Airworthiness Directives; Vulcanair S.p.A. Airplanes, 64149-64152 [2022-22703]
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64149
Rules and Regulations
Federal Register
Vol. 87, No. 204
Monday, October 24, 2022
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
[Docket No. FAA–2022–0813; Project
Identifier MCAI–2021–01316–A; Amendment
39–22194; AD 2022–20–10]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Vulcanair
S.p.A. Airplanes
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
The FAA is adopting a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for all
Vulcanair S.p.A. Model P.68, P.68B,
P.68C, P.68C–TC, P.68 ‘‘Observer,’’
P.68TC ‘‘Observer,’’ P.68 ‘‘Observer 2,’’
and P.68R airplanes. This AD results
from mandatory continuing
airworthiness information (MCAI)
originated by an aviation authority of
another country to identify and correct
an unsafe condition on an aviation
product. The MCAI identifies the unsafe
condition as corrosion causing failure of
the upper rudder hinge. This AD
requires repetitively inspecting the
upper and lower rudder hinges for
corrosion, cracking, and damage, and
depending on the inspection results,
taking corrective action. The FAA is
issuing this AD to address the unsafe
condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective November
28, 2022.
The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
of certain publications listed in this AD
as of November 28, 2022.
ADDRESSES:
AD Docket: You may examine the AD
docket at regulations.gov under Docket
No. FAA–2022–0813; 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, the MCAI, any
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SUMMARY:
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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.
Material Incorporated by Reference:
• For service information identified
in this final rule, contact Vulcanair
S.p.A., Fulvio Oloferni, via Giovanni
Pascoli, 7, 80026 Naples, Italy; phone:
+39 081 5918 135; email:
airworthiness@vulcanair.com; website:
vulcanair.com.
• You may view this service
information at the 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 (817) 222–5110. It is also available
at regulations.gov under Docket No.
FAA–2022–0813.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: John
DeLuca, Aviation Safety Engineer,
General Aviation & Rotorcraft Section,
International Validation Branch, FAA,
1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410,
Westbury, NY 11590; phone: (516) 228–
7369; email: john.p.deluca@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 Vulcanair S.p.A. Model
P.68, P.68B, P.68C, P.68C–TC, P.68
‘‘Observer,’’ P.68TC ‘‘Observer,’’ P.68
‘‘Observer 2,’’ and P.68R airplanes. The
NPRM published in the Federal
Register on July 8, 2022 (87 FR 40755).
The NPRM was prompted by AD 2021–
0267, dated November 24, 2021
(referred to after this as ‘‘the MCAI’’),
issued by the European Union Aviation
Safety Agency (EASA), which is the
Technical Agent for the Member States
of the European Union. The MCAI
states:
Occurrences were reported of failures of
the upper rudder hinge on P.68 aeroplanes
due to corrosion, which can occur if the
aeroplane is operated in an environment
which may favour the formation of corrosion.
This condition, if not detected and
corrected, could interfere with rudder
movement and ultimately lead to failure,
possibly resulting in loss of control of the
aeroplane.
To address this potential unsafe condition,
Vulcanair issued the SL [Vulcanair Aircraft
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Alert Service Letter No. 23, Revision 2, dated
September 29, 2021] and updated the
applicable AMM [Aircraft Maintenance
Manual], as defined in this [EASA] AD, to
provide inspection instructions.
For the reason described above, this
[EASA] AD requires repetitive inspections of
the upper and lower rudder hinges and,
depending on findings, accomplishment of
applicable corrective action(s).
In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to
require repetitively inspecting the upper
and lower rudder hinges for corrosion,
cracking, and damage, and depending
on the inspection results, taking
corrective action. The FAA is issuing
this AD to address the unsafe condition
on these products. You may examine
the MCAI in the AD docket at
regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA–
2022–0813.
Discussion of Final Airworthiness
Directive
Comments
The FAA received no comments on
the NPRM or on the determination of
the costs.
Conclusion
These products have been approved
by the aviation authority of another
country and are approved for operation
in the United States. Pursuant to the
FAA’s bilateral agreement with this
State of Design Authority, it has notified
the FAA of the unsafe condition
described in the MCAI referenced
above. The FAA reviewed the relevant
data 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. This AD is adopted as
proposed in the NPRM.
Related Service Information Under 1
CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed Vulcanair Aircraft
Alert Service Letter No. 23, Revision 2,
dated September 29, 2021, which
specifies procedures for inspecting the
upper and lower rudder hinges for
corrosion, cracking, and damage, and
specifies contacting Vulcanair for
instructions to repair an affected rudder
hinge. This service information also
refers to the applicable aircraft
maintenance manuals for additional
inspection procedures. The FAA also
reviewed the following service
information, which specifies procedures
for maintaining various structural parts.
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Federal Register / Vol. 87, No. 204 / Monday, October 24, 2022 / Rules and Regulations
These documents are distinct since they
apply to different airplane models.
• Section 6, Structures, of the
Vulcanair Aircraft P.68C & P.68C–TC
Maintenance Manual, AMM10.702–1,
Revision 7, dated May 11, 2021.
• Section 6, Structures, of the
Vulcanair Aircraft P.68 Observer 2 &
P.68TC Observer Maintenance Manual,
AMM10.702–2, Revision 8, dated
November 11, 2021.
• Section 6, Structures, of the
Vulcanair Aircraft P.68R Maintenance
Manual, AMM10.702–3, Revision 12,
dated December 12, 2019.
• Section C, Airframe, of the
Vulcanair Aircraft P68C Maintenance
Manual, NOR10.709–1B, Revision 9,
dated August 30, 2017.
• Section C, Airframe, of the
Vulcanair Aircraft P68–TC Observer
Maintenance Manual, NOR10.709–4A,
Revision 4, dated March 15, 2018.
• Section B, Structure, of the
Vulcanair Aircraft A/C P68B Victor
Maintenance Manual, NOR.10.709–9,
Revision 16, dated September 22, 2017.
• Section C, Airframe, of the
Vulcanair Aircraft P68 Observer 2
Maintenance Manual, NOR10.709–10,
Revision 5, dated October 23, 2017.
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
MCAI
The MCAI applies to Model P.68
‘‘Victor,’’ P.68B ‘‘Victor,’’ and P.68R
‘‘Victor’’ airplanes, which are identified
on the FAA type certificate as Model
P.68, P.68B, and P.68R airplanes,
respectively.
The MCAI requires contacting
Vulcanair for approved repair
instructions, while this AD does not.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD
affects 14 airplanes of U.S. registry.
The FAA estimates the following
costs to comply with this AD:
ESTIMATED COSTS
Action
Labor cost
Parts cost
Cost per
airplane
Visual inspection of upper and lower
rudder hinges.
Disassembly for dye inspection of the
top rudder hinge (bracket).
Disassembly for dye inspection for the
lower rudder hinge (control tube).
Dye inspection of upper and lower rudder hinges (post disassembly).
2 work-hours × $85 per hour = $170 ...
Not applicable .......
$170 per inspection cycle .....
$2,380 per inspection cycle.
7 work-hours × $85 per hour = $595 ...
Not applicable .......
$595 per inspection cycle .....
$8,330 per inspection cycle.
8 work-hours × $85 per hour = $680 ...
Not applicable .......
$680 per inspection cycle .....
$9,520 per inspection cycle.
2 work-hours × $85 per hour = $170 ...
Not applicable .......
$170 per inspection cycle .....
$2,380 per inspection cycle.
The FAA estimates the following
costs to do any necessary actions that
would be required based on the results
of the inspection. The FAA has no way
Cost on U.S.
operators
of determining the number of airplanes
that might need these actions.
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ON-CONDITION COSTS
Action
Labor cost
Replacement of the top rudder hinge (bracket) .....................
Replacement of the lower rudder hinge (control tube) ..........
7 work-hours × $85 per hour = $595 .................
8 work-hours × $85 per hour = $680 .................
Authority for This Rulemaking
Regulatory Findings
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.
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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Parts cost
$320
1,020
Cost per
airplane
$915
1,700
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 adding
the following new airworthiness
directive:
■
2022–20–10 Vulcanair S.p.A.: Amendment
39–22194; Docket No. FAA–2022–0813;
Project Identifier MCAI–2021–01316–A.
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Federal Register / Vol. 87, No. 204 / Monday, October 24, 2022 / Rules and Regulations
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is
effective November 28, 2022.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Vulcanair S.p.A. Model
P.68, P.68B, P.68C, P.68C–TC, P.68
‘‘Observer,’’ P.68TC ‘‘Observer,’’ P.68
‘‘Observer 2,’’ and P.68R airplanes, all serial
numbers (S/Ns), certificated in any category.
(d) Subject
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by mandatory
continuing airworthiness information (MCAI)
originated by an aviation authority of another
country to identify and correct an unsafe
condition on an aviation product. The MCAI
identifies the unsafe condition as corrosion
causing failure of the upper rudder hinge.
The FAA is issuing this AD to address
damage of the upper and lower rudder
hinges. This condition, if not addressed,
could result in interference with the rudder
movement and lead to failure of the rudder,
which could result in loss of control of the
airplane.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the
compliance times specified, unless already
done.
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC)
Code 5540, Rudder Structure.
64151
(g) Required Actions
Within 200 hours time-in-service (TIS)
after the effective date of this AD or within
12 months after the effective date of this AD,
whichever occurs first, and thereafter at
intervals not to exceed 200 hours TIS or 12
months, whichever occurs first, inspect the
upper and lower rudder hinges for looseness,
corrosion, cracking, and damage in
accordance with steps 1 through 4 of
Vulcanair Aircraft Alert Service Letter No.
23, Revision 2, dated September 29, 2021.
(1) If there is no looseness, no corrosion,
no cracking, and no damage, do the actions
in paragraphs (g)(1)(i) and (ii) of this AD.
(i) Remove the rudder by following the
removal procedure for your airplane
identified in table 1 to paragraph (g)(1)(i) of
this AD.
TABLE 1 TO PARAGRAPH (g)(1)(i)—APPLICABLE MAINTENANCE MANUALS (MMS) FOR RUDDER REMOVAL
Airplane model
Vulcanair MM rudder removal procedure
P.68 and P.68B ......
Paragraph 6.2, Removal and Installation of the Rudder, of Chapter 6—Vertical
Empennage, of Section B, Structure, of the Vulcanair Aircraft A/C P68B Victor Maintenance Manual, NOR.10.709–9, Revision 16, dated September 22,
2017.
Paragraph 6.2, Removal and Installation of the Rudder, of Chapter 6—Vertical
Empennage, of Section B, Structure, of the Vulcanair Aircraft A/C P68B Victor Maintenance Manual, NOR.10.709–9, Revision 16, dated September 22,
2017.
Paragraph 3.2.13, Removal of Rudder, of Section 6, Structures, of the
Vulcanair Aircraft P.68R Maintenance Manual, AMM10.702–3, Revision 12,
dated December 12, 2019.
Paragraph 5.10, Removal of the Rudder, of Section C, Airframe, of the
Vulcanair Aircraft P68C Maintenance Manual, NOR10.709–1B, Revision 9,
dated August 30, 2017.
Paragraph 3.2.13, Removal of Rudder, of Section 6, Structures, of the
Vulcanair Aircraft P.68C & P.68C–TC Maintenance Manual, AMM10.702–1,
Revision 7, dated May 11, 2021.
Paragraph 5.10, Removal of the Rudder, of Section C, Airframe, of the
Vulcanair Aircraft P68C Maintenance Manual, NOR10.709–1B, Revision 9,
dated August 30, 2017.
Paragraph 3.2.13, Removal of Rudder, of Section 6, Structures, of the
Vulcanair Aircraft P.68C & P.68C–TC Maintenance Manual AMM10.702–1,
Revision 7, dated May 11, 2021.
Paragraph 5.10, Removal of the Rudder, of Section C, Airframe, of the
Vulcanair Aircraft P68C Maintenance Manual, NOR10.709–1B, Revision 9,
dated August 30, 2017.
Paragraph 5.10, Removal of Rudder, of Section C, Airframe, of the Vulcanair
Aircraft P68 Observer 2 Maintenance Manual, NOR10.709–10, Revision 5,
dated October 23, 2017.
Paragraph 3.2.13, Removal of Rudder, of Section 6, Structures, of the
Vulcanair Aircraft P.68 Observer 2 & P.68TC Observer Maintenance Manual,
AMM10.702–2, Revision 8, dated November 11, 2021.
Paragraph 5.10, Removal of the Rudder, of Section C, Airframe, of the
Vulcanair Aircraft P68C Maintenance Manual, NOR10.709–1B, Revision 9,
dated August 30, 2017.
Paragraph 5.10, Removal of Rudder, of Section C, Airframe, of the Vulcanair
Aircraft P68–TC Observer Maintenance Manual, NOR10.709–4A, Revision 4,
dated March 15, 2018.
Paragraph 3.2.13, Removal of Rudder, of Section 6, Structures, of the
Vulcanair Aircraft P.68 Observer 2 & P.68TC Observer Maintenance Manual,
AMM10.702–2, Revision 8, dated November 11, 2021.
P.68R ......................
P.68C ......................
P.68C–TC ...............
P.68 Observer .........
P.68 Observer 2 .....
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P.68TC Observer ....
(ii) Perform a dye penetrant inspection of
the hinges, paying particular attention to the
pivot/attachment holes, using a dye
penetrant solution for manual nondestructive testing using the following:
(A) Penetrant System: TYPE II (Visible
Dye);
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Airplane S/N
(B) METHOD C (Solvent Removable);
(C) Developer: FORM D (Non-aqueous); or
(D) Solvent Remover: CLASS 1
(Halogenated).
(2) If there is any looseness, corrosion,
cracking, or damage, replace the hinge before
further flight.
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All S/Ns.
S/N 40 and S/N 430.
S/N 453 and larger.
S/N up to and including S/N 460.
S/N 462 and larger.
S/N up to and including S/N 392.
S/N 467 and larger.
All S/Ns.
S/N up to and including S/N 451.
S/N 465 and larger.
S/N up to and including S/N 394.
S/N 400 up to and including S/N 461.
S/N 481 and larger.
(h) Special Flight Permit
Special flight permits are prohibited.
(i) Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, International Validation
Branch, FAA, has the authority to approve
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Federal Register / Vol. 87, No. 204 / Monday, October 24, 2022 / Rules and Regulations
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 (j)(1) of this AD and
email to: 9-AVS-AIR-730-AMOC@faa.gov.
(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.
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(j) Additional Information
(1) For more information about this AD,
contact John DeLuca, Aviation Safety
Engineer, General Aviation & Rotorcraft
Section, International Validation Branch,
FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410,
Westbury, NY 11590; phone: (516) 228–7369;
email: john.p.deluca@faa.gov.
(2) Refer to European Union Aviation
Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2021–0267, dated
November 24, 2021, for more information.
You may view the EASA AD at
regulations.gov in Docket No. FAA–2022–
0813.
(k) 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) Vulcanair Aircraft Alert Service Letter
No. 23, Revision 2, dated September 29,
2021.
(ii) Section 6, Structures, of the Vulcanair
Aircraft P.68C & P.68C–TC Maintenance
Manual, AMM10.702–1, Revision 7, dated
May 11, 2021.
(iii) Section 6, Structures, of the Vulcanair
Aircraft P.68 Observer 2 & P.68TC Observer
Maintenance Manual, AMM10.702–2,
Revision 8, dated November 11, 2021.
(iv) Section 6, Structures, of the Vulcanair
Aircraft P.68R Maintenance Manual,
AMM10.702–3, Revision 12, dated December
12, 2019.
(v) Section C, Airframe, of the Vulcanair
Aircraft P68C Maintenance Manual,
NOR10.709–1B, Revision 9, dated August 30,
2017.
(vi) Section C, Airframe, of the Vulcanair
Aircraft P68–TC Observer Maintenance
Manual, NOR10.709–4A, Revision 4, dated
March 15, 2018.
(vii) Section B, Structure, of the Vulcanair
Aircraft A/C P68B Victor Maintenance
Manual, NOR.10.709–9, Revision 16, dated
September 22, 2017.
(viii) Section C, Airframe, of the Vulcanair
Aircraft P68 Observer 2 Maintenance
Manual, NOR10.709–10, Revision 5, dated
October 23, 2017.
(3) For service information identified in
this AD, contact Vulcanair S.p.A., Fulvio
Oloferni, via Giovanni Pascoli, 7, 80026
Naples, Italy; phone: +39 081 5918 135;
email: airworthiness@vulcanair.com; website:
vulcanair.com.
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(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 (817) 222–5110.
(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: fr.inspection@nara.gov, or go to:
www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibrlocations.html.
Issued on September 19, 2022.
Christina Underwood,
Acting Director, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2022–22703 Filed 10–21–22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
Examining the AD Docket
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2021–1074; Project
Identifier MCAI–2021–00447–R; Amendment
39–22195; AD 2022–20–11]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Bell Textron
Canada Limited Helicopters
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
The FAA is adopting a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for certain
Bell Textron Canada Limited Model 429
helicopters. This AD was prompted by
reports of failed rivets between the
tailboom skin and the tail rotor (TR)
gearbox support assembly. This AD
requires visually inspecting the external
surface of the TR gearbox support
assembly, borescope inspecting or
visually inspecting the inside of the
tailboom for certain conditions, and
performing a tactile inspection.
Depending on the results of the
inspections, this AD requires removing
certain rivets from service or repairing
gaps in accordance with an approved
method. This AD also requires repeating
these inspections within certain
intervals. The FAA is issuing this AD to
address the unsafe condition on these
products.
SUMMARY:
This AD is effective November
28, 2022.
The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
of a certain document listed in this AD
as of November 28, 2022.
ADDRESSES: For service information
identified in this final rule, contact Bell
DATES:
PO 00000
Frm 00004
Fmt 4700
Textron Canada Limited, 12,800 Rue de
l’Avenir, Mirabel, Quebec J7J 1R4,
Canada; telephone 1–450–437–2862 or
1–800–363–8023; fax 1–450–433–0272;
email productsupport@bellflight.com; or
at bellflight.com/support/contactsupport. You may view the referenced
service information at the FAA, Office
of the Regional Counsel, Southwest
Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Room
6N–321, Fort Worth, TX 76177. For
information on the availability of this
material at the FAA, call (817) 222–
5110. Service information that is
incorporated by reference is also
available at regulations.gov by searching
for and locating Docket No. FAA–2021–
1074.
Sfmt 4700
You may examine the AD docket at
regulations.gov by searching for and
locating Docket No. FAA–2021–1074; 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, the
Transport Canada AD, any comments
received, and other information. The
street 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:
Andrea Jimenez, Aerospace Engineer,
COS Program Management Section,
Operational Safety Branch, Compliance
& Airworthiness Division, FAA, 1600
Stewart Ave., Suite 410, Westbury, NY
11590; telephone (516) 228–7330; email
andrea.jimenez@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 Bell Textron Canada Limited
Model 429 helicopters, serial numbers
(S/N) 57001 and subsequent. The NPRM
published in the Federal Register on
December 23, 2021 (86 FR 72891). In the
NPRM, the FAA proposed to require
visually inspecting the external surface
of the TR gearbox support assembly,
borescope inspecting or visually
inspecting the inside of the tailboom for
certain conditions, and performing a
tactile inspection. Depending on the
results of the inspections, the NPRM
proposed to require removing certain
rivets from service or repairing gaps in
accordance with FAA-approved
methods. The NPRM also proposed to
require repeating these inspections
within certain intervals.
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]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 204 (Monday, October 24, 2022)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 64149-64152]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2022-22703]
========================================================================
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. 87, No. 204 / Monday, October 24, 2022 /
Rules and Regulations
[[Page 64149]]
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2022-0813; Project Identifier MCAI-2021-01316-A;
Amendment 39-22194; AD 2022-20-10]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Vulcanair S.p.A. Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all
Vulcanair S.p.A. Model P.68, P.68B, P.68C, P.68C-TC, P.68 ``Observer,''
P.68TC ``Observer,'' P.68 ``Observer 2,'' and P.68R airplanes. This AD
results from mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI)
originated by an aviation authority of another country to identify and
correct an unsafe condition on an aviation product. The MCAI identifies
the unsafe condition as corrosion causing failure of the upper rudder
hinge. This AD requires repetitively inspecting the upper and lower
rudder hinges for corrosion, cracking, and damage, and depending on the
inspection results, taking corrective action. The FAA is issuing this
AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective November 28, 2022.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of November 28,
2022.
ADDRESSES:
AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at regulations.gov under
Docket No. FAA-2022-0813; 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, the MCAI, 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.
Material Incorporated by Reference:
For service information identified in this final rule,
contact Vulcanair S.p.A., Fulvio Oloferni, via Giovanni Pascoli, 7,
80026 Naples, Italy; phone: +39 081 5918 135; email:
vulcanair.com">[email protected]vulcanair.com; website: vulcanair.com.
You may view this service information at the 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 (817) 222-5110. It is also available at
regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA-2022-0813.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: John DeLuca, Aviation Safety Engineer,
General Aviation & Rotorcraft Section, International Validation Branch,
FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; phone: (516)
228-7369; email: [email protected].
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 Vulcanair S.p.A.
Model P.68, P.68B, P.68C, P.68C-TC, P.68 ``Observer,'' P.68TC
``Observer,'' P.68 ``Observer 2,'' and P.68R airplanes. The NPRM
published in the Federal Register on July 8, 2022 (87 FR 40755). The
NPRM was prompted by AD 2021-0267, dated November 24, 2021 (referred to
after this as ``the MCAI''), issued by the European Union Aviation
Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical Agent for the Member
States of the European Union. The MCAI states:
Occurrences were reported of failures of the upper rudder hinge
on P.68 aeroplanes due to corrosion, which can occur if the
aeroplane is operated in an environment which may favour the
formation of corrosion.
This condition, if not detected and corrected, could interfere
with rudder movement and ultimately lead to failure, possibly
resulting in loss of control of the aeroplane.
To address this potential unsafe condition, Vulcanair issued the
SL [Vulcanair Aircraft Alert Service Letter No. 23, Revision 2,
dated September 29, 2021] and updated the applicable AMM [Aircraft
Maintenance Manual], as defined in this [EASA] AD, to provide
inspection instructions.
For the reason described above, this [EASA] AD requires
repetitive inspections of the upper and lower rudder hinges and,
depending on findings, accomplishment of applicable corrective
action(s).
In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to require repetitively inspecting
the upper and lower rudder hinges for corrosion, cracking, and damage,
and depending on the inspection results, taking corrective action. The
FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these
products. You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at regulations.gov
under Docket No. FAA-2022-0813.
Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive
Comments
The FAA received no comments on the NPRM or on the determination of
the costs.
Conclusion
These products have been approved by the aviation authority of
another country and are approved for operation in the United States.
Pursuant to the FAA's bilateral agreement with this State of Design
Authority, it has notified the FAA of the unsafe condition described in
the MCAI referenced above. The FAA reviewed the relevant data 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. This AD is adopted as proposed in the NPRM.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed Vulcanair Aircraft Alert Service Letter No. 23,
Revision 2, dated September 29, 2021, which specifies procedures for
inspecting the upper and lower rudder hinges for corrosion, cracking,
and damage, and specifies contacting Vulcanair for instructions to
repair an affected rudder hinge. This service information also refers
to the applicable aircraft maintenance manuals for additional
inspection procedures. The FAA also reviewed the following service
information, which specifies procedures for maintaining various
structural parts.
[[Page 64150]]
These documents are distinct since they apply to different airplane
models.
Section 6, Structures, of the Vulcanair Aircraft P.68C &
P.68C-TC Maintenance Manual, AMM10.702-1, Revision 7, dated May 11,
2021.
Section 6, Structures, of the Vulcanair Aircraft P.68
Observer 2 & P.68TC Observer Maintenance Manual, AMM10.702-2, Revision
8, dated November 11, 2021.
Section 6, Structures, of the Vulcanair Aircraft P.68R
Maintenance Manual, AMM10.702-3, Revision 12, dated December 12, 2019.
Section C, Airframe, of the Vulcanair Aircraft P68C
Maintenance Manual, NOR10.709-1B, Revision 9, dated August 30, 2017.
Section C, Airframe, of the Vulcanair Aircraft P68-TC
Observer Maintenance Manual, NOR10.709-4A, Revision 4, dated March 15,
2018.
Section B, Structure, of the Vulcanair Aircraft A/C P68B
Victor Maintenance Manual, NOR.10.709-9, Revision 16, dated September
22, 2017.
Section C, Airframe, of the Vulcanair Aircraft P68
Observer 2 Maintenance Manual, NOR10.709-10, Revision 5, dated October
23, 2017.
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 MCAI
The MCAI applies to Model P.68 ``Victor,'' P.68B ``Victor,'' and
P.68R ``Victor'' airplanes, which are identified on the FAA type
certificate as Model P.68, P.68B, and P.68R airplanes, respectively.
The MCAI requires contacting Vulcanair for approved repair
instructions, while this AD does not.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD affects 14 airplanes of U.S.
registry.
The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:
Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost Cost per airplane operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Visual inspection of upper and 2 work-hours x $85 Not applicable.... $170 per $2,380 per
lower rudder hinges. per hour = $170. inspection cycle. inspection cycle.
Disassembly for dye inspection 7 work-hours x $85 Not applicable.... $595 per $8,330 per
of the top rudder hinge per hour = $595. inspection cycle. inspection cycle.
(bracket).
Disassembly for dye inspection 8 work-hours x $85 Not applicable.... $680 per $9,520 per
for the lower rudder hinge per hour = $680. inspection cycle. inspection cycle.
(control tube).
Dye inspection of upper and 2 work-hours x $85 Not applicable.... $170 per $2,380 per
lower rudder hinges (post per hour = $170. inspection cycle. inspection cycle.
disassembly).
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The FAA estimates the following costs to do any necessary actions
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
actions.
On-Condition Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost per
Action Labor cost Parts cost airplane
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Replacement of the top rudder hinge (bracket). 7 work-hours x $85 per hour = $320 $915
$595.
Replacement of the lower rudder hinge (control 8 work-hours x $85 per hour = 1,020 1,700
tube). $680.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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.
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:
2022-20-10 Vulcanair S.p.A.: Amendment 39-22194; Docket No. FAA-
2022-0813; Project Identifier MCAI-2021-01316-A.
[[Page 64151]]
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective November 28,
2022.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Vulcanair S.p.A. Model P.68, P.68B, P.68C,
P.68C-TC, P.68 ``Observer,'' P.68TC ``Observer,'' P.68 ``Observer
2,'' and P.68R airplanes, all serial numbers (S/Ns), certificated in
any category.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 5540, Rudder
Structure.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by mandatory continuing airworthiness
information (MCAI) originated by an aviation authority of another
country to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an aviation
product. The MCAI identifies the unsafe condition as corrosion
causing failure of the upper rudder hinge. The FAA is issuing this
AD to address damage of the upper and lower rudder hinges. This
condition, if not addressed, could result in interference with the
rudder movement and lead to failure of the rudder, which could
result in loss of control of the airplane.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Required Actions
Within 200 hours time-in-service (TIS) after the effective date
of this AD or within 12 months after the effective date of this AD,
whichever occurs first, and thereafter at intervals not to exceed
200 hours TIS or 12 months, whichever occurs first, inspect the
upper and lower rudder hinges for looseness, corrosion, cracking,
and damage in accordance with steps 1 through 4 of Vulcanair
Aircraft Alert Service Letter No. 23, Revision 2, dated September
29, 2021.
(1) If there is no looseness, no corrosion, no cracking, and no
damage, do the actions in paragraphs (g)(1)(i) and (ii) of this AD.
(i) Remove the rudder by following the removal procedure for
your airplane identified in table 1 to paragraph (g)(1)(i) of this
AD.
Table 1 to Paragraph (g)(1)(i)--Applicable Maintenance Manuals (MMs) for
Rudder Removal
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Vulcanair MM rudder
Airplane model removal procedure Airplane S/N
------------------------------------------------------------------------
P.68 and P.68B................ Paragraph 6.2, Removal All S/Ns.
and Installation of
the Rudder, of
Chapter 6--Vertical
Empennage, of Section
B, Structure, of the
Vulcanair Aircraft A/
C P68B Victor
Maintenance Manual,
NOR.10.709-9,
Revision 16, dated
September 22, 2017.
P.68R......................... Paragraph 6.2, Removal S/N 40 and S/N
and Installation of 430.
the Rudder, of
Chapter 6--Vertical
Empennage, of Section
B, Structure, of the
Vulcanair Aircraft A/
C P68B Victor
Maintenance Manual,
NOR.10.709-9,
Revision 16, dated
September 22, 2017.
Paragraph 3.2.13, S/N 453 and
Removal of Rudder, of larger.
Section 6,
Structures, of the
Vulcanair Aircraft
P.68R Maintenance
Manual, AMM10.702-3,
Revision 12, dated
December 12, 2019.
P.68C......................... Paragraph 5.10, S/N up to and
Removal of the including S/N
Rudder, of Section C, 460.
Airframe, of the
Vulcanair Aircraft
P68C Maintenance
Manual, NOR10.709-1B,
Revision 9, dated
August 30, 2017.
Paragraph 3.2.13, S/N 462 and
Removal of Rudder, of larger.
Section 6,
Structures, of the
Vulcanair Aircraft
P.68C & P.68C-TC
Maintenance Manual,
AMM10.702-1, Revision
7, dated May 11, 2021.
P.68C-TC...................... Paragraph 5.10, S/N up to and
Removal of the including S/N
Rudder, of Section C, 392.
Airframe, of the
Vulcanair Aircraft
P68C Maintenance
Manual, NOR10.709-1B,
Revision 9, dated
August 30, 2017.
Paragraph 3.2.13, S/N 467 and
Removal of Rudder, of larger.
Section 6,
Structures, of the
Vulcanair Aircraft
P.68C & P.68C-TC
Maintenance Manual
AMM10.702-1, Revision
7, dated May 11, 2021.
P.68 Observer................. Paragraph 5.10, All S/Ns.
Removal of the
Rudder, of Section C,
Airframe, of the
Vulcanair Aircraft
P68C Maintenance
Manual, NOR10.709-1B,
Revision 9, dated
August 30, 2017.
P.68 Observer 2............... Paragraph 5.10, S/N up to and
Removal of Rudder, of including S/N
Section C, Airframe, 451.
of the Vulcanair
Aircraft P68 Observer
2 Maintenance Manual,
NOR10.709-10,
Revision 5, dated
October 23, 2017.
Paragraph 3.2.13, S/N 465 and
Removal of Rudder, of larger.
Section 6,
Structures, of the
Vulcanair Aircraft
P.68 Observer 2 &
P.68TC Observer
Maintenance Manual,
AMM10.702-2, Revision
8, dated November 11,
2021.
P.68TC Observer............... Paragraph 5.10, S/N up to and
Removal of the including S/N
Rudder, of Section C, 394.
Airframe, of the
Vulcanair Aircraft
P68C Maintenance
Manual, NOR10.709-1B,
Revision 9, dated
August 30, 2017.
Paragraph 5.10, S/N 400 up to
Removal of Rudder, of and including S/
Section C, Airframe, N 461.
of the Vulcanair
Aircraft P68-TC
Observer Maintenance
Manual, NOR10.709-4A,
Revision 4, dated
March 15, 2018.
Paragraph 3.2.13, S/N 481 and
Removal of Rudder, of larger.
Section 6,
Structures, of the
Vulcanair Aircraft
P.68 Observer 2 &
P.68TC Observer
Maintenance Manual,
AMM10.702-2, Revision
8, dated November 11,
2021.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(ii) Perform a dye penetrant inspection of the hinges, paying
particular attention to the pivot/attachment holes, using a dye
penetrant solution for manual non-destructive testing using the
following:
(A) Penetrant System: TYPE II (Visible Dye);
(B) METHOD C (Solvent Removable);
(C) Developer: FORM D (Non-aqueous); or
(D) Solvent Remover: CLASS 1 (Halogenated).
(2) If there is any looseness, corrosion, cracking, or damage,
replace the hinge before further flight.
(h) Special Flight Permit
Special flight permits are prohibited.
(i) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, International Validation Branch, FAA, has the
authority to approve
[[Page 64152]]
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 (j)(1) of this AD and email to: [email protected].
(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.
(j) Additional Information
(1) For more information about this AD, contact John DeLuca,
Aviation Safety Engineer, General Aviation & Rotorcraft Section,
International Validation Branch, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite
410, Westbury, NY 11590; phone: (516) 228-7369; email:
[email protected].
(2) Refer to European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD
2021-0267, dated November 24, 2021, for more information. You may
view the EASA AD at regulations.gov in Docket No. FAA-2022-0813.
(k) 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) Vulcanair Aircraft Alert Service Letter No. 23, Revision 2,
dated September 29, 2021.
(ii) Section 6, Structures, of the Vulcanair Aircraft P.68C &
P.68C-TC Maintenance Manual, AMM10.702-1, Revision 7, dated May 11,
2021.
(iii) Section 6, Structures, of the Vulcanair Aircraft P.68
Observer 2 & P.68TC Observer Maintenance Manual, AMM10.702-2,
Revision 8, dated November 11, 2021.
(iv) Section 6, Structures, of the Vulcanair Aircraft P.68R
Maintenance Manual, AMM10.702-3, Revision 12, dated December 12,
2019.
(v) Section C, Airframe, of the Vulcanair Aircraft P68C
Maintenance Manual, NOR10.709-1B, Revision 9, dated August 30, 2017.
(vi) Section C, Airframe, of the Vulcanair Aircraft P68-TC
Observer Maintenance Manual, NOR10.709-4A, Revision 4, dated March
15, 2018.
(vii) Section B, Structure, of the Vulcanair Aircraft A/C P68B
Victor Maintenance Manual, NOR.10.709-9, Revision 16, dated
September 22, 2017.
(viii) Section C, Airframe, of the Vulcanair Aircraft P68
Observer 2 Maintenance Manual, NOR10.709-10, Revision 5, dated
October 23, 2017.
(3) For service information identified in this AD, contact
Vulcanair S.p.A., Fulvio Oloferni, via Giovanni Pascoli, 7, 80026
Naples, Italy; phone: +39 081 5918 135; email:
vulcanair.com">[email protected]vulcanair.com; website: vulcanair.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 (817) 222-5110.
(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: www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.
Issued on September 19, 2022.
Christina Underwood,
Acting Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2022-22703 Filed 10-21-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
