Airworthiness Directives; GA8 Airvan (Pty) Ltd Airplanes, 13620-13622 [2024-03720]

Agencies

• Federal Aviation Administration
• DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 37 (Friday, February 23, 2024)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 13620-13622]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2024-03720]


========================================================================
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. 37 / Friday, February 23, 2024 / 
Proposed Rules

[[Page 13620]]



DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2024-0234; Project Identifier MCAI-2023-01215-A]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; GA8 Airvan (Pty) Ltd Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) 
for certain GA8 Airvan (Pty) Ltd Model GA8 and GA8-TC320 airplanes. 
This proposed AD was prompted by reports of insufficient electrical 
bonding of the solenoid (relay) box assembly that could result in 
degraded performance, errors, or intermittent failures of equipment 
connected to electrical Bus 1, Bus 2, associated electrical control, 
and protective devices fitted within or attached to the solenoid box. 
This proposed AD would require inspecting for an existing wire 
connecting the relay box earth point to the ground power socket, and if 
one is not present, installing a mechanical connection. The FAA is 
proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: The FAA must receive comments on this NPRM by April 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-2024-0234; 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, P.O. Box 881, Morwell, Victoria 3840, Australia; 
phone: +61 (0)3 5172 1200; email: gippsaero.com.au">TECHPUBS@gippsaero.com.au; website: 
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-2024-0234; Project Identifier 
MCAI-2023-01215-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 
this 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 Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), which is the aviation 
authority for Australia, has issued CASA Australia AD GA8/11, dated 
November 21, 2023 (CASA Australia AD GA8/11) (also referred to as the 
MCAI), to correct an unsafe condition on all GA8 Airvan (Pty) Ltd Model 
GA8 and GA8-TC320 airplanes. The MCAI states that operators made two 
reports and a few anecdotal reports of intermittent system 
discrepancies attributed to insufficient electrical bonding of the 
solenoid (relay) box assembly. Without a dedicated solenoid box 
electrical bonding connection, these airplanes may suffer degraded 
performance, errors, or intermittent failures of equipment connected to 
electrical Bus 1, Bus 2, associated electrical control, and protective 
devices fitted within or attached to the solenoid box. The majority of 
Model GA8 and GA8-TC320 airplanes were produced with the relay box 
electrically bonded to the airframe via the relay box lid and the 
hardware (screws) holding it in place. The relay box did not have a 
dedicated bonding point or mechanical connection.

[[Page 13621]]

    The MCAI requires doing the actions specified in GippsAero Service 
Bulletin SB-GA8-2023-216, Issue 1, dated February 24, 2023 (GippsAero 
SB-GA8-2023-216, Issue 1). These actions include inspecting for an 
existing wire connecting the relay box earth point to the ground power 
socket, and if one is not present, installing a mechanical connection.
    The FAA is proposing this AD to address this unsafe condition. Not 
having a dedicated solenoid box electrical bonding connection, if not 
addressed, could result in degraded electrical equipment performance, 
errors, or intermittent failures of equipment connected to electrical 
Bus 1, Bus 2, associated electrical control, and protective devices 
fitted within or attached to the solenoid box, which could lead to loss 
of equipment essential for safe flight.
    You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at regulations.gov under 
Docket No. FAA-2024-0234.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    The FAA reviewed GippsAero SB-GA8-2023-216, Issue 1. This service 
information specifies procedures for inspecting for an existing wire 
connecting the relay box earth point to the ground power socket, and if 
one is not present, installing a mechanical connection.
    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 require accomplishing the actions specified 
in the MCAI, 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. The applicability in this proposed AD would be GA8 Airvan 
(Pty) Ltd Model GA8 and GA8-TC320 airplanes because that is what is on 
the FAA type certificate.
    Part A, step 4. of the Accomplishment Instructions in GippsAero 
Service Bulletin SB-GA8-2023-216, Issue 1, specifies to proceed to the 
Documentation section to update the airplane logbook, but that action 
would not be specifically required by this proposed AD as current FAA 
regulations already require a logbook entry for compliance with AD 
actions.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this AD, if adopted as proposed, would 
affect 62 airplanes of U.S. registry.
    The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this proposed 
AD:

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                    Cost per       Cost on U.S.
               Action                        Labor cost           Parts cost        product         operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inspect for mechanical connection...  1 work-hour x $85 per                $0              $85           $5,270
                                       hour = $85.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The FAA estimates the following costs to do any necessary actions 
that would be required based on the results of the proposed inspection. 
The agency has no way of determining the number of airplanes that might 
need these actions:

                                               On-Condition Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Cost per
                    Action                                Labor cost               Parts cost        product
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Install mechanical connection................  1 work-hour x $85 per hour =               $170             $255
                                                $85.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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 this proposed 
regulation:
    (1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive 
Order 12866,

[[Page 13622]]

    (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 adding the following new airworthiness 
directive:

GA8 Airvan (Pty) Ltd: Docket No. FAA-2024-0234; Project Identifier 
MCAI-2023-01215-A.

(a) Comments Due Date

    The FAA must receive comments on this airworthiness directive 
(AD) by April 8, 2024.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to GA8 Airvan (Pty) Ltd Model GA8 airplanes, all 
serial numbers up to and including GA8-20-262; and Model GA8-TC320 
airplanes, all serial numbers up to and including GA8-TC 320-20-261; 
certificated in any category.

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 2497, Electrical 
Power System Wiring.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by reports of insufficient electrical 
bonding of the solenoid (relay) box assembly. The FAA is issuing 
this AD to address possible missing mechanical connections. The 
unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in degraded 
electrical equipment performance, errors, or intermittent failures 
of equipment connected to electrical Bus 1, Bus 2, associated 
electrical control and protective devices fitted within or attached 
to the solenoid box, which could lead to loss of equipment essential 
for safe flight.

(f) Compliance

    Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, 
unless already done.

(g) Required Actions

    (1) Within 100 hours time-in-service (TIS) after the effective 
date of this AD, inspect for a mechanical connection between the 
relay box earth point to the ground power socket in accordance with 
Part A, steps 1. through 4. of the Accomplishment Instructions in 
GippsAero Service Bulletin SB-GA8-2023-216, Issue 1, dated February 
24, 2023 (GippsAero SB-GA8-2023-216, Issue 1), except where step 4. 
specifies to proceed to the Documentation section to update the 
airplane logbook, that action is not specifically required by this 
AD.
    (2) If no mechanical connection between the relay box earth 
point to the ground power socket is found during the inspection 
required by paragraph (g)(1) of this AD, before further flight, 
install a mechanical connection in accordance with Part B, steps 1. 
through 3. of the Accomplishment Instructions in GippsAero SB-GA8-
2023-216, Issue 1.

(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 
GA8/11, dated November 21, 2023, for related information. This CASA 
Australia AD may be found in the AD docket at regulations.gov under 
Docket No. FAA-2024-0234.
    (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 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-GA8-2023-216, Issue 1, dated 
February 24, 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 (0)3 5172 1200; email: gippsaero.com.au">TECHPUBS@gippsaero.com.au; 
website: 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 February 16, 2024.
Victor Wicklund,
Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2024-03720 Filed 2-22-24; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P