FR Doc 03-25699

[Federal Register: October 14, 2003 (Volume 68, Number 198)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 59106-59109]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr14oc03-10]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2002-CE-58-AD; Amendment 39-13335; AD 2003-21-01]
RIN 2120-AA64

Airworthiness Directives; Univair Aircraft Corporation Models
Alon A-2 and A2-A; ERCO 415-C, 415-CD, 415-D, 415-E, and 415-G; Forney
F-1 and F-1A; and Mooney M10 Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: The FAA supersedes Airworthiness Directive (AD) 94-18-04

[[Page 59107]]

R1, which currently applies to all Univair Aircraft Corporation
(Univair) Models Alon A-2 and A2-A; ERCO 415-C, 415-CD, 415-D, 415-E,
and 415-G; Forney F-1 and F-1A; and Mooney M10 airplanes. AD 94-18-04
R1 requires installing inspection openings in the outer wing panels,
inspecting (one-time) the wing outer panel structural components for
corrosion, and repairing any corroded wing outer panel structural
component. Several reports of corrosion in the outer wing panels of the
affected airplanes prompted that AD. This AD is the result of
additional reports of corrosion on airplanes in compliance with AD 94-
18-04 R1. This AD makes the inspection required in AD 94-18-04 R1
repetitive. We are issuing this AD to prevent wing damage caused by a
corroded wing outer panel structural component, which, if not detected
and corrected, could progress to the point of structural failure.

DATES: This AD becomes effective on December 1, 2003.
The Director of the Federal Register previously approved the
incorporation by reference of Univair Aircraft Corporation Service
Bulletin No. 29, Revision B, dated January 2, 1995, as of March 24,
1995 (60 FR 13626, March 14, 1995).
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of Univair Aircraft Corporation Mandatory Service Bulletin
No. 29, Revision C, dated July 8, 1999, as of December 1, 2003.

ADDRESSES: You may get the service information identified in this AD
from Univair Aircraft Corporation, 2500 Himalaya Road, Aurora, Colorado
80011, telephone: (303) 375-8882; facsimile: (303) 375-8888.
You may view the AD docket at FAA, Central Region, Office of the
Regional Counsel, Attention: Rules Docket No. 2002-CE-58-AD, 901
Locust, Room 506, Kansas City, Missouri 64106. Office hours are 8 a.m.
to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Roger Caldwell, Aerospace Engineer,
FAA, Denver Aircraft Certification Office, 26805 East 68th Avenue, Room
214, Denver, Colorado 80249-6361; telephone: (303) 342-1086; facsimile:
(303) 342-1088.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Discussion

Has FAA taken any action to this point? Maintenance inspection
procedures did not allow for thorough inspection of the wing structure
on Univair Models Alon A-2 and A2-A; ERCO 415-C, 415-CD, 415-D, 415-E,
and 415-G; Forney F-1 and F-1A; and Mooney M10 airplanes. This caused
us to issue AD 94-18-04, Amendment 39-9017 (59 FR 43727, August 25,
1994) to require installing inspection openings in the outer wing
panels, inspecting (one-time) the wing outer panel structure for
corrosion, and repairing any corrosion found.
After AD 94-18-04 was issued, Univair revised Service Bulletin No.
29 to the Revision B level. Univair Service Bulletin No. 29, Revision
B, dated January 2, 1995, changed the dimension of one of the openings
to position it symmetrically between two ribs; and clarified the
dimensioning system utilized in placement of the inspection openings.
Univair SB No. 29, Revision B, also presented further discussion of the
service difficulties encountered on the referenced subject and
clarified the intent of the preliminary inspection procedure that may
be accomplished prior to the installation of the inspection openings.
This caused us to issue AD 94-18-04 R1, Amendment 39-9173 (60 FR
62321, March 14, 1995).
What has happened since AD 94-18-04 R1 to initiate this action? The
FAA has received additional reports of corrosion damage in the wing
outer panel structural components continuing to go undetected. Univair
has revised Service Bulletin No. 29 to the Revision C level, dated July
8, 1999. This revision changes the one-time inspection of the wing
outer panel structural components for corrosion to a repetitive
inspection.
What is the potential impact if FAA took no action? This condition,
if not detected and corrected, could cause damage to the wing outer
panel structural component. Such damage could result in structural
failure.
Has FAA taken any action to this point? We issued a proposal to
amend part 39 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) to
include an AD that would apply to all Univair Models Alon A-2 and A2-A;
ERCO 415-C, 415-CD, 415-D, 415-E, and 415-G; Forney F-1 and F-1A, and
Mooney M10. This proposal was published in the Federal Register as a
notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) on May 30, 2003 (68 FR 32437). The
NPRM proposed to supersede AD 94-18-04 R1 with a new AD that would
retain the actions required in AD 94-18-04 R1 and make the one-time
inspection of the wing outer panel structural components for corrosion
a repetitive inspection.

Comments

Was the public invited to comment? We provided the public the
opportunity to participate in the development of this AD. We received
no comments on the proposal or on the determination of the cost to the
public.

Conclusion

What is FAA's final determination on this issue? We have carefully
reviewed the available data and determined that air safety and the
public interest require adopting the AD as proposed except for minor
editorial corrections. We have determined that these minor corrections:

--Provide the intent that was proposed in the NPRM for correcting the
unsafe condition; and
--Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was already
proposed in the NPRM.

Changes to 14 CFR Part 39--Effect on the AD

How does the revision to 14 CFR part 39 affect this AD? On July 10,
2002, the FAA published a new version of 14 CFR part 39 (67 FR 47997,
July 22, 2002), which governs the FAA's AD system. This regulation now
includes material that relates to altered products, special flight
permits, and alternative methods of compliance. This material
previously was included in each individual AD. Since this material is
included in 14 CFR part 39, we will not include it in future AD
actions.

Costs of Compliance

How many airplanes does this AD impact? We estimate that this AD
affects 2,600 airplanes in the U.S. registry.
What is the cost impact of this AD on owners/operators of the
affected airplanes? We estimate the following costs to accomplish the
installation of the inspection openings:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total cost per
Labor cost Parts cost airplane
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6 workhours x $60 per hour = $360..... $67 $427
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[[Page 59108]]

We estimate the following costs to accomplish the inspection:

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Total cost per
Labor cost Parts cost airplane Total cost on U.S. operators
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2 workhours x $60 per hour = $120. Not applicable...... $120 $120 x 2,600 = $312,000
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The FAA has no method of determining the number of repetitive
inspections each owner/operator will incur over the life of each of the
affected airplanes so the cost impact is based on the initial
inspection.
The FAA has no method of determining the number of repairs or
replacements each owner/operator will incur over the life of each of
the affected airplanes based on the results of the inspections. We have
no way of determining the number of airplanes that may need such
repair. The extent of damage may vary on each airplane.

Compliance Time of This AD

What is the compliance time of this AD? The compliance time of this
AD is ``within the next 12 calendar months after the effective date of
this AD.''
Why is the compliance time presented in calendar time instead of
hours time-in-service (TIS)? The unsafe condition specified by this AD
is caused by corrosion. Corrosion can occur regardless of whether the
airplane is in operation or is in storage. Therefore, to assure that
the unsafe condition specified in this AD does not go undetected for a
long period of time, the compliance is presented in calendar time
instead of hours TIS.

Regulatory Findings

Will this AD impact various entities? We have 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.
Will this AD involve a significant rule or regulatory action? 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 the 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.
We prepared a summary of the costs to comply with this AD and
placed it in the AD Docket. You may get a copy of this summary by
sending a request to us at the address listed under ADDRESSES. Include
``AD Docket No. 2002-CE-58-AD'' in your request.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.

Adoption of the Amendment

0
Accordingly, under 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

0
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]

0
2. FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by removing Airworthiness Directive (AD) 94-
18-04 R1, Amendment 39-9173 (60 FR 62321, March 14, 1995), and by
adding a new AD to read as follows:

2003-21-01 Univair Aircraft Corporation: Amendment 39-13335; Docket
No. 2002-CE-58-AD; Supersedes AD 94-18-04 R1, Amendment 39-9173.

When Does This AD Become Effective?

(a) This AD becomes effective on December 1, 2003.

What Other ADs Are Affected by This Action?

(b) This AD supersedes AD 94-18-04 R1, Amendment 39-9173.

What Airplanes Are Affected by This AD?

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Models Serial Nos.
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Alon A-2 and A2-A............................ All.
ERCO 415-C, 415-CD, 415-D, 415-E, and 415-G.. All.
Forney F-1 and F-1A.......................... All.
Mooney M10................................... All.
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What Is the Unsafe Condition Presented in This AD?

(d) This AD is the result of additional reports of corrosion on
airplanes in compliance with AD 94-18-04 R1. The actions specified
in this AD are intended to prevent wing damage caused by a corroded
wing outer panel structural component, which, if not detected and
corrected, could progress to the point of structural failure.

What Must I Do To Address This Problem?

(e) To address this problem, you must accomplish the following:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Actions Compliance Procedures
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(1) Install inspection Within the next 12 In accordance with
openings in the outer wing calendar months Univair Service
panels and inspect the wing after March 24, Bulletin No. 29,
outer panel internal 1995 (the effective Revision B, dated
structural components for date of AD 94-18-04 January 2, 1995, or
corrosion and unrepaired R1), unless already Univair Service
corrosion damage. accomplished. Bulletin No. 29,
Revision C, dated
July 8, 1999, and
Advisory Circular
43-4A, Corrosion
Control for
Aircraft.
(2) If corrosion or Repair or replace In accordance with
corrosion damage is found prior to further Univair Service
during the inspection flight after the Bulletin No. 29,
required in paragraph inspection required Revision B, dated
(e)(1) of this AD, repair in paragraph (e)(1) January 2, 1995, or
or replace components of of this AD. Univair Service
the wing outer panel Bulletin No. 29,
structure. Revision C, dated
July 8, 1999, the
applicable
maintenance manual,
and Advisory
Circular 43-4A,
Corrosion Control
for Aircraft.

[[Page 59109]]

(3) Repetitively inspect the Initially inspect In accordance with
wing outer panel internal within the next 6 Univair Service
structural components for calendar months Bulletin No. 29,
corrosion and unrepaired after December 1, Revision C, dated
corrosion damage. 2003 (the effective July 8, 1999, and
date of this AD), Advisory Circular
unless the wing 43-4A, Corrosion
outer panel Control for
internal structure Aircraft.
has been inspected
for corrosion
within the previous
6 calendar months
immediately prior
to December 1, 2003
(the effective date
of this AD).
Repetitively inspect
thereafter at
intervals not to
exceed 12 calendar
months after the
last inspection..
(4) At any time corrosion or Repair or replace In accordance with
corrosion damage is found, prior to further Univair Service
repair or replace flight after the Bulletin No. 29,
components of the wing inspection in which Revision B, dated
outer panel structure. the corrosion or January 2, 1995, or
corrosion damage is Univair Service
found. Continue Bulletin No. 29,
with the repetitive Revision C, dated
inspection July 8, 1999, and
requirements of Advisory Circular
this AD. 43-4A, Corrosion
Control for
Aircraft.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Note: The compliance times specified in Univair Aircraft
Corporation Service Bulletin No. 29, Revision B, dated January 2,
1995, or Univair Service Bulletin No. 29, Revision C, dated July 8,
1999, are different from those required by this AD. The compliance
times in this AD take precedence over those in the service bulletin.

What About Alternative Methods of Compliance?

(f) You may request a different method of compliance or a
different compliance time for this AD by following the procedures in
14 CFR 39.13.
(1) Send your request to the Manager, Denver Aircraft
Certification Office (ACO). For information on any already approved
alternative methods of compliance, contact Roger Caldwell, Aerospace
Engineer, FAA, Denver Aircraft Certification Office, 26805 East 68th
Avenue, Room 214, Denver, Colorado 80249-6361; telephone: (303) 342-
1086; facsimile: (303) 342-1088.
(2) Alternative methods of compliance approved for the
inspection required in AD 94-18-04 R1, which is superseded by this
AD, are approved as alternative methods of compliance with this AD.

Is There Material Incorporated by Reference?

(g) You must do the actions required by this AD per Univair
Aircraft Corporation Service Bulletin No. 29, Revision B, dated
January 2, 1995, and Univair Service Bulletin No. 29, Revision C,
dated July 8, 1999.
(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference of Univair Aircraft Corporation Mandatory
Service Bulletin No. 29, Revision C, dated July 8, 1999, in
accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. You may get a
copy from Univair Aircraft Corporation, 2500 Himalaya Road, Aurora,
Colorado 80011, telephone: (303) 375-8882; facsimile: (303) 375-
8888.
(2) The Director of the Federal Register previously approved the
incorporation by reference of Univair Aircraft Corporation Service
Bulletin No. 29, Revision B, dated January 2, 1995, as of March 24,
1995 (60 FR 13626, March 14, 1995).
(3) You may review copies at FAA, Central Region, Office of the
Regional Counsel, 901 Locust, Room 506, Kansas City, Missouri 64106;
or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street,
NW., suite 700, Washington, DC.

Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on October 6, 2003.
James E. Jackson,
Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 03-25699 Filed 10-10-03; 8:45 am]

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