[Federal Register: June 29, 2004 (Volume 69, Number 124)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 38813-38815]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr29jn04-3]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 2003-NM-236-AD; Amendment 39-13690; AD 2004-13-08]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Short Brothers Model SD3-60 Series
Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD),
applicable to all Short Brothers Model SD3-60 series airplanes. This AD
requires inspection of the welded joints of the balance weight brackets
for the left and right elevator trim tabs for cracking; repetitive
inspections, as applicable; and corrective actions including the
eventual replacement of all brackets, which constitutes terminating
action for the repetitive inspections. This action is necessary to
prevent the loss of the balance weight for the elevator trim tab, which
could result in incorrect trim during takeoff and landing, and reduced
controllability of the airplane. This action is intended to address the
identified unsafe condition.
DATES: Effective August 3, 2004.
The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as
of August 3, 2004.
ADDRESSES: The service information referenced in this AD may be
obtained from Short Brothers, Airworthiness & Engineering Quality, P.O.
Box 241, Airport Road, Belfast BT3 9DZ, Northern Ireland. This
information may be examined at the Federal Aviation Administration
(FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, Rules Docket, 1601 Lind Avenue,
SW., Renton, Washington; or 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/ code --of --federal --regulations/ ibr--
locations. html.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Todd Thompson, Aerospace Engineer,
International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate,
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056; telephone (425)
227-1175; fax (425) 227-1149.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: A proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal
Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) to include an airworthiness
directive (AD) that is applicable to all Short Brothers Model SD3-60
series airplanes was published in the Federal Register on April 22,
2004 (69 FR 21766). That action proposed to require inspection of the
welded joints of the balance weight brackets for the left and right
elevator trim tabs for cracking; repetitive inspections, as applicable;
and corrective actions including the eventual replacement of all
brackets, which would constitute terminating action for the repetitive
inspections.
Comments
Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate
in the making of this amendment. No comments were submitted in response
to the proposal or the FAA's determination of the cost to the public.
[[Page 38814]]
Conclusion
We have determined that air safety and the public interest require
the adoption of the rule as proposed.
Cost Impact
We estimate that 42 airplanes of U.S. registry will be affected by
this AD, that it will take approximately 12 work hours per airplane to
accomplish the required inspections, and that the average labor rate is
$65 per work hour. Based on these figures, the cost impact of this
action on U.S. operators is estimated to be $32,760, or $780 per
airplane.
It will take approximately 8 work hours per airplane to accomplish
the replacement of the brackets. Required parts will cost approximately
$632 per airplane. Based on these figures, the cost impact of this
action on U.S. operators is estimated to be $48,384, or $1,152 per
airplane.
The cost impact figures discussed above are based on assumptions
that no operator has yet accomplished any of the requirements of this
AD action, and that no operator would accomplish those actions in the
future if this AD were not adopted. The cost impact figures discussed
in AD rulemaking actions represent only the time necessary to perform
the specific actions actually required by the AD. These figures
typically do not include incidental costs, such as the time required to
gain access and close up, planning time, or time necessitated by other
administrative actions.
Regulatory Impact
The regulations adopted herein 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. Therefore, it
is determined that this final rule does not have federalism
implications under Executive Order 13132.
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) 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 final evaluation has been prepared for this action
and it is contained in the Rules Docket. A copy of it may be obtained
from the Rules Docket at the location provided under the caption
ADDRESSES.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.
Adoption of the Amendment
0
Accordingly, pursuant to 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. Section 39.13 is amended by adding the following new airworthiness
directive:
2004-13-08 Short Brothers PLC: Amendment 39-13690. Docket 2003-NM-
236-AD.
Applicability: All Model SD3-60 series airplanes, certificated
in any category.
Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished
previously.
To prevent the loss of the balance weight for the elevator trim
tab, which could result in incorrect trim during takeoff and
landing, and reduced controllability of the airplane, accomplish the
following:
Service Bulletin Reference
(a) The term ``service bulletin,'' as used in this AD, means the
Accomplishment Instructions of Short Brothers Service Bulletin
SD360-55-20, dated June 26, 2003.
Initial Inspection
(b) Within 2 months after the effective date of this AD: Do a
dye penetrant inspection for cracking in the welded joints of the
balance weight brackets for the left and right elevator trim tabs,
in accordance with the service bulletin.
Investigative and Corrective Actions if No Cracking Is Found
(c) If no cracking is found during the inspection required by
paragraph (b) of this AD, do the actions required by paragraphs
(c)(1) and (c)(2) of this AD at the applicable compliance times.
(1) Repeat the inspection required by paragraph (b) of this AD
at intervals not to exceed 4,800 flight hours until the bracket is
replaced per paragraph (c)(2) or (d) of this AD.
(2) Prior to the accumulation of 28,800 total flight hours, or
within 6 months after the effective date of this AD, whichever
occurs later: Replace any bracket that has not been replaced per
paragraph (d) of this AD with a new bracket or with a serviceable
bracket that has been inspected in accordance with paragraph (b) of
this AD. Replace in accordance with the service bulletin.
Replacement of the brackets constitutes terminating action for the
repetitive inspections required by paragraph (c)(1) of this AD.
Corrective Actions if Any Cracking Is Found
(d) If any cracking is found during any inspection required by
paragraph (b) or (c) of this AD: Before further flight, accomplish
the applicable action in paragraph (d)(1) or (d)(2) of this AD in
accordance with the service bulletin.
(1) For airplanes that have accumulated less than 28,800 flight
hours and on which all cracking on brackets is less than 0.25 inch
in length: Repair the affected bracket in accordance with Part B of
the service bulletin (including the additional dye penetrant
inspection of the repaired welded joint) and repeat the inspection
required by paragraph (b) of this AD at intervals not to exceed
4,800 flight hours; or replace the bracket in accordance with
paragraph (d)(2) of this AD. Replacement of the bracket constitutes
terminating action for the repetitive inspections.
(2) For any airplane on which any cracking on a bracket is 0.25
inch in length or greater, and for any airplane that has accumulated
28,800 flight hours or more on which any cracking of any length is
found on a bracket: Replace the affected bracket with a new bracket
or with a serviceable bracket that has been inspected in accordance
with paragraph (b) of this AD. Replacement of the bracket
constitutes terminating action for the repetitive inspections
required by paragraph (d)(1) of this AD.
Refitting
(e) Before further flight following any inspection per
paragraphs (b) or (c) of this AD; or before further flight following
repair or replacement of a bracket per paragraphs (c)(2) or (d) of
this AD: Refit the balance weights, covers, and trim tabs, in
accordance with the service bulletin. Where the service bulletin
specifies to contact the manufacturer for disposition of certain
conditions while refitting, obtain further disposition instructions
from the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport
Airplane Directorate; or the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) (or its
delegated agent).
Parts Installation
(f) As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install
on any airplane a balance weight bracket unless the welded joint has
been inspected in accordance with paragraph (b) of this AD.
Alternative Methods of Compliance
(g) In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, the Manager, International
Branch, ANM-116, is authorized to approve alternative methods of
compliance for this AD.
Incorporation by Reference
(h) Unless otherwise specified in this AD the actions shall be
done in accordance with Short Brothers Service Bulletin SD360-55-20,
dated June 26, 2003. This incorporation by reference was approved by
the Director of the Federal Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C.
552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. Copies may be obtained from Short
Brothers, Airworthiness & Engineering Quality, P.O.
[[Page 38815]]
Box 241, Airport Road, Belfast BT3 9DZ, Northern Ireland. Copies may
be inspected at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind
Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or 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/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html
.
Note 1: The subject of this AD is addressed in British
airworthiness directive 009-06-2003.
Effective Date
(i) This amendment becomes effective on August 3, 2004.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on June 16, 2004.
Ali Bahrami,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 04-14321 Filed 6-28-04; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P