action
for the repetitive inspections required by paragraph (f)(1) of this
AD.
(6) After accomplishment of the required initial inspection and
sealing in paragraphs (f)(1) and (f)(2) of this AD, compliance with
the requirements of this AD can be demonstrated by:
(i) Revising the approved Aircraft Maintenance Program (AMP) and
standard practices (Instructions for Continued Airworthiness) on the
basis of which the operator or the owner ensures the continuing
airworthiness of each airplane: Incorporate the repetitive 12
calendar month visual inspection of the LH and RH wing tank areas
required in paragraph (f)(1) of this AD, Actions section of AQUILA
Aviation GmbH Mandatory Service Bulletin SB-AT01-027, Issue A.02,
dated August 15, 2013; and
(ii) Complying with the approved AMP described in paragraph
(f)(6)(i) of this AD.
(g) 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: Doug Rudolph, Aerospace Engineer, FAA, Small
Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas City, Missouri
64106; telephone: (816) 329-4059; fax: (816) 329-4090; email:
doug.rudolph@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.
(h) Related Information
Refer to MCAI European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD No.
2013-0236, dated September 25, 2013, for related information. You
may examine the MCAI on the Internet at https://www.regulations.gov
by searching for and locating it in Docket No. FAA-2013-0963.
(i) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference (IBR) of the service information listed
in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
(2) You must use this service information as applicable to do
the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
(i) AQUILA Aviation GmbH Vorgeschrieben Technische Mitteilung
SB-AT01-027, dated August 15, 2013 (English translation: AQUILA
Aviation GmbH Mandatory Service Bulletin SB-AT01-027, Issue A.02,
dated August 15, 2013).
Note 2 to paragraph (i)(2)(i) of this AD: This service
information contains German to English translation. EASA used the
English translation in referencing the documents from AQUILA
Aviation GmbH. For enforceability purposes, we will refer to the
AQUILA Aviation GmbH service information as the titles appear on the
documents.
(ii) Reserved.
(3) For AQUILA--Aviation by Excellence AG service information
identified in this AD, contact AQUILA Aviation GmbH, OT Schoenhagen,
Flugplatz, D-14959 Trebbin, Germany; phone: +49-(0) 33731-707-0;
fax: +49 (0) 33731-707-11; Internet: https://www.aquila-aviation.de/;
email: maintenance@aquila-aviation.de.
(4) You may view this 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.
(5) You may view this service information that is incorporated
by reference at the National Archives and Records Administration
(NARA). For information on the availability of this material at
NARA, call 202-741-6030, or go to: https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.
Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on November 5, 2013.
Earl Lawrence,
Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2013-27914 Filed 11-22-13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P