2014-10058. Airworthiness Directives; Alpha Aviation Concept Limited Airplanes

AGENCY:

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of Transportation (DOT).

ACTION:

Final rule.

SUMMARY:

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Alpha Aviation Concept Limited Model R2160 airplanes. This AD results from mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) issued by an aviation authority of another country to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an aviation product. The MCAI describes the unsafe condition as the metal screen shield over the ignition switch may ground out the ignition terminals. We are issuing this AD to require actions to address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES:

This AD is effective June 13, 2014.

The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of a certain publication listed in the AD as of June 13, 2014.

ADDRESSES:

You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2014-0130; or in person at 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 service information identified in this AD, contact Alpha Aviation, 59 Hautapu Road, RD 1, Cambridge 3493, New Zealand; telephone: [phone]; fax: [phone]; Internet: www.alphaaviation.co.nz. 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.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Karl Schletzbaum, Aerospace Engineer, FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas City, Missouri 64106; telephone: [phone] ; fax: [phone]; email: [e-mail].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Discussion

We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR part 39 to add an AD that would apply to certain Alpha Aviation Concept Limited Model R2160 airplane. The NPRM was published in the Federal Register on March 3, 2014 (79 FR 11723). The NPRM proposed to correct an unsafe condition for the specified products and was based on mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) originated by an aviation authority of another country. The MCAI states:

The AD is prompted by an overseas DR300/180R aircraft accident which occurred during take-off. Investigation revealed a distorted metal screen shield which grounded the ignition switch terminals and resulted in loss of engine power.

Robin aircraft manufactured prior to 1985 were fitted with ignition switches protected with a metal screen shield. With subsequent radio and electrical system improvements ignition switch shielding is no longer required, and most aircraft do not have metal screen shielded ignition switches.

This AD requires a one-time inspection of the ignition switch to determine if a metal screen shield is installed, and depending on findings, to modify or replace the ignition switch with a serviceable part. The AD prohibits the installation of a metal screen shield ignition switch on any aircraft.

The MCAI can be found in the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov/​#!documentDetail;​D=​FAA-2014-0130-0002.

Comments

We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing this AD. We received no comments on the NPRM (79 FR 11723, March 3, 2014) 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 the 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 (79 FR 11723, March 3, 2014) for correcting the unsafe condition; and
• Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was already proposed in the NPRM (79 FR 11723, March 3, 2014).

Costs of Compliance

We estimate that this AD will affect 10 products of U.S. registry. We also estimate that it will take about 3 work-hours per product to comply with the basic requirements of this AD. The average labor rate is $85 per work-hour.

Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of this AD on U.S. operators to be $2,550, or $255 per product.

In addition, we estimate that any necessary follow-on actions will take about 3 work-hours and require parts costing $100, for a cost of $355 per product. We have no way of determining the number of products that may need these actions.

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

We determined that 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 this AD:

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

(2) Is not a “significant rule” under the 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.

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-2012-0130; 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 the NPRM, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and other information. The street address for the Docket Office (telephone [phone]) is in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt.

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 AD:

2014-09-12 Alpha Aviation Concept Limited: Amendment 39-17847; Docket No. FAA-2014-0130; Directorate Identifier 2014-CE-005-AD.

(a) Effective Date

This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective June 13, 2014.

(b) Affected ADs

None.

(c) Applicability

This AD applies to Alpha Aviation Concept Limited Model R2160 airplanes, serial numbers 001 through 378, certificated in any category.

(d) Subject

Air Transport Association of America (ATA) Code 74: Ignition.

(e) Reason

This AD was prompted by mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) originated by an aviation authority of another country to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an aviation product. The MCAI describes the unsafe condition as the metal screen shield over the ignition switch may ground out the ignition terminals. We are issuing this AD to prevent the ignition switch metal screen from grounding out the ignition switch terminals, which could cause the engine to shut down.

(f) Actions and Compliance

Unless already done, do the actions in paragraphs (f)(1) through (f)(3) of this AD:

(1) Within the next 50 hours time-in-service after June 13, 2014 (the effective date of this AD) or within the next 3 months after June 13, 2014 (the effective date of this AD), whichever occurs first, inspect the airplane ignition switch for the presence of a metal screen shield. Do the inspection following the Accomplishment Instructions in Alpha Aviation Service Bulletin AA-SB-24-002, Revision 0, dated January 2014.

(2) If a metal screen is found during the inspection required in paragraph (f)(1) of this AD, before further flight, modify or replace the ignition switch following the Accomplishment Instructions in Alpha Aviation Service Bulletin AA-SB-24-002, Revision 0, dated January 2014.

(3) As of June 13, 2014 (the effective date of this AD), do not install an ignition switch with a metal screen shield.

(g) Other FAA AD Provisions

The following provisions also apply to this AD:

(1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, Standards Office, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. Send information to ATTN: Karl Schletzbaum, Aerospace Engineer, FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas City, Missouri 64106; telephone: [phone]; fax: [phone]; email: [e-mail]. Before using any approved AMOC on any airplane to which the AMOC applies, notify your appropriate principal inspector (PI) in the FAA Flight Standards District Office (FSDO), or lacking a PI, your local FSDO.

(2) Airworthy Product: For any requirement in this AD to obtain corrective actions from a manufacturer or other source, use these actions if they are FAA-approved. Corrective actions are considered FAA-approved if they are approved by the State of Design Authority (or their delegated agent). You are required to assure the product is airworthy before it is returned to service.

(h) Related Information

Refer to MCAI Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) AD DCA/R2000/42, dated January 29, 2014, for related information. You may examine the MCAI on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov/​#!documentDetail;​D=​FAA-2014-0130-0002.

(i) 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) Alpha Aviation Service Bulletin AA-SB-24-002, Revision 0, dated January 2014.

(ii) Reserved.

(3) For Alpha Aviation Concept Limited service information identified in this AD, contact Alpha Aviation, 59 Hautapu Road, RD 1, Cambridge 3493, New Zealand; telephone: [phone]; fax: [phone]; Internet: www.alphaaviation.co.nz.

(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 [phone].

(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 April 25, 2014.

Earl Lawrence,

Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.