[Federal Register: June 29, 2004 (Volume 69, Number 124)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 38826-38827]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr29jn04-11]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 2003-NM-200-AD; Amendment 39-13703; AD 2004-13-21]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Short Brothers Model SD3-60 SHERPA
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 SHERPA series airplanes,
that requires repetitive inspections and torque tests for discrepancies
of certain bolts and rivets; and related investigative and corrective
actions. This action is necessary to detect and correct loose bolts
that attach the vertical stabilizer to the horizontal stabilizer, and
pulled or loose rivets in the upper shear angles, which could result in
reduced structural integrity of the vertical stabilizer. This action is
intended to address the identified unsafe condition.
DATES: Effective August 3, 2004.
The incorporation by reference of a certain publication 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
SHERPA series airplanes was published in the Federal Register on March
25, 2004 (69 FR 15266). That action proposed to require repetitive
inspections and torque tests for discrepancies of certain bolts and
rivets; and related investigative and corrective actions.
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.
Conclusion
The FAA has determined that air safety and the public interest
require the adoption of the rule as proposed.
Cost Impact
The FAA estimates that 27 airplanes of U.S. registry will be
affected by this AD, that it will take approximately 5 work hours per
airplane to accomplish the required inspections and torque
[[Page 38827]]
tests, and that the average labor rate is $65 per work hour. Based on
these figures, the cost impact of the AD on U.S. operators is estimated
to be $8,775, or $325 per airplane, per inspection/test cycle.
The cost impact figure discussed above is 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:
2004-13-21 Short Brothers PLC: Amendment 39-13703. Docket 2003-NM-
200-AD.
Applicability: All Short Brothers Model SD3-60 SHERPA series
airplanes, certificated in any category.
Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished
previously.
To detect and correct loose bolts that attach the vertical
stabilizer to the horizontal stabilizer, and pulled or loose rivets
in the upper shear angles, which could result in reduced structural
integrity of the vertical stabilizer, accomplish the following:
Repetitive Inspections and Torque Tests and Related Investigative
Action
(a) Prior to the accumulation of 1,500 total flight hours, or
within 2 months after the effective date of this AD, whichever
occurs later: Perform a detailed inspection, including a torque
test, to detect discrepancies in the bolts or bolt holes that attach
the vertical stabilizer to the horizontal stabilizer; and to detect
loose or pulled rivets in the upper shear angles. Repeat the
detailed inspection and torque test at intervals not to exceed 1,500
flight hours. If any discrepancy is found in the bolts or bolt
holes, do the related investigative action before further flight.
Accomplish all actions in accordance with the Accomplishment
Instructions of Short Brothers Service Bulletin SD3-60 Sherpa-55-1,
dated June 6, 2003.
Note 1: For the purposes of this AD, a detailed inspection is
defined as: ``An intensive visual examination of a specific
structural area, system, installation, or assembly to detect damage,
failure, or irregularity. Available lighting is normally
supplemented with a direct source of good lighting at intensity
deemed appropriate by the inspector. Inspection aids such as mirror,
magnifying lenses, etc., may be used. Surface cleaning and elaborate
access procedures may be required.''
Related Corrective Actions
(b) If any discrepancy is found during any inspection or torque
test required by paragraph (a) of this AD: Before further flight,
repair in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Short
Brothers Service Bulletin SD3-60 Sherpa-55-1, dated June 6, 2003.
Where the service bulletin specifies to contact the manufacturer for
disposition of certain repair conditions: Before further flight,
repair per a method approved by either the Manager, International
Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate; or the Civil
Aviation Authority or its delegated agent.
No Reporting Requirement
(c) Although the service bulletin referenced in this AD
specifies to submit certain information to the manufacturer, this AD
does not include such a requirement.
Alternative Methods of Compliance
(d) In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, the Manager, International
Branch, is authorized to approve alternative methods of compliance
for this AD.
Incorporation by Reference
(e) Unless otherwise specified in this AD, the actions shall be
done in accordance with Short Brothers Service Bulletin SD3-60
Sherpa-55-1, dated June 6, 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. 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 2: The subject of this AD is addressed in British
airworthiness directive 001-06-2003.
Effective Date
(f) 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. 04-14572 Filed 6-28-04; 8:45 am]
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