[Federal Register Volume 60, Number 242 (Monday, December 18, 1995)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 65038-65041]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 95-30675]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 95-CE-61-AD]
Airworthiness Directives; Brackett Aircraft Company, Inc. Air
Filter Assemblies Installed on Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
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SUMMARY: This document proposes to supersede AD 95-03-02, which
currently requires repetitively inspecting (visually) the air filter
frame for a loose or deteriorating gasket on airplanes incorporating
certain Brackett air filter assemblies. The proposed action retains the
repetitive inspection and possible replacement requirements as
contained in AD 95-03-02, and would incorporate additional Brackett air
filter assemblies to the applicability of that AD. Additionally, it
would provide a terminating action for the repetitive inspection. The
Federal Aviation Administration's determination that these additional
Brackett air filter assemblies should be inspected and replaced
prompted this AD action. The actions specified by the proposed AD are
intended to prevent gasket particles from entering the carburetor
because of air filter gasket failure, which, if not detected and
corrected, could result in partial or complete loss of engine power and
loss of control of the airplane.
DATES: Comments must be received on or before February 20, 1996.
ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), Central Region, Office of the Assistant Chief
Counsel, Attention: Rules Docket No. 95-CE-61-AD, Room 1558, 601 E.
12th Street, Kansas City, Missouri 64106. Comments may be inspected at
this location between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday,
holidays excepted.
Service information that applies to the proposed AD may be obtained
from Brackett Aircraft Company, Inc., 7045 Flightline Drive, Kingman,
Arizona 86401. This information also may be examined at the Rules
Docket at the address above.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Elizabeth Bumann, Aerospace Engineer,
Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, 3960 Paramount
Boulevard, Lakewood, California 90712; telephone (310) 627-5265;
facsimile (310) 627-5210.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
Interested persons are invited to participate in the making of the
proposed rule by submitting such written data, views, or arguments as
they may desire. Communications should identify the Rules Docket number
and be submitted in triplicate to the address specified above. All
communications received on or before the closing date for comments,
specified above, will be considered before taking action on the
proposed rule. The proposals contained in this notice may be changed in
light of the comments received.
Comments are specifically invited on the overall regulatory,
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the proposed 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 proposal will be filed in the Rules Docket.
Commenters wishing the FAA to acknowledge receipt of their comments
submitted in response to this notice must submit a self-addressed,
stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: ``Comments
to Docket No. 95-CE-61-AD.'' The postcard will be date stamped and
returned to the commenter.
Availability of NPRMs
Any person may obtain a copy of this NPRM by submitting a request
to the FAA, Central Region, Office of the Assistant Chief Counsel,
Attention: Rules Docket No. 95-CE-61-AD, Room 1558, 601 E. 12th Street,
Kansas City, Missouri 64106.
Discussion
AD 95-03-02 was published in the Federal Register on August 25,
1994 (59 FR 43784) and applies to airplanes that have a certain
Brackett air filter neoprene gasket installed in accordance with
Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) SA71GL. The action requires
repetitively inspecting (visually) the air filter frame for a loose or
deteriorated gasket, and replacing any gasket found loose or
deteriorated.
The FAA's continuing investigation of these Brackett neoprene
gasket air filter's failure and the continuing unsafe condition
described in AD 95-03-02 suggests that a superseding action be
proposed. The FAA has discovered that additional Brackett air filters
with the same neoprene gasket design are installed as original
equipment and in accordance with STC SA693CE on certain additional
airplanes. These airplanes would also be subject to air filter assembly
failure.
After examining the circumstances and reviewing all available
information related to the information described above, the FAA has
determined that AD action should be taken to prevent gasket particles
from entering the carburetor because of air filter gasket failure,
which could result in partial or complete loss of engine power.
Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to
exist or develop in other Brackett air filter frame assemblies of the
same type design, the proposed AD would supersede AD 95-03-02 with a
new AD that would require incorporating additional Brackett air filter
assemblies to the applicability paragraph of AD 95-03-02,
[[Page 65039]]
retain the repetitive inspection at intervals not to exceed 100 hours
time-in-service (TIS) with replacement of the air filter if damaged,
and mandatory replacement of the air filter assembly at 500 hours TIS,
terminating the repetitive inspection requirement contained in AD 95-
03-02.
The FAA estimates that 50,000 airplanes in the U.S. registry would
be affected by the proposed AD. To accomplish the proposed repetitive
inspection and possible replacement of a damaged air filter would take
approximately 1 hour per airplane, and that the average labor rate is
approximately $60 an hour. To install a new gasket cost approximately
$3 per airplane. Based on these figures, the total cost impact of the
proposed repetitive inspection and replacement on U.S. operators is
estimated to be $63 per airplane. The FAA knows that each owner/
operator would have to repetitively inspect four times before the
mandatory replacement of the air filter assembly, and based on the
assumption that no operator would incorporate the modification prior to
the 500 hours TIS, the total cost of four repetitive inspections with
possible replacement of the air filter gasket would be $252 per
airplane plus the cost of the proposed terminating action. Based on
these figures the total cost impact of the proposed AD on U.S.
operators is estimated to be $12,600,000.
In comparison, the cost to incorporate the modification is about 1
workhour per airplane at approximately $60 per workhour. The air filter
assembly replacement is estimated to be $40 per airplane. The total
estimated cost for the proposed modification required at 500 hours TIS
would be $100 per airplane and the total cost impact of the
modification is estimated to be $5,000,000 thereby reducing the total
cost of the proposed AD by $7,600,000 from $12,600,000 to $5,000,000.
The FAA has no way to determine how many owners/operators have
completed the repetitive inspections and replacements or the
terminating action modification and must calculate the cost impact
based on the entire U.S. fleet.
The regulations proposed herein would 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
proposal would 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) if promulgated,
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 copy of the draft regulatory evaluation
prepared for this action has been placed in the Rules Docket. A copy of
it may be obtained by contacting the Rules Docket at the location
provided under the caption ADDRESSES.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Safety.
The Proposed Amendment
Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration proposes to amend 14
CFR part 39 of the Federal Aviation Regulations as follows:
PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 49 USC 106(g), 40101, 40113, 44701.
Sec. 39.13 [Amended]
2. Section 39.13 is amended by removing Airworthiness Directive
(AD) 95-03-02, Amendment 39-9139, and by adding a new AD to read as
follows:
Brackett Aircraft Company: Docket No. 95-CE-61-AD; Supersedes AD 95-
03-02, Amendment 39-9139.
Applicability: Air filter assemblies presented in the following
chart that utilize a neoprene gasket installed on, but not limited
to the following airplanes, certificated in any category:
Note 1: These air filters could be installed as original
equipment or in accordance with Supplemental Type Certificate (STC)
SA71GL or STC SA693CE.
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Air filter assembly Airplanes installed on
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BA-2010................ Beechcraft Model 77 Airplanes.
BA-4106................ Cessna Models 120, 140, 140A, 150, 150A, 150B,
150C, 150D, 150E, 150F, 150G, 150H, 150J,
150K, 150L, 150M, A150M, 152, and A152;
American Champion Models Bellanca (Champion)
(Aeronca) 7ACA, 7ECA, and 7FC; Aviat, Inc.
Models A-1; Luscombe Models 8, 8A, 8B, 8C, 8D,
8E, 8F, and T-8F; Piper Models PA-22, PA-22-
135, PA-22-150, PA-22-160, PA-22-108, PA-20-
115, PA-20-135, PA-38-112, J-3, J3C-65, J3C-
65S, PA-11, PA-11S, J4A, J4A-S, J4E, J5A, J5A-
80, PA-12, PA-12S, PA-16, PA-17, PA-18, PA-
18A, PA-18S, PA-18-``125'' (Army L-21A), PA-
18AS-``125'', PA-18S-``125'', PA18AS-``135'',
PA-18S-``135'', PA-18-``135'', PA-18-``150'',
PA-18A-``150'' (SN 18-1 through 18-6963), PA-
18S-``150'', PA-19, PA-18A (Restricted), PA-
18A-``135'' (Restricted), and PA-18A-``150''
(Restricted) (SN 18-1 through 18-18-6963);
Taylorcraft Models BC65, BCS-65, BC12-65,
BCS12-65, BC12-D, BCS12-D1, BC12D85, BCS12D85,
BC12D-4-85, BCS12D-4-85, 19, F19, F21, DC-65,
DCO-65, F22, F22A, F22B, and F22C; Univair
Models (Alon) A-2, A2-A, (Forney) F-1, F-1A,
and (Mooney) M10; Swift Museum Models (Globe)
GC-1A and GC-1B; Augustair Model Varga
(Morrisey) 2150A; Aeronca Model 65-CA;
American Champion 7ECA (with Cont. O-200-A
engine) and 7ACA; Reims Aviation (Cessna)
F150G, F150H, F150J, F150K, F150L, F150M,
FA150K, FA150L, F152, AND FA152; Socata-Groupe
Aerospatiale Models Rallye Series MS880B,
MS885, and 100S.
BA-4106-1.............. Aviat, Inc. Model (Christian) A-1.
BA-4210................ Gulfstream Models AA-1, AA-1A, AA-1B, AA-1C,
and AA-5.
BA-5110................ Cessna Models 170, 170A, 170B, 172, 172A, 172B,
172C, 172D, 172E, 172F, 172G, 172H, 172I,
172K, 172L, and 172M; Mooney Mite Model M-18C;
Reims Aviation Models (Cessna) F172D, F172E,
F172F, F172G, F172H, F172K, F172L, and F172M;
Socata-Groupe Aerospatiale Models TB9, TB10,
Rallye Series MS892A-150, MS892E-150, MS892E-
150T, and MS892E-150ST; Panstwowe Zakolady
Kotnicze Model PZL-Koliber 150A; Augustair,
Inc. Model Varga (Morrisey) 2180.
BA-5110A............... Cessna Models 172N and 172P; Reims Aviation
Models (Cessna) F172N and F172P.
BA-6110................ Maule Models M-4, M-4C, M-4S, M-4T, M-4-220, M-
4-220C, M-4-220S, M-4-220T, M-4-180C, M-4-
180S, M-4-180T, M-5-220C, M-5-235C, M-5-180C,
M-5-210TC, M-6-180, M-6-235, M-7-235, MX-7-
180, MXT-7-160, MXT-7-180, MX-7-160, MX-7-235,
and MX-8-235; Mooney Models M20, M20A, M20B,
M20C, M20D, and M20G.
BA-8910................ Dynac Models (Aero Commander) 100 and 100A.
[[Page 65040]]
AAF-117................ Cessna Models 120, 140, 140A, 150, 150A, 150B,
150C, 150D, 150E, 150F, 150G, 150H, 150J,
150K, 150L, 150M, A150M, 152, and A152;
American Champion Models Bellanca (Champion)
(Aeronca) 7ACA, 7ECA, and 7FC; Aviat, Inc.
Models A-1; Luscombe Models 8, 8A, 8B, 8C, 8D,
8E, 8F, and T-8F; Piper Models PA-22, PA-22-
135, PA-22-150, PA-22-160, PA-22-108, PA-20-
115, PA-20-135, PA-38-112, J-3, J3C-65, J3C-
65S, PA-11, PA-11S, J4A, J4A-S, J4E, J5A, J5A-
80, PA-12, PA-12S, PA-16, PA-17, PA-18, PA-
18A, PA-185, PA-18-``125'' (Army L-21A), PA-
18AS-``125'', PA-185-``125'', PA-18AS-``135'',
PA-18S-``135'', PA-18-``135'', PA-18-``150'',
PA-18A-``150'' (SN 18-1 through 18-6963), PA-
18S-``150'', PA-19, PA-18A (Restricted), PA-
18A-``135'' (Restricted), and PA-18A-``150''
(Restricted) (SN 18-1 through 18-18-6963);
Taylorcraft Models BC65, BCS-65, BC12-65,
BCS12-65, BC12-D, BCS12-D1, BC12D85, BCS12D85,
BC12D-4-85, BCS12D-4-85, 19, F19, F21, DC-65,
DCO-65, F22, F22A, F22B, and F22C; Univair
Models (Alon) A-2, A2-A, (Forney) F-1, F-1A,
and (Mooney) M10; Swift Museum Models (Globe)
GC1A and GC-1B; Augustair Model Varga
(Morrisey) 2150A; Aeronca Model 65-CA;
American Champion 7ECA (with Cont. O-200-A
engine) and 7ACA; Reims Aviation (Cessna)
F150G, F150H, F150J, F150K, F150L, F150M,
FA150K, FA150L, F152, AND FA152; Socata-Groupe
Aerospatiale Models Rallye Series MS880B,
MS885, and 100S, F22B, and F22C; Univair
Models (Alon) A-2, A2-A, (Forney) F-1, F-1A,
and (Mooney) M10; Swift Museum Models (Globe)
GC-1A and GC-1B; Augustair Model Varga
(Morrisey) 2150A; Aeronca Model 65-CA;
American Champion 7ECA (with Cont. O-200-A
engine) and 7ACA; Reims Aviation (Cessna)
F150G, F150H, F150J, F150K, F150L, F150M,
FA150K, FA150L, F152, AND FA152; Socata-Groupe
Aerospatiale Models Rallye Series MS880B,
MS885, and 100S.
AAF-118................ Cessna Models 170, 170A, 170B, 172, 172A, 172B,
172C, 172D, 172E, 172F, 172G, 172H, 172I,
172K, 172L, and 172M; Mooney Mite Model M-18C;
Reims Aviation Models (Cessna) F172D, F172E,
F172F, F172G, F172H, F172K, F172L, and F172M;
Socata-Groupe Aerospatiale Models TB9, TB10,
Rallye Series MS892A-150, MS892E-150, MS892E-
150T, and MS892E-150ST; Panstwowe Zakolady
Kotnicze Model PZL-Koliber 150A; Augustair,
Inc. Model Varga (Morrisey) 2180.
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Note 2: 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 (f) 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 within the next 100 hours time-in-service
(TIS) after the effective date of this AD, or within the next 100
hours (TIS) after the last inspection accomplished in accordance
with AD 95-03-02, whichever occurs first, and thereafter as
indicated in the body of this AD, unless already accomplished in
accordance with paragraph (c) of this AD.
To prevent gasket particles from entering the carburetor because
of air filter gasket failure, which could result in partial or
complete loss of engine power, accomplish the following:
(a) Inspect (visually) the inside and outside of the air filter
frame for gasket looseness, movement, or deterioration in accordance
with Brackett Document I-194, dated March 16, 1994. Continue this
repetitive inspection at intervals not to exceed 100 hours TIS,
until accomplishment of the terminating action required in paragraph
(c) of this AD.
(b) If the gasket is found to be damaged, prior to further
flight, replace the air filter assembly with one having a retaining
lip in accordance with the Brackett INSTALLATION INSTRUCTION SHEET
corresponding to the new air filter assembly part number that is
applicable to the owner/operator's particular model of airplane:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Replace with
Air filter assembly assembly Instruction sheet
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BA-2010..................... BA-2010 Revision A.. BA-2004, dated 6/6/
95.
BA-4106..................... BA-4106 Revision D.. BA-4105, dated 6/15/
95.
BA-4106-1................... BA-4106-1 Revision A RM-1, dated 7/6/95.
BA-4210..................... BA-4210 Revision B.. BA-4205, dated 6/14/
95.
BA-5110..................... BA-5110 Revision H.. BA-5105, dated 5/8/
95.
BA-5110A.................... BA-5110A Revision D. BA-5111, dated 5/8/
95.
BA-6110..................... BA-6110 Revision C.. BA-6105, dated 6/5/
95.
BA-8910..................... BA-8910 Revision B.. BA-8910-3, dated 6/6/
95.
AAF-117..................... BA-4106 Revision D.. BA-4105, dated 6/15/
95.
AAF-118..................... BA-5110 Revision H.. BA-5105, dated 5/8/
95.
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(c) Within the next 500 hours TIS after the effective date of
this AD, replace the air filter assembly as a terminating action to
this AD in accordance with the Brackett INSTALLATION INSTRUCTION
SHEET corresponding to the new air filter assembly part number that
is applicable to the owner/operator's particular model of airplane
as specified in paragraph (b) of this AD.
(d) The replacement in paragraphs (b) and (c) are considered
terminating action for the repetitive inspection required by this
AD.
(e) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with 14
CFR 21.197 and 21.199 to operate the airplane to a location where
the requirements of this AD can be accomplished.
(f) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the
repetitive compliance times that provides an equivalent level of
safety may be approved by the Manager, Los Angeles Aircraft
Certification Office, FAA, 3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood,
California 90712. The request shall be forwarded through an
appropriate FAA Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then
send it to the Manager, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office.
Note 3: Information concerning the existence of approved
alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be
obtained from the Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office.
(g) All persons affected by this directive may obtain copies of
the documents referred to herein upon request to Brackett Aircraft
Company, Inc., 7045 Flightline Drive, Kingman, Arizona 86401; or may
examine these documents at the FAA, Central Region, Office of the
Assistant Chief Counsel, Room 1558, 601 E. 12th Street, Kansas City,
Missouri 64106.
(h) This amendment supersedes AD 95-03-02, Amendment 39-9139.
[[Page 65041]]
Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on December 11, 1995.
Henry A. Armstrong,
Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 95-30675 Filed 12-15-95; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U
