FR Doc E8-18228

[Federal Register: August 7, 2008 (Volume 73, Number 153)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Page 45900-45902]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr07au08-19]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2008-0854; Directorate Identifier 2008-CE-050-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64

Airworthiness Directives; Allied Ag Cat Productions, Inc. G-164
Series 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) 78-08-09,
which applies to certain Allied Ag Cat Productions, Inc. (formerly
Grumman-American) Models G-164, G-164A, and G-164B airplanes. AD 78-08-
09 currently requires repetitively inspecting the interior and the
exterior of the main tubular spar of the rudder assembly for corrosion,
taking necessary corrective action if corrosion is found, and applying
corrosion protection. Since we issued AD 78-08-09, the rudder main
tubular spar failed on a later production airplane. Consequently, this
proposed AD would retain the actions required in AD 78-08-09 and expand
the applicability to include all G-164 series airplanes. We are
proposing this AD to detect and correct corrosion in the rudder main
tubular spar, which could result in failure of the weld to the main
spar tube. This failure could lead to loss of directional control.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by October 6, 2008.

ADDRESSES: Use one of the following addresses to comment on this
proposed AD:
Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to http://
www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
Fax: (202) 493-2251.
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.
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.
For service information identified in this proposed AD, contact
Grumman American Aviation Corporation, P.O. Box 2206, Savannah, Georgia
31402; telephone: (912) 964-3000.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Andy McAnaul, Aerospace Engineer, ASW-
150, FAA San Antonio MIDO-43, 10100 Reunion Place, Suite 650, San
Antonio, Texas 78216, phone: (210) 308-3365, fax: (210) 308-3370.

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-
2008-0854; Directorate Identifier 2008-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://
www.regulations.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

Excessive corrosion on the main tubular spar, part number A1203-11,
of the rudder assembly resulting from moisture accumulating in the
lower internal cavity on Allied Ag Cat Productions, Inc. (formerly
Grumman-American) Models G-164, G-164A, and G-164B airplanes caused us
to issue AD 78-08-09, Amendment 39-3191. AD 78-08-09 currently requires
the following on certain Models G-164, G-164A, and G-164B airplanes:
Repetitively inspecting the rudder main tubular spar for
corrosion;
Repairing any corrosion found; and
Applying corrosion protection.
AD 78-08-09 applies only to early production Allied Ag Cat
airplanes. In March 2008, the rudder main tubular spar failed on a
Model G164B airplane, serial number 586B (not affected by AD 78-08-09).
The spar failed where the lower fitting is welded to the main tube.
Investigation revealed that the failure was a result of severe internal
corrosion caused by moisture trapped in the lower internal cavity of
the spar tube.
AD 78-08-09 does not establish a way to identify affected rudders.
It is a common practice to repair agricultural airplanes with repaired
or used serviceable parts from other sources, or using removed parts
from other airplanes. Based on the lack of traceability, rudders
affected by AD 78-08-09 are potentially being installed on

[[Page 45901]]

Allied Ag Cat model airplanes not affected by AD 78-08-09. Also, many
rudders have been modified to ``tall'' rudders by supplemental type
certificate (STC), or replaced with aftermarket rudders, which all have
the same corrosion susceptible design as the original earlier
production rudders.
This condition, if not detected and corrected, could result in
failure of the rudder main spar tubular spar. This failure could lead
to loss of directional control.

Relevant Service Information

We have reviewed Grumman American Aviation Corporation Ag-Cat
Service Bulletin No. 61, dated June 6, 1977.
The service information specifies:
Repetitively inspecting the main tubular spar for
corrosion;
Repairing any corrosion found; and
Applying corrosion protection.

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 78-08-09 with a new AD that would retain the actions
required in AD 78-08-09 and expand the applicability to include all G-
164 series airplanes. 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 2,700 airplanes in
the U.S. registry.
We estimate the following costs to do the proposed inspections:

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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........... Not applicable................. $320 $864,000
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We have no way of determining the cost of repairs or parts
replacement or the number of airplanes that may require repair or part
replacement based on the result of the proposed inspections.

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://www.regulations.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) 647-5527)
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)
78-08-09, Amendment 39-3191, and adding the following new AD:

Allied Ag Cat Productions, Inc.: Docket No. FAA-2008-0854;
Directorate Identifier 2008-CE-050-AD.

Comments Due Date

(a) We must receive comments on this airworthiness directive
(AD) action by October 6, 2008.

Affected ADs

(b) This AD supersedes AD 78-08-09, Amendment 39-3191.

Applicability

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Models
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G-164, G-164A, G-164B, G-164B with 73'', G-164B-15T, G-164B-34T, G-164B-
20T, G-164C, G-164D, and G-164D with 73'' wing gap.
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[[Page 45902]]

Unsafe Condition

(d) This AD results from a report of the rudder main tubular
spar failing on a later production airplane. We are issuing this AD
to detect and correct corrosion in the rudder main tubular spar,
which could result in failure of the weld to the main spar tube.
This failure could lead to loss of directional control.

Compliance

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

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Actions Compliance Procedures
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(1) Drill an access hole and do (i) For airplanes Following Steps 1
a borescope visual inspection previously through 3 of
of the lower end internal affected by AD 78- Grumman American
cavity of the rudder main spar 08-09: Initially Aviation
tube for corrosion and do a inspect within Corporation Ag-
visual inspection of the the next 60 Cat Service
exterior of the rudder main months after the Bulletin No. 61,
spar tube for corrosion. last inspection dated June 6,
required in AD 78- 1977.
08-09 or within
the next 30 days
after the
effective date of
this AD,
whichever occurs
later.
Repetitively
inspect
thereafter at
intervals not to
exceed 60
calendar months.
(ii) For airplanes
not previously
affected by AD 78-
08-09: Initially
inspect within
the next 30 days
after the
effective date of
this AD.
Repetitively
inspect
thereafter at
intervals not to
exceed 60
calendar months.
(2) If corrosion is found during Before further As specified in
any inspection required in flight after any Steps 5 and 6 of
paragraph (e)(1) of this AD, inspection in Grumman American
repair in accordance with which corrosion Aviation
Advisory Circular 43.13-1B or is found. Corporation Ag-
equivalent, or replace the Cat Service
damaged part(s). Bulletin No. 61,
dated June 6,
1977. Following
Advisory Circular
43.13-1B or
equivalent, and
an FAA-approved
procedure. The
appropriate
maintenance
manual contains
these procedures.
(3) After each inspection and Before further As specified in
repair or replacement required flight after any Step 4 of Grumman
in this AD, corrosion protect inspection American Aviation
the spar tube internal cavity required in Corporation Ag-
by filling with warm, raw paragraph (e)(1) Cat Service
linseed oil, Paralketone, or of this AD and Bulletin No. 61,
CRC3 (LPS Heavy Duty Rust after any repair dated June 6,
Inhibitor Type 3), or suitable or replacement 1977.
equivalent protector for alloy required in
steel, and allow to drain. Seal paragraph (e)(2)
access hole with Scotch of this AD.
caulking compound, or suitable
silicone based sealant, or
equivalent.
(4) Verify rigging check of the Before further Following an FAA-
rudder. flight after any approved
inspection procedure. The
required in appropriate
paragraph (e)(1) maintenance
of this AD and manual contains
after any repair these procedures.
or replacement
required in
paragraph (e)(2)
of this AD.
(5) Only install a rudder that As of the next 30 Not applicable.
has been inspected as specified days after the
in paragraph (e)(1) of this AD, effective date of
is free of corrosion, and has this AD.
had the corrosion protection
applied and sealed as specified
in paragraph (e)(3) of this AD.
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Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

(f) The Manager, Fort Worth Airplane 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: Andy
McAnaul, Aerospace Engineer, ASW-150, FAA San Antonio MIDO-43, 10100
Reunion Place, Suite 650, San Antonio, Texas 78216, phone: (210)
308-3365; fax: (210) 308-3370. 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.
(g) AMOCs approved for AD 78-08-09 are not approved for this AD.

Related Information

(h) To get copies of the service information referenced in this
AD, contact Grumman American Aviation Corporation, P.O. Box 2206,
Savannah, Georgia 31402. To view the AD docket, go to 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://www.regulations.gov.

Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on August 1, 2008.
James E. Jackson,
Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. E8-18228 Filed 8-6-08; 8:45 am]

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