Airworthiness Directives; Aviat Aircraft Inc., 49962-49965 [2020-17904]
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Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 159 / Monday, August 17, 2020 / Rules and Regulations
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2020–0715; Project
Identifier AD–2020–00484–A; Amendment
39–21190; AD 2020–16–06]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Aviat Aircraft
Inc.
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule; request for
comments.
AGENCY:
Examining the AD Docket
The FAA is adopting a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for all
Aviat Aircraft Inc. Models A–1, A–1A,
A–1B, A–1C–180, and A–1C–200
airplanes.
This AD requires repetitive
inspections of the forward horizontal
stabilizer support assembly and the rear
horizontal stabilizer support tube and
reporting information to the FAA. This
AD was prompted by field reports of
complete failure of both the forward
support assembly and the rear support
tube due to fatigue. The FAA is issuing
this AD to address the unsafe condition
on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective September 1,
2020.
The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
of a certain publication listed in this AD
as of September 1, 2020.
The FAA must receive comments on
this AD by October 1, 2020.
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.
• 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 final rule, contact Aviat Aircraft
Inc., Al Humbert, 672 South
SUMMARY:
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16:18 Aug 14, 2020
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Washington Street, Afton, WY, 83110,
United States; phone: (307) 885–3151;
email: dmir@aviataircraft.com; internet:
https://aviataircraft.com. You may view
this service information at the FAA,
Airworthiness Products Section,
Operational Safety Branch, 901 Locust,
Kansas City, Missouri 64106. For
information on the availability of this
material at the FAA, call (816) 329–
4148. It is also available on the internet
at https://www.regulations.gov by
searching for and locating Docket No.
FAA–2020–0715.
You may examine the AD docket on
the internet at https://
www.regulations.gov by searching for
and locating Docket No. FAA–2020–
0715; 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 final rule,
any comments received, and other
information. The street address for the
Docket Operations is listed above.
Comments will be available in the AD
docket shortly after receipt.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Mark Dalrymple, Aerospace Engineer,
Denver ACO Branch, FAA, 26805 E.
68th Avenue, Denver, CO 80249; phone:
(303) 342–1090; email:
mark.dalrymple@faa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Discussion
The FAA received three field reports
from Aviat Aircraft Inc. of complete
failure of the rear horizontal stabilizer
inboard support tube. The first incident,
discovered during a scheduled
inspection, occurred in 2005, and the
second incident, discovered while the
airplane was being re-skinned, occurred
in 2009. The third incident was
discovered during a pre-flight
inspection in 2012 and included a
complete failure of the forward
horizontal stabilizer inboard support
assembly. Failure analysis of both parts
from the 2012 incident concluded they
failed due to fatigue. In addition to these
complete failures of the rear support
tube, the FAA received two field reports
from Aviat Aircraft Inc. of cracks in the
rear support tube, discovered during
inspections, in 2005 and 2013. Aviat
Aircraft Inc. subsequently issued
Service Bulletin No. 28, Revision A,
dated April 2, 2015, which requires a
one-time inspection of the rear stabilizer
inboard support tube in response to the
multiple reports of failures and cracks.
In addition to the 2012 incident,
which involved a failure of both
supports, the FAA received two other
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field reports from Aviat Aircraft Inc. of
complete failure of the forward
horizontal stabilizer inboard support
assembly, one in 2000 and one in 2019.
In the first incident, the failure occurred
during ground handling after flight. In
the second incident the failure was
discovered while the aircraft was being
placed in a hanger.
Failure of either the forward or rear
support transfers loads to the other
support, increasing the likelihood that
both could fail. This condition, if not
addressed, could result in stabilizer
departure and loss of airplane control.
Related Service Information Under 1
CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed Aviat Aircraft Inc.
Service Bulletin No. 28, Revision A,
dated April 2, 2015 (Aviat SB No. 28,
Revision A). This service information
contains procedures for inspecting and
repairing the rear stabilizer support
tube. 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
The FAA is issuing this AD because
it 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.
AD Requirements
This AD requires inspection for cracks
and replacement if necessary of the
forward horizontal stabilizer support
assembly. This AD also requires
inspecting the rear horizontal stabilizer
support tube for corrosion and damage
and repair if necessary. This AD also
requires reporting the inspection results
to the FAA.
FAA’s Justification and Determination
of the Effective Date
An unsafe condition exists that
requires the immediate adoption of this
AD without providing an opportunity
for public comments prior to adoption.
The FAA has found that the risk to the
flying public justifies waiving notice
and comment prior to adoption of this
rule because FAA risk assessment
indicates there is an unacceptable shortterm risk of developing fatigue cracks
through 25 percent of the cross sectional
area of the rear support tube on
airplanes that have engaged in tow
operations. In addition, further FAA risk
assessment indicates there is an
unacceptable short-term risk of
developing fatigue cracks through 25
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Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 159 / Monday, August 17, 2020 / Rules and Regulations
percent of the cross sectional area of the
forward support assembly on all
airplanes. In the majority of known
incidents at either location, the support
failed completely. Failure of either the
forward or rear support transfers loads
to the other support, increasing the
likelihood that both could fail, which
has occurred in one known incident. A
combined failure of both the forward
and rear supports could result in
stabilizer departure and loss of airplane
control. Therefore, the FAA finds good
cause that notice and opportunity for
prior public comment are impracticable.
In addition, for the reasons stated above,
the FAA finds that good cause exists for
making this amendment effective in less
than 30 days.
Comments Invited
This AD is a final rule that involves
requirements affecting flight safety and
was not preceded by notice and an
opportunity for public comment.
However, we invite you to send any
written data, views, or arguments about
this final rule. Send your comments to
an address listed under the ADDRESSES
section. Include ‘‘Docket No.FAA–
2020–0715; Product Identifier AD–
2020–00484–A’’ at the beginning of your
comments. The FAA will consider all
comments received by the closing date
and may amend this proposed AD
because of those comments.
49963
Except for Confidential Business
Information (CBI) as described in the
following paragraph, and other
information as described in 14 CFR
11.35, the FAA will post all comments
received, without change, to https://
www.regulations.gov, including any
personal information you provide. The
FAA will also post a report
summarizing each substantive verbal
contact we receive about this final rule.
that the FAA receives which is not
specifically designated as CBI will be
placed in the public docket for this
rulemaking.
The FAA will post all comments
received, without change, to https://
www.regulations.gov, including any
personal information you provide. The
FAA will also post a report
summarizing each substantive verbal
contact we receive about this AD.
Confidential Business Information
CBI is commercial or financial
information that is both customarily and
actually treated as private by its owner.
Under the Freedom of Information Act
(FOIA) (5 U.S.C. 552), CBI is exempt
from public disclosure. If your
comments responsive to this AD contain
commercial or financial information
that is customarily treated as private,
that you actually treat as private, and
that is relevant or responsive to this AD,
it is important that you clearly designate
the submitted comments as CBI. Please
mark each page of your submission
containing CBI as ‘‘PROPIN.’’ The FAA
will treat such marked submissions as
confidential under the FOIA, and they
will not be placed in the public docket
of this AD. Submissions containing CBI
should be sent to Mark Dalrymple,
Aerospace Engineer, Denver ACO
Branch, FAA, 26805 E. 68th Avenue,
Denver, CO 80249. Any commentary
Differences Between This AD and the
Service Information
The service information only applies
to certain serial numbers of the airplane
models identified in this AD, while this
AD applies to all serial numbers of
Aviat Aircraft Inc. Model A–1, A–1A,
A–1B, A–1C–180, and A–1C–200
airplanes. The service information only
requires inspecting the rear stabilizer
support tube, while this AD requires
inspecting the forward stabilizer
support assembly in addition to the rear
stabilizer support tube. The service
information only requires a one-time
inspection, while this AD requires both
initial and repetitive inspections.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD
affects 941 airplanes of U.S. registry.
The FAA estimates the following
costs to comply with this AD:
ESTIMATED COSTS
Action
Labor cost
Inspect forward horizontal stabilizer inboard support
assembly for cracks.
Inspect rear horizontal stabilizer inboard support tube
weld joints for corrosion and damage.
1 work-hour × $85.00 per hour =
$85.00.
0.5 work-hour × $85.00 per hour =
$42.50.
The FAA estimates the following
costs to do any necessary repairs or
replacements that would be required
Parts cost
based on the results of the inspection.
The FAA has no way of determining the
Cost per
product
Cost on U.S.
operators
$25.00
$110.00
$103,510.00
0.00
42.50
39,992.50
number of airplanes that might need
these replacements:
ON-CONDITION COSTS
Action
Labor cost
Replace forward horizontal stabilizer support tube .......................
Repair rear horizontal stabilizer support tube weld joints and install new support tube insert.
Report if cracks are found .............................................................
2 work-hours × $85.00 per hour = $170.00
4.5 work-hours × $85.00 per hour =
$382.50.
0.5 work-hour × $85.00 per hour = $42.50
Paperwork Reduction Act
A federal agency may not conduct or
sponsor, and a person is not required to
respond to, nor shall a person be subject
to a penalty for failure to comply with
a collection of information subject to the
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16:18 Aug 14, 2020
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requirements of the Paperwork
Reduction Act unless that collection of
information displays a currently valid
OMB Control Number. The OMB
Control Number for this information
collection is 2120–0056. Public
reporting for this collection of
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Parts cost
Cost per
product
$296.00
163.00
$466.00
545.50
0.00
42.50
information is estimated to be
approximately .5 hour per response,
including the time for reviewing
instructions, searching existing data
sources, gathering and maintaining the
data needed, completing and reviewing
the collection of information. All
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Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 159 / Monday, August 17, 2020 / Rules and Regulations
responses to this collection of
information are mandatory. Send
comments regarding this burden
estimate or any other aspect of this
collection of information, including
suggestions for reducing this burden to:
Information Collection Clearance
Officer, Federal Aviation
Administration, 10101 Hillwood
Parkway, Fort Worth, TX 76177–1524.
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.
The FAA is 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 Flexibility Act
The requirements of the Regulatory
Flexibility Act (RFA) do not apply when
an agency finds good cause pursuant to
5 U.S.C. 553 to adopt a rule without
prior notice and comment. Because FAA
has determined that it has good cause to
adopt this rule without notice and
comment, RFA analysis is not required.
Regulatory Findings
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,
and
(2) Will not affect intrastate aviation
in Alaska.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation
safety, Incorporation by reference,
Safety.
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16:18 Aug 14, 2020
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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 airworthiness
directive (AD):
■
2020–16–06 Aviat Aircraft Inc.:
Amendment 39–21190; Docket No.
FAA–2020–0715; Project Identifier AD–
2020–00484–A.
(a) Effective Date
This AD is effective September 1, 2020.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Aviat Aircraft Inc.,
Models A–1, A–1A, A–1B, A–1C–180, and
A–1C–200 airplanes, all serial numbers,
certificated in any category.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC)/
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America
Code 5510, Horizontal Stabilizer Structure.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by reports of
complete failure of the forward horizontal
stabilizer support assembly due to fatigue in
combination with complete failure of the rear
horizontal stabilizer support tube due to
fatigue. The FAA is issuing this AD to
prevent cracking of the forward and rear
inboard supports, which could result in
failure of the stabilizer supports, detachment
of the stabilizer, and loss of airplane control.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the
compliance times specified, unless already
done.
(g) Inspection and Repair
For airplanes with 400 or more hours timein-service (TIS), do the following inspection
within 30 days after September 1, 2020 (the
effective date of this AD) or within 20 hours
TIS after September 1, 2020 (the effective
date of this AD), whichever occurs first. For
airplanes with less than 400 hours TIS, do
the following inspections within 30 days
after accumulating 400 hours TIS or within
20 hours TIS after accumulating 400 hours
TIS, whichever occurs first. After the initial
inspection, repeat the inspections at intervals
not to exceed 12 months or 100 hours TIS,
whichever occurs first.
(1) Below and just aft of the horizontal
stabilizer leading edge, remove each
inspection hole cover if installed, or cut out
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the inside of each inspection ring if not cut
out, on both sides of the fuselage. You do not
need to remove the stabilizer support
assembly. Locate the forward horizontal
stabilizer support assembly. Using a light and
a mirror or a borescope, inspect the stabilizer
support assembly for cracks in the large tube
portion of the assembly. Pay particular
attention to the toe of the welded bushings
where the stabilizer support assembly is
bolted to the fuselage frame.
(i) If no cracks are found, install inspection
hole cover, part number (P/N) 61659 and
mounting screws, P/N 59146.
(ii) If any cracks are found, before further
flight, replace the stabilizer support assembly
with the same part-numbered part, either P/
N 35086–501 or P/N 38086–501 as
applicable. Replace both self-locking nuts
with self-locking nuts that have zero hours
TIS. Replacing the forward stabilizer support
assembly requires removal and reinstallation
of other horizontal stabilizer components.
Replace all self-locking nuts with self-locking
nuts that have zero hours TIS upon
reinstallation of these components.
(2) Inspect the rear horizontal stabilizer
support tube weld joints for corrosion and
damage in accordance with the Instructions,
steps 1.a. and 1.b., of Aviat Aircraft Inc.
Service Bulletin No. 28, Revision A, dated
April 2, 2015. If there is any corrosion or
damage on a weld joint, before further flight,
repair the weld joint and install a repair tube
inside the stabilizer support tube as depicted
in the figure on page 3 of Aviat Aircraft Inc.
Service Bulletin No. 28, Revision A, dated
April 2, 2015. Repairing the rear horizontal
stabilizer support tube requires removal and
reinstallation of other horizontal stabilizer
components. Replace all self-locking nuts
with self-locking nuts that have zero hours
TIS upon reinstallation of these components.
(h) Reporting Requirement
If a crack is found during any inspection
required by paragraph (g) of this AD, within
10 days, report the following information to
the FAA at the address listed in paragraph (l)
of this AD:
(1) Aircraft Make and Model
(2) Aircraft N-number
(3) Aircraft Serial Number
(4) Total hours TIS
(5) Total takeoff and landing cycles (if
known)
(6) Aircraft used for Tow operations? Yes
or No
(7) If the Aircraft is used for Tow
operations, report heaviest Glider Max Gross
takeoff weight or banner maximum weight.
(8) Describe the crack location(s) and
report the length of the crack(s) in the
forward horizontal stabilizer support
assembly, rear horizontal stabilizer support
tube, or both.
(i) Special Flight Permit
In accordance with 14 CFR 39.23, special
flight permits are prohibited.
(j) Paperwork Reduction Act Burden
Statement
A federal agency may not conduct or
sponsor, and a person is not required to
respond to, nor shall a person be subject to
a penalty for failure to comply with a
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Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 159 / Monday, August 17, 2020 / Rules and Regulations
collection of information subject to the
requirements of the Paperwork Reduction
Act unless that collection of information
displays a currently valid OMB Control
Number. The OMB Control Number for this
information collection is 2120–0056. Public
reporting for this collection of information is
estimated to be approximately .5 hour per
response, including the time for reviewing
instructions, searching existing data sources,
gathering and maintaining the data needed,
completing and reviewing the collection of
information. All responses to this collection
of information are mandatory. Send
comments regarding this burden estimate or
any other aspect of this collection of
information, including suggestions for
reducing this burden to: Information
Collection Clearance Officer, Federal
Aviation Administration, 10101 Hillwood
Parkway, Fort Worth, TX 76177–1524.
(k) Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, Denver ACO Branch,
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
certification office, send it to the attention of
the person identified in paragraph (l) 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
For more information about this AD,
contact Mark Dalrymple, Aerospace
Engineer, Denver ACO Branch, FAA, 26805
E. 68th Avenue, Denver, CO 80249; phone:
(303) 342–1090; email: mark.dalrymple@
faa.gov.
(m) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference 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) Aviat Aircraft Inc. Service Bulletin No.
28, Revision A, dated April 2, 2015.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For Aviat Aircraft Inc. service
information identified in this AD, contact
Aviat Aircraft Inc., Al Humbert, 672 South
Washington Street, Afton, WY 83110, United
States; phone: (307) 885–3151; email: dmir@
aviataircraft.com; internet: https://
aviataircraft.com.
(4) You may view this service information
at FAA, Airworthiness Products Section,
Operational Safety Branch, 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
VerDate Sep<11>2014
16:18 Aug 14, 2020
Jkt 250001
Administration (NARA). For information on
the availability of this material at NARA,
email: fedreg.legal@nara.gov, or go to:
https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/
ibr-locations.html.
Issued on July 28, 2020.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2020–17904 Filed 8–14–20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
34 CFR Part 75 and Chapter III
Final Waiver and Extension of the
Project Periods for the American
Indian Vocational Rehabilitation
Services Program
Office of Special Education and
Rehabilitative Services (OSERS),
Department of Education.
ACTION: Final waiver and extension of
project periods.
AGENCY:
The U.S. Department of
Education (Department) waives the
requirements in the Education
Department General Administrative
Regulations that generally prohibit
project periods exceeding five years and
project period extensions involving the
obligation of additional Federal funds.
The waiver and extension enable 29
American Indian Vocational
Rehabilitation Services (AIVRS) projects
under Catalog of Federal Domestic
Assistance (CFDA) number 84.250K to
receive funding for an additional period,
not beyond September 30, 2021.
DATES: The waiver and extension of the
project periods are effective August 17,
2020.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
August Martin, U.S. Department of
Education, 400 Maryland Avenue SW,
Room 5064A, Potomac Center Plaza,
Washington, DC 20202–1800.
Telephone: 202–245–7410. Email:
August.Martin@ed.gov.
If you use a telecommunications
device for the deaf (TDD) or a text
telephone (TTY), call the Federal Relay
Service (FRS), toll free, at 1–800–877–
8339.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
SUMMARY:
Background
Under section 121(a) of the
Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended
(the Act), the purpose of the AIVRS
program is to provide grants to the
governing bodies of Indian Tribes
located on Federal and State
reservations (and consortia of such
governing bodies) to pay 90 percent of
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49965
the costs of vocational rehabilitation
(VR) services, including culturally
appropriate services, to American
Indians with disabilities who reside on
or near Federal or State reservations,
consistent with each eligible
individual’s strengths, resources,
priorities, concerns, abilities,
capabilities, interests, and informed
choice, so that each individual may
prepare for, and engage in, high-quality
employment that will increase
opportunities for economic selfsufficiency.
In fiscal year (FY) 2015, the
Department published in the Federal
Register (80 FR 18606) a notice inviting
applications (NIA) announcing the grant
competition for the AIVRS program
under CFDA 84.250K. The Department
funded 29 applications for a 60-month
period that will expire as of September
30, 2020. Any AIVRS grantee seeking a
new five-year grant award would
typically apply and compete in a new
grant competition during their fifth and
final year of funding.
On March 9, 2020, the Department
published in the Federal Register (85
FR 13636) an NIA for the FY 2020
AIVRS competition, CFDA 84.250N
(2020 NIA). Any new Tribes seeking an
AIVRS grant along with the grantees
whose grants are expiring on September
30, 2020 would need to submit an
application in response to the FY 2020
NIA in order to receive an award that
would start on October 1, 2020.
At roughly the same time as the
Department published the FY 2020 NIA,
in early spring 2020, the effects of the
COVID–19 pandemic began to be felt in
the United States. American Indian
reservations experienced and continue
to experience high rates of COVID–19
infections. Many of the entities eligible
for AIVRS grants across the country took
actions to limit the spread of COVID–19
by requiring their non-essential
personnel to shelter at home. We have
been informed that many AIVRS
personnel who continue to shelter-inplace at home to avoid exposure to
COVID–19 have limited access to the
necessary technology to telework, such
as personal computers, Wi-Fi, or
internet availability to connect to
workplace servers or workplace
resources, and we assume that would
also be true of personnel who do not
currently receive a grant but would be
eligible to apply. This limits their ability
to access the information needed to
prepare a quality application for the FY
2020 AIVRS competition. In addition,
we have been notified that some of the
programs attempting to develop grant
applications have had difficulty
acquiring the Tribal resolutions needed
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]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 159 (Monday, August 17, 2020)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 49962-49965]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-17904]
[[Page 49962]]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2020-0715; Project Identifier AD-2020-00484-A;
Amendment 39-21190; AD 2020-16-06]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Aviat Aircraft Inc.
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all
Aviat Aircraft Inc. Models A-1, A-1A, A-1B, A-1C-180, and A-1C-200
airplanes.
This AD requires repetitive inspections of the forward horizontal
stabilizer support assembly and the rear horizontal stabilizer support
tube and reporting information to the FAA. This AD was prompted by
field reports of complete failure of both the forward support assembly
and the rear support tube due to fatigue. The FAA is issuing this AD to
address the unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective September 1, 2020.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of September 1,
2020.
The FAA must receive comments on this AD by October 1, 2020.
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.
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 final rule, contact
Aviat Aircraft Inc., Al Humbert, 672 South Washington Street, Afton,
WY, 83110, United States; phone: (307) 885-3151; email:
[email protected]; internet: https://aviataircraft.com. You may
view this service information at the FAA, Airworthiness Products
Section, Operational Safety Branch, 901 Locust, Kansas City, Missouri
64106. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA,
call (816) 329-4148. It is also available on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2020-
0715.
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-2020-
0715; 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 final rule, any comments received, and other information. The
street address for the Docket Operations is listed above. Comments will
be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mark Dalrymple, Aerospace Engineer,
Denver ACO Branch, FAA, 26805 E. 68th Avenue, Denver, CO 80249; phone:
(303) 342-1090; email: mark.dalrym[email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Discussion
The FAA received three field reports from Aviat Aircraft Inc. of
complete failure of the rear horizontal stabilizer inboard support
tube. The first incident, discovered during a scheduled inspection,
occurred in 2005, and the second incident, discovered while the
airplane was being re-skinned, occurred in 2009. The third incident was
discovered during a pre-flight inspection in 2012 and included a
complete failure of the forward horizontal stabilizer inboard support
assembly. Failure analysis of both parts from the 2012 incident
concluded they failed due to fatigue. In addition to these complete
failures of the rear support tube, the FAA received two field reports
from Aviat Aircraft Inc. of cracks in the rear support tube, discovered
during inspections, in 2005 and 2013. Aviat Aircraft Inc. subsequently
issued Service Bulletin No. 28, Revision A, dated April 2, 2015, which
requires a one-time inspection of the rear stabilizer inboard support
tube in response to the multiple reports of failures and cracks.
In addition to the 2012 incident, which involved a failure of both
supports, the FAA received two other field reports from Aviat Aircraft
Inc. of complete failure of the forward horizontal stabilizer inboard
support assembly, one in 2000 and one in 2019. In the first incident,
the failure occurred during ground handling after flight. In the second
incident the failure was discovered while the aircraft was being placed
in a hanger.
Failure of either the forward or rear support transfers loads to
the other support, increasing the likelihood that both could fail. This
condition, if not addressed, could result in stabilizer departure and
loss of airplane control.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed Aviat Aircraft Inc. Service Bulletin No. 28,
Revision A, dated April 2, 2015 (Aviat SB No. 28, Revision A). This
service information contains procedures for inspecting and repairing
the rear stabilizer support tube. 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
The FAA is issuing this AD because it 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.
AD Requirements
This AD requires inspection for cracks and replacement if necessary
of the forward horizontal stabilizer support assembly. This AD also
requires inspecting the rear horizontal stabilizer support tube for
corrosion and damage and repair if necessary. This AD also requires
reporting the inspection results to the FAA.
FAA's Justification and Determination of the Effective Date
An unsafe condition exists that requires the immediate adoption of
this AD without providing an opportunity for public comments prior to
adoption. The FAA has found that the risk to the flying public
justifies waiving notice and comment prior to adoption of this rule
because FAA risk assessment indicates there is an unacceptable short-
term risk of developing fatigue cracks through 25 percent of the cross
sectional area of the rear support tube on airplanes that have engaged
in tow operations. In addition, further FAA risk assessment indicates
there is an unacceptable short-term risk of developing fatigue cracks
through 25
[[Page 49963]]
percent of the cross sectional area of the forward support assembly on
all airplanes. In the majority of known incidents at either location,
the support failed completely. Failure of either the forward or rear
support transfers loads to the other support, increasing the likelihood
that both could fail, which has occurred in one known incident. A
combined failure of both the forward and rear supports could result in
stabilizer departure and loss of airplane control. Therefore, the FAA
finds good cause that notice and opportunity for prior public comment
are impracticable. In addition, for the reasons stated above, the FAA
finds that good cause exists for making this amendment effective in
less than 30 days.
Comments Invited
This AD is a final rule that involves requirements affecting flight
safety and was not preceded by notice and an opportunity for public
comment. However, we invite you to send any written data, views, or
arguments about this final rule. Send your comments to an address
listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No.FAA-2020-0715;
Product Identifier AD-2020-00484-A'' at the beginning of your comments.
The FAA will consider all comments received by the closing date and may
amend this proposed AD because of those comments.
Except for Confidential Business Information (CBI) as described in
the following paragraph, and other information as described in 14 CFR
11.35, the FAA will post all comments received, without change, to
https://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you
provide. The FAA will also post a report summarizing each substantive
verbal contact we receive about this final rule.
Confidential Business Information
CBI is commercial or financial information that is both customarily
and actually treated as private by its owner. Under the Freedom of
Information Act (FOIA) (5 U.S.C. 552), CBI is exempt from public
disclosure. If your comments responsive to this AD contain commercial
or financial information that is customarily treated as private, that
you actually treat as private, and that is relevant or responsive to
this AD, it is important that you clearly designate the submitted
comments as CBI. Please mark each page of your submission containing
CBI as ``PROPIN.'' The FAA will treat such marked submissions as
confidential under the FOIA, and they will not be placed in the public
docket of this AD. Submissions containing CBI should be sent to Mark
Dalrymple, Aerospace Engineer, Denver ACO Branch, FAA, 26805 E. 68th
Avenue, Denver, CO 80249. Any commentary that the FAA receives which is
not specifically designated as CBI will be placed in the public docket
for this rulemaking.
The FAA will post all comments received, without change, to https://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide.
The FAA will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal
contact we receive about this AD.
Differences Between This AD and the Service Information
The service information only applies to certain serial numbers of
the airplane models identified in this AD, while this AD applies to all
serial numbers of Aviat Aircraft Inc. Model A-1, A-1A, A-1B, A-1C-180,
and A-1C-200 airplanes. The service information only requires
inspecting the rear stabilizer support tube, while this AD requires
inspecting the forward stabilizer support assembly in addition to the
rear stabilizer support tube. The service information only requires a
one-time inspection, while this AD requires both initial and repetitive
inspections.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD affects 941 airplanes of U.S.
registry.
The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:
Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost per Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost product operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inspect forward horizontal stabilizer 1 work-hour x $85.00 per $25.00 $110.00 $103,510.00
inboard support assembly for cracks. hour = $85.00.
Inspect rear horizontal stabilizer 0.5 work-hour x $85.00 0.00 42.50 39,992.50
inboard support tube weld joints for per hour = $42.50.
corrosion and damage.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The FAA estimates the following costs to do any necessary repairs
or replacements that would be required based on the results of the
inspection. The FAA has no way of determining the number of airplanes
that might need these replacements:
On-Condition Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost per
Action Labor cost Parts cost product
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Replace forward horizontal stabilizer support 2 work-hours x $85.00 per hour = $296.00 $466.00
tube. $170.00.
Repair rear horizontal stabilizer support tube 4.5 work-hours x $85.00 per hour 163.00 545.50
weld joints and install new support tube = $382.50.
insert.
Report if cracks are found.................... 0.5 work-hour x $85.00 per hour 0.00 42.50
= $42.50.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Paperwork Reduction Act
A federal agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not
required to respond to, nor shall a person be subject to a penalty for
failure to comply with a collection of information subject to the
requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act unless that collection of
information displays a currently valid OMB Control Number. The OMB
Control Number for this information collection is 2120-0056. Public
reporting for this collection of information is estimated to be
approximately .5 hour per response, including the time for reviewing
instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and
maintaining the data needed, completing and reviewing the collection of
information. All
[[Page 49964]]
responses to this collection of information are mandatory. Send
comments regarding this burden estimate or any other aspect of this
collection of information, including suggestions for reducing this
burden to: Information Collection Clearance Officer, Federal Aviation
Administration, 10101 Hillwood Parkway, Fort Worth, TX 76177-1524.
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.
The FAA is 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 Flexibility Act
The requirements of the Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA) do not
apply when an agency finds good cause pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553 to adopt
a rule without prior notice and comment. Because FAA has determined
that it has good cause to adopt this rule without notice and comment,
RFA analysis is not required.
Regulatory Findings
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, and
(2) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska.
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 airworthiness
directive (AD):
2020-16-06 Aviat Aircraft Inc.: Amendment 39-21190; Docket No. FAA-
2020-0715; Project Identifier AD-2020-00484-A.
(a) Effective Date
This AD is effective September 1, 2020.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Aviat Aircraft Inc., Models A-1, A-1A, A-1B,
A-1C-180, and A-1C-200 airplanes, all serial numbers, certificated
in any category.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC)/Air Transport Association
(ATA) of America Code 5510, Horizontal Stabilizer Structure.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by reports of complete failure of the
forward horizontal stabilizer support assembly due to fatigue in
combination with complete failure of the rear horizontal stabilizer
support tube due to fatigue. The FAA is issuing this AD to prevent
cracking of the forward and rear inboard supports, which could
result in failure of the stabilizer supports, detachment of the
stabilizer, and loss of airplane control.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Inspection and Repair
For airplanes with 400 or more hours time-in-service (TIS), do
the following inspection within 30 days after September 1, 2020 (the
effective date of this AD) or within 20 hours TIS after September 1,
2020 (the effective date of this AD), whichever occurs first. For
airplanes with less than 400 hours TIS, do the following inspections
within 30 days after accumulating 400 hours TIS or within 20 hours
TIS after accumulating 400 hours TIS, whichever occurs first. After
the initial inspection, repeat the inspections at intervals not to
exceed 12 months or 100 hours TIS, whichever occurs first.
(1) Below and just aft of the horizontal stabilizer leading
edge, remove each inspection hole cover if installed, or cut out the
inside of each inspection ring if not cut out, on both sides of the
fuselage. You do not need to remove the stabilizer support assembly.
Locate the forward horizontal stabilizer support assembly. Using a
light and a mirror or a borescope, inspect the stabilizer support
assembly for cracks in the large tube portion of the assembly. Pay
particular attention to the toe of the welded bushings where the
stabilizer support assembly is bolted to the fuselage frame.
(i) If no cracks are found, install inspection hole cover, part
number (P/N) 61659 and mounting screws, P/N 59146.
(ii) If any cracks are found, before further flight, replace the
stabilizer support assembly with the same part-numbered part, either
P/N 35086-501 or P/N 38086-501 as applicable. Replace both self-
locking nuts with self-locking nuts that have zero hours TIS.
Replacing the forward stabilizer support assembly requires removal
and reinstallation of other horizontal stabilizer components.
Replace all self-locking nuts with self-locking nuts that have zero
hours TIS upon reinstallation of these components.
(2) Inspect the rear horizontal stabilizer support tube weld
joints for corrosion and damage in accordance with the Instructions,
steps 1.a. and 1.b., of Aviat Aircraft Inc. Service Bulletin No. 28,
Revision A, dated April 2, 2015. If there is any corrosion or damage
on a weld joint, before further flight, repair the weld joint and
install a repair tube inside the stabilizer support tube as depicted
in the figure on page 3 of Aviat Aircraft Inc.
Service Bulletin No. 28, Revision A, dated April 2, 2015.
Repairing the rear horizontal stabilizer support tube requires
removal and reinstallation of other horizontal stabilizer
components. Replace all self-locking nuts with self-locking nuts
that have zero hours TIS upon reinstallation of these components.
(h) Reporting Requirement
If a crack is found during any inspection required by paragraph
(g) of this AD, within 10 days, report the following information to
the FAA at the address listed in paragraph (l) of this AD:
(1) Aircraft Make and Model
(2) Aircraft N-number
(3) Aircraft Serial Number
(4) Total hours TIS
(5) Total takeoff and landing cycles (if known)
(6) Aircraft used for Tow operations? Yes or No
(7) If the Aircraft is used for Tow operations, report heaviest
Glider Max Gross takeoff weight or banner maximum weight.
(8) Describe the crack location(s) and report the length of the
crack(s) in the forward horizontal stabilizer support assembly, rear
horizontal stabilizer support tube, or both.
(i) Special Flight Permit
In accordance with 14 CFR 39.23, special flight permits are
prohibited.
(j) Paperwork Reduction Act Burden Statement
A federal agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not
required to respond to, nor shall a person be subject to a penalty
for failure to comply with a
[[Page 49965]]
collection of information subject to the requirements of the
Paperwork Reduction Act unless that collection of information
displays a currently valid OMB Control Number. The OMB Control
Number for this information collection is 2120-0056. Public
reporting for this collection of information is estimated to be
approximately .5 hour per response, including the time for reviewing
instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and
maintaining the data needed, completing and reviewing the collection
of information. All responses to this collection of information are
mandatory. Send comments regarding this burden estimate or any other
aspect of this collection of information, including suggestions for
reducing this burden to: Information Collection Clearance Officer,
Federal Aviation Administration, 10101 Hillwood Parkway, Fort Worth,
TX 76177-1524.
(k) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, Denver ACO Branch, 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 certification office, send it to the attention of the
person identified in paragraph (l) 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
For more information about this AD, contact Mark Dalrymple,
Aerospace Engineer, Denver ACO Branch, FAA, 26805 E. 68th Avenue,
Denver, CO 80249; phone: (303) 342-1090; email:
[email protected].
(m) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference 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) Aviat Aircraft Inc. Service Bulletin No. 28, Revision A,
dated April 2, 2015.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For Aviat Aircraft Inc. service information identified in
this AD, contact Aviat Aircraft Inc., Al Humbert, 672 South
Washington Street, Afton, WY 83110, United States; phone: (307) 885-
3151; email: [email protected]; internet: https://aviataircraft.com.
(4) You may view this service information at FAA, Airworthiness
Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 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, email: [email protected], or go to: https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.
Issued on July 28, 2020.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2020-17904 Filed 8-14-20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
