[Federal Register: January 19, 2005 (Volume 70, Number 12)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 2946-2948]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr19ja05-6]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2004-19443; Directorate Identifier 2004-CE-32-AD;
Amendment 39-13942; AD 2005-01-17]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; EXTRA Flugzeugbau GmbH Model EA-300 and
EA-300/S Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: The FAA adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) to supersede
AD 98-03-14, which applies to certain EXTRA Flugzeugbau GmbH (EXTRA)
Model EA-300 and EA-300/S airplanes. AD 98-03-14 currently requires you
to inspect the upper longeron cutout-bridge for cracks, to repair any
cracks found, and to modify this area. This AD retains the actions of
AD 98-03-14 and incorporates new service information. For owner/
operators of the affected airplanes that were able to do the
modification required in AD 98-03-14, no further action is required.
This AD results from mandatory continuing airworthiness information
(MCAI) issued by the airworthiness authority for Germany. We are
issuing this AD to detect and correct cracks in the upper longeron
cutout-bridge, which could cause the upper longeron cutout-bridge to
fail resulting in structural damage to the fuselage. This condition
could lead to loss of control of the airplane.
DATES: This AD becomes effective on February 28, 2005.
On March 16, 1998 (63 FR 5881, February 5, 1998), the Director of
the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of EXTRA
Flugzeugbau GmbH Service Bulletin EA-300 & EA-300/S Doc: SB-300-3-93,
Issue: A, Date: January 12, 1994.
As of February 28, 2005, the Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference of EXTRA Flugzeugbau GmbH
Service Bulletin EA-300 & EA-300/S Doc: SB-300-3-93, Issue: B, Date:
June 10, 1998.
ADDRESSES: To get the service information identified in this AD,
contact Extra Flugzeugbau GmbH, Flugplatz Dinslaken, D-46569
H[uuml]nxe, Germany. To review this service information, go to the
National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on
the availability of this material at NARA, go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html
or call (202) 741-6030.
To view the AD docket, go to the Docket Management Facility; U.S.
Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Nassif Building,
Room PL-401, Washington, DC 20590-001 or on the Internet at http://dms.dot.gov.
The docket number is FAA-2004-19443.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Karl Schletzbaum, Aerospace Engineer,
Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas City, MO
64106; telephone: (816) 329-4146; facsimile: (816) 329-4090.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Discussion
What events have caused this AD? The Luftfahart-Bundesamt (LBA),
which is the airworthiness authority for Germany, notified us that life
cycle testing of the upper longeron cutout-bridge revealed potential
cracks. This condition caused us to issue AD 98-03-14, Amendment 39-
10307 (63 FR 5881, February 5, 1998). AD 98-03-14 currently requires
you to do the following for certain EXTRA Model EA-300 and EA-300/S
airplanes:
--Inspect the upper longeron cutout-bridge for cracks;
--Repair any cracks you find; and
--Modify this area.
You were required to do these actions following EXTRA Flugzeugbau
GmbH Service Bulletin EA-300 & EA-300/S, Doc: SB-300-3-93, Issue: A,
Date: January 12, 1994.
What has happened since AD 98-03-14 to initiate this action? LBA
notified FAA of the need to change AD 98-03-14. The LBA reports that
not all affected airplanes could have the required modification done
following EXTRA Service Bulletin EA-300 & EA-300/S, Doc: SB-300-3-93,
Issue: A, Date: January 12, 1994.
Installing the new steel sleeves may cause distortion to the upper
longeron bridge cutout and the fuselage. The distortion may cause
misalignment of the steel sleeves fore and aft of the cutouts.
This caused EXTRA to issue a new service bulletin. The new service
bulletin includes additional procedures for modifying the upper
longeron cutout-bridge. If you modify the upper longeron bridge-cutout
following Procedure II in the new service bulletin, the new bridges
must be replaced every 1,000 hours time-in-service (TIS) (as specified
in the new service information.)
What is the potential impact if FAA took no action? If not detected
and corrected, cracks in the upper longeron cutout-bridge could cause
the upper longeron cutout-bridge to fail, which could result in
structural damage to the fuselage. This failure could lead to loss of
control of the airplane.
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 certain EXTRA Model EA-300 and EA-
300/S airplanes. This proposal was published in the Federal Register as
a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) on November 12, 2004 (69 FR
65388). The NPRM proposed to supersede AD 98-03-14 with a new AD that
would retain the actions required in AD 98-03-14 and incorporate new
service information.
Comments
Was the public invited to comment? We provided the public the
opportunity to participate in developing 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:
--Are consistent with 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.
[[Page 2947]]
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 54 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
inspection:
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total cost per
Labor cost Parts cost airplane Total cost on U.S. operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3 workhours x $65 per hour = $195... Not applicable......... $195 $195 x 54 = $10,530
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We estimate the following costs to do any necessary repairs that
will be required based on the results of the inspection. We have no way
of determining the number of airplanes that may need this repair:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Labor cost Parts cost Total cost per airplane
------------------------------------------------------------------------
10 workhours x $65 per hour $200 $650 + $200 = $850
= $650.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
What is the difference between the cost impact of this AD and the
cost impact of AD 98-03-14? The difference between the cost impact of
AD 98-03-14 and this AD is the replacement of the new bridges every
1,000 hours TIS if the upper longeron bridge-cutout is modified
following Procedure II of the new service bulletin.
Authority for This Rulemaking
What authority does FAA have for issuing this rulemaking action?
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 AD.
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
``Docket No. FAA-2004-19443; Directorate Identifier 2004-CE-32-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. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by removing Airworthiness Directive (AD)
98-03-14, Amendment 39-10307 (63 FR 5881, February 5, 1998), and by
adding a new AD to read as follows:
2005-01-17 EXTRA Flugzeugbau GmbH: Amendment 39-13942; Docket No.
FAA-2004-19443; Directorate Identifier 2004-CE-32-AD; Supersedes AD
98-03-14; Amendment 39-10307.
When Does This AD Become Effective?
(a) This AD becomes effective on February 28, 2005.
What Other ADs Are Affected by This Action?
(b) This AD supersedes AD 98-03-14, Amendment 39-10307.
What Airplanes Are Affected by This AD?
(c) This AD affects the following airplane models and serial
numbers that:
(1) Are certificated in any category; and
(2) Have not had the left-hand (LH) and right-hand (RH) upper
longeron cutout-bridge inspected and modified following EXTRA
Flugzeugbau GmbH Service Bulletin EA-300 & EA-300/S Doc: SB-300-3-
93, Issue: A, Date: January 12, 1994.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Model Serial Nos.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
EA-300............................. VI and 01 through 50.
EA-300/S........................... 01 through 17.
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What Is the Unsafe Condition Presented in This AD?
(d) This AD is the result of mandatory continuing airworthiness
information (MCAI) issued by the airworthiness authority for
Germany. The actions specified in this AD are intended to detect and
correct cracks in the upper longeron cutout-bridge, which could
cause the upper longeron cutout-bridge to fail resulting in
structural damage to the fuselage. This condition could lead to loss
of control of the airplane.
What Must I Do To Address This Problem?
(e) To address this problem, you must do the following:
[[Page 2948]]
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Actions Compliance Procedures
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(1) Inspect the LH and RH upper Upon accumulating Follow EXTRA
longeron cutout-bridge, part 1,000 hours time- Flugzeugbau GmbH
number (P/N) PC-23102.IX), for in-service (TIS) Service Bulletin
cracks. on the upper EA-300 & EA-300/S
longeron or Doc: SB-300-3-93,
within the next Issue: A, Date:
100 hours TIS January 12, 1994;
after March 16, or EXTRA
1998 (the Flugzeugbau GmbH
effective date of Service Bulletin
AD 98-03-14), EA-300 & EA-300/S
whichever occurs Doc: SB-300-3-93,
later, unless Issue: B, Date:
already done. June 10, 1998.
(2) If you find any cracks in Before further Follow EXTRA
the upper longeron cutout- flight after the Flugzeugbau GmbH
bridge during the inspection inspection Service Bulletin
required in paragraph (e)(1) of required in EA-300 & EA-300/S
this AD, do the following: paragraph (e)(1) Doc: SB-300-3-93,
(i) repair any cracks; and of this AD, Issue: A, Date:
(ii) modify the upper longeron unless already January 12, 1994;
cutout-bridge. done. or EXTRA
Flugzeugbau GmbH
Service Bulletin
EA-300 & EA-300/S
Doc: SB-300-3-93,
Issue: B, Date:
June 10, 1998.
(3) If you do not find any Before further Follow EXTRA
cracks in the upper longeron flight after the Flugzeugbau GmbH
cutout-bridge during the inspection Service Bulletin
inspection required in required in EA-300 & EA-
paragraph (e)(1) of this AD, paragraph (e)(1) 300300/S Doc:
you must still modify the upper of this AD, SB300-3-93,
longeron cutout-bridge. unless already Issue: A, Date:
done. January 12, 1994;
or EXTRA
Flugzeugbau GmbH
Service Bulletin
EA-300 & EA-300/S
Doc: SB-300-3-93,
Issue: B, Date:
June 10, 1998.
(4) If you modified the upper As of February 28, As stated in EXTRA
longeron cutout-bridge 2005 (the Flugzeugbau GmbH
following EXTRA Flugzeugbau effective date of Service Bulletin
GmbH Service Bulletin EA-300 & this AD). EA-300 & EA-300/S
EA-300/S Doc: SB-300-3-93, Doc: SB-300-3-93,
Issue: A, Date: January 12, Issue: A, Date:
1994, or EXTRA Flugzeugbau GmbH January 12, 1994,
Service Bulletin EA-300 & EA- or EXTRA
300/S Doc: SB-300-3-93, Issue: Flugzeugbau GmbH
B, Date: June 10, 1998, Service Bulletin
Procedure I, you do not need to EA-300 & EA-300/S
do any further actions. Doc: SB-300-3-93,
Issue: B, Date:
June 10, 1998.
(5) If you modified the upper As of February 28, As stated in EXTRA
longeron cutout-bridge 2005 (the Flugzeugbau GmbH
following Procedure II of EXTRA effective date of Service Bulletin
Flugzeugbau GmbH Service this AD). EA-300 & EA-300/S
Bulletin EA-300 & EA-300/S Doc: Doc: SB-300-3-93,
SB-300-3-93, Issue: B, Date: Issue: B, Date:
June 10, 1998, you must replace June 10, 1998.
the new internal bridges every
1,000 hours TIS.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
May I Request an Alternative Method 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 39.19. Unless FAA authorizes otherwise, send your request to
your principal inspector. The principal inspector may add comments
and will send your request to the Manager, Standards Office, Small
Airplane Directorate, FAA. For information on any already approved
alternative methods of compliance, contact Karl Schletzbaum,
Aerospace Engineer, Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Room
301, Kansas City, MO 64106; telephone: (816) 329-4146; facsimile:
(816) 329-4090.
Is There Other Information That Relates to This Subject?
(g) German AD Number D-1994-043R1, dated May 17, 2004, also
addresses the subject of this AD.
Does This AD Incorporate Any Material by Reference?
(h) You must do the actions required by this AD following the
instructions in EXTRA Flugzeugbau GmbH Service Bulletin EA-300 & EA-
300/S Doc: SB-300-3-93, Issue: A, Date: January 12, 1994; or EXTRA
Flugzeugbau GmbH Service Bulletin EA-300 & EA-300/S Doc: SB-300-3-
93, Issue: B, Date: June 10, 1998.
(1) On March 16, 1998 (63 FR 5881, February 5, 1998) and in
accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51, the Director of
the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of
EXTRA Flugzeugbau GmbH Service Bulletin EA-300 & EA-300/S Doc: SB-
300-3-93, Issue: A, Date: January 12, 1994.
(2) As of February 28, 2005, and in accordance with 5 U.S.C.
552(a) and 1 CFR part 51, the Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference of EXTRA Flugzeugbau GmbH
Service Bulletin EA-300 & EA-300/S Doc: SB-300-3-93, Issue: B, Date:
June 10, 1998.
(3) To get a copy of this service information, contact EXTRA
Flugzeubau GmbH, Flugplatz Dinslaken, D-46569 H[uuml]nxe, Germany.
To review copies of this service information, go to the National
Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the
availability of this material at NARA, go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal_
register/code--of-- federal--regulations/
ibr--locations.html or call (202) 741-6030. To view the AD docket,
go to the Docket Management Facility; U.S. Department of
Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Nassif Building, Room PL-
401, Washington, DC 20590-001 or on the Internet at http://dms.dot.gov.
The docket number is FAA-2004-19443.
Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on January 5, 2005.
William J. Timberlake,
Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 05-607 Filed 1-18-05; 8:45 am]
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