[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 219 (Thursday, November 13, 1997)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 60772-60773]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 97-29535]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 97-CE-89-AD; Amendment 39-10196; AD 97-23-08]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Avions Pierre Robin Model R3000
Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.
ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.
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SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) that
applies to all Avions Pierre Robin Model R3000 airplanes that are
equipped with yaw damper Modification No. 013. This AD requires
inspecting the bridle cable ends for correct installation in the
grooved screw, inspecting for correct cable winding on the capstan and
correct cable tension, and correcting any discrepancies found. This AD
also requires installing lockwire to the tension adjustment screw. This
AD is the result of mandatory continuing airworthiness information
(MCAI) issued by the airworthiness authority for France. The actions
specified in this AD are intended to prevent the rudder control from
becoming jammed because of the yaw damper control cables slipping out
of the groove on the tension adjustment screw, which could result in a
reduction in the directional controllability of the airplane.
DATES: Effective December 5, 1997.
The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as
of December 5, 1997.
Comments for inclusion in the Rules Docket must be received on or
before December 8, 1997.
ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), Central Region, Office of the Regional Counsel,
Attention: Rules Docket 97-CE-89-AD, Room 1558, 601 E. 12th Street,
Kansas City, Missouri 64106.
Service information that applies to this AD may be obtained from
Avions Pierre Robin, 1, route de Troyes, 21121 Darois-France;
telephone: 03 80 44 20 50; facsimile: 03 80 35 60 80. This information
may also be examined at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA),
Central Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, Attention: Rules Docket
No. 97-CE-89-AD, Room 1558, 601 E. 12th Street, Kansas City, Missouri
64106; or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol
Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Karl M. Schletzbaum, Aerospace
Engineer, Small Airplane Directorate, Airplane Certification Service,
FAA, 1201 Walnut, suite 900, Kansas City, Missouri 64106; telephone
(816) 426-6932; facsimile (816) 426-2169.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Events Leading to Issuance of This AD
The Direction Generale de l'Aviation Civile (DGAC), which is the
airworthiness authority for France, recently notified the FAA that an
unsafe condition may exist on Avion Pierre Robin Model R3000 airplanes
that are equipped with yaw damper Modification No. 013. The DGAC
reports an incident where the yaw damper jammed due to the cable
slipping out of the tension adjustment screw during operation. This
condition, if not corrected in a timely manner, could result in the
rudder control becoming jammed with possible reduction in the
directional controllability of the airplane.
Relevant Service Information
Avions Pierre Robin has issued Service Bulletin No. 152, dated
September 30, 1996, which specifies the following:
--inspecting the bridle cable ends for correct installation in the
grooved screw;
--inspecting for correct cable winding on the capstan and correct cable
tension;
--correcting any discrepancies found; and
--installing lockwire to the tension adjustment screw.
The DGAC classified this service bulletin as mandatory and issued
French AD 97-079(A), dated March 12, 1997, in order to assure the
continued airworthiness of these airplanes in France.
The FAA's Determination
This airplane model is manufactured in France and is type
certificated for operation in the United States under the provisions of
section 21.29 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.29) and
the applicable bilateral airworthiness agreement. Pursuant to this
bilateral airworthiness agreement, the DGAC has kept the FAA informed
of the situation described above.
The FAA has examined the findings of the DGAC; reviewed all
available information, including the service information referenced
above; and determined that AD action is necessary for products of this
type design that are certificated for operation in the United States.
Explanation of the Provisions of This AD
Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to
exist or develop on other Pierre Robin Model R3000 airplanes of the
same type design registered in the United States that are equipped with
yaw damper Modification No. 013, the FAA is issuing an AD. This AD
requires inspecting the bridle cable ends for correct installation in
the grooved screw, inspecting for correct cable winding on the capstan
and correct cable tension, correcting any discrepancies found, and
installing lockwire to the tension adjustment screw. Accomplishment of
the actions of this AD would be in accordance with the previously
referenced service bulletin.
Comments Invited
Although this action is in the form of a final rule and was not
preceded by notice and opportunity for public comment, comments are
invited on this rule. Interested persons are invited to comment on this
rule by submitting such written data, views, or arguments as they may
desire. Communications shall identify the Rules Docket number and be
submitted in triplicate to the address specified under the caption
ADDRESSES. All communications received on or before the closing date
for comments will be considered, and this rule may be amended in light
of the comments received. Factual information that supports the
commenter's ideas and suggestions is extremely helpful in evaluating
the effectiveness of the AD action and determining whether additional
rulemaking action would be needed.
Comments are specifically invited on the overall regulatory,
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of
[[Page 60773]]
the rule that might suggest a need to modify the rule. All comments
submitted will be available, both before and after the closing date for
comments, in the Rules Docket for examination by interested persons. A
report that summarizes each FAA-public contact concerned with the
substance of this AD will be filed in the Rules Docket.
Commenters wishing the FAA to acknowledge receipt of their comments
submitted in response to this rule must submit a self-addressed,
stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: ``Comments
to Docket No. 97-CE-89-AD.'' The postcard will be date stamped and
returned to the commenter.
Regulatory Impact
The regulations adopted herein will not have substantial direct
effects 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. Therefore, in
accordance with Executive Order 12612, it is determined that this final
rule does not have sufficient federalism implications to warrant the
preparation of a Federalism Assessment.
For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this action (1) is
not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order 12866;
(2) is not a ``significant rule'' under DOT Regulatory Policies and
Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); 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. A final evaluation has been prepared for this action
and it is contained in the Rules Docket. A copy of it may be obtained
from the Rules Docket at the location provided under the caption
ADDRESSES.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
Reference, Safety.
Adoption of the Amendment
Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration amends part 39 of
the Federal Aviation Regulations (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.
Sec. 39.13 [Amended]
2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding a new airworthiness directive
(AD) to read as follows:
97-23-08 Avions Pierre Robin: Amendment 39-10196; Docket No. 97-CE-
89-AD.
Applicability: Model R3000 airplanes; all serial numbers;
certificated in any category, that are equipped with yaw damper
Modification No. 013.
Note 1: This AD applies to each airplane identified in the
preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been
modified, altered, or repaired in the area subject to the
requirements of this AD. For airplanes that have been modified,
altered, or repaired so that the performance of the requirements of
this AD is affected, the owner/operator must request approval for an
alternative method of compliance in accordance with paragraph (d) of
this AD. The request should include an assessment of the effect of
the modification, alteration, or repair on the unsafe condition
addressed by this AD; and, if the unsafe condition has not been
eliminated, the request should include specific proposed actions to
address it.
Compliance: Required prior to further flight after the effective
date of this AD, unless already accomplished.
To prevent the rudder control from becoming jammed because of
the yaw damper control cables slipping out of the groove on the
tension adjustment screw, which could result in a reduction in the
directional controllability of the airplane, accomplish the
following:
(a) Inspect the bridle cable ends for correct installation in
the grooved screw and inspect for correct cable winding on the
capstan and correct cable tension in accordance with Avions Pierre
Robin Service Bulletin No. 152, dated September 30, 1996. Prior to
further flight, correct any discrepancies in accordance with this
service bulletin.
(b) Install lockwire to the tension adjustment screw in
accordance with Avions Pierre Robin Service Bulletin No. 152, dated
September 30, 1996.
(c) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with
sections 21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14
CFR 21.197 and 21.199) to operate the airplane to a location where
the requirements of this AD can be accomplished.
(d) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the
compliance time that provides an equivalent level of safety may be
approved by the Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, FAA, 1201
Walnut, suite 900, Kansas City, Missouri 64106. The request should
be forwarded through an appropriate FAA Maintenance Inspector, who
may add comments and then send it to the Manager, Small Airplane
Directorate.
Note 2: Information concerning the existence of approved
alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be
obtained from the Small Airplane Directorate.
(e) The inspections and installation required by this AD shall
be done in accordance with Avions Pierre Robin Service Bulletin No.
152, dated September 30, 1996. This incorporation by reference was
approved by the Director of the Federal Register in accordance with
5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. Copies may be obtained from
Avions Pierre Robin, 1, route de Troyes, 21121 Darois-France. Copies
may be inspected at the FAA, Central Region, Office of the Regional
Counsel, Room 1558, 601 E. 12th Street, Kansas City, Missouri, or at
the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW.,
suite 700, Washington, DC.
Note 3: The subject of this AD is addressed in French AD 97-
079(A), dated March 12, 1997.
(f) This amendment (39-10196) becomes effective on December 5,
1997.
Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on October 31, 1997.
James E. Jackson,
Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 97-29535 Filed 11-12-97; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U
