96-21374. Airworthiness Directives; HOAC Austria Model DV-20 Katana Airplanes  

  • [Federal Register Volume 61, Number 164 (Thursday, August 22, 1996)]
    [Proposed Rules]
    [Pages 43317-43319]
    From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
    [FR Doc No: 96-21374]
    
    
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    DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
    
    Federal Aviation Administration
    
    14 CFR Part 39
    
    [Docket No. 95-CE-62-AD]
    RIN 2120-AA64
    
    
    Airworthiness Directives; HOAC Austria Model DV-20 Katana 
    Airplanes
    
    AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.
    
    ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
    
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    SUMMARY: This document proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive 
    (AD) that would apply to certain HOAC Austria Model DV-20 Katana 
    airplanes. The proposed action would require replacing the muffler with 
    one of improved design, installing a heat shield around the exhaust 
    system endpipe, and adjusting the airplane weight and balance. Reports 
    of cracks in the welding joint that connects the exhaust system endpipe 
    to the muffler on three of the affected airplanes prompted the proposed 
    action. The actions specified by the proposed AD are intended to 
    prevent separation of the exhaust system endpipe from the muffler 
    because of cracks in the welding that connects these parts, which could 
    result in heat damage to the electrical system and engine controls.
    
    DATES: Comments must be received on or before October 28, 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-62-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.
    
    ADDRESSES: Send comments on the proposal in triplicate to the Federal 
    Aviation Administration (FAA), Central Region, Office of the Assistant 
    Chief Counsel, Attention: Rules Docket No. 95-CE-62-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 HOAC Austria Ges.m.b.H., N.A. Otto-Strabe 5, A-2700, Wiener 
    Neustadt. This information also may be examined at the Rules Docket at 
    the address above.
    
    FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Greg Holt, Program Manager, 
    Brussels Aircraft Certification Division, FAA, Europe, Africa, and 
    Middle East Office, c/o American Embassy, B-1000 Brussels, Belgium; 
    telephone (32 2) 513.2716; facsimile (32 2) 230.6899; or Mr. Robert 
    Alpiser, Project Officer, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft 
    Certification Service, FAA, 1201 Walnut, suite 900, Kansas City, 
    Missouri 64105; telephone (816) 426-6932; facsimile (816) 426-2169.
    
    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-62-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-62-AD, Room 1558, 601 E. 12th Street, 
    Kansas City, Missouri 64106.
    
    Discussion
    
        The Austro Control GmbH, which is the airworthiness authority for 
    Austria, recently notified the FAA that an unsafe condition may exist 
    on certain HOAC Austria Model DV-20 Katana airplanes. The Austro 
    Control GmbH reports cracking in the welding joint that connects the 
    exhaust system endpipe to the muffler. These conditions, if not 
    detected and corrected, could result in separation of the exhaust 
    system endpipe from the muffler because of cracks in the welding joint 
    that connects these parts, which could result in heat damage to the 
    electrical system and engine controls.
    
    Explanation of the Relevant Service Information
    
        HOAC Austria has issued Service Bulletin (SB) No. 20-7/1, dated May 
    30, 1994, which specifies replacing the muffler with one that has an 
    endpipe type ``f'', and installing a heat shield around the exhaust 
    system endpipe. This service bulletin references Drawing No. DV2-
    7800R01-00, which illustrates the heat shield installation.
        The Austro Control GmbH classified HOAC Austria SB No. 20-7/1 as 
    mandatory and issued Austro Control GmbH AD No. 77, dated June 24, 
    1994, in order to assure the continued airworthiness of these airplanes 
    in Austria. Since that time, HOAC Austria has issued SB No. 20-7/2, 
    dated September 8, 1994, which supersedes SB No. 20-7/1.
    
    FAA's Conclusion
    
        This airplane model is manufactured in Austria and is type 
    certificated for operation in the United States under the provisions of 
    section 21.29 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR
    
    [[Page 43318]]
    
    21.29) and the applicable bilateral airworthiness agreement. Pursuant 
    to this bilateral airworthiness agreement, the Austro Control GmbH has 
    kept the FAA informed of the situation described above. The FAA has 
    examined the findings of the Austro Control GmbH; 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 the Proposed Rule
    
        Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to 
    exist or develop in other HOAC Austria Model DV-20 Katana airplanes of 
    the same type design registered in the United States, the proposed AD 
    would require replacing the muffler with one of improved design, 
    installing a heat shield around the exhaust system endpipe, and 
    adjusting the airplane weight and balance. Accomplishment of the 
    proposed muffler replacement would in accordance with the applicable 
    maintenance manual; accomplishment of the proposed heat shield 
    installation would be in accordance with Drawing No. DV2-7800R01-00, as 
    referenced in HOAC Austria SB No. 20-7/2, dated September 8, 1994; and 
    accomplishment of the weight and balance adjustment would be in 
    accordance with HOAC Austria SB No. 20-7/2, dated September 8, 1994.
    
    Compliance Time of the Proposed Rule
    
        The FAA has determined that an interval of three calendar months is 
    an appropriate compliance time to address the identified unsafe 
    condition in a timely manner. This compliance time was deemed 
    appropriate after considering the safety implications, the average 
    utilization rate of the affected fleet, and the availability of the 
    replacement parts.
    
    Cost Impact
    
        The FAA estimates that 5 airplanes in the U.S. registry would be 
    affected by the proposed AD, that it would take approximately 1 
    workhour per airplane to accomplish the proposed muffler replacement 
    and heat shield installation, and that the average labor rate is 
    approximately $60 per hour. HOAC Austria will provide parts at no cost 
    to the affected airplane owners/operators. Based on these figures, the 
    total cost impact of the proposed AD on U.S. operators is estimated to 
    be $300 or $60 per airplane. The FAA is unaware of any affected 
    airplane that already has the proposed muffler replacement and heat 
    shield installation.
    
    Regulatory Impact
    
        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 
    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:
    
    HOAC Austria: Docket No. 95-CE-62-AD.
    
        Applicability: Model DV-20 Katana airplanes, serial numbers 
    20005 through 20078, certificated in any category.
    
        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 within the next three calendar 
    months after the effective date of this AD, unless already 
    accomplished.
    
        To prevent separation of the exhaust system endpipe from the 
    muffler because of cracks in the welding that connects these parts, 
    which could result in heat damage to the electrical system and 
    engine controls, accomplish the following:
        (a) For any Model DV-20 Katana airplane incorporating a serial 
    number in the range of 20005 through 20078, replace the muffler with 
    one that incorporates a type ``f'' endpipe. The letter ``F'' is 
    stamped on the endpipe of these type ``f'' parts. Accomplish this 
    action in accordance with HOAC Austria Maintenance Manual, Doc No. 
    4.02.02.
        (b) For any Model DV-20 Katana airplane incorporating a serial 
    number in the range of 20005 through 20058, accomplish the 
    following:
        (1) Install a heat shield in accordance with Drawing No. DV2-
    7800R01-00, as referenced in HOAC Austria Service Bulletin (SB) No. 
    20-7/2, dated September 8, 1994.
        (2) Adjust the mass (weight) and center of gravity (CG) in 
    accordance with the instructions in HOAC Austria SB No. 20-7/2, 
    dated September 8, 1994.
        (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, Brussels Aircraft Certification Division, 
    FAA, Europe, Africa, and Middle East Office, c/o American Embassy, 
    B-1000 Brussels, Belgium. The request shall be forwarded through an 
    appropriate FAA Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then 
    send it to the Manager, Brussels Aircraft Certification Division.
    
        Note 2: Information concerning the existence of approved 
    alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be 
    obtained from the Brussels Aircraft Certification Division.
    
        (e) All persons affected by this directive may obtain copies of 
    the document referred to herein upon request to HOAC Austria 
    Ges.m.b.H., N.A. Otto-Strabe 5, A-2700, Wiener Neustadt; or may 
    examine this document at the FAA, Central Region, Office of the 
    Assistant Chief Counsel, Room 1558, 601 E. 12th Street, Kansas City, 
    Missouri 64106.
    
    
    [[Page 43319]]
    
    
        Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on August 15, 1996.
    Carolanne L. Cabrini,
    Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
    Service.
    [FR Doc. 96-21374 Filed 8-21-96; 8:45 am]
    BILLING CODE 4910-13-U
    
    
    

Document Information

Published:
08/22/1996
Department:
Federal Aviation Administration
Entry Type:
Proposed Rule
Action:
Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
Document Number:
96-21374
Dates:
Comments must be received on or before October 28, 1996.
Pages:
43317-43319 (3 pages)
Docket Numbers:
Docket No. 95-CE-62-AD
RINs:
2120-AA64: Airworthiness Directives
RIN Links:
https://www.federalregister.gov/regulations/2120-AA64/airworthiness-directives
PDF File:
96-21374.pdf
CFR: (1)
14 CFR 39.13