FR Doc E6-18688

[Federal Register: November 9, 2006 (Volume 71, Number 217)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 65719-65722]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr09no06-6]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2004-20007; Directorate Identifier 2004-CE-50-AD;
Amendment 39-14798; AD 2006-23-01]
RIN 2120-AA64

Airworthiness Directives; Air Tractor, Inc. Model AT-602
Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The FAA adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Air
Tractor, Inc. (Air Tractor) Model AT-602 airplanes. This AD requires
you to repetitively inspect (using the eddy current method) the wing
center splice joint two outboard fastener holes on both of the wing
main spar lower caps for fatigue cracking; repair or replace any wing
main spar lower cap where fatigue cracking is found; and report any
fatigue cracking found. This AD results from fatigue cracking at the
wing center splice joint outboard fastener hole in one of the wing main
spar lower caps. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct cracks in
the wing main spar lower cap, which could result in failure of the spar
cap and lead to wing separation and loss of control of the airplane.

DATES: This AD becomes effective on December 14, 2006.
As of December 14, 2006, the Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference of certain publications listed
in the regulation.

ADDRESSES: To get the service information identified in this AD,
contact Air Tractor, Inc. at P.O. Box 485, Olney, Texas 76374;
telephone: (940) 564-5616; or fax: (940) 564-5612.
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 20590-0001 or on the Internet at http://dms.dot.gov.
The docket number is FAA-2004-20007; Directorate

Identifier 2004-CE-50-AD.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Andrew McAnaul, Aerospace Engineer,
ASW-150 (c/o MIDO-43), 10100 Reunion Place, Suite 650, San Antonio,
Texas 78216; telephone: (210) 308-3365; fax: (210) 308-3370.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Discussion

On August 3, 2006, 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 Air Tractor, Inc. (Air Tractor) Model AT-602
airplanes. This proposal was published in the Federal Register as a
supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) on August 9, 2006 (71
FR 45467). The supplemental NPRM proposed to require you to
repetitively inspect (using the eddy current method) the wing center
splice joint two outboard fastener holes on both of the wing main spar
lower caps for fatigue cracking; repair or replace any wing main spar
lower cap where fatigue cracking is found; and report any fatigue
cracking found.
The following table contains AD actions that address the wing spar
safe life of the Air Tractor airplane fleet:

Related Ad Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Affected air tractor
AD No. model airplanes Status
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2000-14-51........................... AT-501, AT-502, and AT- Superseded by AD 2001-10-04.
502A.
2001-10-04........................... AT-400, AT-500, and AT- Revised by AD 2001-10-04 R1.
800 Series.
2001-10-04 R1........................ AT-400, AT-500, and AT- Superseded by AD 2002-11-05.
800 Series.
2002-11-05........................... AT-400, AT-401, AT- Revised by AD 2002-11-05 R1.
401B, AT-402, AT-402A,
AT-402B, AT-501, AT-
802, and AT-802A.
2002-13-02........................... AT-300, AT-301, AT-302, Superseded by AD 2003-06-01.
AT-400, and AT-400A
Airplanes.
2002-11-03........................... AT-502, AT-502A, AT- Superseded by AD 2002-26-05.
502B, and AT-503A.
2002-26-05........................... AT-502, AT-502A, AT- Current.
502B, and AT-503A.
2003-06-01........................... AT-300, AT-301, AT-302, Current.
AT-400, and AT-400A.
2002-11-05 R1........................ AT-501................. Current.
2006-08-08........................... AT-400, AT-401, AT- Current.
401B, AT-402, AT-402A,
and AT-402B.
2006-08-09........................... AT-802 and AT-802A..... Current.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

You may view these ADs at the following Internet Web site
addresses: http://www.airweb.faa.[fxsp0]gov/[fxsp0]Regulatory[fxsp0]--

and[fxsp0]--[fxsp0]Guidance--Library/[fxsp0]rgAD.nsf/
[fxsp0]MainFrame?OpenFrameSet[fxsp0] or http://www.
[fxsp0]gpoaccess.gov/[fxsp0]fr/[fxsp0]index.html.

Comments

We provided the public the opportunity to participate in developing
this AD. The following presents the comments received on the proposal
and FAA's response to each comment:

Comment Issue No. 1: Publish the Manufacturer Service Information

Jack Buster with the Modification and Replacement Parts Association
(MARPA) provides comments on how the FAA addresses publishing

[[Page 65720]]

manufacturer service information as part of a proposed AD action. The
commenter states that the proposed rule attempts to require compliance
with a public law by reference to a private writing (as referenced in
paragraph (e) of the proposed AD). The commenter would like the FAA to
incorporate by reference (IBR) the Snow Engineering Company service
information.
We agree with Mr. Buster. However, we do not IBR any document in a
proposed AD action, instead we IBR the document in the final rule.
Since we are issuing the proposal as a final rule AD action, the
service information referenced in the NPRM is incorporated by
reference.

Comment Issue No. 2: Availability of IBR Documents in the Docket
Management System (DMS)

Mr. Buster requests IBR documents be made available to the public
by publication in the Federal Register or in the Docket Management
System (DMS).
We are currently reviewing issues surrounding the posting of
service bulletins in the Department of Transportation's DMS as part of
the AD docket. Once we have thoroughly examined all aspects of this
issue and have made a final determination, we will consider whether our
current practice needs to be revised.

Conclusion

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.

Costs of Compliance

We estimate that this AD affects 107 airplanes in the U.S.
registry.
We estimate the following costs to do the inspection:

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Eddy current Total cost per Total cost on
Labor cost Parts cost inspection airplane U.S. operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Initial inspection and installation of access $645 *$500 $3,065 $327,955
panels--24 work-hours x $80 = $1,920...........
Repetitive Inspection (each).................... 60 *800 860 92,020
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* Eddy current inspections are an estimated flat cost that includes labor and use of equipment.

We estimate the following costs to do any necessary repairs that
would be required based on the results of the proposed inspection. We
have no way of determining the number of airplanes that may need this
repair:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total cost per
Labor cost Parts cost airplane
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Install web plate, 8-bolt splice blocks, $6,900 $18,980
and cold work fastener holes: Air
Tractor estimated a labor cost of
$12,100. When broken down into work-
hours, we estimated 151 work-hours to
complete the task. 151 work-hours x $80
= $12,080..............................
Cold work fastener holes following Snow 1,350 2,870
Engineering Co. Service Letter < greek-
i>244, dated April 25, 2005: 19 work-
hours x $80 = $1,520...................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Authority for This Rulemaking

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

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.
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 ``Docket
No. FAA-2004-20007; Directorate Identifier 2004-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.

[[Page 65721]]

Sec. 39.13 [Amended]

0
2. FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding a new AD to read as follows:

2006-23-01 Air Tractor, Inc.: Amendment 39-14798; Docket No. FAA-
2004-20007; Directorate Identifier 2004-CE-50-AD.

Effective Date

(a) This AD becomes effective on December 14, 2006.

Affected ADs

(b) None.

Applicability

(c) This AD affects Model AT-602 airplanes, all serial numbers
beginning with 602-0337, that are certificated in any category.

Unsafe Condition

(d) This AD is the result of fatigue cracking of the wing main
spar lower cap at the centerline splice joint outboard fastener
hole. The actions specified in this AD are intended to detect and
correct cracks in the wing main spar lower cap, which could result
in failure of the spar cap and lead to wing separation and loss of
control of the airplane.

Compliance

(e) To address the problem, do the following:
(1) Before doing the initial eddy current inspection required in
paragraph (e)(2) of this AD, gain access for the inspection by
cutting inspection holes, modifying the vent tube, and installing
cover plates; unless already done. Follow Snow Engineering Co.
Service Letter 204, revised March 26, 2001, Drawing titled
``602 Spar Inspection Holes and Vent Tube Mod.,'' dated November 13,
2003.
(2) Eddy current inspect the wing center splice joint outboard
two fastener holes in both the right and left wing main spar lower
caps for cracks. Follow Snow Engineering Co. Process Specification
197, Revised June 4, 2002. For the following airplanes, use
the wing spar lower cap hours time-in-service (TIS) schedule below
in Table 1 of this AD to do the initial and repetitive inspections:

Table 1.--Compliance Times for Inspection
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Repetitively inspect
Serial Nos. Condition Initially inspect thereafter at the following
intervals
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(i) 602-0337 through 602-0584...... As manufactured....... Upon accumulating 1,000 hours TIS.
2,000 hours TIS or
within 50 hours TIS
after December 14,
2006 (the effective
date of this AD),
whichever occurs
later, unless already
done.
(ii) 602-0337 through 602-0584..... Modified with cold- If performing the cold- 2,000 hours TIS.
worked fastener holes working procedure in
following Snow Service Letter < greek-
Engineering Co. i>244, it includes
Service Letter < greek- the eddy current
i>244, dated April inspection.
25, 2005.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

(3) Do an eddy current inspection as part of the cold working
procedure in Service Letter 244, dated April 25, 2005, even
if the wing spar was previously inspected.
(4) One of the following must do the inspection:
(i) A level 2 or 3 inspector certified in eddy current
inspection using the guidelines established by the American Society
for Nondestructive Testing or NAS 410; or
(ii) A person authorized to perform AD maintenance work and who
has completed and passed the Air Tractor, Inc. training course on
Eddy Current Inspection on wing lower spar caps.
(f) For the airplanes listed in paragraph (e)(2) of this AD, as
terminating action for the inspection requirements, you may modify
your wing by installing part number (P/N) 20996-2 steel web plate
and P/N 20985-1/2 8-bolt splice blocks following Snow Engineering
Co. Drawing 20998, Revision B, dated September 28, 2004, and cold
work the lower spar cap two outboard fastener holes at the wing
center section splice connection following Snow Engineering Co.
Service Letter 240, dated September 30, 2004.
(g) For all affected airplanes listed in paragraph (e)(2) of
this AD, repair or replace any cracked spar cap before further
flight. For repair or replacement, do one of the following:
(1) For cracks that can be removed by performing the terminating
action listed in paragraph (f) of this AD above, perform the actions
in paragraph (f) of this AD.
(2) For cracks that can not be removed by performing the
terminating action in paragraph (f) of this AD, you must replace the
lower spar caps and associated parts listed in paragraph (h) of this
AD before continued flight.
(h) For all Model AT-602 airplanes, upon accumulating 6,500
hours TIS on the wing spar lower caps or within the next 50 hours
TIS after December 14, 2006 (the effective date of this AD),
whichever occurs later, replace the wing lower spar caps, splice
blocks and hardware, wing attach angles and hardware, and install
the steel web plate, P/N 20996-2, if not already installed,
following Snow Engineering Co. Drawing 20776, Sheet 2, Revision A,
dated August 30, 2004. Compliance with this paragraph terminates the
inspection requirements of paragraph (e)(2) of this AD.
(i) Report any cracks you find within 10 days after the cracks
are found or within 10 days after December 14, 2006 (the effective
date of this AD), whichever occurs later. Include in your report the
airplane serial number, airplane TIS, wing spar cap TIS, crack
location and size, corrective action taken, and a point of contact
name and phone number. Send your report to Andrew McAnaul, Aerospace
Engineer, ASW-150 (c/o MIDO-43), 10100 Reunion Place, Suite 650, San
Antonio, Texas 78216; telephone: (210) 308-3365; facsimile: (210)
308-3370. The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approved the
information collection requirements contained in this regulation
under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1980 (44
U.S.C. 3501 and those following sections) and assigned OMB Control
Number 2120-0056.

Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

(j) The Manager, Fort Worth Airplane Certification Office, FAA,
ATTN: Andrew McAnaul, Aerospace Engineer, ASW-150 (c/o MIDO-43),
10100 Reunion Place, Suite 650, San Antonio, Texas 78216; telephone:
(210) 308-3365; facsimile: (210) 308-3370, has the authority to
approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found
in 14 CFR 39.19.

Related Information

(k) None.

Material Incorporated by Reference

(l) You must use the service information specified in Table 2 of
this AD to do the actions required by this AD, unless the AD
specifies otherwise.
(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference of this service information under 5
U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
(2) For service information identified in this AD, contact Air
Tractor, Inc. at address P.O. Box 485, Olney, Texas 76374;
telephone: (940) 564-5616; or facsimile: (940) 564-5612.
(3) You may review copies at the FAA, Central Region, Office of
the Regional Counsel, 901 Locust, Kansas City, Missouri 64106; 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/[fxsp0]federal--

[[Page 65722]]

Table 2.--Material Incorporated by Reference
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Snow Engineering Co. service information Date
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Process Specification 197........ Revised June 4, 2002.
Drawing 20776, Sheet 2, Revision A........ August 30, 2004.
Service Letter 204............... Revised March 26, 2001.
Service Letter 240............... September 30, 2004.
Drawing 20998, Revision B................. September 28, 2004.
Service Letter 244............... April 25, 2005.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on October 26, 2006.
James E. Jackson,
Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. E6-18688 Filed 11-8-06; 8:45 am]

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