Airworthiness Directives; Textron Aviation, Inc. Airplanes (Type Certificate Previously Held by Beechcraft Corporation), 78699-78702 [2020-26773]
Download as PDF
<![CDATA[
78699
Rules and Regulations
Federal Register
Vol. 85, No. 235
Monday, December 7, 2020
This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER
contains regulatory documents having general
applicability and legal effect, most of which
are keyed to and codified in the Code of
Federal Regulations, which is published under
50 titles pursuant to 44 U.S.C. 1510.
The Code of Federal Regulations is sold by
the Superintendent of Documents.
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
Examining the AD Docket
[Docket No. FAA–2020–0718; Project
Identifier 2019–CE–045–AD; Amendment
39–21343; AD 2020–25–01]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Textron
Aviation, Inc. Airplanes (Type
Certificate Previously Held by
Beechcraft Corporation)
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
The FAA is adopting a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for certain
Textron Aviation Inc. (Textron) (type
certificate previously held by Beechcraft
Corporation) Models F90, 65–90, 65–
A90, B90, C90, H90 (T–44A), E90, 65–
A90–1 (JU–21A, U–21A, RU–21A, RU–
21D, U–21G, RU–21H), 65–A90–2 (RU–
21B), 65–A90–3 (RU–21C), 65–A90–4
(RU–21E, RU–21H), 99, 99A, 99A
(FACH), A99, A99A, B99, C99, 100,
A100 (U–21F), and B100 airplanes. This
AD was prompted by reports of fatigue
cracks in the lower forward wing fitting.
This AD requires a one-time inspection
for the presence of washer part number
(P/N) 90–380058–1 on the left-hand
(LH) and right-hand (RH) lower forward
wing bolt and, if applicable, removing
washer P/N 90–380058–1, inspecting
the wing fitting, bolt, and nut, replacing
the wing fitting if it is cracked, and
replacing the washer with washer P/N
90–380019–1. The FAA is issuing this
AD to address the unsafe condition on
these products.
DATES: This AD is effective January 11,
2021.
The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
of a certain publication listed in this AD
as of January 11, 2021.
khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with RULES
SUMMARY:
VerDate Sep<11>2014
21:21 Dec 04, 2020
Jkt 253001
For service information
identified in this final rule, contact
Textron Aviation Inc., P.O. Box 7706,
Wichita, KS 67277; phone: 316–517–
5800; internet: https://txtav.com/. You
may view this service information at the
FAA, Airworthiness Products Section,
Operational Safety Branch, 901 Locust
St., Kansas City, MO 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–2020–0718.
ADDRESSES:
You may examine the AD docket on
the internet at https://
www.regulations.gov by searching for
and locating Docket No. FAA–2020–
0718; 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 address for Docket
Operations is Docket Operations, U.S.
Department of Transportation, Docket
Operations, M–30, West Building
Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200
New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC
20590.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Brian C. Adamson, Aviation Safety
Engineer, Wichita ACO Branch, AIR–
7K3, FAA, 1801 Airport Rd, Wichita, KS
67209; phone: 316–946–4193; fax: 316–
946–4107; email: brian.adamson@
faa.gov or Wichita-COS@faa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Discussion
The FAA issued a notice of proposed
rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR
part 39 by adding an AD that would
apply to certain Textron (type certificate
previously held by Beechcraft
Corporation) Models F90, 65–90, 65–
A90, B90, C90, H90 (T–44A), E90, 65–
A90–1 (JU–21A, U–21A, RU–21A, RU–
21D, U–21G, RU–21H), 65–A90–2 (RU–
21B), 65–A90–3 (RU–21C), 65–A90–4
(RU–21E, RU–21H), 99, 99A, 99A
(FACH), A99, A99A, B99, C99, 100,
A100 (U–21F), and B100 airplanes. The
NPRM published in the Federal
Register on July 29, 2020 (85 FR 45545).
The NPRM was prompted by Textron
receiving reports of fatigue cracks in the
lower forward wing fitting on two
airplanes. Investigation revealed that
PO 00000
Frm 00001
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
installing washer P/N 90–380058–1 on
the wing bolt will cause a premature
torque indication. This washer may
have been installed as part of kit 101–
4024–3 on Models F90, 65–90, 65–A90,
B90, C90, H90 (T–44A), E90, 65–A90–1
(JU–21A, U–21A, RU–21A, RU–21D, U–
21G, RU–21H), 65–A90–2 (RU–21B),
65–A90–3 (RU–21C), 65–A90–4 (RU–
21E, RU–21H), 99, 99A, 99A (FACH),
A99, A99A, B99, C99, 100, A100 (U–
21F), and B100 airplanes, or as part of
kit 90–4077–1 on Models 65–90, 65–
A90, 65–A90–1 (JU–21A, U–21A, RU–
21A, RU–21D, U–21G, RU–21H), 65–
A90–2 (RU–21B), 65–A90–3 (RU–21C),
65–A90–4 (RU–21E, RU–21H), B90,
C90, and E90 airplanes. Under-torque of
the wing bolt causes a reduced clamping
force that changes the load path reacted
by the RH and LH lower forward wing
fitting.
In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to
require a one-time inspection for the
presence of washer P/N 90–380058–1 on
the LH and RH lower forward wing bolt
and, if applicable, removing washer P/
N 90–380058–1, inspecting the wing
fitting, bolt, and nut, replacing the wing
fitting if it is cracked, and replacing the
washer with washer P/N 90–380019–1.
This condition, if not addressed, could
result in fatigue cracks that lead to
failure of the forward lower wing fitting,
wing separation, and loss of airplane
control.
Comments
The FAA received one comment from
an individual commenter. The following
presents the comment received on the
NPRM and the FAA’s response to the
comment.
Request Change to Applicability
An individual commenter requested
that the AD identify the applicable
airplanes by serial number. The
commenter stated that on the Beech
Model C90A serial number LJ-1450
airplane, the lower front wing
connections are designed as shear
fittings with shear bolts, and therefore
the washers are not affected. The FAA
disagrees. The AD, as proposed, clearly
lists the applicable airplane models and
serial numbers. The FAA responded to
the commenter by email and advised
that the AD, as proposed, would not
apply to the Model C90A. A copy of the
comment and the FAA’s response is in
the AD docket.
E:\FR\FM\07DER1.SGM
07DER1
78700
Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 235 / Monday, December 7, 2020 / Rules and Regulations
Conclusion
The FAA reviewed the relevant data,
considered the comment received, and
determined that air safety requires
adopting this AD as proposed.
Accordingly, the FAA is issuing this AD
to address the unsafe condition on these
products.
Related Service Information Under 1
CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed Beechcraft
Mandatory Service Letter MTL–57–01,
Revision 1, dated September 19, 2018.
The service information contains
procedures for a one-time inspection for
the presence of washer P/N 90–380058–
1 on the LH and RH lower forward wing
bolt and, if applicable, removing washer
P/N 90–380058–1; inspecting the wing
fitting, bolt, and nut; replacing the wing
fitting if it is cracked; and replacing the
washer with washer P/N 90–380019–1.
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.
Differences Between This AD and the
Service Information
The service information specifies
inspecting within 200 flight hours or 12
months, whichever occurs earlier. This
AD would require inspecting within the
next 200 flight hours or 12 months,
whichever occurs later.
The service information applies to
Models A100A and A100C airplanes,
and to Model F90 with S/N LA–1. This
AD would not apply to these airplanes
because they do not have an FAA type
certificate.
This AD would apply to military
Models T–44A, JU–21A, RU–21A, RU–
21B, RU–21C, RU–21D, RU–21E, RU–
21H, U–21A, U–21F, U–21G, and FACH
airplanes, because these models have a
civil counterpart that is subject to the
unsafe condition. The service
information does not apply to all of
these military models.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD will
affect 1,319 airplanes of U.S. registry.
The FAA estimates the following
costs to comply with this AD:
ESTIMATED COSTS
Cost per
product
Cost on U.S.
operators
Action
Labor cost
Parts cost
Inspection for washer P/N 90–380058–1
(LH Wing Fitting).
Inspection for washer P/N 90–380058–1
(RH Wing Fitting).
0.3 work-hour × $85 per hour = $25.50 .....
Not applicable ......
$25.50
$33,634.50
0.3 work-hour × $85 per hour = $25.50 .....
Not applicable ......
25.50
33,634.50
The FAA estimates the following
costs to do any necessary 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
Labor cost
Parts cost
RH Wing bolt, washer, and nut removal ....................................
LH Wing bolt, washer, and nut removal ....................................
Inspection of RH Lower Forward Wing Fitting ...........................
Inspection of LH Lower Forward Wing Fitting ...........................
Removal and Replacement of P/N 50–120073–8 RH Lower
Forward Wing Fitting.
Removal and Replacement of P/N 50–120073–7 LH Lower
Forward Wing Fitting.
8 work-hours × $85 per hour = $680 .......
8 work-hours × $85 per hour = 680 .........
2 work-hours × $85 per hour = 170 .........
2 work-hours × $85 per hour = 170 .........
150 work-hours × $85 per hour = 12,750
$335 .....................
$335 .....................
Not applicable ......
Not applicable ......
$7,297.85 .............
$1,015
1,015
170
170
20,047.85
150 work-hours × $85 per hour = 12,750
$11,812.56 ...........
24,562.56
The FAA has included all known
costs in this cost estimate. According to
the manufacturer, however, some of the
costs of this AD may be covered under
warranty, thereby reducing the cost
impact on affected operators.
Authority for This Rulemaking
khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with RULES
Cost per
product
Action
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
VerDate Sep<11>2014
21:21 Dec 04, 2020
Jkt 253001
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
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
PO 00000
Frm 00002
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
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) Will not affect intrastate aviation
in Alaska, and
(3) 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.
E:\FR\FM\07DER1.SGM
07DER1
Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 235 / Monday, December 7, 2020 / Rules and Regulations
Accordingly, under the authority
delegated to me by the Administrator,
the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as
follows:
§ 39.13
PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS
DIRECTIVES
2020–25–01 Textron Aviation, Inc., (Type
Certificate Previously Held by
Beechcraft Corporation): Amendment
39–21343; Docket No. FAA–2020–0718;
Project Identifier 2019–CE–045–AD.
2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding
the following new airworthiness
directive:
■
1. The authority citation for part 39
continues to read as follows:
■
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC):
5700, Wings.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by information
provided by Textron that a washer assembly
may provide premature torque indication
that could lead to cracking of the wing fitting.
The FAA is issuing this AD to prevent such
fatigue cracks. The unsafe condition, if not
addressed, could result in failure of the
forward lower wing fitting, which could lead
to wing separation and loss of airplane
control.
khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with RULES
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the
compliance times specified below, unless
already done.
(g) Action
(1) Within the next 200 flight hours after
the effective date of this AD or within 12
months after the effective date of this AD,
whichever occurs later, inspect each washer
assembly attached to the left and right lower
forward wing bolts and remove all part
number 90–380058–1 washers in accordance
with the Accomplishment Instructions,
paragraphs 3 through 5, of Beechcraft
Mandatory Service Letter MTL–57–01,
Revision 1, dated September 19, 2018 (MTL–
57–01, Revision 1). In all locations where a
VerDate Sep<11>2014
21:21 Dec 04, 2020
Jkt 253001
[Amended]
washer part number 90–380058–1 was
removed, do the following:
(i) Inspect the bolt, nut, and fitting in
accordance with the Accomplishment
Instructions, paragraph 6, of MTL–57–01,
Revision 1. If there is a crack in the fitting,
replace the fitting before further flight.
(ii) Install a part number 90–380019–1
washer in accordance with the
Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 7,
of MTL–57–01, Revision 1.
(2) As of the effective date of this AD, do
not install washer part number 90–380058–
1 on any airplane listed in table 1 to
paragraph (c) of this AD.
(h) Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, Wichita 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: Brian C. Adamson, Aviation Safety
Engineer, Wichita ACO Branch, AIR–7K3,
FAA, 1801 Airport Rd., Wichita, KS 67209;
phone: 316–946–4193; fax: 316–946–4107;
email: brian.adamson@faa.gov or WichitaCOS@faa.gov.
(2) 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.
PO 00000
Frm 00003
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is
effective January 11, 2021.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to the Textron Aviation
Inc., (Textron) (type certificate previously
held by Beechcraft Corporation) airplanes,
certificated in any category, identified in
table 1 to paragraph (c) of this AD:
(i) Related Information
For more information about this AD,
contact Brian C. Adamson, Aviation Safety
Engineer, Wichita ACO Branch, AIR–7K3,
FAA, 1801 Airport Rd., Wichita, KS 67209;
phone: 316–946–4193; fax: 316–946–4107;
email: brian.adamson@faa.gov or WichitaCOS@faa.gov.
(j) 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) Beechcraft Mandatory Service Letter
MTL–57–01, Revision 1, dated September 19,
2018.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For Beechcraft service information
identified in this AD, contact Textron
Aviation Inc., P.O. Box 7706, Wichita, KS
67277: phone: 316–517–5800; internet:
https://txtav.com/.
(4) 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.
E:\FR\FM\07DER1.SGM
07DER1
ER07DE20.006</GPH>
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
Adoption of the Amendment
78701
78702
Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 235 / Monday, December 7, 2020 / Rules and Regulations
(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: fedreg.legal@nara.gov or go to: https://
www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibrlocations.html.
Issued on November 23, 2020.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2020–26773 Filed 12–4–20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2020–1104; Project
Identifier MCAI–2020–01421–P; Amendment
39–21347; AD 2020–25–05]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Hoffmann
GmbH & Co. KG Propellers
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule; request for
comments.
AGENCY:
khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with RULES
Examining the AD Docket
The FAA is adopting a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for all
Hoffmann GmbH & Co. KG (Hoffmann)
model HO–V 72 propellers. This AD
was prompted by reports of cracks at
different positions on two affected
propeller hubs. This AD requires
amending the existing aircraft flight
manual (AFM) with abnormal propeller
vibration instructions. This AD requires
visual inspection and non-destructive
test (NDT) inspection of the propeller
hub and, depending on the results of the
inspections, replacement of the
propeller hub with a part eligible for
installation. This AD also requires
replacement of the propeller hub before
exceeding 30 years since the date of
manufacture or within 30 days after the
effective date of this AD, whichever
occurs later. The FAA is issuing this AD
to address the unsafe condition on these
products.
DATES: This AD is effective December
22, 2020.
The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
of a certain publication listed in this AD
as of December 22, 2020.
The FAA must receive comments on
this AD by January 21, 2021.
ADDRESSES: You may send comments,
using the procedures found in 14 CFR
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following
methods:
SUMMARY:
VerDate Sep<11>2014
21:21 Dec 04, 2020
Jkt 253001
• 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 final rule, contact Hoffmann
Propeller GmbH & Co. KG, Sales and
Service, Ku¨pferlingstrasse 9, 83022,
Rosenheim, Germany; phone: +49 (0)
8031 1878 0; fax: +49 (0) 8031 1878 78;
email: info@hoffmann-prop.com;
website: https://hoffmann-prop.com/.
You may view this service information
at the FAA, Airworthiness Products
Section, Operational Safety Branch,
1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA
01803. For information on the
availability of this material at the FAA,
call (781) 238–7759. It is also available
at https://www.regulations.gov by
searching for and locating Docket No.
FAA–2020–1104.
You may examine the AD docket at
https://www.regulations.gov by
searching for and locating Docket No.
FAA–2020–1104; 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.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Michael Schwetz, Aviation Safety
Engineer, Boston ACO Branch, FAA,
1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA
01803; phone: (781) 238–7761; fax: (781)
238–7199; email: michael.schwetz@
faa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
The European Union Aviation Safety
Agency (EASA), which is the Technical
Agent for the Member States of the
European Community, has issued EASA
AD 2020–0226–E, dated October 16,
2020 (referred to after this as ‘‘the
MCAI’’), to address an unsafe condition
for the specified products. The MCAI
states:
Cracks have been reported at different
positions on two affected parts, both installed
on Slingsby T67 ‘‘Firefly’’ aeroplanes. One
crack was found during scheduled
inspection, the other crack during an
unscheduled inspection after abnormal
PO 00000
Frm 00004
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
vibrations occurred. Both cases are under
investigation by Hoffmann Propeller.
This condition, if not detected and
corrected, could lead to in-flight propeller
detachment, possibly resulting in damage to
the airplane and/or injury to persons on the
ground.
To address this potential unsafe condition,
Hoffmann issued the SB [service bulletin],
providing applicable instructions.
For the reasons described above, this
[EASA] AD requires inspections of affected
parts and, depending on findings,
replacement, and introduces a life limit for
affected parts. This [EASA] AD also requires,
for certain aeroplanes, amendment of the
applicable Aircraft Flight Manual (AFM).
You may obtain further information
by examining the MCAI in the AD
docket at https://www.regulations.gov
by searching for and locating Docket No.
FAA–2020–1104.
FAA’s Determination
The FAA is issuing this AD because
the agency has determined the unsafe
condition described previously is likely
to exist or develop in other products of
the same type design.
Related Service Information Under 1
CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed Hoffmann
Propeller GmbH & Co. KG Service
Bulletin SB E53, Rev. B, dated October
14, 2020. This service information
specifies procedures for visual and NDT
inspections of the propeller hub for
cracks. 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
ADDRESSES.
AD Requirements
This AD requires amending the
existing AFM with abnormal propeller
vibration instructions. This AD also
requires visual inspection and NDT
inspection of the propeller hub and,
depending on the results of the
inspections, replacement of the
propeller hub with a part eligible for
installation. This AD also requires
replacement of the propeller hub before
exceeding 30 years since the date of
manufacture or within 30 days after the
effective date of this AD, whichever
occurs later.
Differences Between the AD and the
MCAI
EASA AD 2020–0226–E, dated
October 16, 2020, applies to Hoffmann
HO–V 72 propellers with propeller hub
HO–V 72 ( ) ( )–( )–( ) that have been used
or are expected to be used for aerobatic
maneuvers. This AD applies to all
Hoffmann model HO–V 72 propellers
regardless of their use.
E:\FR\FM\07DER1.SGM
07DER1
]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 235 (Monday, December 7, 2020)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 78699-78702]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-26773]
========================================================================
Rules and Regulations
Federal Register
________________________________________________________________________
This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains regulatory documents
having general applicability and legal effect, most of which are keyed
to and codified in the Code of Federal Regulations, which is published
under 50 titles pursuant to 44 U.S.C. 1510.
The Code of Federal Regulations is sold by the Superintendent of Documents.
========================================================================
Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 235 / Monday, December 7, 2020 /
Rules and Regulations
[[Page 78699]]
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2020-0718; Project Identifier 2019-CE-045-AD; Amendment
39-21343; AD 2020-25-01]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Textron Aviation, Inc. Airplanes (Type
Certificate Previously Held by Beechcraft Corporation)
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for
certain Textron Aviation Inc. (Textron) (type certificate previously
held by Beechcraft Corporation) Models F90, 65-90, 65-A90, B90, C90,
H90 (T-44A), E90, 65-A90-1 (JU-21A, U-21A, RU-21A, RU-21D, U-21G, RU-
21H), 65-A90-2 (RU-21B), 65-A90-3 (RU-21C), 65-A90-4 (RU-21E, RU-21H),
99, 99A, 99A (FACH), A99, A99A, B99, C99, 100, A100 (U-21F), and B100
airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports of fatigue cracks in the
lower forward wing fitting. This AD requires a one-time inspection for
the presence of washer part number (P/N) 90-380058-1 on the left-hand
(LH) and right-hand (RH) lower forward wing bolt and, if applicable,
removing washer P/N 90-380058-1, inspecting the wing fitting, bolt, and
nut, replacing the wing fitting if it is cracked, and replacing the
washer with washer P/N 90-380019-1. The FAA is issuing this AD to
address the unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective January 11, 2021.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of January 11,
2021.
ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule,
contact Textron Aviation Inc., P.O. Box 7706, Wichita, KS 67277; phone:
316-517-5800; internet: https://txtav.com/. You may view this service
information at the FAA, Airworthiness Products Section, Operational
Safety Branch, 901 Locust St., Kansas City, MO 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-2020-0718.
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-
0718; 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
address for Docket Operations is Docket Operations, U.S. Department of
Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor,
Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Brian C. Adamson, Aviation Safety
Engineer, Wichita ACO Branch, AIR-7K3, FAA, 1801 Airport Rd, Wichita,
KS 67209; phone: 316-946-4193; fax: 316-946-4107; email:
[email protected] or [email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Discussion
The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14
CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to certain Textron (type
certificate previously held by Beechcraft Corporation) Models F90, 65-
90, 65-A90, B90, C90, H90 (T-44A), E90, 65-A90-1 (JU-21A, U-21A, RU-
21A, RU-21D, U-21G, RU-21H), 65-A90-2 (RU-21B), 65-A90-3 (RU-21C), 65-
A90-4 (RU-21E, RU-21H), 99, 99A, 99A (FACH), A99, A99A, B99, C99, 100,
A100 (U-21F), and B100 airplanes. The NPRM published in the Federal
Register on July 29, 2020 (85 FR 45545).
The NPRM was prompted by Textron receiving reports of fatigue
cracks in the lower forward wing fitting on two airplanes.
Investigation revealed that installing washer P/N 90-380058-1 on the
wing bolt will cause a premature torque indication. This washer may
have been installed as part of kit 101-4024-3 on Models F90, 65-90, 65-
A90, B90, C90, H90 (T-44A), E90, 65-A90-1 (JU-21A, U-21A, RU-21A, RU-
21D, U-21G, RU-21H), 65-A90-2 (RU-21B), 65-A90-3 (RU-21C), 65-A90-4
(RU-21E, RU-21H), 99, 99A, 99A (FACH), A99, A99A, B99, C99, 100, A100
(U-21F), and B100 airplanes, or as part of kit 90-4077-1 on Models 65-
90, 65-A90, 65-A90-1 (JU-21A, U-21A, RU-21A, RU-21D, U-21G, RU-21H),
65-A90-2 (RU-21B), 65-A90-3 (RU-21C), 65-A90-4 (RU-21E, RU-21H), B90,
C90, and E90 airplanes. Under-torque of the wing bolt causes a reduced
clamping force that changes the load path reacted by the RH and LH
lower forward wing fitting.
In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to require a one-time inspection for
the presence of washer P/N 90-380058-1 on the LH and RH lower forward
wing bolt and, if applicable, removing washer P/N 90-380058-1,
inspecting the wing fitting, bolt, and nut, replacing the wing fitting
if it is cracked, and replacing the washer with washer P/N 90-380019-1.
This condition, if not addressed, could result in fatigue cracks that
lead to failure of the forward lower wing fitting, wing separation, and
loss of airplane control.
Comments
The FAA received one comment from an individual commenter. The
following presents the comment received on the NPRM and the FAA's
response to the comment.
Request Change to Applicability
An individual commenter requested that the AD identify the
applicable airplanes by serial number. The commenter stated that on the
Beech Model C90A serial number LJ[hyphen]1450 airplane, the lower front
wing connections are designed as shear fittings with shear bolts, and
therefore the washers are not affected. The FAA disagrees. The AD, as
proposed, clearly lists the applicable airplane models and serial
numbers. The FAA responded to the commenter by email and advised that
the AD, as proposed, would not apply to the Model C90A. A copy of the
comment and the FAA's response is in the AD docket.
[[Page 78700]]
Conclusion
The FAA reviewed the relevant data, considered the comment
received, and determined that air safety requires adopting this AD as
proposed. Accordingly, the FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe
condition on these products.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed Beechcraft Mandatory Service Letter MTL-57-01,
Revision 1, dated September 19, 2018. The service information contains
procedures for a one-time inspection for the presence of washer P/N 90-
380058-1 on the LH and RH lower forward wing bolt and, if applicable,
removing washer P/N 90-380058-1; inspecting the wing fitting, bolt, and
nut; replacing the wing fitting if it is cracked; and replacing the
washer with washer P/N 90-380019-1. 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.
Differences Between This AD and the Service Information
The service information specifies inspecting within 200 flight
hours or 12 months, whichever occurs earlier. This AD would require
inspecting within the next 200 flight hours or 12 months, whichever
occurs later.
The service information applies to Models A100A and A100C
airplanes, and to Model F90 with S/N LA-1. This AD would not apply to
these airplanes because they do not have an FAA type certificate.
This AD would apply to military Models T-44A, JU-21A, RU-21A, RU-
21B, RU-21C, RU-21D, RU-21E, RU-21H, U-21A, U-21F, U-21G, and FACH
airplanes, because these models have a civil counterpart that is
subject to the unsafe condition. The service information does not apply
to all of these military models.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD will affect 1,319 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
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inspection for washer P/N 90- 0.3 work-hour x $85 Not applicable........... $25.50 $33,634.50
380058-1 (LH Wing Fitting). per hour = $25.50.
Inspection for washer P/N 90- 0.3 work-hour x $85 Not applicable........... 25.50 33,634.50
380058-1 (RH Wing Fitting). per hour = $25.50.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The FAA estimates the following costs to do any necessary
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
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RH Wing bolt, washer, and nut removal 8 work-hours x $85 per $335........................... $1,015
hour = $680.
LH Wing bolt, washer, and nut removal 8 work-hours x $85 per $335........................... 1,015
hour = 680.
Inspection of RH Lower Forward Wing 2 work-hours x $85 per Not applicable................. 170
Fitting. hour = 170.
Inspection of LH Lower Forward Wing 2 work-hours x $85 per Not applicable................. 170
Fitting. hour = 170.
Removal and Replacement of P/N 50- 150 work-hours x $85 per $7,297.85...................... 20,047.85
120073-8 RH Lower Forward Wing hour = 12,750.
Fitting.
Removal and Replacement of P/N 50- 150 work-hours x $85 per $11,812.56..................... 24,562.56
120073-7 LH Lower Forward Wing hour = 12,750.
Fitting.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The FAA has included all known costs in this cost estimate.
According to the manufacturer, however, some of the costs of this AD
may be covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost impact on
affected operators.
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 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,
(2) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
(3) 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.
[[Page 78701]]
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:
2020-25-01 Textron Aviation, Inc., (Type Certificate Previously Held
by Beechcraft Corporation): Amendment 39-21343; Docket No. FAA-2020-
0718; Project Identifier 2019-CE-045-AD.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective January 11, 2021.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to the Textron Aviation Inc., (Textron) (type
certificate previously held by Beechcraft Corporation) airplanes,
certificated in any category, identified in table 1 to paragraph (c)
of this AD:
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR07DE20.006
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC): 5700, Wings.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by information provided by Textron that a
washer assembly may provide premature torque indication that could
lead to cracking of the wing fitting. The FAA is issuing this AD to
prevent such fatigue cracks. The unsafe condition, if not addressed,
could result in failure of the forward lower wing fitting, which
could lead to wing separation and loss of airplane control.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified below,
unless already done.
(g) Action
(1) Within the next 200 flight hours after the effective date of
this AD or within 12 months after the effective date of this AD,
whichever occurs later, inspect each washer assembly attached to the
left and right lower forward wing bolts and remove all part number
90-380058-1 washers in accordance with the Accomplishment
Instructions, paragraphs 3 through 5, of Beechcraft Mandatory
Service Letter MTL-57-01, Revision 1, dated September 19, 2018 (MTL-
57-01, Revision 1). In all locations where a washer part number 90-
380058-1 was removed, do the following:
(i) Inspect the bolt, nut, and fitting in accordance with the
Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 6, of MTL-57-01, Revision 1.
If there is a crack in the fitting, replace the fitting before
further flight.
(ii) Install a part number 90-380019-1 washer in accordance with
the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 7, of MTL-57-01, Revision
1.
(2) As of the effective date of this AD, do not install washer
part number 90-380058-1 on any airplane listed in table 1 to
paragraph (c) of this AD.
(h) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, Wichita 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: Brian C. Adamson,
Aviation Safety Engineer, Wichita ACO Branch, AIR-7K3, FAA, 1801
Airport Rd., Wichita, KS 67209; phone: 316-946-4193; fax: 316-946-
4107; email: [email protected] or [email protected].
(2) 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.
(i) Related Information
For more information about this AD, contact Brian C. Adamson,
Aviation Safety Engineer, Wichita ACO Branch, AIR-7K3, FAA, 1801
Airport Rd., Wichita, KS 67209; phone: 316-946-4193; fax: 316-946-
4107; email: [email protected] or [email protected].
(j) 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) Beechcraft Mandatory Service Letter MTL-57-01, Revision 1,
dated September 19, 2018.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For Beechcraft service information identified in this AD,
contact Textron Aviation Inc., P.O. Box 7706, Wichita, KS 67277:
phone: 316-517-5800; internet: https://txtav.com/.
(4) 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.
[[Page 78702]]
(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 November 23, 2020.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2020-26773 Filed 12-4-20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
