FR Doc 06-49

[Federal Register: January 9, 2006 (Volume 71, Number 5)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 1390-1392]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr09ja06-2]

[[Page 1390]]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2005-23025; Directorate Identifier 2005-CE-50-AD;
Amendment 39-14390; AD 2005-24-10]
RIN 2120-AA64

Airworthiness Directives; American Champion Aircraft Corporation
Models 7AC, 7ACA, S7AC, 7BCM, 7CCM, S7CCM, 7DC, S7DC, 7EC, S7EC, 7ECA,
7FC, 7GC, 7GCA, 7GCAA, 7GCB, 7GCBA, 7GCBC, 7HC, 7JC, 7KC, 7KCAB, 8KCAB,
and 8GCBC Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

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SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for
certain American Champion Aircraft Corporation (ACAC) Models 7AC, 7ACA,
S7AC, 7BCM, 7CCM, S7CCM, 7DC, S7DC, 7EC, S7EC, 7ECA, 7FC, 7GC, 7GCA,
7GCAA, 7GCB, 7GCBA, 7GCBC, 7HC, 7JC, 7KC, 7KCAB, 8KCAB, and 8GCBC
airplanes. This AD requires you to make a temporary Pilot's Operating
Handbook (POH) limitation entry or install a temporary placard
prohibiting aerobatic flight if you operate the airplane before the
required inspection of this AD; inspect for incorrect swaging width of
the cable Nicopress sleeves on the elevator, rudder, aileron, and flap
control cables; replace cables that have incorrect sleeve swage width;
remove POH limitation or placard prohibiting aerobatic flight after
inspection and replacement of cables with incorrect sleeve swage width;
and report any findings of incorrect sleeve swage width to FAA. This AD
results from partial loss of aileron control because an incorrectly
swaged cable sleeve allowed the cable to slip. We are issuing this AD
to detect and correct incorrect swaging widths of the flight control
cable Nicopress sleeves, which could result in failure of the elevator,
rudder, aileron, and flap controls. This failure could lead to loss of
control of the airplane.

DATES: This AD becomes effective on January 17, 2006.
As of January 17, 2006, the Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference of certain publications listed
in the regulation.
We must receive any comments on this AD by February 14, 2006.

ADDRESSES: Use one of the following to submit comments on this AD:
DOT Docket Web site: Go to http://dms.dot.gov and follow

the instructions for sending your comments electronically.
Government-wide rulemaking Web site: Go to http://www.regulations.gov
and follow the instructions for sending your

comments electronically.
Mail: Docket Management Facility; U.S. Department of
Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Nassif Building, Room PL-401,
Washington, DC 20590-001.
Fax: 1-202-493-2251.
Hand Delivery: Room PL-401 on the plaza level of the
Nassif Building, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC, between 9
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
To get the service information identified in this proposed AD,
contact American Champion Aircraft Corporation, P.O. Box 37, 32032
Washington Avenue, Rochester, WI 53167; telephone: (262) 534-6315;
internet address: http://www.amerchampionaircraft.com To view the comments to this AD, go to http://dms.dot.gov. The

docket number is FAA-2005-23025; Directorate Identifier 2005-CE-50-AD.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Wess Rouse, Small Airplane Project
Manager, ACE-117C, Chicago Aircraft Certification Office, 2300 East
Devon Avenue, Room 107, Des Plaines, Illinois 60018; telephone: 847-
294-8113; facsimile: (847) 294-7834; e-mail: Wess.Rouse@faa.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: What events have caused this AD? During a
flight, the pilot of an ACAC Model 7KCAB noticed partial loss of
aileron control and landed at the nearest airport. The Nicopress sleeve
on the cable was incorrectly swaged, allowing the cable to slip within
the sleeve. A replacement aileron control cable manufactured by ACAC
had been installed on the airplane before the occurrence.
What is the potential impact if FAA took no action? Incorrect
swaging width of the flight control cable Nicopress sleeves could
result in failure of the elevator, rudder, aileron, and/or flap
controls. This failure could lead to loss of control of the airplane.
Is there service information that applies to this subject? ACAC
issued Service Letter No. 427, Revision B, dated November 29, 2005.
What are the provisions of this service information? The service
bulletin includes procedures for:

--Inspecting the flight control cables for correct swaging of the
Nicopress sleeves;
--Replacing flight control cables that have incorrect swaging of the
Nicopress sleeves; and
--Recording cable inspection with a logbook entry.

FAA's Determination and Requirements of the AD

What has FAA decided? We have evaluated all pertinent information
and identified an unsafe condition that is likely to exist or develop
on other products of this same type design.
Since the unsafe condition described previously is likely to exist
or develop on other ACAC Models 7AC, 7ACA, S7AC, 7BCM, 7CCM, S7CCM,
7DC, S7DC, 7EC, S7EC, 7ECA, 7FC, 7GC, 7GCA, 7GCAA, 7GCB, 7GCBA, 7GCBC,
7HC, 7JC, 7KC, 7KCAB, 8KCAB, and 8GCBC airplanes of the same type
design, we are issuing this AD to detect and correct incorrect swaging
width of the flight control cable Nicopress sleeves, which could result
in failure of the elevator, rudder, aileron, and flap controls. This
failure could lead to loss of control of the airplane.
What does this AD require? This AD requires you to make a temporary
Pilot's Operating Handbook (POH) limitation entry or install a
temporary placard prohibiting aerobatic flight if you operate the
airplane before the required inspection of this AD; inspect for
incorrect swaging width of the cable Nicopress sleeves on the elevator,
rudder, aileron, and flap control cables; replace cables that have
incorrect sleeve swage width; remove POH limitation or placard
prohibiting aerobatic flight after inspection and replacement of cables
with incorrect sleeve swage width; and report any findings of incorrect
sleeve swage widths to FAA.
How does the revision to 14 CFR part 39 affect this AD? On July 10,
2002, we published a new version of 14 CFR part 39 (67 FR 47997, July
22, 2002), which governs 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.

Comments Invited

Will I have the opportunity to comment before you issue the rule?
This AD is a final rule that involves requirements affecting flight
safety and was not preceded by notice and an opportunity for public
comment; however, we invite you to submit any written relevant data,
views, or arguments regarding this AD. Send your

[[Page 1391]]

comments to an address listed under ADDRESSES. Include ``Docket No.
FAA-2005-23025; Directorate Identifier 2005-CE-50-AD'' in the subject
line of your comments. If you want us to acknowledge receipt of your
mailed comments, send us a self-addressed, stamped postcard with the
docket number written on it; we will date-stamp your postcard and mail
it back to you. We specifically invite comments on the overall
regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the rule
that might suggest a need to modify it. If a person contacts us through
a nonwritten communication, and that contact relates to a substantive
part of this AD, we will summarize the contact and place the summary in
the docket. We will consider all comments received by the closing date
and may amend the AD in light of those comments.

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
other information as included in the Regulatory Evaluation) 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 FAA-2005-23025; Directorate Identifier 2005-CE-50-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 adding the following new airworthiness
directive (AD):

2005-24-10 American Champion Aircraft Corp.: Amendment 39-14390;
Docket No. FAA-2005-23025; Directorate Identifier 2005-CE-50-AD.

When Does This AD Become Effective?

(a) This AD becomes effective on January 17, 2006.

Are Any Other ADs Affected by This Action?

(b) None.

What Airplanes Are Affected by This AD?

Models
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(1) 7ECA, 7GCAA, 7GCBC, 8KCAB, and 8GCBC that:
(i) were manufactured before August 12, 2005; and
(ii) have less than 250 hours time-in-service (TIS).
(2) 7AC, 7ACA, S7AC, 7BCM, 7CCM, S7CCM, 7DC, S7DC, 7EC, S7EC, 7ECA, 7FC,
7GC, 7GCA, 7GCAA, 7GCB, 7GCBA, 7GCBC, 7HC, 7JC, 7KC, 7KCAB, 8KCAB, and
8GCBC that:
(i) have installed a flight control cable (or flight control cable
included in a wing retrofit kit) that was purchased from American
Champion Aircraft Corp. (ACAC) before August 12, 2005; and
(ii) have less than 250 hours TIS since the above installation.
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What Is the Unsafe Condition Presented in This AD?

(d) This AD is the result of partial loss of aileron control
because an incorrectly swaged cable sleeve allowed the cable to
slip. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct incorrect swaging
width of the flight control cable Nicopress sleeves, which could
result in failure of the elevator, rudder, aileron, and flap
controls. This failure 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:

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Actions Compliance Procedures
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(1) If you operate the Before further No specific
airplane before the flight after procedures are
inspection required in January 17, 2006 necessary for this
paragraph (e)(2) of this (the effective date action. The owner/
AD, do one of the of this AD). operator holding at
following: least a private
(i) Fabricate (using letters pilot certificate
at least \1/8\-inch in as authorized by
height) a warning placard section 43.7 of the
with the following language Federal Aviation
and install this placard in Regulations (14 CFR
the cockpit in full view of 43.7) may do the
the pilot: ``Acrobatic placard or POH
flight prohibited!''; or requirements. Make
(ii) Add the following an entry into the
statement to the aircraft records
Limitations Section of the showing compliance
Pilots Operating Handbook with these portions
(POH): ``Acrobatic flight of the AD in
prohibited until the accordance with
inspection and replacement section 43.9 of the
requirements of AD 2005-24- Federal Aviation
10 are done.'' To do this, Regulations (14 CFR
you may insert a copy of 43.9).
this AD into the
Limitations Section of the
POH.
(2) Inspect the Nicopress Within 25 hours TIS Follow ACAC Service
sleeves on the following after January 17, Letter < greek-
flight control cables for 2006 (the effective i>427, Revision B,
the correct width. Each date of this AD). dated November 29,
sleeve has three swages or 2005.
crimps and must not exceed
a maximum width of 0.354
inches:
(i) Elevator cables in 6
locations;
(ii) Rudder cables in 4
locations;
(iii) Aileron cables in
12 locations; and
(iv) Flap cables in 6
locations.
(3) If you find any flight Within 25 hours TIS Follow ACAC Service
control cable Nicopress after January 17, Letter < greek-
swages of incorrect width 2006 (the effective i>427, Revision B,
during the inspection date of this AD). dated November 29,
required in paragraph 2005.
(e)(2) of this AD, replace
the affected cables.
(4) If you performed the After completing the No specific
actions in paragraph (e)(1) actions required in procedures are
of this AD, remove the paragraphs (e)(2) necessary for this
temporary placard or POH and (e)(3) of this action. The owner/
limitation after completing AD. operator holding at
the actions required in least a private
paragraphs (e)(2) and pilot certificate
(e)(3) of this AD. as authorized by
section 43.7 of the
Federal Aviation
Regulations (14 CFR
43.7) may do the
placard or POH
requirements. Make
an entry into the
aircraft records
showing compliance
with these portions
of the AD in
accordance with
section 43.9 of the
Federal Aviation
Regulations (14 CFR
43.9).
(5) If you find any flight Within 10 days after Include in your
control cable Nicopress the incorrect swage report the aircraft
swages of incorrect width widths are found or model, TIS of the
during the inspection within 10 days flight control
required in paragraph after January 17, cable Nicopress
(e)(2) of this AD, report 2006 (the effective swage, which cable
the findings to FAA. The date of this AD), swage was affected
Office of Management and whichever occurs and its location,
Budget (OMB) approved the later. corrective action
information collection taken, and a point
requirements contained in of contact name and
this regulation under the phone number. Send
provisions of the Paperwork your report to Wess
Reduction Act of 1980 (44 Rouse, Small
U.S.C. 3501 and those Airplane Project
following sections) and Manager, ACE-117C,
assigned OMB Control Number Chicago Aircraft
2120-0056. Certification
Office, 2300 East
Devon Avenue, Room
107, Des Plaines,
Illinois 60018;
facsimile: (847)
294-7834; e-mail:
Wess.Rouse@faa.gov.
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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, Chicago Aircraft
Certification Office, FAA. For information on any already approved
alternative methods of compliance, contact Wess Rouse, Small
Airplane Project Manager, ACE-117C, Chicago Aircraft Certification
Office, 2300 East Devon Avenue, Room 107, Des Plaines, Illinois
60018; telephone: 847-294-8113; facsimile: (847) 294-7834; e-mail:
Wess.Rouse@faa.gov.

Does This AD Incorporate Any Material by Reference?

(g) You must do the actions required by this AD following the
instructions in ACAC Service Letter 427, Revision B, dated
November 29, 2005. The Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference of this service bulletin in accordance
with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. To get a copy of this
service information, contact American Champion Aircraft Corporation,
P.O. Box 37, 32032 Washington Avenue, Rochester, WI 53167;
telephone: (262) 534-6315; Internet address:
http://www.amerchampionaircraft.com. 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-2005-23025;

Directorate Identifier 2005-CE-50-AD.

Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on December 23, 2005.
Kim Smith,
Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 06-49 Filed 1-6-06; 8:45 am]

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