Airworthiness Directives; Aviat Aircraft Inc. Airplanes, 21142-21144 [2017-09041]
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21142
Proposed Rules
Federal Register
Vol. 82, No. 86
Friday, May 5, 2017
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
Examining the AD Docket
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2017–0418; Directorate
Identifier 2016–CE–041–AD]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Aviat Aircraft
Inc. Airplanes
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking
(NPRM).
AGENCY:
We propose to adopt a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for certain
Aviat Aircraft Inc. Models A–1C–180
and A–1C–200 airplanes equipped with
Rapco part number RA1798–00–1 fuel
vent check valves. This proposed AD
was prompted by a report that the fuel
tank vent check valves are sticking in
the closed position causing fuel
starvation to the engine. This proposed
AD would require checking the fuel
vent check valves for proper operation
and replacing any inoperative fuel vent
check valve with an airworthy part. We
are proposing this AD to correct the
unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: We must receive comments on
this proposed AD by June 19, 2017.
ADDRESSES: You may send comments,
using the procedures found in 14 CFR
11.43 and 11.45, 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: Deliver to Mail
address above between 9 a.m. and
5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except
Federal holidays.
For service information identified in
this NPRM, contact Aviat Aircraft Inc.,
jstallworth on DSK7TPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS
SUMMARY:
VerDate Sep<11>2014
14:02 May 04, 2017
Jkt 241001
P.O. Box 1240, Afton, WY 83110; phone
(307) 885–3151; fax: (307) 885–9674;
email: aviat@aviataircraft.com; Internet:
https://aviataircraft.com. 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.
You may examine the AD docket on
the Internet at https://
www.regulations.gov by searching for
and locating Docket No. FAA–2017–
0418; 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
(phone: (800) 647–5527) is in the
ADDRESSES section. Comments will be
available in the AD docket shortly after
receipt.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Richard R. Thomas, Aerospace
Engineer, FAA, Denver Aircraft
Certification Office, 26805 East 68th
Avenue, Room 214, Denver, Colorado
80249; phone: (303) 342–1085; fax: (303)
342–1088; email: richard.r.thomas@
faa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
We invite you to send any written
relevant data, views, or arguments about
this proposal. Send your comments to
an address listed under the ADDRESSES
section. Include ‘‘Docket No. FAA–
2017–0418; Directorate Identifier 2016–
CE–041–AD’’ at the beginning of your
comments. We specifically invite
comments on the overall regulatory,
economic, environmental, and energy
aspects of this proposed AD. We will
consider all comments received by the
closing date and may amend this
proposed AD because of those
comments.
We will post all comments we
receive, without change, to https://
www.regulations.gov, including any
personal information you provide. We
will also post a report summarizing each
substantive verbal contact we receive
about this proposed AD.
PO 00000
Frm 00001
Fmt 4702
Sfmt 4702
Discussion
We received a report that an owner of
an Aviat Aircraft Inc. Model A–1C–180
airplane was forced to make a dead stick
landing after the engine shutdown on
takeoff. Following the incident, the fuel
tank caps were removed and the
mechanic heard air rushing into the fuel
tanks. Further investigation revealed
that the forced landing was a result of
fuel exhaustion caused by the fuel tank
vent valves sticking in the closed
position in both wings. Manual force
was required to push the check balls off
of their seats. When both vent valves
stick, a vacuum of sufficient strength
forms on the backside of the fuel and
fuel no longer is gravity fed to the
engine. Failure of a single vent valve is
latent as there is a cross-feed vent
between the left and right tanks that
allows the properly operating valve to
vent both tanks.
The incident airplane was equipped
with Rapco part number (P/N) RA1798–
00–1 fuel vent check valves. The design
of the Rapco P/N RA1798–00–1 is such
that the check valve ball seat is nearly
the same diameter as the ball and the
ball can readily wedge itself in the seat
and block the fuel tank vent.
This condition, if not corrected, could
cause fuel starvation to the engine and
result in the engine shutting down.
Related Service Information Under 1
CFR Part 51
We reviewed Aviat Aircraft Inc.
Mandatory Service Bulletin No. 33,
dated November 11, 2016. The service
bulletin describes procedures for
checking the fuel vent check valve on
each wing of the airplane for proper
operation and replacing any inoperative
fuel vent check valve. This service
information is reasonably available
because the interested parties have
access to it through their normal course
of business or by the means identified
in the ADDRESSES section.
FAA’s Determination
We are proposing this AD because we
evaluated all the relevant information
and determined the unsafe condition
described previously is likely to exist or
develop in other products of the same
type design.
Proposed AD Requirements
This proposed AD would require
accomplishing the actions specified in
E:\FR\FM\05MYP1.SGM
05MYP1
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Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 86 / Friday, May 5, 2017 / Proposed Rules
the service information described
previously.
The design approval holder is
currently developing a modification that
will address the unsafe condition
identified in this AD. Once this
modification is developed, approved,
and available, we might consider
additional rulemaking.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this proposed AD
affects 98 airplanes of U.S. registry.
We estimate the following costs to
comply with this proposed AD:
ESTIMATED COSTS
Action
Labor cost
Pre-flight check of the fuel vent check valve
for proper operation.
.5 work-hour × $85 per hour = $42.50 per
pre-flight check.
We conservatively estimated the cost
to do a single pre-flight check. We
recognize the pilot is allowed to perform
this check without the assistance of a
mechanic, which would significantly
reduce the estimated cost. We further
recognize that an individual airplane
would require this check every pre-
Parts cost
flight from the issuance of this proposed
AD until the end of its useful life unless
both valves are replaced with Duke
valves per paragraph (i). We have no
way of determining the total cost of
repeating this check every pre-flight
either for a single product or for all U.S.
operators.
Cost per
product
N/A
$42.50
Cost on U.S.
operators
$4,165
We estimate the following costs to do
any necessary replacements that would
be required based on the results of the
proposed pre-flight check. We have no
way of determining the number of
airplanes that may need these
replacements.
ON-CONDITION COSTS
Action
Labor cost
Parts cost
Remove and replace inoper- 2 work-hours (1 work-hour to remove and 1 work-hour
ative fuel vent check valve.
to replace) × $85 per hour = $170 per fuel vent
check valve. (There are 2 fuel vent check valves per
airplane = $340 to remove and replace both).
Authority for This Rulemaking
jstallworth on DSK7TPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS
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 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
VerDate Sep<11>2014
14:02 May 04, 2017
Jkt 241001
$200 per fuel vent check
valve. ($400 for both).
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.
PO 00000
Frm 00002
Fmt 4702
Sfmt 4702
Cost per product
§ 39.13
$370 per fuel vent check
valve. ($740 to remove
and replace both).
[Amended]
2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding
the following new airworthiness
directive (AD):
■
Aviat Aircraft Inc.: Docket No. FAA–2017–
0418; Directorate Identifier 2016–CE–
041–AD.
(a) Comments Due Date
We must receive comments by June 19,
2017.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Aviat Aircraft Inc.
Models A–1C–180 and A–1C–200 airplanes,
serial numbers 3181 through 3282, that are:
(1) Equipped with Rapco part number (P/
N) RA1798–00–1 fuel vent check valves; and
(2) certificated in any category.
Note to paragraph (c) of this AD: Airplanes
equipped with Duke P/N 1798–001 fuel vent
check valves are not affected by this AD.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC)
Code 2820, Fuel Distribution.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by a report that
Rapco P/N RA1798–00–1 fuel vent check
valves are sticking in the closed position. We
are issuing this AD to detect and correct
failure of the fuel tank vent check valve,
which could result in fuel starvation to the
engine and cause the engine to shut down.
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Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 86 / Friday, May 5, 2017 / Proposed Rules
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the
compliance times specified, unless already
done.
(2) Before using any approved AMOC,
notify your appropriate principal inspector,
or lacking a principal inspector, the manager
of the local flight standards district office/
certificate holding district office.
(g) Verify Proper Operation of the Fuel Vent
Check Valve on Each Wing
Before further flight after the effective date
of this AD, insert Steps 1 through 3 of Aviat
Aircraft Inc. (Aviat) Mandatory Service
Bulletin (MSB) No. 33, dated November 11,
2016, into the Limitations Section of the
airplane flight manual (AFM). This insertion
and the steps therein may be performed by
the owner/operator (pilot) holding at least a
private pilot certificate. The insertion of
Steps 1 through 3 in the AFM must be
entered into the aircraft records showing
compliance with this AD in accordance with
14 CFR 43.9 (a)(1)–(4) and 14 CFR
91.417(a)(2)(v). The record must be
maintained as required by 14 CFR 91.417,
121.380, or 135.439. This AFM requirement
mandates preflight checks of the fuel vent
check valve on each wing for proper
operation on the applicable airplanes
identified in paragraph (c) of this AD.
(h) Remove Inoperative Fuel Vent Check
Valve
During any check required in paragraph (g)
of this AD, if one or both of the fuel vent
check valves are not operating properly,
before further flight, remove the inoperative
valve following Steps 4 through 6 of Aviat
MSB No. 33, dated November 11, 2016.
(i) Replace Inoperative Fuel Vent Check
Valve
Before further flight after removing the
inoperative fuel vent check valve required in
paragraph (h) of this AD, replace it with an
airworthy fuel vent check valve following
Steps 8 and 9 of Aviat MSB No. 33, dated
November 11, 2016. If both fuel vent check
valves, Rapco P/N RA1798–00–1, are
replaced with airworthy Duke P/N 1798–001
fuel vent check valves, the repetitive preflight checks required in paragraph (g) of this
AD are terminated.
jstallworth on DSK7TPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS
(j) Special Flight Permit
Special flight permits are not necessary for
the preflight checks. A special flight permit
is allowed for this AD per 14 CFR 39.23 with
limitations. Special flight permits are
permitted for the airplane to be flown VFR
only to a location where the inoperative fuel
vent check valve can be removed and
replaced. No special flight permits are
allowed if both valves are found to be
inoperative.
(k) Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, Denver Aircraft
Certification Office (ACO), FAA, has the
authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if
requested using the procedures found in 14
CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19,
send your request to your principal inspector
or local Flight Standards District Office, as
appropriate. If sending information directly
to the manager of the ACO, send it to the
attention of the person identified in
paragraph (l)(1) of this AD.
VerDate Sep<11>2014
14:02 May 04, 2017
Jkt 241001
(l) Related Information
(1) For more information about this AD,
contact Richard R. Thomas, Aerospace
Engineer, FAA, Denver ACO, 26805 East 68th
Avenue, Room 214, Denver, Colorado 80249;
phone: (303) 342–1085; fax: (303) 342–1088;
email: richard.r.thomas@faa.gov.
(2) For service information identified in
this AD, contact Aviat Aircraft Inc., P.O. Box
1240, Afton, WY 83110; phone (307) 885–
3151; fax: (307) 885–9674; email: aviat@
aviataircraft.com; Internet: https://
aviataircraft.com. 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.
Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on April
27, 2017.
Pat Mullen,
Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate,
Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2017–09041 Filed 5–4–17; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2017–0241; Directorate
Identifier 2017–NE–09–AD]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Technify
Motors GmbH Reciprocating Engines
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking
(NPRM).
AGENCY:
We propose to adopt a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for certain
Technify Motors GmbH TAE 125–02
reciprocating engines. This proposed
AD was prompted by a loss of engine
power in flight caused by oil leaking
from the gearbox radial shaft sealing
ring that contaminated the clutch. This
proposed AD would require
replacement of the clutch with a dual
mass flywheel. We are proposing this
AD to correct the unsafe condition on
these products.
DATES: We must receive comments on
this NPRM by June 19, 2017.
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.
SUMMARY:
PO 00000
Frm 00003
Fmt 4702
Sfmt 4702
• Mail: Docket Management Facility,
U.S. Department of Transportation, 1200
New Jersey Avenue SE., West Building
Ground Floor, Room W12–140,
Washington, DC 20590–0001.
• Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail
address above between 9 a.m. and 5
p.m., Monday through Friday, except
Federal holidays.
• Fax: 202–493–2251.
For service information identified in
this proposed AD, contact Technify
Motors GmbH, Platanenstrasse 14, D–
09356 Sankt Egidien, Germany; phone:
+49 37204 696 0; fax: +49 37204 696
29125; email: info@centurionengines.com. You may view this service
information at the FAA, Engine &
Propeller Directorate, 1200 District
Avenue, Burlington, MA. For
information on the availability of this
material at the FAA, call 781–238–7125.
It is also available on the Internet at
https://www.regulations.gov by searching
for and locating Docket No. FAA–2017–
0241.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket on
the Internet at https://
www.regulations.gov by searching for
and locating Docket No. FAA–2017–
0241; or in person at the Docket
Operations office between 9 a.m. and 5
p.m., Monday through Friday, except
Federal holidays. The AD docket
contains this proposed AD, the
mandatory continuing airworthiness
information (MCAI), the regulatory
evaluation, any comments received, and
other information. The address for the
Docket Office (phone: 800–647–5527) is
in the ADDRESSES section. Comments
will be available in the AD docket
shortly after receipt.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Robert Green, Aerospace Engineer,
Engine Certification Office, FAA, Engine
& Propeller Directorate, 1200 District
Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803; phone:
781–238–7754; fax: 781–238–7199;
email: robert.green@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–2017–0241; Directorate Identifier
2017–NE–09–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
E:\FR\FM\05MYP1.SGM
05MYP1
Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 86 (Friday, May 5, 2017)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 21142-21144]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2017-09041]
========================================================================
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. 82, No. 86 / Friday, May 5, 2017 / Proposed
Rules
[[Page 21142]]
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2017-0418; Directorate Identifier 2016-CE-041-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Aviat Aircraft Inc. Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for
certain Aviat Aircraft Inc. Models A-1C-180 and A-1C-200 airplanes
equipped with Rapco part number RA1798-00-1 fuel vent check valves.
This proposed AD was prompted by a report that the fuel tank vent check
valves are sticking in the closed position causing fuel starvation to
the engine. This proposed AD would require checking the fuel vent check
valves for proper operation and replacing any inoperative fuel vent
check valve with an airworthy part. We are proposing this AD to correct
the unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by June 19, 2017.
ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR
11.43 and 11.45, 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: Deliver to Mail address above between 9
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
For service information identified in this NPRM, contact Aviat
Aircraft Inc., P.O. Box 1240, Afton, WY 83110; phone (307) 885-3151;
fax: (307) 885-9674; email: aviat@aviataircraft.com; Internet: https://aviataircraft.com. 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 by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2017-
0418; 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 (phone: (800) 647-5527) is in the ADDRESSES section. Comments
will be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Richard R. Thomas, Aerospace Engineer,
FAA, Denver Aircraft Certification Office, 26805 East 68th Avenue, Room
214, Denver, Colorado 80249; phone: (303) 342-1085; fax: (303) 342-
1088; email: richard.r.thomas@faa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or
arguments about this proposal. Send your comments to an address listed
under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2017-0418;
Directorate Identifier 2016-CE-041-AD'' at the beginning of your
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory,
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this proposed AD. We
will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend
this proposed AD because of those comments.
We will post all comments we receive, without change, to https://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. We
will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact we
receive about this proposed AD.
Discussion
We received a report that an owner of an Aviat Aircraft Inc. Model
A-1C-180 airplane was forced to make a dead stick landing after the
engine shutdown on takeoff. Following the incident, the fuel tank caps
were removed and the mechanic heard air rushing into the fuel tanks.
Further investigation revealed that the forced landing was a result of
fuel exhaustion caused by the fuel tank vent valves sticking in the
closed position in both wings. Manual force was required to push the
check balls off of their seats. When both vent valves stick, a vacuum
of sufficient strength forms on the backside of the fuel and fuel no
longer is gravity fed to the engine. Failure of a single vent valve is
latent as there is a cross-feed vent between the left and right tanks
that allows the properly operating valve to vent both tanks.
The incident airplane was equipped with Rapco part number (P/N)
RA1798-00-1 fuel vent check valves. The design of the Rapco P/N RA1798-
00-1 is such that the check valve ball seat is nearly the same diameter
as the ball and the ball can readily wedge itself in the seat and block
the fuel tank vent.
This condition, if not corrected, could cause fuel starvation to
the engine and result in the engine shutting down.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
We reviewed Aviat Aircraft Inc. Mandatory Service Bulletin No. 33,
dated November 11, 2016. The service bulletin describes procedures for
checking the fuel vent check valve on each wing of the airplane for
proper operation and replacing any inoperative fuel vent check valve.
This service information is reasonably available because the interested
parties have access to it through their normal course of business or by
the means identified in the ADDRESSES section.
FAA's Determination
We are proposing this AD because we evaluated all the relevant
information and determined the unsafe condition described previously is
likely to exist or develop in other products of the same type design.
Proposed AD Requirements
This proposed AD would require accomplishing the actions specified
in
[[Page 21143]]
the service information described previously.
The design approval holder is currently developing a modification
that will address the unsafe condition identified in this AD. Once this
modification is developed, approved, and available, we might consider
additional rulemaking.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this proposed AD affects 98 airplanes of U.S.
registry.
We estimate the following costs to comply with this proposed AD:
Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost per Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost product operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pre-flight check of the fuel vent .5 work-hour x $85 per N/A $42.50 $4,165
check valve for proper operation. hour = $42.50 per pre-
flight check.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
We conservatively estimated the cost to do a single pre-flight
check. We recognize the pilot is allowed to perform this check without
the assistance of a mechanic, which would significantly reduce the
estimated cost. We further recognize that an individual airplane would
require this check every pre-flight from the issuance of this proposed
AD until the end of its useful life unless both valves are replaced
with Duke valves per paragraph (i). We have no way of determining the
total cost of repeating this check every pre-flight either for a single
product or for all U.S. operators.
We estimate the following costs to do any necessary replacements
that would be required based on the results of the proposed pre-flight
check. We have no way of determining the number of airplanes that may
need these replacements.
On-Condition Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Remove and replace inoperative fuel 2 work-hours (1 work-hour $200 per fuel vent $370 per fuel vent
vent check valve. to remove and 1 work-hour check valve. ($400 check valve. ($740 to
to replace) x $85 per hour for both). remove and replace
= $170 per fuel vent check both).
valve. (There are 2 fuel
vent check valves per
airplane = $340 to remove
and replace both).
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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 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
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 airworthiness
directive (AD):
Aviat Aircraft Inc.: Docket No. FAA-2017-0418; Directorate
Identifier 2016-CE-041-AD.
(a) Comments Due Date
We must receive comments by June 19, 2017.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Aviat Aircraft Inc. Models A-1C-180 and A-1C-
200 airplanes, serial numbers 3181 through 3282, that are:
(1) Equipped with Rapco part number (P/N) RA1798-00-1 fuel vent
check valves; and
(2) certificated in any category.
Note to paragraph (c) of this AD: Airplanes equipped with Duke
P/N 1798-001 fuel vent check valves are not affected by this AD.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 2820, Fuel
Distribution.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by a report that Rapco P/N RA1798-00-1 fuel
vent check valves are sticking in the closed position. We are
issuing this AD to detect and correct failure of the fuel tank vent
check valve, which could result in fuel starvation to the engine and
cause the engine to shut down.
[[Page 21144]]
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Verify Proper Operation of the Fuel Vent Check Valve on Each Wing
Before further flight after the effective date of this AD,
insert Steps 1 through 3 of Aviat Aircraft Inc. (Aviat) Mandatory
Service Bulletin (MSB) No. 33, dated November 11, 2016, into the
Limitations Section of the airplane flight manual (AFM). This
insertion and the steps therein may be performed by the owner/
operator (pilot) holding at least a private pilot certificate. The
insertion of Steps 1 through 3 in the AFM must be entered into the
aircraft records showing compliance with this AD in accordance with
14 CFR 43.9 (a)(1)-(4) and 14 CFR 91.417(a)(2)(v). The record must
be maintained as required by 14 CFR 91.417, 121.380, or 135.439.
This AFM requirement mandates preflight checks of the fuel vent
check valve on each wing for proper operation on the applicable
airplanes identified in paragraph (c) of this AD.
(h) Remove Inoperative Fuel Vent Check Valve
During any check required in paragraph (g) of this AD, if one or
both of the fuel vent check valves are not operating properly,
before further flight, remove the inoperative valve following Steps
4 through 6 of Aviat MSB No. 33, dated November 11, 2016.
(i) Replace Inoperative Fuel Vent Check Valve
Before further flight after removing the inoperative fuel vent
check valve required in paragraph (h) of this AD, replace it with an
airworthy fuel vent check valve following Steps 8 and 9 of Aviat MSB
No. 33, dated November 11, 2016. If both fuel vent check valves,
Rapco P/N RA1798-00-1, are replaced with airworthy Duke P/N 1798-001
fuel vent check valves, the repetitive pre-flight checks required in
paragraph (g) of this AD are terminated.
(j) Special Flight Permit
Special flight permits are not necessary for the preflight
checks. A special flight permit is allowed for this AD per 14 CFR
39.23 with limitations. Special flight permits are permitted for the
airplane to be flown VFR only to a location where the inoperative
fuel vent check valve can be removed and replaced. No special flight
permits are allowed if both valves are found to be inoperative.
(k) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, Denver Aircraft Certification Office (ACO),
FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested
using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14
CFR 39.19, send your request to your principal inspector or local
Flight Standards District Office, as appropriate. If sending
information directly to the manager of the ACO, send it to the
attention of the person identified in paragraph (l)(1) of this AD.
(2) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate
principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager
of the local flight standards district office/certificate holding
district office.
(l) Related Information
(1) For more information about this AD, contact Richard R.
Thomas, Aerospace Engineer, FAA, Denver ACO, 26805 East 68th Avenue,
Room 214, Denver, Colorado 80249; phone: (303) 342-1085; fax: (303)
342-1088; email: richard.r.thomas@faa.gov.
(2) For service information identified in this AD, contact Aviat
Aircraft Inc., P.O. Box 1240, Afton, WY 83110; phone (307) 885-3151;
fax: (307) 885-9674; email: aviat@aviataircraft.com; Internet:
https://aviataircraft.com. 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.
Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on April 27, 2017.
Pat Mullen,
Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2017-09041 Filed 5-4-17; 8:45 am]
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