Airworthiness Directives; GA 8 Airvan (Pty) Ltd Airplanes, 4211-4214 [2024-01018]
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4211
Proposed Rules
Federal Register
Vol. 89, No. 15
Tuesday, January 23, 2024
This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER
contains notices to the public of the proposed
issuance of rules and regulations. The
purpose of these notices is to give interested
persons an opportunity to participate in the
rule making prior to the adoption of the final
rules.
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2024–0035; Project
Identifier MCAI–2023–00986–A]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; GA 8 Airvan
(Pty) Ltd Airplanes
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking
(NPRM).
AGENCY:
The FAA proposes to
supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD)
2010–18–06, which applies to all GA8
Airvan (Pty) Ltd Model GA8 and GA8–
TC320 airplanes. AD 2010–18–06
requires inspections and a minor design
change to the forward slide of the cargo
door with corrective action as necessary.
Since the FAA issued AD 2010–18–06,
the Civil Aviation Safety Authority
(CASA), which is the aviation authority
for Australia, superseded the previous
CASA Australia AD to incorporate more
detailed inspections and additional
modifications as specified in updated
service information published by the
manufacturer. This proposed AD was
prompted by reports of in-flight cargo
door separation. This proposed AD
would require inspections and rework
(modifications) of the cargo door with
corrective action as necessary. The FAA
is proposing this AD to address the
unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: The FAA must receive comments
on this NPRM by March 8, 2024.
ADDRESSES: You may send comments,
using the procedures found in 14 CFR
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following
methods:
• Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to
regulations.gov. Follow the instructions
for submitting comments.
• Fax: (202) 493–2251.
• Mail: U.S. Department of
Transportation, Docket Operations, M–
30, West Building Ground Floor, Room
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SUMMARY:
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W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE,
Washington, DC 20590.
• Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail
address above between 9 a.m. and 5
p.m., Monday through Friday, except
Federal holidays.
AD Docket: You may examine the AD
docket at regulations.gov under Docket
No. FAA–2024–0035; 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 NPRM, the mandatory
continuing airworthiness information
(MCAI) any comments received, and
other information. The street address for
Docket Operations is listed above.
Material Incorporated by Reference:
• For service information identified
in this NPRM, contact GA8 Airvan (Pty)
Ltd, PO Box 881, Morwell, Victoria
3840, Australia; phone: +61 03 5172
1200; website: gippsaero.com.au; email:
TECHPUBS@gippsaero.com.au.
• 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.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Doug Rudolph, Aviation Safety
Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue,
Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; phone:
(816) 329–4059; email: doug.rudolph@
faa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
The FAA invites you to send any
written relevant data, views, or
arguments about this proposal. Send
your comments to an address listed
under ADDRESSES. Include ‘‘Docket No.
FAA–2024–0035; Project Identifier
MCAI–2023–00986–A’’ at the beginning
of your comments. The most helpful
comments reference a specific portion of
the proposal, explain the reason for any
recommended change, and include
supporting data. The FAA will consider
all comments received by the closing
date and may amend the proposal
because of those comments.
Except for Confidential Business
Information (CBI) as described in the
following paragraph, and other
information as described in 14 CFR
11.35, the FAA will post all comments
received, without change, to
regulations.gov, including any personal
PO 00000
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information you provide. The agency
will also post a report summarizing each
substantive verbal contact received
about this NPRM.
Confidential Business Information
CBI is commercial or financial
information that is both customarily and
actually treated as private by its owner.
Under the Freedom of Information Act
(FOIA) (5 U.S.C. 552), CBI is exempt
from public disclosure. If your
comments responsive to this NPRM
contain commercial or financial
information that is customarily treated
as private, that you actually treat as
private, and that is relevant or
responsive to this NPRM, it is important
that you clearly designate the submitted
comments as CBI. Please mark each
page of your submission containing CBI
as ‘‘PROPIN.’’ The FAA will treat such
marked submissions as confidential
under the FOIA, and they will not be
placed in the public docket of this
NPRM. Submissions containing CBI
should be sent to Doug Rudolph,
Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600
Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury,
NY 11590. Any commentary that the
FAA receives which is not specifically
designated as CBI will be placed in the
public docket for this rulemaking.
Background
The FAA issued AD 2010–18–06,
Amendment 39–16419 (75 FR 52253,
August 25, 2010) (AD 2010–18–06), for
all GA8 Airvan (Pty) Ltd Model GA8
and GA8–TC320 airplanes. AD 2010–
18–06 was prompted by MCAI
originated by CASA, which is the
aviation authority for Australia. CASA
Australia issued CASA Australia AD
AD/GA8/3 Amdt 2, dated August 11,
2010 (CASA Australia AD/GA8/3 Amdt
2) to correct an unsafe condition
identified as excessive wear in the
forward cargo door slide, which could
result in an in-flight separation of the
cargo door, with possible loss of control
of the airplane. CASA Australia AD AD/
GA8/3 Amdt 2 was issued to require the
actions in service information updated
by the manufacturer to remove any
ambiguities in the previous revision and
provide an improved inspection method
and a minor design change to the
forward slide of the cargo door
(inclusion of a slide backing plate,
castellated nut, and split pin).
AD 2010–18–06 requires doing all of
Action 1 (measuring the groove width of
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the forward cargo door slide and if it
exceeds 0.145 inch at any point along
the slide, or is cracked, installing a new
slider assembly) and Action 2
(inspecting wear of the forward slide of
the cargo door and doing applicable
corrective action steps specified in
Action 1) of GippsAero Pty. Ltd.
Mandatory Service Bulletin SB–GA8–
2005–23, Issue 3, dated August 5, 2010.
The FAA issued AD 2010–18–06 to
address excessive wear in the forward
cargo door slide.
Actions Since AD 2010–18–06 Was
Issued
Since the FAA issued AD 2010–18–
06, CASA Australia superseded CASA
Australia AD AD/GA8/3 Amdt 2 and
issued CASA Australia AD AD/GA8/3
Amdt 3, dated August 18, 2023 (CASA
Australia AD AD/GA8/3 Amdt 3) (also
referred to as the MCAI). The MCAI
states that inspections revealed cases of
excessive wear in the forward slide of
the cargo door. Excessive wear in the
forward slide of the cargo door may
result in the cargo door separating from
the airplane in flight with potentially
catastrophic results. The MCAI requires
accomplishing the actions specified in
GippsAero Service Bulletin SB–GA8–
2005–23, Issue 7, dated May 30, 2023
(GippsAero Service Bulletin SB–GA8–
2005–23, Issue 7). This service bulletin
includes procedures for revised
inspections of the door mechanism,
installing a stop on the forward slide of
the cargo door and reworking the door
slide to suit (accommodate) the track
stop installation. Depending on the
findings of the inspections, additional
actions might be necessary including
reworking the door mechanism pivot,
upgrading the door operating rod, or
fitting a door handle with an integral
stop.
The FAA is proposing this AD to
address excessive wear in the forward
slide of the cargo door. The unsafe
condition, if not addressed, could result
in the cargo door separating from the
airplane during flight, with potential
loss of control of the airplane.
You may examine the MCAI in the
AD docket at regulations.gov under
Docket No. FAA–2024–0035.
Related Service Information Under 1
CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed GippsAero Service
Bulletin SB–GA8–2005–23, Issue 8,
dated October 11, 2023 (GippsAero SB–
GA8–2005–23, Issue 8). This service
information specifies procedures for
installing a backing plate on the forward
slide of the cargo door; inspecting the
forward slide of the cargo door for
excessive wear; inspecting the cargo
door latching mechanism for contact
between the operating rod and door
handle pivot post, inspecting the
threaded studs and rod ends at both
ends of the operating rod for bending,
and checking the cargo door handle
engagement with the catch; reworking
the cargo door handle pivot post;
reworking the door operating rod;
inspecting the door handle to determine
if an integrated stop is installed and
checking for excessive play; and
inspecting the center rail of the cargo
door to determine if an aft stop is
installed, installing an aft stop, and
reworking the center rail of the cargo
door to accommodate the track stop.
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.
FAA’s Determination
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 and service
information referenced above. The FAA
is issuing this NPRM after determining
that the unsafe condition described
previously is likely to exist or develop
on other products of the same type
design.
Proposed AD Requirements in This
NPRM
This proposed AD would retain none
of the requirements of AD 2010–18–06.
This proposed AD would require
accomplishing the actions specified in
the service information already
described, except as discussed under
‘‘Differences Between this Proposed AD
and the MCAI.’’
Differences Between This Proposed AD
and the MCAI
The MCAI applicability is Gippsland
Aeronautics Model GA8 Series
airplanes, all serial numbers. The
applicability in this proposed AD would
be GA8 Airvan (Pty) Ltd Model GA8 and
GA8–TC320 airplanes because the FAA
type certificate specifies GA8 Airvan
(Pty) Ltd instead of Gippsland
Aeronautics and specifies Model GA8
and GA8–TC320 airplanes instead of
Model GA8 Series airplanes.
The MCAI requires doing the actions
in Gippsland Aeronautics mandatory
service bulletin SB–GA8–2005–23 Issue
7, dated May 30, 2023. This proposed
AD would require doing the actions in
GippsAero SB–GA8–2005–23, Issue 8.
After the MCAI was published, the
manufacturer issued GippsAero SB–
GA8–2005–23, Issue 8, which was
revised to provide clarification
regarding the actions and compliance
schedule. The title page of GippsAero
SB–GA8–2005–23, Issue 8, specifies
GippsAero instead of Gippsland
Aeronautics.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD, if
adopted as proposed, would affect 61
airplanes of U.S. registry.
The FAA estimates the following
costs to comply with this proposed AD.
The corresponding letter and number in
parenthesis refer to the specific
paragraph in GippsAero SB–GA8–2005–
23, Issue 8.
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ESTIMATED COSTS
Action
Labor cost
Installing forward cargo door
slide backing plate (A1).
Inspecting forward cargo door
slide wear (A2).
0.50 work-hour × $85 per
hour = $42.50.
0.25 work-hour × $85 per
hour = $21.25 per inspection cycle.
1 work-hour × $85 per hour =
$85 per inspection cycle.
0.75 work-hour × $85 per
hour = $63.75.
Inspecting cargo door latching
mechanism (B1).
Inspecting cargo door handle
and inspecting for excessive play (C).
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Parts cost
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Cost per product
Cost on U.S. operators
$175
$217.50 ..................................
$13,267.50.
0
21.25 per inspection cycle .....
1,296.25 per inspection cycle.
0
85 per inspection cycle ..........
5,185 per inspection cycle.
0
63.75 ......................................
3,88.75.
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ESTIMATED COSTS—Continued
Action
Labor cost
Inspecting cargo door center
rail (D1).
Parts cost
1 work-hour × $85 per hour =
$85.
The FAA estimates the following
costs to do any necessary actions that
would be required based on the results
of the proposed inspections. The agency
Cost per product
0
85 ...........................................
has no way of determining the number
of airplanes that might need these
actions. The corresponding letter and
number in parenthesis refer to the
Cost on U.S. operators
5,185.
specific paragraph in GippsAero SB–
GA8–2005–23, Issue 8.
ON-CONDITION COSTS
Labor cost
Inspecting/replacing forward cargo door slide (A1,
Steps 2 through 4), corrective action for (A2).
Reworking cargo door pivot (B2) and reworking/replacing door operating rod assembly (B3).
Replacing door handle/handle bush (C) ......................
Replacing cargo door center rail/slide-center and
backing plate (D1) and reworking cargo door center
rail and backing plate (D2).
0.50 work-hour × $85 per hour = $42.50 .....................
$175
$217.50
2 work-hours × $85 per hour = $170 ...........................
630
800
1 work-hour × $85 per hour = $85 ...............................
2 work-hours × $85 per hour = $170 ...........................
267
152
352
322
The FAA has included all known
costs in its cost estimate. According to
the manufacturer, however, some of the
costs of this proposed AD may be
covered under warranty, thereby
reducing the cost impact on affected
operators.
Authority for This Rulemaking
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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
16:48 Jan 22, 2024
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation
safety, Incorporation by reference,
Safety.
The Proposed Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority
delegated to me by the Administrator,
the FAA proposes to amend 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
The FAA determined that this
proposed AD would not have federalism
implications under Executive Order
13132. This proposed AD would not
have a substantial direct effect on the
States, on the relationship between the
VerDate Sep<11>2014
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 the proposed regulation:
(1) Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory
action’’ under Executive Order 12866,
(2) Would not affect intrastate
aviation in Alaska, and
(3) Would not have a significant
economic impact, positive or negative,
on a substantial number of small entities
under the criteria of the Regulatory
Flexibility Act.
Jkt 262001
[Amended]
2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by:
a. Removing Airworthiness Directive
2010–18–06, Amendment 39–16419 (75
FR 52253, August 25, 2010); and
■ b. Adding the following new
airworthiness directive:
■
■
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Parts cost
Cost per
product
Action
GA 8 Airvan (Pty) Ltd: Docket No. FAA–
2024–0035; Project Identifier MCAI–2023–
00986–A.
(a) Comments Due Date
The FAA must receive comments on this
airworthiness directive (AD) by March 8,
2024.
(b) Affected ADs
This AD replaces AD 2010–18–06,
Amendment 39–16419 (75 FR 52253, August
25, 2010).
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to GA 8 Airvan (Pty) Ltd
Model GA8 and GA8–TC320 airplanes, all
serial numbers, certificated in any category.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC)
Code 5230, Cargo/Baggage Doors.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by reports of inflight cargo door separation. The FAA is
issuing this AD to detect and correct
excessive wear in the forward cargo door
slide, which could result in an in-flight
separation of the cargo door, with possible
loss of control of the airplane.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the
compliance times specified, unless already
done.
(g) Required Actions
Do the applicable actions specified in
Table 1 to paragraph (g) of this AD at the
times in Table 1 to paragraph (g) of this AD,
in accordance with the Accomplishment
Instructions of GippsAero Service Bulletin
SB–GA8–2005–23, Issue 8, dated October 11,
2023 (GippsAero SB–GA8–2005–23, Issue 8).
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Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 15 / Tuesday, January 23, 2024 / Proposed Rules
TABLE 1 TO PARAGRAPH (g)
Paragraphs in accomplishment instructions of
GippsAero SB–GA8–2005–23, Issue 8
12.1, A1, steps 1 and 2, for backing plate inspection, except where Figure 1 in step 1
specifies to remove and discard the vertical
bolt, remove the vertical bolt from service.
Steps 3 through 7, if a backing plate is not installed.
12.2, A2, steps 1 and 2 for the inspection ........
12.2, A2, step 3 or 4, and 12.1, A1, steps 2
through 4, for the follow-on inspection and
replacement.
12.3, B1, steps 1 through 6 for the inspections
12.3, B1, steps 2, 3i, and 3ii; 12.4, B2, steps 1
through 5; and 12.5, B3, steps 1 through 12
for the corrective actions.
12.6, C, steps 1 through 6 .................................
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12.7, D1, steps 1 through 10 for the center rail
cargo door inspection and installation.
12.8, D2, steps 1 through 2, for any necessary
follow-on rework.
Action
Compliance time
Inspect for the existence of a backing plate on
the forward slide of the cargo door. If a
backing plate is not installed, install a backing plate on the forward slide of the cargo
door, measure the groove width of the forward slide, and replace the slide if it exceeds 0.145 inch at any point or is cracked
or worn beyond limits.
Inspect for wear of the forward slide of the
cargo door by inserting a slide gauge or
feeler gauge to measure the clearance between the forward slide and the cargo door
track. If a gap is found, measure the groove
width of the forward slide and replace the
slide if the groove width exceeds 0.145 inch
at any point or is cracked or worn beyond
limits.
Inspect the cargo door mechanism for contact
between the operating rod and cargo door
handle pivot post, inspect the threaded
studs and rod ends at both ends of the operating rod for bending, and inspect the
cargo door handle engagement with the
catch. Perform all applicable corrective actions.
Inspect the cargo door handle to determine if
an integrated stop is installed and if an integrated stop is not installed, install a cargo
door handle with an integrated stop. Inspect
the cargo door handle for beyond normal
play and replace the handle bush if the
door handle has beyond normal play.
Inspect the center rail of the cargo door to determine if a center rail aft stop is installed
and if a center rail aft stop is not installed,
install an aft stop before further flight.
Inspect within 50 hours time-in-service (TIS)
or 2 months after the effective date of this
AD, whichever occurs first. Install, measure,
and replace before further flight after the inspection.
Inspect for wear within 100 hours TIS or 2
months after the effective date of this AD,
whichever occurs first, and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 100 hours TIS or 12
months, whichever occurs first after the
most recent inspection. Measure the groove
width and replace the slide before further
flight after each inspection as necessary.
Inspect within 50 hours TIS or 2 months after
the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first and thereafter at intervals not to
exceed 100 hours TIS or 12 months, whichever occurs first after the most recent inspection. Perform all applicable corrective
actions before further flight.
Within 150 hours TIS or 4 months after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs
first. Perform the installation and replacement, as necessary, before further flight
after the inspection.
Within 50 hours TIS or 2 months after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs
first.
(h) Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs)
410, Westbury, NY 11590; phone: (816) 329–
4059; email: doug.rudolph@faa.gov.
visit www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/
ibr-locations or email fr.inspection@nara.gov.
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 (i)(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.
(j) Material Incorporated by Reference
Issued on January 12, 2024.
Victor Wicklund,
Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
(i) Additional Information
(1) Refer to Civil Aviation Safety Authority
(CASA) Australia AD AD/GA8/3 amdt 3,
dated August 18, 2023, for related
information. This CASA Australia AD may be
found in the AD docket at regulations.gov
under Docket No. FAA–2024–0035.
(2) For more information about this AD,
contact Doug Rudolph, Aviation Safety
Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite
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16:48 Jan 22, 2024
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(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) GippsAero Service Bulletin SB–GA8–
2005–23, Issue 8, dated October 11, 2023.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For service information identified in
this AD, contact GA8 Airvan (Pty) Ltd, PO
Box 881, Morwell, Victoria 3840, Australia;
phone: +61 03 5172 1200; website:
gippsaero.com.au; email: TECHPUBS@
gippsaero.com.au.
(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 material at the
National Archives and Records
Administration (NARA). For information on
the availability of this material at NARA,
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[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 15 (Tuesday, January 23, 2024)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 4211-4214]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2024-01018]
========================================================================
Proposed Rules
Federal Register
________________________________________________________________________
This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains notices to the public of
the proposed issuance of rules and regulations. The purpose of these
notices is to give interested persons an opportunity to participate in
the rule making prior to the adoption of the final rules.
========================================================================
Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 15 / Tuesday, January 23, 2024 /
Proposed Rules
[[Page 4211]]
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2024-0035; Project Identifier MCAI-2023-00986-A]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; GA 8 Airvan (Pty) Ltd Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD)
2010-18-06, which applies to all GA8 Airvan (Pty) Ltd Model GA8 and
GA8-TC320 airplanes. AD 2010-18-06 requires inspections and a minor
design change to the forward slide of the cargo door with corrective
action as necessary. Since the FAA issued AD 2010-18-06, the Civil
Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), which is the aviation authority for
Australia, superseded the previous CASA Australia AD to incorporate
more detailed inspections and additional modifications as specified in
updated service information published by the manufacturer. This
proposed AD was prompted by reports of in-flight cargo door separation.
This proposed AD would require inspections and rework (modifications)
of the cargo door with corrective action as necessary. The FAA is
proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: The FAA must receive comments on this NPRM by March 8, 2024.
ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods:
Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to regulations.gov. Follow
the instructions for submitting comments.
Fax: (202) 493-2251.
Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New
Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590.
Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail address above between 9
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at regulations.gov under
Docket No. FAA-2024-0035; 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 NPRM, the mandatory continuing airworthiness
information (MCAI) any comments received, and other information. The
street address for Docket Operations is listed above.
Material Incorporated by Reference:
For service information identified in this NPRM, contact
GA8 Airvan (Pty) Ltd, PO Box 881, Morwell, Victoria 3840, Australia;
phone: +61 03 5172 1200; website: gippsaero.com.au; email:
gippsaero.com.au">TECHPUBS@gippsaero.com.au.
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.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Doug Rudolph, Aviation Safety
Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590;
phone: (816) 329-4059; email: [email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
The FAA invites you to send any written relevant data, views, or
arguments about this proposal. Send your comments to an address listed
under ADDRESSES. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2024-0035; Project Identifier
MCAI-2023-00986-A'' at the beginning of your comments. The most helpful
comments reference a specific portion of the proposal, explain the
reason for any recommended change, and include supporting data. The FAA
will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend
the proposal because of those comments.
Except for Confidential Business Information (CBI) as described in
the following paragraph, and other information as described in 14 CFR
11.35, the FAA will post all comments received, without change, to
regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. The
agency will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal
contact received about this NPRM.
Confidential Business Information
CBI is commercial or financial information that is both customarily
and actually treated as private by its owner. Under the Freedom of
Information Act (FOIA) (5 U.S.C. 552), CBI is exempt from public
disclosure. If your comments responsive to this NPRM contain commercial
or financial information that is customarily treated as private, that
you actually treat as private, and that is relevant or responsive to
this NPRM, it is important that you clearly designate the submitted
comments as CBI. Please mark each page of your submission containing
CBI as ``PROPIN.'' The FAA will treat such marked submissions as
confidential under the FOIA, and they will not be placed in the public
docket of this NPRM. Submissions containing CBI should be sent to Doug
Rudolph, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410,
Westbury, NY 11590. Any commentary that the FAA receives which is not
specifically designated as CBI will be placed in the public docket for
this rulemaking.
Background
The FAA issued AD 2010-18-06, Amendment 39-16419 (75 FR 52253,
August 25, 2010) (AD 2010-18-06), for all GA8 Airvan (Pty) Ltd Model
GA8 and GA8-TC320 airplanes. AD 2010-18-06 was prompted by MCAI
originated by CASA, which is the aviation authority for Australia. CASA
Australia issued CASA Australia AD AD/GA8/3 Amdt 2, dated August 11,
2010 (CASA Australia AD/GA8/3 Amdt 2) to correct an unsafe condition
identified as excessive wear in the forward cargo door slide, which
could result in an in-flight separation of the cargo door, with
possible loss of control of the airplane. CASA Australia AD AD/GA8/3
Amdt 2 was issued to require the actions in service information updated
by the manufacturer to remove any ambiguities in the previous revision
and provide an improved inspection method and a minor design change to
the forward slide of the cargo door (inclusion of a slide backing
plate, castellated nut, and split pin).
AD 2010-18-06 requires doing all of Action 1 (measuring the groove
width of
[[Page 4212]]
the forward cargo door slide and if it exceeds 0.145 inch at any point
along the slide, or is cracked, installing a new slider assembly) and
Action 2 (inspecting wear of the forward slide of the cargo door and
doing applicable corrective action steps specified in Action 1) of
GippsAero Pty. Ltd. Mandatory Service Bulletin SB-GA8-2005-23, Issue 3,
dated August 5, 2010. The FAA issued AD 2010-18-06 to address excessive
wear in the forward cargo door slide.
Actions Since AD 2010-18-06 Was Issued
Since the FAA issued AD 2010-18-06, CASA Australia superseded CASA
Australia AD AD/GA8/3 Amdt 2 and issued CASA Australia AD AD/GA8/3 Amdt
3, dated August 18, 2023 (CASA Australia AD AD/GA8/3 Amdt 3) (also
referred to as the MCAI). The MCAI states that inspections revealed
cases of excessive wear in the forward slide of the cargo door.
Excessive wear in the forward slide of the cargo door may result in the
cargo door separating from the airplane in flight with potentially
catastrophic results. The MCAI requires accomplishing the actions
specified in GippsAero Service Bulletin SB-GA8-2005-23, Issue 7, dated
May 30, 2023 (GippsAero Service Bulletin SB-GA8-2005-23, Issue 7). This
service bulletin includes procedures for revised inspections of the
door mechanism, installing a stop on the forward slide of the cargo
door and reworking the door slide to suit (accommodate) the track stop
installation. Depending on the findings of the inspections, additional
actions might be necessary including reworking the door mechanism
pivot, upgrading the door operating rod, or fitting a door handle with
an integral stop.
The FAA is proposing this AD to address excessive wear in the
forward slide of the cargo door. The unsafe condition, if not
addressed, could result in the cargo door separating from the airplane
during flight, with potential loss of control of the airplane.
You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at regulations.gov under
Docket No. FAA-2024-0035.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed GippsAero Service Bulletin SB-GA8-2005-23, Issue
8, dated October 11, 2023 (GippsAero SB-GA8-2005-23, Issue 8). This
service information specifies procedures for installing a backing plate
on the forward slide of the cargo door; inspecting the forward slide of
the cargo door for excessive wear; inspecting the cargo door latching
mechanism for contact between the operating rod and door handle pivot
post, inspecting the threaded studs and rod ends at both ends of the
operating rod for bending, and checking the cargo door handle
engagement with the catch; reworking the cargo door handle pivot post;
reworking the door operating rod; inspecting the door handle to
determine if an integrated stop is installed and checking for excessive
play; and inspecting the center rail of the cargo door to determine if
an aft stop is installed, installing an aft stop, and reworking the
center rail of the cargo door to accommodate the track stop.
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.
FAA's Determination
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 and service information referenced above. The FAA is issuing
this NPRM after determining that the unsafe condition described
previously is likely to exist or develop on other products of the same
type design.
Proposed AD Requirements in This NPRM
This proposed AD would retain none of the requirements of AD 2010-
18-06. This proposed AD would require accomplishing the actions
specified in the service information already described, except as
discussed under ``Differences Between this Proposed AD and the MCAI.''
Differences Between This Proposed AD and the MCAI
The MCAI applicability is Gippsland Aeronautics Model GA8 Series
airplanes, all serial numbers. The applicability in this proposed AD
would be GA8 Airvan (Pty) Ltd Model GA8 and GA8-TC320 airplanes because
the FAA type certificate specifies GA8 Airvan (Pty) Ltd instead of
Gippsland Aeronautics and specifies Model GA8 and GA8-TC320 airplanes
instead of Model GA8 Series airplanes.
The MCAI requires doing the actions in Gippsland Aeronautics
mandatory service bulletin SB-GA8-2005-23 Issue 7, dated May 30, 2023.
This proposed AD would require doing the actions in GippsAero SB-GA8-
2005-23, Issue 8. After the MCAI was published, the manufacturer issued
GippsAero SB-GA8-2005-23, Issue 8, which was revised to provide
clarification regarding the actions and compliance schedule. The title
page of GippsAero SB-GA8-2005-23, Issue 8, specifies GippsAero instead
of Gippsland Aeronautics.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD, if adopted as proposed, would
affect 61 airplanes of U.S. registry.
The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this proposed
AD. The corresponding letter and number in parenthesis refer to the
specific paragraph in GippsAero SB-GA8-2005-23, Issue 8.
Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Installing forward cargo door 0.50 work-hour x $175 $217.50............ $13,267.50.
slide backing plate (A1). $85 per hour =
$42.50.
Inspecting forward cargo door 0.25 work-hour x 0 21.25 per 1,296.25 per
slide wear (A2). $85 per hour = inspection cycle. inspection cycle.
$21.25 per
inspection cycle.
Inspecting cargo door latching 1 work-hour x $85 0 85 per inspection 5,185 per
mechanism (B1). per hour = $85 per cycle. inspection cycle.
inspection cycle.
Inspecting cargo door handle and 0.75 work-hour x 0 63.75.............. 3,88.75.
inspecting for excessive play $85 per hour =
(C). $63.75.
[[Page 4213]]
Inspecting cargo door center rail 1 work-hour x $85 0 85................. 5,185.
(D1). per hour = $85.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The FAA estimates the following costs to do any necessary actions
that would be required based on the results of the proposed
inspections. The agency has no way of determining the number of
airplanes that might need these actions. The corresponding letter and
number in parenthesis refer to the specific paragraph in GippsAero SB-
GA8-2005-23, Issue 8.
On-Condition Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost per
Action Labor cost Parts cost product
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inspecting/replacing forward cargo door slide 0.50 work-hour x $85 per hour = $175 $217.50
(A1, Steps 2 through 4), corrective action $42.50.
for (A2).
Reworking cargo door pivot (B2) and reworking/ 2 work-hours x $85 per hour = 630 800
replacing door operating rod assembly (B3). $170.
Replacing door handle/handle bush (C)......... 1 work-hour x $85 per hour = $85 267 352
Replacing cargo door center rail/slide-center 2 work-hours x $85 per hour = 152 322
and backing plate (D1) and reworking cargo $170.
door center rail and backing plate (D2).
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The FAA has included all known costs in its cost estimate.
According to the manufacturer, however, some of the costs of this
proposed AD may be covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost
impact on affected operators.
Authority for This Rulemaking
Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the
authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII, Aviation Programs,
describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's authority.
The FAA is issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in
Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: General requirements.
Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with promoting safe flight
of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing regulations for
practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator finds necessary
for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within the scope of that
authority because it addresses an unsafe condition that is likely to
exist or develop on products identified in this rulemaking action.
Regulatory Findings
The FAA determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism
implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would 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 the proposed
regulation:
(1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive
Order 12866,
(2) Would not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
(3) Would 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 Proposed Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part 39 as follows:
PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
0
1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
Sec. 39.13 [Amended]
0
2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by:
0
a. Removing Airworthiness Directive 2010-18-06, Amendment 39-16419 (75
FR 52253, August 25, 2010); and
0
b. Adding the following new airworthiness directive:
GA 8 Airvan (Pty) Ltd: Docket No. FAA-2024-0035; Project Identifier
MCAI-2023-00986-A.
(a) Comments Due Date
The FAA must receive comments on this airworthiness directive
(AD) by March 8, 2024.
(b) Affected ADs
This AD replaces AD 2010-18-06, Amendment 39-16419 (75 FR 52253,
August 25, 2010).
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to GA 8 Airvan (Pty) Ltd Model GA8 and GA8-TC320
airplanes, all serial numbers, certificated in any category.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 5230, Cargo/Baggage
Doors.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by reports of in-flight cargo door
separation. The FAA is issuing this AD to detect and correct
excessive wear in the forward cargo door slide, which could result
in an in-flight separation of the cargo door, with possible loss of
control of the airplane.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Required Actions
Do the applicable actions specified in Table 1 to paragraph (g)
of this AD at the times in Table 1 to paragraph (g) of this AD, in
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of GippsAero Service
Bulletin SB-GA8-2005-23, Issue 8, dated October 11, 2023 (GippsAero
SB-GA8-2005-23, Issue 8).
[[Page 4214]]
Table 1 to Paragraph (g)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Paragraphs in accomplishment
instructions of GippsAero SB-GA8- Action Compliance time
2005-23, Issue 8
------------------------------------------------------------------------
12.1, A1, steps 1 and 2, for Inspect for the Inspect within 50
backing plate inspection, existence of a hours time-in-
except where Figure 1 in step 1 backing plate on service (TIS) or
specifies to remove and discard the forward slide 2 months after
the vertical bolt, remove the of the cargo the effective
vertical bolt from service. door. If a date of this AD,
Steps 3 through 7, if a backing backing plate is whichever occurs
plate is not installed. not installed, first. Install,
install a backing measure, and
plate on the replace before
forward slide of further flight
the cargo door, after the
measure the inspection.
groove width of
the forward
slide, and
replace the slide
if it exceeds
0.145 inch at any
point or is
cracked or worn
beyond limits.
12.2, A2, steps 1 and 2 for the Inspect for wear Inspect for wear
inspection. of the forward within 100 hours
12.2, A2, step 3 or 4, and 12.1, slide of the TIS or 2 months
A1, steps 2 through 4, for the cargo door by after the
follow-on inspection and inserting a slide effective date of
replacement. gauge or feeler this AD,
gauge to measure whichever occurs
the clearance first, and
between the thereafter at
forward slide and intervals not to
the cargo door exceed 100 hours
track. If a gap TIS or 12 months,
is found, measure whichever occurs
the groove width first after the
of the forward most recent
slide and replace inspection.
the slide if the Measure the
groove width groove width and
exceeds 0.145 replace the slide
inch at any point before further
or is cracked or flight after each
worn beyond inspection as
limits. necessary.
12.3, B1, steps 1 through 6 for Inspect the cargo Inspect within 50
the inspections. door mechanism hours TIS or 2
12.3, B1, steps 2, 3i, and 3ii; for contact months after the
12.4, B2, steps 1 through 5; between the effective date of
and 12.5, B3, steps 1 through operating rod and this AD,
12 for the corrective actions. cargo door handle whichever occurs
pivot post, first and
inspect the thereafter at
threaded studs intervals not to
and rod ends at exceed 100 hours
both ends of the TIS or 12 months,
operating rod for whichever occurs
bending, and first after the
inspect the cargo most recent
door handle inspection.
engagement with Perform all
the catch. applicable
Perform all corrective
applicable actions before
corrective further flight.
actions.
12.6, C, steps 1 through 6...... Inspect the cargo Within 150 hours
door handle to TIS or 4 months
determine if an after the
integrated stop effective date of
is installed and this AD,
if an integrated whichever occurs
stop is not first. Perform
installed, the installation
install a cargo and replacement,
door handle with as necessary,
an integrated before further
stop. Inspect the flight after the
cargo door handle inspection.
for beyond normal
play and replace
the handle bush
if the door
handle has beyond
normal play.
12.7, D1, steps 1 through 10 for Inspect the center Within 50 hours
the center rail cargo door rail of the cargo TIS or 2 months
inspection and installation. door to determine after the
12.8, D2, steps 1 through 2, for if a center rail effective date of
any necessary follow-on rework. aft stop is this AD,
installed and if whichever occurs
a center rail aft first.
stop is not
installed,
install an aft
stop before
further flight.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(h) 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 (i)(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.
(i) Additional Information
(1) Refer to Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) Australia AD
AD/GA8/3 amdt 3, dated August 18, 2023, for related information.
This CASA Australia AD may be found in the AD docket at
regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA-2024-0035.
(2) For more information about this AD, contact Doug Rudolph,
Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410,
Westbury, NY 11590; phone: (816) 329-4059; email:
[email protected].
(j) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference (IBR) of the service information listed
in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
(2) You must use this service information as applicable to do
the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
(i) GippsAero Service Bulletin SB-GA8-2005-23, Issue 8, dated
October 11, 2023.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For service information identified in this AD, contact GA8
Airvan (Pty) Ltd, PO Box 881, Morwell, Victoria 3840, Australia;
phone: +61 03 5172 1200; website: gippsaero.com.au; email:
gippsaero.com.au">TECHPUBS@gippsaero.com.au.
(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 material at the National Archives and
Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability
of this material at NARA, visit www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations or email [email protected].
Issued on January 12, 2024.
Victor Wicklund,
Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2024-01018 Filed 1-22-24; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
