Airworthiness Directives; Textron Aviation Inc. Airplanes, 20442-20445 [2021-08100]
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Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 74 / Tuesday, April 20, 2021 / Rules and Regulations
(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
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:
■ a. Removing Airworthiness Directive
(AD) 2021–02–19, Amendment 39–
21402 (86 FR 10171, February 19, 2021);
and
■ b. Adding the following new AD:
■
2021–08–19 The Boeing Company:
Amendment 39–21513 ; Docket No.
FAA–2021–0307; Project Identifier AD–
2021–00407–T.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is
effective May 5, 2021.
(b) Affected ADs
This AD replaces AD 2021–02–19,
Amendment 39–21402 (86 FR 10171,
February 19, 2021) (AD 2021–02–19).
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to all The Boeing
Company Model 787–8, –9, and –10
airplanes, certificated in any category.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of
America Code 26, Fire protection.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by reports of
multiple incidents of torn decompression
panels being found in the bilge area and the
determination that additional airplanes are
subject to the unsafe condition. The FAA is
issuing this AD to address the possibility of
leakage in the bilge area, which could, in the
event of a cargo fire, result in insufficient
Halon concentrations to adequately control
the fire. This condition, if not addressed,
could result in the loss of continued safe
flight and landing of the airplane.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the
compliance times specified, unless already
done.
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(g) Repetitive Inspections and Corrective
Action
At the applicable times specified in
paragraph (g)(1) or (2) of this AD: Do a
general visual inspection for disengaged or
damaged (torn) decompression panels of the
bilge barriers located in the forward and aft
cargo compartments. If any disengaged but
undamaged panel is found: Before further
flight, reinstall the panel. If any damaged
panel is found: Before further flight, replace
the panel with a new or serviceable panel.
Reinstallations and replacements must be
done in accordance with the operator’s
maintenance or inspection program, as
applicable.
(1) If a general visual inspection for
disengaged or damaged (torn) decompression
panels of the bilge barriers was done before
the effective date of this AD: Do the next
inspection within 4 calendar months after the
most recent inspection. Repeat the inspection
thereafter at intervals not to exceed 4
calendar months.
(2) If a general visual inspection for
disengaged or damaged (torn) decompression
panels of the bilge barriers was not done
before the effective date of this AD: Do the
initial inspection within 30 days after the
effective date of this AD. Repeat the
inspection thereafter at intervals not to
exceed 4 calendar months.
Cabin Safety and Environmental Systems
Section, FAA, Seattle ACO Branch, 2200
South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198;
phone and fax: 206–231–3569; email:
Brandon.Lucero@faa.gov.
(h) MEL Provisions
If any decompression panel inspected as
required by this AD is disengaged or
damaged, the airplane may be operated as
specified in the operator’s existing FAAapproved minimum equipment list (MEL),
provided provisions that address the
disengaged or damaged decompression
panels are included in the MEL.
AGENCY:
(i) Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, Seattle 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 responsible Flight
Standards Office, as appropriate. If sending
information directly to the manager of the
certification office, send it to the attention of
the person identified in Related Information.
Information may be emailed to: 9-ANMSeattle-ACO-AMOC-Requests@faa.gov.
(2) Before using any approved AMOC,
notify your appropriate principal inspector,
or lacking a principal inspector, the manager
of the responsible Flight Standards Office.
(3) An AMOC that provides an acceptable
level of safety may be used for any repair,
modification, or alteration required by this
AD if it is approved by The Boeing Company
Organization Designation Authorization
(ODA) that has been authorized by the
Manager, Seattle ACO Branch, FAA, to make
those findings. To be approved, the repair
method, modification deviation, or alteration
deviation must meet the certification basis of
the airplane, and the approval must
specifically refer to this AD.
(j) Related Information
For more information about this AD,
contact Brandon Lucero, Aerospace Engineer,
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(k) Material Incorporated by Reference
None.
Issued on April 9, 2021.
Ross Landes,
Deputy Director for Regulatory Operations,
Compliance & Airworthiness Division,
Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2021–08225 Filed 4–16–21; 4:15 pm]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2020–0819; Project
Identifier 2019–CE–027–AD; Amendment
39–21500; AD 2021–08–06]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Textron
Aviation Inc. Airplanes
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
The FAA is superseding
Airworthiness Directive (AD) 97–06–10
for certain Raytheon Aircraft Company
(type certificate now held by Textron
Aviation Inc. (Textron)) Model 76
airplanes. AD 97–06–10 required
repetitively inspecting the main landing
gear (MLG) ‘‘A’’ frame assemblies for
cracks and replacing any cracked
assembly. Since the FAA issued AD 97–
06–10, the replacement parts have also
experienced failure due to cracking.
This AD requires magnetic particle
inspections of the MLG ‘‘A’’ frame
assemblies for cracks and replacement
of the affected parts if necessary. The
FAA is issuing this AD to address the
unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective May 25,
2021.
The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
of a certain publication listed in this AD
as of May 25, 2021.
ADDRESSES: For the Beechcraft service
information identified in this final rule,
contact Textron Aviation Customer
Service, P.O. Box 7706, Wichita, KS
67277; phone: (316) 517–5800; email:
customercare@txtav.com; website:
https://txtav.com. You may view this
service information at the FAA,
Airworthiness Products Section,
Operational Safety Branch, 901 Locust,
Kansas City, MO 64106. For information
SUMMARY:
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Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 74 / Tuesday, April 20, 2021 / Rules and Regulations
on the availability of this material at the
FAA, call (816) 329–4148. It is also
available at https://www.regulations.gov
by searching for and locating Docket No.
FAA–2020–0819.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket at
https://www.regulations.gov by
searching for and locating Docket No.
FAA–2020–0819; 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 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 Adamson, Aviation Safety
Engineer, Wichita ACO Branch, FAA,
1801 Airport Road, Room 100, Wichita,
KS 67209; phone: (316) 946–4193; fax:
(316) 946–4107; email: brian.adamson@
faa.gov or Wichita-COS@faa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
The FAA issued a notice of proposed
rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR
part 39 to supersede AD 97–06–10,
Amendment 39–9967 (62 FR 12949,
March 19, 1997) (AD 97–06–10). AD 97–
06–10 applied to Raytheon Aircraft
Company (type certificate now held by
Textron) Model 76 airplanes, serial
numbers ME–1 through ME–437 that do
not have both a part number (P/N) 105–
810023–75 (left) and P/N 105–810023–
76 (right) MLG ‘‘A’’ frame assembly
installed. The NPRM published in the
Federal Register on December 14, 2020
(85 FR 80693).
AD 97–06–10 required repetitive
visual and dye penetrant inspections of
the MLG ‘‘A’’ frame assemblies for
cracks and replacement of any assembly
found cracked. AD 97–06–10 did not
apply to Model 76 airplanes with an
improved design MLG ‘‘A’’ frame
assembly (P/N 105–810023–75 and P/N
105–810023–76) installed on both the
left and right MLG. The FAA issued AD
97–06–10 to prevent MLG failure
because of a cracked ‘‘A’’ frame
assembly, which could result in loss of
control of the airplane during landing.
The NPRM was prompted by reports
of P/N 105–810023–75 and P/N 105–
810023–76 ‘‘A’’ frame assemblies failing
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due to fatigue cracking, resulting in
damage to the propeller and outboard
wing area. The FAA determined that the
visual and dye penetrant inspections
were not adequately detecting cracks in
the MLG ‘‘A’’ frame assemblies, because
some of the failed parts had been
subjected to visual and dye penetrant
inspections within 100 hours before the
failure.
In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to
require repetitive magnetic particle
inspections, which provide quicker
results (after testing setup) with
improved accuracy. Also, the NPRM
reflected that the type certificate for the
Model 76 airplane had been transferred
from Raytheon to Textron, and that
Textron designed new replacement
parts, P/Ns 105–810023–0083 (left) and
105–810023–0084 (right), that were not
subject to the proposed repetitive
magnetic particle inspections. However,
the newly designed MLG assemblies are
still subject to the repetitive inspections
specified in the maintenance manual.
Discussion of Final Airworthiness
Directive
Comments
The FAA received two comments
from an anonymous commenter. The
following presents the comments
received on the NPRM and the FAA’s
response to each comment.
Request Regarding New Part Numbers
One commenter stated that a Model
76 with the new A-frames had a main
gear collapse on landing in August
2020. The commenter questioned
whether the new A-frames are also
subject to failure.
The FAA disagrees with this
comment. The commenter did not
provide any data to show that the
Textron Model 76 accident airplane,
whose landing gear failed during
landing or taxi conditions, had the new
A-frames installed. Neither the FAA nor
Textron have any data indicating that
P/Ns 105–8100023–0083 and 105–
810023–0084 A-frames were installed
on the accident airplane. In addition,
Textron has not received any reports of
failed P/Ns 105–8100023–0083 and
105–810023–0084 A-frames.
Request Regarding Estimated Cost
The commenter requested the FAA
find an alternative solution that is more
affordable for operators. The commenter
stated that each magnetic particle
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20443
inspection would be costly because the
inspection involves frame removal. The
commenter also included
documentation showing that the cost of
an A-frame from Textron is over $8,000
and, with labor costs of $2,200 for
installation, owners will spend over
$18,500 to replace the A-frames.
The FAA partially agrees with this
comment. The FAA has updated the
estimated costs to reflect the costs
provided by the commenter to replace
the parts. The FAA disagrees with the
commenter’s estimate of labor costs to
replace an A-frame, because the labor to
install a replacement part is included
with the labor costs for the inspection.
The FAA has added language to the oncondition costs to clarify how the FAA
estimated the cost to replace each part.
The FAA also acknowledges that the
general obligation of the operator to
maintain its aircraft in an airworthy
condition is vital, but sometimes
expensive.
Conclusion
The FAA reviewed the relevant data,
considered any comments received, and
determined that air safety requires
adopting the AD as proposed.
Accordingly, the FAA is issuing this AD
to address the unsafe condition on these
products. This AD is adopted as
proposed in the NPRM.
Related Service Information Under 1
CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed Beechcraft
Mandatory Service Bulletin SB 32–4156,
dated May 3, 2019. This service
information specifies procedures for a
repetitive magnetic particle inspection
for fatigue cracks adjacent to the gussets
for the torque arm of each MLG ‘‘A’’
frame and destroying the assembly if
cracks are found. The service
information also specifies procedures
for installing a replacement assembly or
re-installing an assembly when no
cracks are found. 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.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD
affects 437 airplanes of U.S. registry.
The FAA estimates the following
costs to comply with this AD:
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Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 74 / Tuesday, April 20, 2021 / Rules and Regulations
ESTIMATED COSTS
Cost per
product
Action
Labor cost
Parts cost
Inspection of MLG ‘‘A’’ frame assembly ....
26 work-hours × $85 per hour = $2,210 ...
Not applicable .........
The FAA estimates the following
costs to do any necessary replacements
that would be required based on the
results of the inspection. The agency has
no way of determining the number of
Cost on U.S.
operators
$2,210
$965,770
aircraft that might need these
replacements:
ON-CONDITION COSTS
Action
Labor cost
Parts cost
Replacement of 105–810023–0083 assembly ..........................................
Replacement of 105–810023–0084 assembly ..........................................
Not applicable * ................................
Not applicable * ................................
$8,343
8,100
Cost per
product
$8,343
8,100
* No additional labor cost since re-installation labor is included with the inspection cost.
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
The FAA has determined that this AD
will not have federalism implications
under Executive Order 13132. This AD
will not have a substantial direct effect
on the States, on the relationship
between the national government and
the States, or on the distribution of
power and responsibilities among the
various levels of government.
For the reasons discussed above, I
certify that this AD:
(1) Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory
action’’ under Executive Order 12866,
(2) 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.
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List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation
safety, Incorporation by reference,
Safety.
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:
a. Removing Airworthiness Directive
97–06–10, Amendment 39–9967 (62 FR
12949, March 19, 1997); and
■ b. Adding the following new
airworthiness directive:
■
■
2021–08–06 Textron Aviation Inc.:
Amendment 39–21500; Docket No.
FAA–2020–0819; Project Identifier
2019–CE–027–AD.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is
effective May 25, 2021.
(b) Affected ADs
This AD replaces AD 97–06–10,
Amendment 39–9967 (62 FR 12949, March
19, 1997) (AD 97–06–10).
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Textron Aviation Inc.
(type certificate previously held by Raytheon
Aircraft Company, Hawker Beechcraft
Corporation, and Beechcraft Corporation)
Model 76 airplanes, serial numbers ME–1
through ME–437, certificated in any category,
except airplanes with main landing gear
(MLG) ‘‘A’’ frame assemblies part number (P/
N) 105–810023–0083 (left) and P/N 105–
810023–0084 (right) installed.
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(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC)
Code 3200; Landing Gear.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by cracks found in
MLG ‘‘A’’ frame assemblies. The FAA is
issuing this AD to detect and correct cracks
in the MLG assemblies, which, if not
addressed, could result in failure of the MLG
assemblies and lead to loss of control of the
airplane during landing.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the
compliance times specified, unless already
done.
(g) Actions
Within 100 hours time-in-service (TIS)
after the last dye penetrant inspection
required by AD 97–06–10 or within 12
months after the effective date of this AD,
whichever comes first, and thereafter at
intervals to not exceed 100 hours TIS or 12
months, whichever occurs first, do a
magnetic particle inspection for cracks on the
left MLG ‘‘A’’ frame assembly P/N 105–
810023–3, 105–810023–67, or 105–810023–
75 and the right MLG ‘‘A’’ frame assembly P/
N 105–810023–4, 105–810023–68, or 105–
810023–76 and, before further flight, take all
necessary corrective actions. Do all actions
by following the Accomplishment
Instructions, paragraphs 4 through 13, of
Beechcraft Mandatory Service Bulletin SB
32–4156, dated May 3, 2019.
(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. 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 Related Information.
(2) Before using any approved AMOC,
notify your appropriate principal inspector,
or lacking a principal inspector, the manager
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Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 74 / Tuesday, April 20, 2021 / Rules and Regulations
of the local flight standards district office/
certificate holding district office.
(i) Related Information
For more information about this AD,
contact Brian Adamson, Aviation Safety
Engineer, Wichita ACO Branch, FAA, 1801
Airport Road, Room 100, 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
(IBR) of the service information listed in this
paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR
part 51.
(2) You must use this service information
as applicable to do the actions required by
this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
(i) Beechcraft Mandatory Service Bulletin
SB 32–4156, dated May 3, 2019.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For the Beechcraft service information
identified in this AD, contact Textron
Aviation Customer Service, P.O. Box 7706,
Wichita, KS 67277; phone: (316) 517–5800;
email: customercare@txtav.com; website:
https://txtav.com.
(4) You may view this service information
at FAA, Airworthiness Products Section,
Operational Safety Branch, 901 Locust,
Kansas City, MO 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: fedreg.legal@nara.gov, or go to:
https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/
ibr-locations.html.
Issued on March 30, 2021.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2021–08100 Filed 4–19–21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2019–1071; Project
Identifier AD–2019–NM–165–AD;
Amendment 39–21494; AD 2021–07–17]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing
Company Airplanes
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
The FAA is adopting a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for all The
Boeing Company Model 737–900ER
series airplanes. This AD was prompted
SUMMARY:
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15:56 Apr 19, 2021
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by reports of significant corrosion of
electrical connectors located in the main
landing gear (MLG) wheel well. This AD
requires repetitive records checks to
determine exposure to certain deicing
fluids or repetitive inspections for
corrosion of the electrical connectors,
and corrective actions if necessary. The
FAA is issuing this AD to address the
unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective May 25,
2021.
The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
of a certain publication listed in this AD
as of May 25, 2021.
ADDRESSES: For service information
identified in this final rule, contact
Boeing Commercial Airplanes,
Attention: Contractual & Data Services
(C&DS), 2600 Westminster Blvd., MC
110–SK57, Seal Beach, CA 90740–5600;
telephone 562–797–1717; internet
https://www.myboeingfleet.com. You
may view this service information at the
FAA, Airworthiness Products Section,
Operational Safety Branch, 2200 South
216th St., Des Moines, WA. For
information on the availability of this
material at the FAA, call 206–231–3195.
It is also available on the internet at
https://www.regulations.gov by
searching for and locating Docket No.
FAA–2019–1071.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket on
the internet at https://
www.regulations.gov by searching for
and locating Docket No. FAA–2019–
1071; 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 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: Julio
C. Alvarez, Aerospace Engineer,
Systems and Equipment Section, FAA,
Seattle ACO Branch, 2200 South 216th
St., Des Moines, WA 98198; phone and
fax: 206–231–3657; email:
julio.c.alvarez@faa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
The FAA issued a notice of proposed
rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR
part 39 by adding an AD that would
apply to all The Boeing Company Model
737–900ER series airplanes. The NPRM
published in the Federal Register on
January 10, 2020 (85 FR 1290). The
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20445
NPRM was prompted by reports of
significant corrosion of electrical
connectors located in the MLG wheel
well. The NPRM proposed to require
repetitive records checks to determine
exposure to certain deicing fluids or
repetitive inspections for corrosion of
the electrical connectors, and corrective
actions if necessary.
The FAA is issuing this AD to address
corrosion and subsequent moisture
ingress that may lead to electrical
shorting of the connectors and incorrect
functioning of critical systems necessary
for safe flight and landing.
Comments
The FAA gave the public the
opportunity to participate in developing
this final rule. The following presents
the comments received on the NPRM
and the FAA’s response to each
comment.
Support for the NPRM
Air Line Pilots Association,
International (ALPA) and two other
commenters supported the NPRM.
Request To Revise Resistance Values
Boeing requested that Boeing Alert
Service Bulletin 737–24A1148, Revision
1, dated July 10, 2003, which incorrectly
specified a maximum electrical bonding
resistance of 5 milliohms for aluminum
and 10 milliohms for stainless steel, be
replaced with Boeing Alert Service
Bulletin 737–24A1148, Revision 2,
dated September 14, 2020, which
updates the maximum allowable
resistance values to 3 milliohms for both
aluminum and stainless steel, per AWL
No. 28–AWL–04, as identified in
Subsection G of Boeing Temporary
Revision (TR) 09–020, dated March
2008, to the Boeing 737–600/700/800/
900 Maintenance Planning Document
(MPD), D626A001-Certification
Maintenance Requirements (CMR),
Revision March 2008. Boeing also
advised that operators who have
incorporated Boeing Alert Service
Bulletin 737–24A1148, Revision 1,
dated July 10, 2003, should restore the
fuel quantity indicating system (FQIS)
aluminum and stainless steel connectors
to a maximum resistance of 3 milliohms
at the next inspection interval per
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737–
24A1148, Revision 2, dated September
14, 2020. Boeing observed that the
maximum allowable resistance values of
5 milliohms (aluminum) and 10
milliohms (stainless steel) specified in
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737–
24A1148, Revision 1, dated July 10,
2003, are greater than the values
specified in AWL No. 28–AWL–04, and
that the proposed AD is in conflict with
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]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 74 (Tuesday, April 20, 2021)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 20442-20445]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-08100]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2020-0819; Project Identifier 2019-CE-027-AD; Amendment
39-21500; AD 2021-08-06]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Textron Aviation Inc. Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 97-06-10
for certain Raytheon Aircraft Company (type certificate now held by
Textron Aviation Inc. (Textron)) Model 76 airplanes. AD 97-06-10
required repetitively inspecting the main landing gear (MLG) ``A''
frame assemblies for cracks and replacing any cracked assembly. Since
the FAA issued AD 97-06-10, the replacement parts have also experienced
failure due to cracking. This AD requires magnetic particle inspections
of the MLG ``A'' frame assemblies for cracks and replacement of the
affected parts if necessary. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the
unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective May 25, 2021.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of May 25,
2021.
ADDRESSES: For the Beechcraft service information identified in this
final rule, contact Textron Aviation Customer Service, P.O. Box 7706,
Wichita, KS 67277; phone: (316) 517-5800; email:
[email protected]; website: https://txtav.com. You may view this
service information at the FAA, Airworthiness Products Section,
Operational Safety Branch, 901 Locust, Kansas City, MO 64106. For
information
[[Page 20443]]
on the availability of this material at the FAA, call (816) 329-4148.
It is also available at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for
and locating Docket No. FAA-2020-0819.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket at https://www.regulations.gov by
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2020-0819; 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 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 Adamson, Aviation Safety
Engineer, Wichita ACO Branch, FAA, 1801 Airport Road, Room 100,
Wichita, KS 67209; phone: (316) 946-4193; fax: (316) 946-4107; email:
[email protected] or [email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14
CFR part 39 to supersede AD 97-06-10, Amendment 39-9967 (62 FR 12949,
March 19, 1997) (AD 97-06-10). AD 97-06-10 applied to Raytheon Aircraft
Company (type certificate now held by Textron) Model 76 airplanes,
serial numbers ME-1 through ME-437 that do not have both a part number
(P/N) 105-810023-75 (left) and P/N 105-810023-76 (right) MLG ``A''
frame assembly installed. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on
December 14, 2020 (85 FR 80693).
AD 97-06-10 required repetitive visual and dye penetrant
inspections of the MLG ``A'' frame assemblies for cracks and
replacement of any assembly found cracked. AD 97-06-10 did not apply to
Model 76 airplanes with an improved design MLG ``A'' frame assembly (P/
N 105-810023-75 and P/N 105-810023-76) installed on both the left and
right MLG. The FAA issued AD 97-06-10 to prevent MLG failure because of
a cracked ``A'' frame assembly, which could result in loss of control
of the airplane during landing.
The NPRM was prompted by reports of P/N 105-810023-75 and P/N 105-
810023-76 ``A'' frame assemblies failing due to fatigue cracking,
resulting in damage to the propeller and outboard wing area. The FAA
determined that the visual and dye penetrant inspections were not
adequately detecting cracks in the MLG ``A'' frame assemblies, because
some of the failed parts had been subjected to visual and dye penetrant
inspections within 100 hours before the failure.
In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to require repetitive magnetic
particle inspections, which provide quicker results (after testing
setup) with improved accuracy. Also, the NPRM reflected that the type
certificate for the Model 76 airplane had been transferred from
Raytheon to Textron, and that Textron designed new replacement parts,
P/Ns 105-810023-0083 (left) and 105-810023-0084 (right), that were not
subject to the proposed repetitive magnetic particle inspections.
However, the newly designed MLG assemblies are still subject to the
repetitive inspections specified in the maintenance manual.
Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive
Comments
The FAA received two comments from an anonymous commenter. The
following presents the comments received on the NPRM and the FAA's
response to each comment.
Request Regarding New Part Numbers
One commenter stated that a Model 76 with the new A-frames had a
main gear collapse on landing in August 2020. The commenter questioned
whether the new A-frames are also subject to failure.
The FAA disagrees with this comment. The commenter did not provide
any data to show that the Textron Model 76 accident airplane, whose
landing gear failed during landing or taxi conditions, had the new A-
frames installed. Neither the FAA nor Textron have any data indicating
that P/Ns 105-8100023-0083 and 105-810023-0084 A-frames were installed
on the accident airplane. In addition, Textron has not received any
reports of failed P/Ns 105-8100023-0083 and 105-810023-0084 A-frames.
Request Regarding Estimated Cost
The commenter requested the FAA find an alternative solution that
is more affordable for operators. The commenter stated that each
magnetic particle inspection would be costly because the inspection
involves frame removal. The commenter also included documentation
showing that the cost of an A-frame from Textron is over $8,000 and,
with labor costs of $2,200 for installation, owners will spend over
$18,500 to replace the A-frames.
The FAA partially agrees with this comment. The FAA has updated the
estimated costs to reflect the costs provided by the commenter to
replace the parts. The FAA disagrees with the commenter's estimate of
labor costs to replace an A-frame, because the labor to install a
replacement part is included with the labor costs for the inspection.
The FAA has added language to the on-condition costs to clarify how the
FAA estimated the cost to replace each part. The FAA also acknowledges
that the general obligation of the operator to maintain its aircraft in
an airworthy condition is vital, but sometimes expensive.
Conclusion
The FAA reviewed the relevant data, considered any comments
received, and determined that air safety requires adopting the AD as
proposed. Accordingly, the FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe
condition on these products. This AD is adopted as proposed in the
NPRM.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed Beechcraft Mandatory Service Bulletin SB 32-4156,
dated May 3, 2019. This service information specifies procedures for a
repetitive magnetic particle inspection for fatigue cracks adjacent to
the gussets for the torque arm of each MLG ``A'' frame and destroying
the assembly if cracks are found. The service information also
specifies procedures for installing a replacement assembly or re-
installing an assembly when no cracks are found. 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.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD affects 437 airplanes of U.S.
registry.
The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:
[[Page 20444]]
Estimated Costs
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Cost per Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost product operators
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Inspection of MLG ``A'' frame 26 work-hours x $85 Not applicable....... $2,210 $965,770
assembly. per hour = $2,210.
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The FAA estimates the following costs to do any necessary
replacements that would be required based on the results of the
inspection. The agency has no way of determining the number of aircraft
that might need these replacements:
On-Condition Costs
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Cost per
Action Labor cost Parts cost product
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Replacement of 105-810023-0083 assembly....... Not applicable *................ $8,343 $8,343
Replacement of 105-810023-0084 assembly....... Not applicable *................ 8,100 8,100
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* No additional labor cost since re-installation labor is included with the inspection cost.
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
The FAA has determined that this AD will not have federalism
implications under Executive Order 13132. This AD will not have a
substantial direct effect on the States, on the relationship between
the national government and the States, or on the distribution of power
and responsibilities among the various levels of government.
For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this AD:
(1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive
Order 12866,
(2) 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.
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:
0
a. Removing Airworthiness Directive 97-06-10, Amendment 39-9967 (62 FR
12949, March 19, 1997); and
0
b. Adding the following new airworthiness directive:
2021-08-06 Textron Aviation Inc.: Amendment 39-21500; Docket No.
FAA-2020-0819; Project Identifier 2019-CE-027-AD.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective May 25, 2021.
(b) Affected ADs
This AD replaces AD 97-06-10, Amendment 39-9967 (62 FR 12949,
March 19, 1997) (AD 97-06-10).
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Textron Aviation Inc. (type certificate
previously held by Raytheon Aircraft Company, Hawker Beechcraft
Corporation, and Beechcraft Corporation) Model 76 airplanes, serial
numbers ME-1 through ME-437, certificated in any category, except
airplanes with main landing gear (MLG) ``A'' frame assemblies part
number (P/N) 105-810023-0083 (left) and P/N 105-810023-0084 (right)
installed.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 3200; Landing Gear.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by cracks found in MLG ``A'' frame
assemblies. The FAA is issuing this AD to detect and correct cracks
in the MLG assemblies, which, if not addressed, could result in
failure of the MLG assemblies and lead to loss of control of the
airplane during landing.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Actions
Within 100 hours time-in-service (TIS) after the last dye
penetrant inspection required by AD 97-06-10 or within 12 months
after the effective date of this AD, whichever comes first, and
thereafter at intervals to not exceed 100 hours TIS or 12 months,
whichever occurs first, do a magnetic particle inspection for cracks
on the left MLG ``A'' frame assembly P/N 105-810023-3, 105-810023-
67, or 105-810023-75 and the right MLG ``A'' frame assembly P/N 105-
810023-4, 105-810023-68, or 105-810023-76 and, before further
flight, take all necessary corrective actions. Do all actions by
following the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraphs 4 through 13,
of Beechcraft Mandatory Service Bulletin SB 32-4156, dated May 3,
2019.
(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. 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 Related Information.
(2) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate
principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager
[[Page 20445]]
of the local flight standards district office/certificate holding
district office.
(i) Related Information
For more information about this AD, contact Brian Adamson,
Aviation Safety Engineer, Wichita ACO Branch, FAA, 1801 Airport
Road, Room 100, 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 (IBR) of the service information listed
in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
(2) You must use this service information as applicable to do
the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
(i) Beechcraft Mandatory Service Bulletin SB 32-4156, dated May
3, 2019.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For the Beechcraft service information identified in this
AD, contact Textron Aviation Customer Service, P.O. Box 7706,
Wichita, KS 67277; phone: (316) 517-5800; email:
[email protected]; website: https://txtav.com.
(4) You may view this service information at FAA, Airworthiness
Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 901 Locust, Kansas
City, MO 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 March 30, 2021.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2021-08100 Filed 4-19-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
