Airworthiness Directives; Textron Aviation, Inc. Airplanes, 24007-24010 [2019-10993]
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Federal Register / Vol. 84, No. 101 / Friday, May 24, 2019 / Rules and Regulations
to, the provisions of this part as if it
were making an election for the first
time.
§ 101.8
Evasion.
The OCC may disapprove any notice
submitted pursuant to this part if the
OCC determines that the notice is made
for the purpose of evading § 101.5,
including as that section applies to a
covered savings association terminating
an election.
Dated: May 20, 2019.
Joseph M. Otting,
Comptroller of the Currency.
[FR Doc. 2019–10902 Filed 5–23–19; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4810–33–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2019–0350; Product
Identifier 2019–CE–025–AD; Amendment
39–19634; AD 2019–08–13]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Textron
Aviation, Inc. Airplanes
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule; request for
comments.
AGENCY:
We are adopting a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for certain
Textron Aviation, Inc. (type certificate
previously held by Cessna Aircraft
Company) Models 525, 525A, and 525B
airplanes with Tamarack active load
alleviation system (ATLAS) winglets
installed in accordance with
Supplemental Type Certificate (STC)
SA03842NY. 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
malfunction of the ATLAS. We are
issuing this AD to require actions to
address the unsafe condition on these
products.
SUMMARY:
This AD is effective May 24,
2019.
We must receive comments on this
AD by July 8, 2019.
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.
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DATES:
VerDate Sep<11>2014
16:08 May 23, 2019
Jkt 247001
• 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 by searching for
and locating Docket No. FAA–2019–
0350; or in person at Docket Operations
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 Docket Operations
(telephone (800) 647–5527) is in the
ADDRESSES section. Comments will be
available in the AD docket shortly after
receipt.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Steven Dzierzynski, Aerospace
Engineer, FAA, New York ACO Branch,
1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410,
Westbury, New York 11590; telephone:
(516) 228–7367; fax: (516) 794–5531;
email: steven.dzierzynski@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 EASA AD No.:
2019–0086–E, dated April 19, 2019
(referred to after this as ‘‘the MCAI’’), to
correct an unsafe condition for Textron
Aviation, Inc. Models 525, 525A, and
525B airplanes with Tamarack ATLAS
winglets installed in accordance with
STC SA03842NY. The MCAI states:
The active load alleviation system
(ATLAS), when operational, deflects the
Tamarack active control surfaces (TACS) on
the outboard wings. Recently, occurrences
have been reported in which ATLAS appears
to have malfunctioned, causing upset events
where, in some cases, the pilots had
difficulty to recover the aeroplane to safe
flight. Investigation continues to determine
the cause(s) for the reported events.
This condition, if not corrected, could lead
to loss of control of the aeroplane.
To address this potential unsafe condition,
Cranfield Aerospace Solutions have issued
the [service bulletin] SB, providing
instructions to pull and collar the ATLAS
circuit breaker, to make TACS immovable
and to amend the applicable AFMS.
For the reasons described above, this
[EASA] AD requires the Tamarack ATLAS to
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Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
24007
be deactivated and the TACS to be fixed in
place. This [EASA] AD also requires
implementation of operational limitations
and repetitive pre-flight inspections by
amending the applicable AFMS. Finally, this
[EASA] AD requires a modification of the
ATLAS, which would provide relief for the
deactivation, limitations and repetitive
inspections as required by this AD.
This [EASA] AD is an interim action
and further AD action may follow.
The National Transportation Safety
Board (NTSB) is investigating a fatal
accident involving a Model 525 airplane
with the ATLAS STC installed. The
NTSB investigation focuses on the role
the ATLAS may have played in the
accident. In addition to the accident,
five incidents of aircraft uncommanded
roll events with the ATLAS activated
have been reported to EASA and the
FAA. In each incident, the pilot was
able to recover from the event and land
the aircraft safely. You may examine the
MCAI on the internet at https://
www.regulations.gov by searching for
and locating Docket No. FAA–2019–
0350.
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.
EASA has approved a master
minimum equipment list (MMEL) for
the ATLAS, which allows operation of
the airplane with the system disabled
for up to 10 flight hours with operating
limitations. However, the FAA has not
approved an MMEL for the ATLAS. The
EASA AD allows operation for up to 100
flight hours with the system disabled
and with the same operating limitations
as in the MMEL. However, this AD does
not allow operation with the ATLAS
disabled.
Instead, this AD prohibits all flight
until a modification has been
incorporated in accordance with an
FAA-approved method. Until a
modification method is developed and
approved, this AD requires revising the
operating limitations in the AFM and
fabricating and installing a placard to
prohibit further flight.
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24008
Federal Register / Vol. 84, No. 101 / Friday, May 24, 2019 / Rules and Regulations
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The FAA finds the service
information from the STC holder
(Cranfield Aerospace Solutions) does
not contain adequate instructions to
safely disable the ATLAS. Those
instructions include the use of ‘‘speed
tape’’ around each Tamarack active
camber surface (TACS) to keep them
faired in the neutral position during
flight. Any modifications mandated
through AD action become changes to
the type design in the U.S. system. The
FAA would need to ensure that the use
of speed tape complies with the
applicable airworthiness regulations for
use on a movable surface to hold that
surface in a fixed position. The speed
tape does not have sufficient testing and
analysis to support the type design
change. This program would involve
testing for environmental effects, fatigue
analysis, and analysis of hazards due to
potential failures of the tape. Without
more analysis, the security of the speed
tape method to prevent movement of the
TACS cannot be assured, and loss of
control of the airplane may occur with
the ATLAS disabled. An operator or
Cranfield may provide substantiating
data to the FAA and request an
alternative method of compliance using
the procedures in paragraph (g) of this
AD.
This AD specifies that the owner/
operator (pilot) may revise the AFM and
may fabricate and install a placard
prohibiting flight. Revising an AFM is
not considered a maintenance action
and may be done by a pilot holding at
least a private pilot certificate. Allowing
the pilot to fabricate and install a
placard is an exception to our standard
maintenance regulations. These actions
must be recorded in the aircraft
maintenance records to show
compliance with this AD.
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 the ATLAS, when
operational, deflects the active control
surfaces on the outboard wings. The
malfunction of the ATLAS may reduce
the pilot’s ability to control the airplane.
The service information provided by the
STC holder does not contain adequate
instructions to mitigate the unsafe
condition. This unsafe condition could
lead to loss of control of the airplane
with consequent loss of life. The
severity of the risk warrants compliance
before further flight. Therefore, we find
good cause that notice and opportunity
for prior public comment are
VerDate Sep<11>2014
16:08 May 23, 2019
Jkt 247001
impracticable. In addition, for the
reasons stated above, we find that good
cause exists for making this amendment
effective upon publication.
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–2019–0350;
Product Identifier 2019–CE–025–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 affects 76
products of U.S. registry. We also
estimate that it will take about 2 workhours per product to revise the
Operating Limitations section of the
AFM and to fabricate and install a
placard. The average labor rate is $85
per work-hour. We estimate the parts
cost to fabricate the placard as $5.
Based on these figures, we estimate
the cost of the proposed AD on U.S.
operators to be $13,300, or $175 per
product.
This AD prohibits flight until the
incorporation of an FAA-approved
modification. At this time, a
modification does not exist; therefore,
we have no data to use for estimating
the cost of the modification.
As indicated earlier in this preamble,
we specifically invite the submission of
comments and other data regarding the
costs of this AD.
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:
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Frm 00018
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
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.
This AD is issued in accordance with
authority delegated by the Executive
Director, Aircraft Certification Service,
as authorized by FAA Order 8000.51C.
In accordance with that order, issuance
of ADs is normally a function of the
Compliance and Airworthiness
Division, but during this transition
period, the Executive Director has
delegated the authority to issue ADs
applicable to small airplanes, gliders,
balloons, airships, domestic business jet
transport airplanes, and associated
appliances to the Director of the Policy
and Innovation Division.
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:
■
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Federal Register / Vol. 84, No. 101 / Friday, May 24, 2019 / Rules and Regulations
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
§ 39.13
[Amended]
2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding
the following new airworthiness
directive (AD):
■
2019–08–13 Textron Aviation, Inc. (Type
certificate previously held by Cessna
Aircraft Company): Amendment 39–
19634; Docket No. FAA–2019–0350;
Product Identifier 2019–CE–025–AD.
(f) Actions and Compliance
(a) Effective Date
This AD becomes effective May 24, 2019.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Textron Aviation, Inc.
(type certificate previously held by Cessna
Aircraft Company) Models 525, 525A, and
525B airplanes, certificated in any category,
with Tamarack active load alleviation system
(ATLAS) winglets installed in accordance
with Supplemental Type Certificate (STC)
SA03842NY.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association of America
(ATA) Code 27: Flight Controls.
(e) Reason
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This AD was prompted by mandatory
continuing airworthiness information (MCAI)
issued by the aviation authority of another
country to identify and correct an unsafe
VerDate Sep<11>2014
16:08 May 23, 2019
Jkt 247001
condition on an aviation product. The MCAI
describes the unsafe condition as
malfunction of the ATLAS, which could
cause difficulty for the pilot to recover the
airplane to safe flight. We are issuing this AD
to prevent failure of the Tamarack ATLAS
winglets, which may lead to the pilot’s
inability to control the airplane.
Unless already done, do the following
actions in paragraphs (f)(1) through (3) of this
AD.
(1) Before further flight after May 24, 2019
(the effective date of this AD):
(i) Revise the Operating Limitations section
of the airplane flight manual (AFM) to
prohibit further flight. You may insert a copy
of this AD into the Operating Limitations
section of the AFM to comply with this
requirement.
(ii) Fabricate and install a placard in the
cockpit of the airplane, in plain view of the
pilot, with the following text: ALL FLIGHT
IS PROHIBITED.
(2) In addition to the provisions of 14 CFR
43.3 and 43.7, the actions required by
paragraph (f)(1) of this AD may be performed
by the owner/operator (pilot) holding at least
a private pilot certificate and must be entered
into the aircraft records showing compliance
with this AD in accordance with 14 CFR
43.9(a)(1) through (4) and 14 CFR
91.417(a)(2)(v). The record must be
maintained as required by 14 CFR 91.417.
This authority is not applicable to aircraft
being operated under 14 CFR part 119.
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Frm 00019
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
24009
(3) You may remove the AFM revision and
placard required by paragraph (f)(1) of this
AD after incorporating an FAA-approved
modification. To obtain FAA-approval, the
modification method must be approved by
the Manager, New York ACO Branch, and the
approval letter must specifically refer to this
AD. To contact the New York ACO Branch,
you may use the contact information found
in paragraph (g) of this AD.
(g) Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs)
The Manager, New York ACO Branch,
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: Program Manager, Continued
Operational Safety FAA, New York ACO
Branch, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410,
Westbury, New York 11590; telephone: (516)
228–7300; fax: (516) 794–5531; email: 9-avsnyaco-cos@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.
(h) Special Flight Permit
A special flight permit may be issued to
allow 10 hours time-in-service for nonpassenger carrying flight under the operating
limitations in figure 1 to this paragraph of
this AD.
E:\FR\FM\24MYR1.SGM
24MYR1
24010
Federal Register / Vol. 84, No. 101 / Friday, May 24, 2019 / Rules and Regulations
Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on May
20, 2019.
Melvin J. Johnson,
Aircraft Certification Service, Deputy
Director, Policy and Innovation Division,
AIR–601.
[FR Doc. 2019–10993 Filed 5–22–19; 11:15 am]
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 95
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[Docket No. 31225; Amdt. No. 546]
IFR Altitudes; Miscellaneous
Amendments
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
This amendment adopts
miscellaneous amendments to the
required IFR (instrument flight rules)
SUMMARY:
VerDate Sep<11>2014
16:08 May 23, 2019
altitudes and changeover points for
certain Federal airways, jet routes, or
direct routes for which a minimum or
maximum en route authorized IFR
altitude is prescribed. This regulatory
action is needed because of changes
occurring in the National Airspace
System. These changes are designed to
provide for the safe and efficient use of
the navigable airspace under instrument
conditions in the affected areas.
DATES: Effective 0901 UTC, June 20,
2019.
Jkt 247001
Thomas J. Nichols, Flight Procedures
and Airspace Group, Flight
Technologies and Procedures Division,
Flight Standards Service, Federal
Aviation Administration. Mailing
Address: FAA Mike Monroney
Aeronautical Center, Flight Procedures
and Airspace Group, 6500 South
MacArthur Blvd., Registry Bldg 29,
Room 104, Oklahoma City, OK 73125.
Telephone: (405) 954–4164.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This
amendment to part 95 of the Federal
Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 95)
amends, suspends, or revokes IFR
altitudes governing the operation of all
aircraft in flight over a specified route
or any portion of that route, as well as
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Frm 00020
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
the changeover points (COPs) for
Federal airways, jet routes, or direct
routes as prescribed in part 95.
The Rule
The specified IFR altitudes, when
used in conjunction with the prescribed
changeover points for those routes,
ensure navigation aid coverage that is
adequate for safe flight operations and
free of frequency interference. The
reasons and circumstances that create
the need for this amendment involve
matters of flight safety and operational
efficiency in the National Airspace
System, are related to published
aeronautical charts that are essential to
the user, and provide for the safe and
efficient use of the navigable airspace.
In addition, those various reasons or
circumstances require making this
amendment effective before the next
scheduled charting and publication date
of the flight information to assure its
timely availability to the user. The
effective date of this amendment reflects
those considerations. In view of the
close and immediate relationship
between these regulatory changes and
safety in air commerce, I find that notice
and public procedure before adopting
this amendment are impracticable and
contrary to the public interest and that
E:\FR\FM\24MYR1.SGM
24MYR1
ER24MY19.005
(i) Related Information
Refer to MCAI European Aviation Safety
Agency AD No.: 2019–0086–E, dated April
19, 2019, for related information. You may
examine the MCAI on the internet at https://
www.regulations.gov by searching for and
locating Docket No. FAA–2019–0350.
Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 84, Number 101 (Friday, May 24, 2019)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 24007-24010]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2019-10993]
=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2019-0350; Product Identifier 2019-CE-025-AD; Amendment
39-19634; AD 2019-08-13]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Textron Aviation, Inc. Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain
Textron Aviation, Inc. (type certificate previously held by Cessna
Aircraft Company) Models 525, 525A, and 525B airplanes with Tamarack
active load alleviation system (ATLAS) winglets installed in accordance
with Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) SA03842NY. 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 malfunction of the ATLAS. We are issuing this AD to
require actions to address the unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective May 24, 2019.
We must receive comments on this AD by July 8, 2019.
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 by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2019-
0350; or in person at Docket Operations 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 Docket Operations (telephone (800)
647-5527) is in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available in
the AD docket shortly after receipt.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Steven Dzierzynski, Aerospace
Engineer, FAA, New York ACO Branch, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410,
Westbury, New York 11590; telephone: (516) 228-7367; fax: (516) 794-
5531; email: [email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Discussion
The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical
Agent for the Member States of the European Community, has issued EASA
AD No.: 2019-0086-E, dated April 19, 2019 (referred to after this as
``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for Textron Aviation,
Inc. Models 525, 525A, and 525B airplanes with Tamarack ATLAS winglets
installed in accordance with STC SA03842NY. The MCAI states:
The active load alleviation system (ATLAS), when operational,
deflects the Tamarack active control surfaces (TACS) on the outboard
wings. Recently, occurrences have been reported in which ATLAS
appears to have malfunctioned, causing upset events where, in some
cases, the pilots had difficulty to recover the aeroplane to safe
flight. Investigation continues to determine the cause(s) for the
reported events.
This condition, if not corrected, could lead to loss of control
of the aeroplane.
To address this potential unsafe condition, Cranfield Aerospace
Solutions have issued the [service bulletin] SB, providing
instructions to pull and collar the ATLAS circuit breaker, to make
TACS immovable and to amend the applicable AFMS.
For the reasons described above, this [EASA] AD requires the
Tamarack ATLAS to be deactivated and the TACS to be fixed in place.
This [EASA] AD also requires implementation of operational
limitations and repetitive pre-flight inspections by amending the
applicable AFMS. Finally, this [EASA] AD requires a modification of
the ATLAS, which would provide relief for the deactivation,
limitations and repetitive inspections as required by this AD.
This [EASA] AD is an interim action and further AD action may
follow.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is investigating a
fatal accident involving a Model 525 airplane with the ATLAS STC
installed. The NTSB investigation focuses on the role the ATLAS may
have played in the accident. In addition to the accident, five
incidents of aircraft uncommanded roll events with the ATLAS activated
have been reported to EASA and the FAA. In each incident, the pilot was
able to recover from the event and land the aircraft safely. You may
examine the MCAI on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2019-0350.
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.
EASA has approved a master minimum equipment list (MMEL) for the
ATLAS, which allows operation of the airplane with the system disabled
for up to 10 flight hours with operating limitations. However, the FAA
has not approved an MMEL for the ATLAS. The EASA AD allows operation
for up to 100 flight hours with the system disabled and with the same
operating limitations as in the MMEL. However, this AD does not allow
operation with the ATLAS disabled.
Instead, this AD prohibits all flight until a modification has been
incorporated in accordance with an FAA-approved method. Until a
modification method is developed and approved, this AD requires
revising the operating limitations in the AFM and fabricating and
installing a placard to prohibit further flight.
[[Page 24008]]
The FAA finds the service information from the STC holder
(Cranfield Aerospace Solutions) does not contain adequate instructions
to safely disable the ATLAS. Those instructions include the use of
``speed tape'' around each Tamarack active camber surface (TACS) to
keep them faired in the neutral position during flight. Any
modifications mandated through AD action become changes to the type
design in the U.S. system. The FAA would need to ensure that the use of
speed tape complies with the applicable airworthiness regulations for
use on a movable surface to hold that surface in a fixed position. The
speed tape does not have sufficient testing and analysis to support the
type design change. This program would involve testing for
environmental effects, fatigue analysis, and analysis of hazards due to
potential failures of the tape. Without more analysis, the security of
the speed tape method to prevent movement of the TACS cannot be
assured, and loss of control of the airplane may occur with the ATLAS
disabled. An operator or Cranfield may provide substantiating data to
the FAA and request an alternative method of compliance using the
procedures in paragraph (g) of this AD.
This AD specifies that the owner/operator (pilot) may revise the
AFM and may fabricate and install a placard prohibiting flight.
Revising an AFM is not considered a maintenance action and may be done
by a pilot holding at least a private pilot certificate. Allowing the
pilot to fabricate and install a placard is an exception to our
standard maintenance regulations. These actions must be recorded in the
aircraft maintenance records to show compliance with this AD.
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 the
ATLAS, when operational, deflects the active control surfaces on the
outboard wings. The malfunction of the ATLAS may reduce the pilot's
ability to control the airplane. The service information provided by
the STC holder does not contain adequate instructions to mitigate the
unsafe condition. This unsafe condition could lead to loss of control
of the airplane with consequent loss of life. The severity of the risk
warrants compliance before further flight. Therefore, we find good
cause that notice and opportunity for prior public comment are
impracticable. In addition, for the reasons stated above, we find that
good cause exists for making this amendment effective upon publication.
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-2019-0350; Product
Identifier 2019-CE-025-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 affects 76 products of U.S. registry. We
also estimate that it will take about 2 work-hours per product to
revise the Operating Limitations section of the AFM and to fabricate
and install a placard. The average labor rate is $85 per work-hour. We
estimate the parts cost to fabricate the placard as $5.
Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of the proposed AD on
U.S. operators to be $13,300, or $175 per product.
This AD prohibits flight until the incorporation of an FAA-approved
modification. At this time, a modification does not exist; therefore,
we have no data to use for estimating the cost of the modification.
As indicated earlier in this preamble, we specifically invite the
submission of comments and other data regarding the costs of this AD.
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.
This AD is issued in accordance with authority delegated by the
Executive Director, Aircraft Certification Service, as authorized by
FAA Order 8000.51C. In accordance with that order, issuance of ADs is
normally a function of the Compliance and Airworthiness Division, but
during this transition period, the Executive Director has delegated the
authority to issue ADs applicable to small airplanes, gliders,
balloons, airships, domestic business jet transport airplanes, and
associated appliances to the Director of the Policy and Innovation
Division.
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:
[[Page 24009]]
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):
2019-08-13 Textron Aviation, Inc. (Type certificate previously held
by Cessna Aircraft Company): Amendment 39-19634; Docket No. FAA-
2019-0350; Product Identifier 2019-CE-025-AD.
(a) Effective Date
This AD becomes effective May 24, 2019.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Textron Aviation, Inc. (type certificate
previously held by Cessna Aircraft Company) Models 525, 525A, and
525B airplanes, certificated in any category, with Tamarack active
load alleviation system (ATLAS) winglets installed in accordance
with Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) SA03842NY.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association of America (ATA) Code 27: Flight
Controls.
(e) Reason
This AD was prompted by 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 malfunction of
the ATLAS, which could cause difficulty for the pilot to recover the
airplane to safe flight. We are issuing this AD to prevent failure
of the Tamarack ATLAS winglets, which may lead to the pilot's
inability to control the airplane.
(f) Actions and Compliance
Unless already done, do the following actions in paragraphs
(f)(1) through (3) of this AD.
(1) Before further flight after May 24, 2019 (the effective date
of this AD):
(i) Revise the Operating Limitations section of the airplane
flight manual (AFM) to prohibit further flight. You may insert a
copy of this AD into the Operating Limitations section of the AFM to
comply with this requirement.
(ii) Fabricate and install a placard in the cockpit of the
airplane, in plain view of the pilot, with the following text: ALL
FLIGHT IS PROHIBITED.
(2) In addition to the provisions of 14 CFR 43.3 and 43.7, the
actions required by paragraph (f)(1) of this AD may be performed by
the owner/operator (pilot) holding at least a private pilot
certificate and must be entered into the aircraft records showing
compliance with this AD in accordance with 14 CFR 43.9(a)(1) through
(4) and 14 CFR 91.417(a)(2)(v). The record must be maintained as
required by 14 CFR 91.417. This authority is not applicable to
aircraft being operated under 14 CFR part 119.
(3) You may remove the AFM revision and placard required by
paragraph (f)(1) of this AD after incorporating an FAA-approved
modification. To obtain FAA-approval, the modification method must
be approved by the Manager, New York ACO Branch, and the approval
letter must specifically refer to this AD. To contact the New York
ACO Branch, you may use the contact information found in paragraph
(g) of this AD.
(g) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
The Manager, New York ACO Branch, 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: Program Manager,
Continued Operational Safety FAA, New York ACO Branch, 1600 Stewart
Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, New York 11590; telephone: (516) 228-
7300; fax: (516) 794-5531; email: [email protected]. 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.
(h) Special Flight Permit
A special flight permit may be issued to allow 10 hours time-in-
service for non-passenger carrying flight under the operating
limitations in figure 1 to this paragraph of this AD.
[[Page 24010]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR24MY19.005
(i) Related Information
Refer to MCAI European Aviation Safety Agency AD No.: 2019-0086-
E, dated April 19, 2019, for related information. You may examine
the MCAI on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching
for and locating Docket No. FAA-2019-0350.
Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on May 20, 2019.
Melvin J. Johnson,
Aircraft Certification Service, Deputy Director, Policy and Innovation
Division, AIR-601.
[FR Doc. 2019-10993 Filed 5-22-19; 11:15 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P