2014-05613. Airworthiness Directives; M7 Aerospace LLC Airplanes

AGENCY:

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION:

Final rule.

SUMMARY:

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all M7 Aerospace LLC Models SA226-AT, SA226-T, SA226-T(B), SA226-TC, SA227-AC (C-26A), SA227-AT, SA227-BC (C-26A), SA227-CC, SA227-DC (C-26B), SA227-TT, SA26-AT, and SA26-T airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports of airplanes with multiple fatigue cracks in the FS 69.31 front pressure bulkhead. This AD requires repetitively inspecting (visually) the FS 51.31 front pressure bulkhead on SA26 series airplanes and FS 69.31 front pressure bulkhead on SA226 and SA227 series airplanes for cracks, and repairing any cracked bulkhead; this AD also requires reporting certain inspection results to M7 Aerospace LLC. We are issuing this AD to correct the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES:

This AD is effective April 25, 2014.

The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of April 25, 2014.

ADDRESSES:

For service information identified in this AD, contact M7 Aerospace LP, 10823 NE Entrance Road, San Antonio, Texas 78216; phone: [phone]; fax: [phone]; Internet: http://www.elbitsystems-us.com; email: none. You may view this referenced service information at the FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Kansas City, Missouri 64106. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 816-329-4148.

Examining the AD Docket

You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2013-1057; or in person at the Docket Management Facility between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains this AD, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and other information. The address for the Docket Office (phone: [phone]) is Document Management Facility, U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Andrew McAnaul, Aerospace Engineer, FAA, ASW-150 (c/o San Antonio MIDO), 10100 Reunion Place, Suite 650, San Antonio, Texas 78216; phone: [phone]; fax: [phone]; email: [e-mail].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Discussion

We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to all M7 Aerospace LLC Models SA226-AT, SA226-T, SA226-T(B), SA226-TC, SA227-AC (C-26A), SA227-AT, SA227-BC (C-26A), SA227-CC, SA227-DC (C-26B), SA227-TT, SA26-AT, and SA26-T airplanes. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on December 24, 2013 (78 FR 77618). The NPRM was prompted by reports of airplanes with multiple fatigue cracks in the FS 69.31 front pressure bulkhead. The NPRM proposed to require repetitively inspecting (visually) the FS 51.31 front pressure bulkhead on SA26 series airplanes and FS 69.31 front pressure bulkhead on SA226 and SA227 series airplanes for cracks, and repairing any cracked bulkhead. This NPRM also proposed to require reporting certain inspection results to M7 Aerospace LLC. We are issuing this AD to correct the unsafe condition on these products.

Comments

We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing this AD. We received no comments on the NPRM (78 FR 77618, December 24, 2013) or on the determination of the cost to the public.

Conclusion

We reviewed the relevant data and determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting this AD as proposed except for minor editorial changes. We have determined that these minor changes:

• Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the NPRM (78 FR 77618, December 24, 2013) for correcting the unsafe condition; and
• Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was already proposed in the NPRM (78 FR 77618, December 24, 2013).

Costs of Compliance

We estimate that this AD affects 360 airplanes of U.S. registry.

We estimate the following costs to comply with this AD:

Estimated Costs

Action	Labor cost	Parts cost	Cost per product	Cost on U.S. operators
Inspect visually F.S. 69.31 or F.S. 51.31 bulkhead (as applicable), looking for cracking in the radius	12 work-hours × $85 per hour = $1,020 per inspection	Not Applicable	$1,020	$367,200 per inspection cycle.

We estimate the following costs to do any necessary repairs that would be required based on the results of the inspection. We have no way of determining the number of airplanes that might need these repairs:

On-Condition Costs

Action	Labor cost	Parts cost	Cost per product
Repair damage	400 work-hours × $85 per hour = $34,000	$8,000	$42,000

Paperwork Reduction Act

A federal agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, nor shall a person be subject to penalty for failure to comply with a collection of information subject to the requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act unless that collection of information displays a current valid OMB control number. The control number for the collection of information required by this AD is 2120-0056. The paperwork cost associated with this AD has been detailed in the Costs of Compliance section of this document and includes time for reviewing instructions, as well as completing and reviewing the collection of information. Therefore, all reporting associated with this AD is mandatory. Comments concerning the accuracy of this burden and suggestions for reducing the burden should be directed to the FAA at 800 Independence Ave., SW., Washington, DC 20591. ATTN: Information Collection Clearance Officer, AES-200.

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.

We are issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: “General requirements.” Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this rulemaking action.

Regulatory Findings

This AD will not have federalism implications under Executive Order 13132. This AD will not have a substantial direct effect on the States, on the relationship between the national government and the States, or on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government.

For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this AD:

(1) Is not a “significant regulatory action” under Executive Order 12866,

(2) Is not a “significant rule” under DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979),

(3) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and

(4) Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

• Air transportation
• Aircraft
• Aviation safety
• Incorporation by reference
• Safety

Adoption of the Amendment

Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows:

PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:

Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.

§ 39.13

[Amended]

2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness directive (AD):

2014-06-01 M7 Aerospace LLC: Amendment 39-17805, Docket No. FAA-2013-1057; Directorate Identifier 2013-CE-041-AD.

(a) Effective Date

This AD is effective April 25, 2014.

(b) Affected ADs

None.

(c) Applicability

This AD applies to M7 Aerospace LLC Models SA226-AT, SA226-T, SA226-T(B), SA226-TC, SA227-AC (C-26A), SA227-AT, SA227-BC (C-26A), SA227-CC, SA227-DC (C-26B), SA227-TT, SA26-AT, and SA26-T airplanes, all serial numbers, certificated in any category.

(d) Subject

Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC)/Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code: 5312, Fuselage Main, Bulkhead.

(e) Unsafe Condition

This AD was prompted by reports of airplanes with multiple fatigue cracks in the FS 69.31 front pressure bulkhead. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct cracks in the FS 51.31 (SA26 airplanes) and FS 69.31 (SA226 and SA227 airplanes) front pressure bulkhead, which if not corrected, could result in cabin depressurization.

(f) Compliance

Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified in paragraphs (h) through (j) of this AD, including all subparagraphs, unless already done.

(g) Inspection for Crack Damage

Do a detailed visual inspection of the front pressure bulkhead using the compliance times in paragraphs (h)(1) and (h)(2) of this AD, including all subparagraphs, as applicable.

(1) For all SA26-AT and SA26-T airplanes: Do a detailed visual inspection of the F.S. 51.31 front pressure bulkhead following paragraphs A. through E. of the Accomplishment Instructions in M7 Aerospace LLC SA26 Series Service Bulletin 26-53-001 R1, revised November 6, 2013.

(2) For all SA226-AT, SA226-T, SA226 T(B), and SA226-TC airplanes: Do a detailed visual inspection of the F.S. 69.31 front pressure bulkhead following paragraphs A. through E. of the Accomplishment Instructions in M7 Aerospace LLC SA226 Series Service Bulletin 226-53-017 R1, revised November 6, 2013.

(3) For all SA227-AC (C-26A), SA227-AT, SA227-BC (C-26A), and SA227-TT airplanes: Do a detailed visual inspection of the F.S. 69.31 front pressure bulkhead following paragraphs A. through E. of the Accomplishment Instructions in M7 Aerospace LLC SA227 Series Service Bulletin 227-53-011 R1, revised November 6, 2013.

(4) For all SA227-CC and SA227-DC (C-26B) airplanes: Do a detailed visual inspection of the F.S. 69.31 front pressure bulkhead following paragraphs A. through E. of the Accomplishment Instructions in M7 Aerospace LLC SA227 Series Commuter Category Service Bulletin CC7-53-007 R1, revised November 6, 2013.

Note 1 to paragraph (g) of this AD:

Operators who had the initial inspection and resulting repairs accomplished using procedures different from the M7 Aerospace LLC service information required by this AD action may apply for an alternative method of compliance (AMOC) following the instructions in paragraph (m) of this AD.

(h) Bulkhead Inspection Compliance Times

(1) Initially do the inspections for crack damage required by paragraph (g)(1), (g)(2), (g)(3), or (g)(4) of this AD, as applicable, using the compliance times specified below:

(i) For airplanes with 30,000 or more hours TIS, perform the inspection within the next 150 hours TIS after April 25, 2014(the effective date of this AD);

(ii) For airplanes with at least 25,000 but less than 30,000 hours TIS, perform the inspection within the next 300 hours TIS after April 25, 2014 (the effective date of this AD);

(iii) For airplanes with at least 20,000 but less than 25,000 hours TIS, perform the inspection within the next 450 hours TIS after April 25, 2014 (the effective date of this AD);

(iv) For airplanes with at least 11,000 but less than 20,000 hours TIS, perform the inspection within the next 600 hours TIS after April 25, 2014 (the effective date of this AD); or

(v) For airplanes with less than 11,000 hours TIS, perform the inspection before or upon accumulating 11,000 hours TIS or within the next 600 hours TIS after April 25, 2014 (the effective date of this AD), whichever occurs later.

(2) After the initial inspection specified in paragraph (h)(1) of this AD, to include all subparagraphs, repetitively thereafter do the inspections required in paragraph (g)(1), (g)(2), (g)(3), or (g)(4) of this AD, as applicable, at intervals not to exceed 1,000 hours TIS.

(i) Reporting Requirement for All Airplanes

If any cracks or other damage is found during any inspection required by paragraph (g)(1), (g)(2), (g)(3), or (g)(4) of this AD, before further flight, report all damage to M7 Aerospace LLC using the contact information and reporting criteria specified in paragraph F. of the Accomplishment Instructions in the service information listed in paragraphs (i)(1) through (i)(4) of this AD, as applicable:

(1) M7 Aerospace LLC SA227 Series Commuter Category Service Bulletin CC7-53-007 R1, revised November 6, 2013.

(2) M7 Aerospace LLC SA227 Series Service Bulletin 227-53-011 R1, revised November 6, 2013.

(3) M7 Aerospace LLC SA26 Series Service Bulletin 26-53-001 R1, revised November 6, 2013.

(4) M7 Aerospace LLC SA226 Series Service Bulletin 226-53-017 R1, revised November 6, 2013.

(j) Repair of Crack Damage

If any damage is found during any inspection required by paragraph (g)(1), (g)(2), (g)(3), or (g)(4) of this AD, before further flight, repair the damage following paragraph G. of the Accomplishment Instructions in the service information listed in paragraphs (j)(1) through (j)(4) of this AD, as applicable. The repair scheme provided will be based on the damage reports submitted per paragraph (i) of this AD.

(1) M7 Aerospace LLC SA227 Series Commuter Category Service Bulletin CC7-53-007 R1, revised November 6, 2013.

(2) M7 Aerospace LLC SA227 Series Service Bulletin 227-53-011 R1, revised November 6, 2013.

(3) M7 Aerospace LLC SA26 Series Service Bulletin 26-53-001 R1, revised November 6, 2013.

(4) M7 Aerospace LLC SA226 Series Service Bulletin 226-53-017 R1, revised November 6, 2013.

(k) Credit for Actions Accomplished in Accordance With Previous Service Information

This AD allows credit for the initial inspection and any resulting actions required in paragraphs (g)(1) through (g)(4), (i), and (j) of this AD, including all subparagraphs, if done before April 25, 2014 (the effective date of this AD), following the procedures specified in the Accomplishment Instructions of the applicable service information listed in paragraphs (k)(1) through (k)(4) of this AD:

(1) M7 Aerospace LLC SA227 Series Commuter Category Service Bulletin CC7-53-007, dated September 26, 2013.

(2) M7 Aerospace LLC SA227 Series Commuter Category Service Bulletin 227-53-011, dated September 26, 2013.

(3) M7 Aerospace LLC SA26 Series Service Bulletin 226-53-001, dated September 26, 2013.

(4) M7 Aerospace LLC SA226 Series Service Bulletin 226-53-017, dated September 26, 2013.

(l) Paperwork Reduction Act Burden Statement

A federal agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, nor shall a person be subject to a penalty for failure to comply with a collection of information subject to the requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act unless that collection of information displays a current valid OMB Control Number. The OMB Control Number for this information collection is 2120-0056. Public reporting for this collection of information is estimated to be approximately 5 minutes per response, including the time for reviewing instructions, completing and reviewing the collection of information. All responses to this collection of information are mandatory. Comments concerning the accuracy of this burden and suggestions for reducing the burden should be directed to the FAA at: 800 Independence Ave. SW., Washington, DC 20591, Attn: Information Collection Clearance Officer, AES-200.

(m) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

(1) The Manager, Fort Worth Airplane Certification Office, 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 ACO, send it to the attention of the person identified in paragraph (n)(1) of this AD.

(2) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager of the local flight standards district office/certificate holding district office.

(n) Related Information

For more information about this AD, contact Andrew McAnaul, Aerospace Engineer, FAA, ASW-150 (c/o San Antonio MIDO), 10100 Reunion Place, Suite 650, San Antonio, Texas 78216; phone: [phone]; fax: [phone]; email: [e-mail].

(o) 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) M7 Aerospace LLC SA227 Series Commuter Category Service Bulletin CC7-53-007 R1, revised November 6, 2013.

(ii) M7 Aerospace LLC SA227 Series Service Bulletin 227-53-011 R1, revised November 6, 2013.

(iii) M7 Aerospace LLC SA26 Series Service Bulletin 26-53-001 R1, revised November 6, 2013.

(iv) M7 Aerospace LLC SA226 Series Service Bulletin 226-53-017 R1, revised November 6, 2013.

(3) For M7 Aerospace LLC service information identified in this AD, contact M7 Aerospace LP, 10823 NE Entrance Road, San Antonio, Texas 78216; phone: [phone]; fax: [phone]; Internet: http://www.elbitsystems-us.com;​; email: none.

(4) You may view this service information at the FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Kansas City, Missouri 64106. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 816-329-4148.

(5) You may view this service information that is incorporated by reference at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at NARA, call 202-741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/​federal-register/​cfr/​ibr-locations.html.

Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on March 7, 2014.

Steven W. Thompson,

Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.