Airworthiness Directives; Vulcanair S.p.A. Airplanes, 65122-65125 [2023-20481]

Download as PDF 65122 Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 182 / Thursday, September 21, 2023 / Rules and Regulations (g) Required Actions 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 AD 2022–04–04, Amendment 39–21945 (87 FR 9435, February 22, 2022); and ■ b. Adding the following new airworthiness directive: ■ ■ 2023–17–04 Continental Aerospace Technologies, Inc.: Amendment 39– 22530; Docket No. FAA–2022–1159; Project Identifier AD–2022–00692–E. (b) Affected ADs This AD replaces AD 2022–04–04, Amendment 39–21945 (87 FR 9435, February 22, 2022) (AD 2022–04–04). (c) Applicability This AD applies to Continental Aerospace Technologies, Inc. (Continental) model engines equipped with an F&M Enterprises, Inc. (F&M) or a Stratus Tool Technologies, LLC (Stratus) oil filter adapter installed per Supplemental Type Certificate SE8409SW, SE09356SC, or SE10348SC. Note 1 to paragraph (c): These F&M and Stratus oil filter adapters are known to be installed on Continental Model C–125, C– 145, GO–300, IO–360, IO–470, IO–520, IO– 550, O–300, O–470, TSIO–360, and TSIO– 520 series engines. ddrumheller on DSK120RN23PROD with RULES1 (d) Subject Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 8550, Reciprocating Engine Oil System. (e) Unsafe Condition This AD was prompted by reports of two accidents that were the result of power loss due to oil starvation. The FAA is issuing this AD to prevent loss of engine power. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in failure of the engine, in-flight shutdown, and loss of control of the airplane. VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:08 Sep 20, 2023 Jkt 259001 (h) Installation Prohibition After the effective date of this AD, do not install an F&M or a Stratus oil filter adapter fiber gasket on any affected engine. (i) Credit for Previous Actions You may take credit for the actions required by paragraph (g) of this AD if you performed those actions before the effective date of this AD using Stratus Tool Technologies Mandatory Service Bulletin SB–001 Rev B, dated June 17, 2021, which was previously approved for IBR on March 29, 2022 (87 FR 9435, February 22, 2022), but is not incorporated by reference in this AD. (j) Special Flight Permit (a) Effective Date This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective October 26, 2023. (f) Compliance Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done. Before accumulating 50 flight hours after the effective date of this AD or at the next scheduled oil change after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first, remove any F&M or Stratus oil filter adapter fiber gasket from service and replace it with an oil filter adapter copper gasket, part number (P/ N) AN900–28 or P/N AN900–29, or a stainless steel polytetrafluoroethylene gasket, P/N ST07, as applicable, in accordance with the Compliance Instructions, paragraph 6., pages 6 through 10 (including all detailed instructions for Figure 5 through Figure 16), of Stratus Tool Technologies Mandatory Service Bulletin SB–001 Rev C, dated June 16, 2022. A special flight permit may be issued in accordance with 14 CFR 21.197 and 21.199 to permit a one-time non-revenue ferry flight to operate the airplane to the nearest location where the maintenance action can be performed provided that the engine oil pressure and engine oil temperatures are in their allowable ranges and there is no noticeable increase in engine noise. This flight must be performed with no passengers on board. (k) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (1) The Manager, East Certification 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 branch, send it to the attention of the person identified in paragraph (l) of this AD. (2) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager of the local flight standards district office/ certificate holding district office. (3) AMOCs approved for AD 2022–04–04 are approved as AMOCs for the corresponding provisions of this AD. (l) Additional Information For more information about this AD, contact George Hanlin, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1701 Columbia Avenue, College Park, GA 30337; phone: (404) 474– 5584; email: 9-ASO-ATLACO-ADs@faa.gov. PO 00000 Frm 00010 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 (m) 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) Stratus Tool Technologies Mandatory Service Bulletin SB–001 Rev C, dated June 16, 2022. (ii) [Reserved] (3) For service information identified in this AD, contact Stratus Tool Technologies, LLC, 2208 Air Park Drive, Burlington, NC 27215; phone: (800) 822–3200; website: tempestplus.com. (4) 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 (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 15, 2023. Victor Wicklund, Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2023–20445 Filed 9–20–23; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2023–1218; Project Identifier MCAI–2022–01025–A; Amendment 39–22536; AD 2023–17–10] 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 certain Vulcanair S.p.A. Model V1.0 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 on the lower fuselage truss. This AD requires a detailed visual inspection of the righthand (RH) and left-hand (LH) lower rear attachments of the fuselage truss for SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\21SER1.SGM 21SER1 Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 182 / Thursday, September 21, 2023 / Rules and Regulations corrosion, a tactile inspection of the lower rear attachments for missing sealant, and a general visual inspection of the lower fuselage truss welded pipes for corrosion and the related rivets for missing stems and, depending on findings, additional inspections and actions (including a tap test) and applicable corrective actions. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products. DATES: This AD is effective October 26, 2023. The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of October 26, 2023. ADDRESSES: AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA–2023–1218; 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., via G. Pascoli, 7, 80026 Casoria (NA), Italy; phone: +39 081 5918111; email: info@vulcanair.com; website: support.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–2023–1218. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: John DeLuca, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; phone: (516) 228– 7369; email: john.p.deluca@faa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: ddrumheller on DSK120RN23PROD with RULES1 Background The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to certain Vulcanair S.p.A. Model V1.0 airplanes. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on June 27, 2023 (88 FR 41510). The NPRM was prompted by AD 2022–0155, dated August 1, 2022 (referred to after this as VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:08 Sep 20, 2023 Jkt 259001 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 that there have been reports of corrosion on the lower fuselage truss on two Vulcanair Model V1.0 airplanes. Missing sealant or missing rivet stems were determined to be the root cause of corrosion by allowing water ingress into the lower fuselage truss. In both reported cases, corrosion was externally visible, having penetrated the thickness of the pipes. However, corrosion could be present inside the pipes and remain undetected without proper inspection. This condition, if not detected and corrected, could result in loss of control of the airplane. In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to require a detailed visual inspection of the RH and LH lower rear attachments of the fuselage truss for corrosion, a tactile inspection of the lower rear attachments for missing sealant, and a general visual inspection of the lower fuselage truss welded pipes for corrosion and the related rivets for missing stems and, depending on findings, additional inspections and actions (including a tap test) and applicable corrective actions. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in loss of control of the airplane. You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA–2023–1218. 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. PO 00000 Frm 00011 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 65123 Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51 The FAA reviewed Vulcanair S.p.A. Service Bulletin No. VA–22, Revision 0, dated June 15, 2022 (Vulcanair SB VA– 22). This service information specifies procedures for inspections of the lower fuselage truss for corrosion, missing sealant, and missing rivet stems; and, in case of findings, additional inspections and actions to detect corrosion, including a tap test and raising the airplane nose. This service information specifies to contact Vulcanair for corrective actions. 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. Differences Between This AD and the MCAI Although Vulcanair SB VA–22, which is referenced in the MCAI, specifies that ‘‘in case of doubts, raise the aircraft nose and audibly detect the presence of corrosion residues inside the fuselage truss,’’ this AD does not require that action. Paragraph (1) of the MCAI states to ‘‘accomplish a general visual and tactile inspection of the right-hand (RH) and left-hand (LH) lower rear attachments of the fuselage truss’’ in accordance with the instructions of Part A of Vulcanair SB VA–22. However, step 14, Part A, of Vulcanair SB VA–22 specifies to do a detailed visual inspection. In email communication between EASA and the FAA, EASA clarified that this should be a detailed visual inspection performed in accordance with the procedures specified in Vulcanair SB VA–22; therefore, this AD requires a detailed visual inspection of the RH and LH lower rear attachments of the fuselage truss for corrosion. The MCAI requires contacting the manufacturer for approved corrective action instructions if any corrosion is found on the lower fuselage truss. This AD requires contacting either the Manager, International Validation Branch, FAA; or EASA; or Vulcanair’s EASA Design Organization Approval (DOA). If approved by the DOA, the approval must include the DOAauthorized signature. Costs of Compliance The FAA estimates that this AD affects 17 airplanes of U.S. registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD: E:\FR\FM\21SER1.SGM 21SER1 65124 Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 182 / Thursday, September 21, 2023 / Rules and Regulations ESTIMATED COSTS Action Labor cost 8 work-hours × $85 per hour = $680. Detailed visual inspection and tactile inspection of the RH and LH lower rear attachments, and a general visual inspection of the pipes. The FAA estimates the following costs to do any necessary actions that Parts cost Cost per product Cost on U.S. operators $0 $680 $11,560 Parts cost Cost per product would be required based on the results of the required inspections. ON-CONDITION COSTS Action Labor cost Remove sealant and detailed inspection of inner face of longitudinal tubes connected to lower rear attachments. Detailed visual inspection and tap test of the lower fuselage truss pipes Installation of plug P/N 5034–011 on RH and LH lower rear attachments The corrective action instructions that may be needed as a result of these inspections could vary significantly from airplane to airplane. The FAA has no data to determine the costs to accomplish those corrective actions or the number of airplanes that might need these corrective actions. ddrumheller on DSK120RN23PROD with RULES1 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. VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:08 Sep 20, 2023 Jkt 259001 4 work-hours × $85 per hour = $340. 4 work-hours × $85 per hour = $340. 0.50 work-hour × $85 per hour = $42.50. 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 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: ■ 2023–17–10 Vulcanair S.p.A.: Amendment 39–22536; Docket No. FAA–2023–1218; Project Identifier MCAI–2022–01025–A. (a) Effective Date This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective October 26, 2023. (b) Affected ADs None. PO 00000 Frm 00012 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 $0 $340 0 340 130 172.50 (c) Applicability This AD applies to Vulcanair S.p.A. Model V1.0 airplanes, serial numbers (S/Ns) 1001 through 1034 inclusive, except S/Ns 1008 and 1019, certificated in any category. (d) Subject Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 5311, Fuselage Main, Frame. (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 on the lower fuselage truss. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, 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 100 hours time-in-service or 12 months after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first, do a detailed visual inspection of the right-hand (RH) and lefthand (LH) lower rear attachments of the fuselage truss for corrosion, a tactile inspection of the RH and LH lower rear attachments of the fuselage truss for missing sealant, a general visual inspection of the pipes on the lower fuselage truss for corrosion, and a general visual inspection of the pipes on the lower fuselage truss for rivets with missing stems, in accordance with steps 13 and 14 of Part A, in Part 2, Work Procedure, of Vulcanair S.p.A. Service Bulletin No. VA–22, Revision 0, dated June 15, 2022 (Vulcanair SB VA–22). (1) If, during the inspections required by the introductory text of paragraph (g) of this AD, no missing sealant and no corrosion of E:\FR\FM\21SER1.SGM 21SER1 Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 182 / Thursday, September 21, 2023 / Rules and Regulations the LH and RH lower rear attachments are detected, and no corrosion and no missing rivet stems of the lower fuselage truss pipes are detected, before further flight, install part number (P/N) 5034–011 plugs on both the RH and LH rear attachments, in accordance with step 16 of Part A, in Part 2, Work Procedure, of Vulcanair SB VA–22. After installation of the plugs, no further action is required by this AD. (2) If, during the inspections required by the introductory text of paragraph (g) of this AD, corrosion, missing sealant, or missing rivet stems are detected, before further flight, do the following as applicable: (i) If corrosion or missing sealant is detected during the detailed visual inspection or tactile inspection of the RH and LH lower rear attachments, remove any sealant, and do a detailed visual inspection for corrosion in accordance with step 26 of Part B, in Part 2, Work Procedure, of Vulcanair SB VA–22. (ii) If corrosion or missing rivet stems are detected during the general visual inspection of the lower fuselage truss pipes, do a detailed visual inspection and tap test for corrosion in accordance with steps 27 and 28 of Part B, in Part 2, Work Procedure, of Vulcanair SB VA–22. (3) If, during any inspection required by paragraph (g)(2) of this AD, any corrosion is detected on the lower fuselage truss, before further flight, contact the Manager, International Validation Branch, FAA; or European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA); or Vulcanair’s EASA Design Organization Approval (DOA) for corrective action instructions and do the corrective actions. If approved by the DOA, the approval must include the DOA-authorized signature. (4) If, during the inspections required by paragraph (g)(2) of this AD, no corrosion is detected, before further flight, apply sealant on rivets with absent stems, restore as necessary the sealant inside the RH and LH lower rear attachments, and install plugs P/ N 5034–011 on both the RH and LH rear attachments, in accordance with the instructions in steps 31 and 32 of Part B, in Part 2, Work Procedure, of Vulcanair SB VA– 22. ddrumheller on DSK120RN23PROD with RULES1 (i) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) The Manager, International Validation 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 International Validation Branch, mail it to the address identified in paragraph (j)(2) of this AD or email to: 9AVS-AIR-730-AMOC@faa.gov. If mailing information, also submit information by email. 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. 16:08 Sep 20, 2023 Jkt 259001 (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 S.p.A. Service Bulletin No. VA–22, Revision 0, dated June 15, 2022. (ii) [Reserved] (3) For service information identified in this AD, contact Vulcanair S.p.A., via G. Pascoli, 7, 80026 Casoria (NA), Italy; phone: +39 081 5918111; email: info@vulcanair.com; website: support.vulcanair.com. (4) 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. (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 18, 2023. Victor Wicklund, Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2023–20481 Filed 9–20–23; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR (h) Special Flight Permits Special flight permits are prohibited. VerDate Sep<11>2014 (j) Additional Information (1) Refer to EASA AD 2022–0155, dated August 1, 2022, for related information. This EASA AD may be found in the AD docket at regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA– 2023–1218. (2) For more information about this AD, contact John DeLuca, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; phone: (516) 228– 7369; email: john.p.deluca@faa.gov. Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement 30 CFR Part 917 [SATS No. KY–262–FOR; Docket No. OSM– 2019–0014; S1D1S SS08011000 SX064A000 201S180110; S2D2S SS08011000 SX064A000 20XS501520] Kentucky Regulatory Program Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement, Interior. ACTION: Final rule; partial approval of the amendment. AGENCY: We, the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSMRE), are approving, in part, amendments to the Kentucky regulatory SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00013 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 65125 program (Kentucky program) under the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 (SMCRA or the Act). With this amendment, Kentucky will revise its administrative regulations and make non-substantive changes such as paragraph renumbering. DATES: This rule is effective October 23, 2023. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Michael Castle, Field Office Director, Lexington Field Office, Telephone: (859) 260–3900. Email: mcastle@osmre.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: I. Background on the Kentucky Program II. Submission of the Amendment III. OSMRE’s Finding IV. Summary and Disposition of Comments V. OSMRE’s Decision VI. Statutory and Executive Order Reviews I. Background on the Kentucky Program Section 503(a) of the Act permits a State to assume primacy for the regulation of surface coal mining and reclamation operations on non-Federal and non-Indian lands within its borders by demonstrating that its approved State program includes, among other things, State laws and regulations that govern surface coal mining and reclamation operations in accordance with the Act and consistent with the Federal regulations. See 30 U.S.C. 1253(a)(1) and (7). Based on these criteria, the Secretary of the Interior conditionally approved the Kentucky program effective May 18, 1982. You can find background information on the Kentucky program, including the Secretary’s findings, the disposition of comments, and conditions of approval of the Kentucky program in the May 18, 1982 Federal Register (47 FR 21434). You can also find later actions concerning the Kentucky program and program amendments at 30 CFR 917.11, 917.12, 917.13, 917.15, 917.16, and 917.17. The regulatory authority in Kentucky is the Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet (herein referred to as the Cabinet). II. Submission of the Amendment By letter dated November 25, 2019 (Administrative Record Number KY– 2004), the Cabinet submitted an amendment to its program under SMCRA (30 U.S.C. 1201 et seq.), docketed as KY–262–FOR. The amendment seeks to revise chapter 10:001 of title 405 of the Kentucky Administrative Regulations (KAR), Bond and Insurance Requirements, Definitions for 405 KAR Chapter 10. The Cabinet seeks to revise Section 1, Definitions, subsection (4), definition of ‘‘Adjacent area,’’ by adding ‘‘surface E:\FR\FM\21SER1.SGM 21SER1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 88, Number 182 (Thursday, September 21, 2023)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 65122-65125]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2023-20481]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2023-1218; Project Identifier MCAI-2022-01025-A; 
Amendment 39-22536; AD 2023-17-10]
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 
certain Vulcanair S.p.A. Model V1.0 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 on the lower fuselage truss. This AD requires a 
detailed visual inspection of the right-hand (RH) and left-hand (LH) 
lower rear attachments of the fuselage truss for

[[Page 65123]]

corrosion, a tactile inspection of the lower rear attachments for 
missing sealant, and a general visual inspection of the lower fuselage 
truss welded pipes for corrosion and the related rivets for missing 
stems and, depending on findings, additional inspections and actions 
(including a tap test) and applicable corrective actions. The FAA is 
issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective October 26, 2023.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of October 26, 
2023.

ADDRESSES: 
    AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at regulations.gov under 
Docket No. FAA-2023-1218; 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., via G. Pascoli, 7, 80026 Casoria (NA), Italy; 
phone: +39 081 5918111; email: [email protected]; website: 
support.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-2023-1218.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: John DeLuca, Aviation Safety Engineer, 
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 certain Vulcanair 
S.p.A. Model V1.0 airplanes. The NPRM published in the Federal Register 
on June 27, 2023 (88 FR 41510). The NPRM was prompted by AD 2022-0155, 
dated August 1, 2022 (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 that there have been reports of corrosion on the lower fuselage 
truss on two Vulcanair Model V1.0 airplanes. Missing sealant or missing 
rivet stems were determined to be the root cause of corrosion by 
allowing water ingress into the lower fuselage truss. In both reported 
cases, corrosion was externally visible, having penetrated the 
thickness of the pipes. However, corrosion could be present inside the 
pipes and remain undetected without proper inspection. This condition, 
if not detected and corrected, could result in loss of control of the 
airplane.
    In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to require a detailed visual 
inspection of the RH and LH lower rear attachments of the fuselage 
truss for corrosion, a tactile inspection of the lower rear attachments 
for missing sealant, and a general visual inspection of the lower 
fuselage truss welded pipes for corrosion and the related rivets for 
missing stems and, depending on findings, additional inspections and 
actions (including a tap test) and applicable corrective actions. The 
FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these 
products. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in loss 
of control of the airplane.
    You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at regulations.gov under 
Docket No. FAA-2023-1218.

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 S.p.A. Service Bulletin No. VA-22, 
Revision 0, dated June 15, 2022 (Vulcanair SB VA-22). This service 
information specifies procedures for inspections of the lower fuselage 
truss for corrosion, missing sealant, and missing rivet stems; and, in 
case of findings, additional inspections and actions to detect 
corrosion, including a tap test and raising the airplane nose. This 
service information specifies to contact Vulcanair for corrective 
actions.
    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.

Differences Between This AD and the MCAI

    Although Vulcanair SB VA-22, which is referenced in the MCAI, 
specifies that ``in case of doubts, raise the aircraft nose and audibly 
detect the presence of corrosion residues inside the fuselage truss,'' 
this AD does not require that action.
    Paragraph (1) of the MCAI states to ``accomplish a general visual 
and tactile inspection of the right-hand (RH) and left-hand (LH) lower 
rear attachments of the fuselage truss'' in accordance with the 
instructions of Part A of Vulcanair SB VA-22. However, step 14, Part A, 
of Vulcanair SB VA-22 specifies to do a detailed visual inspection. In 
email communication between EASA and the FAA, EASA clarified that this 
should be a detailed visual inspection performed in accordance with the 
procedures specified in Vulcanair SB VA-22; therefore, this AD requires 
a detailed visual inspection of the RH and LH lower rear attachments of 
the fuselage truss for corrosion.
    The MCAI requires contacting the manufacturer for approved 
corrective action instructions if any corrosion is found on the lower 
fuselage truss. This AD requires contacting either the Manager, 
International Validation Branch, FAA; or EASA; or Vulcanair's EASA 
Design Organization Approval (DOA). If approved by the DOA, the 
approval must include the DOA-authorized signature.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this AD affects 17 airplanes of U.S. 
registry.
    The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:

[[Page 65124]]



                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                    Cost per       Cost on U.S.
               Action                        Labor cost           Parts cost        product         operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Detailed visual inspection and        8 work-hours x $85 per               $0             $680          $11,560
 tactile inspection of the RH and LH   hour = $680.
 lower rear attachments, and a
 general visual inspection of the
 pipes.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The FAA estimates the following costs to do any necessary actions 
that would be required based on the results of the required 
inspections.

                                               On-Condition Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Cost per
                    Action                                 Labor cost               Parts cost        product
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Remove sealant and detailed inspection of       4 work-hours x $85 per hour =                 $0            $340
 inner face of longitudinal tubes connected to   $340.
 lower rear attachments.
Detailed visual inspection and tap test of the  4 work-hours x $85 per hour =                  0             340
 lower fuselage truss pipes.                     $340.
Installation of plug P/N 5034-011 on RH and LH  0.50 work-hour x $85 per hour =              130          172.50
 lower rear attachments.                         $42.50.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The corrective action instructions that may be needed as a result 
of these inspections could vary significantly from airplane to 
airplane. The FAA has no data to determine the costs to accomplish 
those corrective actions or the number of airplanes that might need 
these corrective actions.

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:

2023-17-10 Vulcanair S.p.A.: Amendment 39-22536; Docket No. FAA-
2023-1218; Project Identifier MCAI-2022-01025-A.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective October 26, 2023.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Vulcanair S.p.A. Model V1.0 airplanes, serial 
numbers (S/Ns) 1001 through 1034 inclusive, except S/Ns 1008 and 
1019, certificated in any category.

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 5311, Fuselage Main, 
Frame.

(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 on 
the lower fuselage truss. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the 
unsafe condition. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, 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 100 hours time-in-service or 12 months after the 
effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first, do a detailed 
visual inspection of the right-hand (RH) and left-hand (LH) lower 
rear attachments of the fuselage truss for corrosion, a tactile 
inspection of the RH and LH lower rear attachments of the fuselage 
truss for missing sealant, a general visual inspection of the pipes 
on the lower fuselage truss for corrosion, and a general visual 
inspection of the pipes on the lower fuselage truss for rivets with 
missing stems, in accordance with steps 13 and 14 of Part A, in Part 
2, Work Procedure, of Vulcanair S.p.A. Service Bulletin No. VA-22, 
Revision 0, dated June 15, 2022 (Vulcanair SB VA-22).
    (1) If, during the inspections required by the introductory text 
of paragraph (g) of this AD, no missing sealant and no corrosion of

[[Page 65125]]

the LH and RH lower rear attachments are detected, and no corrosion 
and no missing rivet stems of the lower fuselage truss pipes are 
detected, before further flight, install part number (P/N) 5034-011 
plugs on both the RH and LH rear attachments, in accordance with 
step 16 of Part A, in Part 2, Work Procedure, of Vulcanair SB VA-22. 
After installation of the plugs, no further action is required by 
this AD.
    (2) If, during the inspections required by the introductory text 
of paragraph (g) of this AD, corrosion, missing sealant, or missing 
rivet stems are detected, before further flight, do the following as 
applicable:
    (i) If corrosion or missing sealant is detected during the 
detailed visual inspection or tactile inspection of the RH and LH 
lower rear attachments, remove any sealant, and do a detailed visual 
inspection for corrosion in accordance with step 26 of Part B, in 
Part 2, Work Procedure, of Vulcanair SB VA-22.
    (ii) If corrosion or missing rivet stems are detected during the 
general visual inspection of the lower fuselage truss pipes, do a 
detailed visual inspection and tap test for corrosion in accordance 
with steps 27 and 28 of Part B, in Part 2, Work Procedure, of 
Vulcanair SB VA-22.
    (3) If, during any inspection required by paragraph (g)(2) of 
this AD, any corrosion is detected on the lower fuselage truss, 
before further flight, contact the Manager, International Validation 
Branch, FAA; or European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA); or 
Vulcanair's EASA Design Organization Approval (DOA) for corrective 
action instructions and do the corrective actions. If approved by 
the DOA, the approval must include the DOA-authorized signature.
    (4) If, during the inspections required by paragraph (g)(2) of 
this AD, no corrosion is detected, before further flight, apply 
sealant on rivets with absent stems, restore as necessary the 
sealant inside the RH and LH lower rear attachments, and install 
plugs P/N 5034-011 on both the RH and LH rear attachments, in 
accordance with the instructions in steps 31 and 32 of Part B, in 
Part 2, Work Procedure, of Vulcanair SB VA-22.

(h) Special Flight Permits

    Special flight permits are prohibited.

(i) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    The Manager, International Validation 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 International Validation Branch, mail 
it to the address identified in paragraph (j)(2) of this AD or email 
to: [email protected]. If mailing information, also submit 
information by email. 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) Refer to EASA AD 2022-0155, dated August 1, 2022, for 
related information. This EASA AD may be found in the AD docket at 
regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA-2023-1218.
    (2) For more information about this AD, contact John DeLuca, 
Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, 
Westbury, NY 11590; phone: (516) 228-7369; email: 
[email protected].

(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 S.p.A. Service Bulletin No. VA-22, Revision 0, 
dated June 15, 2022.
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (3) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Vulcanair S.p.A., via G. Pascoli, 7, 80026 Casoria (NA), Italy; 
phone: +39 081 5918111; email: [email protected]; website: 
support.vulcanair.com.
    (4) 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.
    (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 18, 2023.
Victor Wicklund,
Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2023-20481 Filed 9-20-23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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