FR Doc E7-17289

[Federal Register: August 31, 2007 (Volume 72, Number 169)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Page 50297-50300]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr31au07-25]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2007-28431; Directorate Identifier 2007-CE-050-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64

Airworthiness Directives; Alexandria Aircraft, LLC (Type
Certificate No. 1A3 and A18CE Formerly Held by Bellanca, Inc.) Models
17-30, 17-31, 17-30A, 17-31A, and 17-31ATC Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: We propose to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 76-23-03-
R1, which applies to certain Alexandria Aircraft, LLC (Bellanca) Models
17-30, 17-31, 17-30A, 17-31A, and 17-31ATC airplanes. AD 76-23-03-R1
currently requires you to inspect the muffler and tailpipe assemblies
for cracks and inspect the exhaust assembly for freedom of movement at
the ball joints. Since we issued AD 76-23-03-R1, we have received
additional reports of in-flight exhaust system failures. Consequently,
this proposed AD would reduce the exhaust system inspection

[[Page 50298]]

interval; require a more detailed inspection of the muffler; and
require replacement, reconditioning, or repair of the exhaust system if
cracks or defects are found. This proposed AD would also require
rerouting of the magneto ``P'' leads. We are proposing this AD to
detect and correct cracks in the exhaust system, which could result in
heat damage to magneto electrical wiring and smoke in the cockpit. This
failure could lead to loss of engine power and/or a fire in the engine
compartment.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by October 30,
2007.

ADDRESSES: Use one of the following addresses to comment on this
proposed AD:
DOT Docket Web site: Go to http://dms.dot.gov and follow
the instructions for sending your comments electronically.
Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New
Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590.
Fax: (202) 493-2251.
Hand Delivery: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New
Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.,
Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
Federal eRulemaking Portal: http://www.regulations.gov.
Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
For service information identified in this proposed AD, contact
Bellanca/Alexandria Aircraft, LLC, 2504 Aga Drive, Alexandria, MN
56308; phone: (320) 763-4088; fax: (320) 763-4095; Internet:
www.bellanca-aircraft.com.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Michael Downs, Aerospace Engineer,
ACE-118C, Chicago Aircraft Certification Office, 2300 East Devon
Avenue, Room 107, Des Plaines, Illinois 60018, phone: (847) 294-7870,
fax: (847) 294-7834.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or
arguments regarding this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address
listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include the docket number, ``FAA-
2007-28431; Directorate Identifier 2007-CE-050-AD'' at the beginning of
your comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall
regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the proposed
AD. We will consider all comments received by the closing date and may
amend the proposed AD in light of those comments.
We will post all comments we receive, without change, to http://
dms.dot.gov, including any personal information you provide. We will
also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact we
receive concerning this proposed AD.

Discussion

Several reports of exhaust system failures, which led to smoke in
the cockpit and heat damage to components in the engine compartment, on
Bellanca Model 17-30 and 17-30A airplanes caused us to issue AD 76-23-
03-R1, Amendment 39-5454. AD 76-23-03-R1 currently requires you to do
the following on Bellanca 17-30, 17-31, 17-30A, and 17-31A airplanes:
Visually inspect the muffler and tailpipe assemblies for
cracks, paying particular attention to the ball joint welds, the
outlets of the muffler and resonator, and the support for the tailpipe
assembly; and
Inspect the exhaust system for freedom of movement at the
ball joints by removing the tailpipe support bolts.
Since issuing AD 76-23-03-R1, we have received additional reports
of in-flight exhaust system failures. Typically, the muffler fails at
the weld which holds the ball joint to the muffler. The hot exhaust
gases then escape and melt insulation on the wire bundle that includes
the magneto ``P'' leads. When both the left and right magneto ``P''
leads short to ground, the engine stops.
This condition, if not corrected, could lead to loss of engine
power and/or a fire in the engine compartment.

Relevant Service Information

We have reviewed Bellanca/Alexandria Aircraft, LLC Service Letter
B-110, dated May 8, 2007, and Bellanca/Alexandria Aircraft, LLC drawing
SK 1072, dated April 2, 2007.
The service information describes procedures for:
Inspecting the exhaust system;
replacing and/or repairing exhaust system parts; and
rerouting the magneto ``P'' leads.

FAA's Determination and Requirements of the Proposed AD

We are proposing this AD because we evaluated all information and
determined the unsafe condition described previously is likely to exist
or develop on other products of the same type design. This proposed AD
would supersede AD 76-23-03 R1 with a new AD that would reduce the
exhaust system inspection interval; require a more detailed inspection
of the muffler; and require replacement, reconditioning, or repair of
the exhaust system if cracks or defects are found. This proposed AD
would also require rerouting of the magneto ``P'' leads. This proposed
AD would require you to use the service information described
previously to perform these actions.

Costs of Compliance

We estimate that this proposed AD would affect 1,350 airplanes in
the U.S. registry.
We estimate the proposed inspection of the exhaust system would
affect 1,200 airplanes with the following costs:

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total cost per Total cost on
Labor cost Parts cost airplane U.S. operators
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4 work-hours x $80 per hour = $320........................... N/A $320 $384,000
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We estimate the proposed rerouting of the magneto ``P'' wires would
affect 1,050 airplanes with the following costs:

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Total cost per Total cost on
Labor cost Parts cost airplane U.S. operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4 work-hours x $80 per hour = $320........................... $500 $820 $861,000
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[[Page 50299]]

We estimate the following costs to replace the exhaust system based
on the results of the proposed inspection. The estimate is based on
updating the entire exhaust system to the current production exhaust
system. This proposed AD allows other means to do the required repairs/
replacement which could cost less. We have no way of determining the
number of airplanes that may need this repair/replacement:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total cost per
Labor cost Parts cost airplane
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8 work-hours x $80 per hour = $640.... $4,000 $4,640
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The estimated costs represented in the above actions include the
costs associated with AD 76-23-03 R1 and the costs of this proposed AD.
The added cost impact this AD imposes upon an owner/operator over that
already required by AD 76-23-03 R1 is a more detailed inspection which
requires more work-hours to accomplish and rerouting of the magneto
``P'' wires on certain models.

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
rulemaking action.

Regulatory Findings

We have determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism
implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would 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 the proposed
regulation:
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 regulatory evaluation of the estimated costs to
comply with this proposed AD and placed it in the AD docket.

Examining the AD Docket

You may examine the AD docket that contains the proposed AD, the
regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and other information on
the Internet at http://dms.dot.gov; or in person at the Docket
Management Facility between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday,
except Federal holidays. The Docket Office (telephone (800) 647-5227)
is located at the street address stated in the ADDRESSES section.
Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Safety.

The Proposed Amendment

Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part 39 as follows:

PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

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]

2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by removing Airworthiness Directive
(AD) 76-23-03 R1, Amendment 39-5454, and adding the following new AD:

Alexandria Aircraft, LLC (Type Certificate No. 1A3 and A18CE
formerly held by Bellanca, Inc.): Docket No. FAA-2007-28431;
Directorate Identifier 2007-CE-050-AD.

Comments Due Date

(a) We must receive comments on this airworthiness directive
(AD) action by October 30, 2007.

Affected ADs

(b) This AD supersedes AD 76-23-03 R1, Amendment 39-5454.

Applicability

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Model Serial numbers
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17-30............................ all serial numbers.
17-30A........................... 30263 through 301030.
17-31............................ all serial numbers.
17-31A........................... all serial numbers.
17-31ATC......................... all serial numbers.
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Unsafe Condition

(d) This AD results from several accidents caused by exhaust
system failures. We are proposing this AD to detect and correct
cracks in the exhaust system, which could result in heat damage to
magneto electrical wiring and smoke in the cockpit. This failure
could lead to loss of engine power and/or a fire in the engine
compartment.

Compliance

(e) To address this problem, you must do the following, unless
already done:

[[Page 50300]]

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Actions Compliance Procedures
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(1) For aircraft models and Initially within Follow Bellanca/
serial numbers listed below, the next 12 Alexandria
inspect the exhaust system for months after the Aircraft, LLC
cracks or other defects such as effective date of Service Letter B-
excessive wear. this AD or within 110, dated May 8,
(i) Model 17-30, all serial 25 hours time-in- 2007.
numbers;. service (TIS)
(ii) Model 17-30A, serial after the
numbers 30263 through 301030;. effective date of
(iii) Model 17-31, all serial this AD,
numbers; and. whichever occurs
(iv) Model 17-31A, all serial first. Then
numbers. repetitively
thereafter at
intervals not to
exceed 12 months
or 50 hours TIS,
whichever occurs
first.
Accomplishment of
the actions in
paragraph
(e)(2)(i) or
(e)(2)(ii) of
this AD
terminates the
recurring
inspections
required in this
paragraph for the
replaced/
reconditioned
exhaust system
(left and/or
right side)..
(2) Repair or replace the Before further Follow Bellanca/
exhaust system using any of the flight after any Alexandria
options listed below. inspection Aircraft, LLC
(i) Option 1--replace required in Service Letter B-
the entire defective left and/ paragraph (e)(1) 110, dated May 8,
or right muffler and tailpipe of this AD where 2007
assembly(ies) with new parts as a crack or other
specified in Bellanca/ defect is found.
Alexandria Aircraft, LLC The actions in
Service Letter B-110, dated May paragraph
8, 2007. (e)(2)(i) or
(ii) Option 2--replace (e)(2)(ii) of
the entire defective left and/ this AD
or right muffler and tailpipe terminates the
assembly(ies) with parts recurring
reconditioned to the new parts inspections
as specified in Bellanca/ required in
Alexandria Aircraft, LLC paragraph (e)(1)
Service Letter B-110, dated May this AD for the
8, 2007; or. replaced/
(iii) Option 3-- reconditioned
recondition or repair the exhaust system
defective left and/or right (left and/or
muffler and tailpipe right side).
assembly(ies) to their original
configuration using FAA-
approved methods and materials.
(3) For aircraft models and Within the next 12 Follow Bellanca/
serial numbers listed below months after the Alexandria
that do not have Bellanca/ effective date of Aircraft, LLC
Alexandria Aircraft, LLC this AD or within Service Kit 1072
Service Kit 1067: Rerouting 100 hours TIS instructions
Right Magneto ``P'' Lead after the located on
installed, reroute the magneto effective date of drawing SK 1072,
``P'' leads. this AD, dated April 2,
(i) Model 17-30A, serial numbers whichever occurs 2007, as
30263 through 30998. first. referenced in
(ii) Model 17-31A, all serial Bellanca/
numbers; and. Alexandria
(iii) Model 17-31ATC, all serial Aircraft, LLC
numbers. Service Letter B-
110, dated May 8,
2007.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

(f) The Manager, Chicago Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, has
the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the
procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. Send information to ATTN: Michael
Downs, Aerospace Engineer, ACE-118C, Chicago Aircraft Certification
Office, 2300 East Devon Avenue, Room 107, Des Plaines, Illinois
60018; phone: (847) 294-7870; fax: (847) 294-7834. Before using any
approved AMOC on any airplane to which the AMOC applies, notify your
appropriate principal inspector (PI) in the FAA Flight Standards
District Office (FSDO), or lacking a PI, your local FSDO.

Related Information

(g) To get copies of the service information referenced in this
AD, contact Bellanca/Alexandria Aircraft, LLC, 2504 Aga Drive,
Alexandria, MN 56308; phone: (320) 763-4088; fax: (320) 763-4095;
Internet: www.bellanca-aircraft.com. To view the AD docket, go to
the U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West
Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE.,
Washington, DC 20590, or on the Internet at http://dms.dot.gov. The
docket number is Docket No. FAA-2007-28431; Directorate Identifier
2007-CE-050-AD.

Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on August 24, 2007.
Brian A. Yanez,
Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. E7-17289 Filed 8-30-07; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 4910-13-P