[Federal Register: May 20, 2009 (Volume 74, Number 96)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 23614-23617]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr20my09-3]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2009-0462; Directorate Identifier 2009-NM-063-AD;
Amendment 39-15913; AD 2009-11-03]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Lockheed Model 382, 382B, 382E, 382F,
and 382G Series Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.
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SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all
Lockheed Model 382, 382B, 382E, 382F, and 382G series airplanes. This
AD requires an inspection to identify discrepant barrel nuts in the
upper wing joint, engine truss, and rear beam pylon support; and
replacement of any discrepant barrel nut with a new barrel nut, if
necessary. This AD results from
[[Page 23615]]
a report of severe cracking of multiple barrel nuts in the wing station
(WS) 220 upper wing joint found during scheduled maintenance. We are
issuing this AD to prevent cracking of the barrel nuts in the upper
wing joint, engine truss, and rear beam pylon support, which could
result in reduced structural integrity of the affected part and
consequent detachment of the wing or engine from the airplane.
DATES: This AD is effective June 4, 2009.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in the AD as of June 4, 2009.
We must receive comments on this AD by July 20, 2009.
ADDRESSES: You may send comments by any of the following methods:
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 AD, contact Lockheed
Continued Airworthiness Project Office, Attention Airworthiness, 86
South Cobb Drive, Marietta, Georgia 30063-0567; telephone 770-494-5444;
fax 770-494-5445; e-mail ams.portal@lmco.com; Internet http://
www.lockheedmartin.com/ams/tools/TechPubs.html.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket 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 AD docket contains this AD, the regulatory evaluation,
any comments received, and other information. The street address for
the Docket Office (telephone 800-647-5527) is in the ADDRESSES section.
Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Carl Gray, Aerospace Engineer,
Airframe Branch, ACE-117A, FAA, Atlanta Aircraft Certification Office,
One Crown Center, 1895 Phoenix Boulevard, Suite 450, Atlanta, Georgia
30349; telephone (770) 703-6131; fax (770) 703-6097.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Discussion
We received a report of severe cracking of multiple barrel nuts in
the wing station (WS) 220 upper wing joint found during scheduled
maintenance. Deformed thread locking barrel nuts having a certain part
number were identified as having greater potential for cracking during
routine service. The affected nut might also be installed at the quick
engine change (QEC) lower attachment to the truss mount and at the
outer wing station (OWS) 330 rear beam pylon attach fitting. This
condition, if not corrected, could result in reduced structural
integrity of the affected part and consequent detachment of the wing or
engine from the airplane.
Relevant Service Information
We reviewed Lockheed Alert Service Bulletin A382-57-91, Revision 1,
dated March 25, 2009. The service bulletin describes procedures for an
inspection to identify discrepant barrel nuts (with deformed thread
locking, impression stamp ``K,'' no impression stamp, or cracking) in
the upper wing joint, engine truss, and rear beam pylon support; and
replacement of any discrepant barrel nut with a new barrel nut, if
necessary.
FAA's Determination and Requirements of This AD
We are issuing this AD because we evaluated all the relevant
information and determined the unsafe condition described previously is
likely to exist or develop in other products of these same type
designs. This AD requires accomplishing the actions specified in the
service information described previously, except as discussed under
``Differences Between the AD and the Service Information.''
Differences Between the AD and the Service Information
Although the Accomplishment Instructions of Lockheed Alert Service
Bulletin A382-57-91, Revision 1, dated March 25, 2009, specify that
operators may contact the manufacturer for disposition of certain
repair conditions, this AD would require operators to repair those
conditions using a method approved by the FAA.
The Accomplishment Instructions of Lockheed Alert Service Bulletin
A382-57-91, Revision 1, dated March 25, 2009, recommend inspecting to
identify discrepant barrel nuts before further flight, but we have
determined that this compliance time would not give operators enough
time to inspect all affected airplanes. In developing an appropriate
compliance time for this AD, we considered the manufacturer's
recommendation, the degree of urgency associated with the subject
unsafe condition, the average utilization of the affected fleet, and
the time necessary to perform the inspection (1 work-hour). In light of
all these factors, we find that a 30-day compliance time represents an
appropriate time for affected airplanes to continue to operate without
compromising safety. These differences have been coordinated with the
manufacturer.
FAA's Justification and Determination of the Effective Date
Because of our requirement to promote safe flight of civil aircraft
and thus the critical need to prevent cracking of certain barrel nuts
which could result in reduced structural integrity of the affected part
and consequent detachment of the wing or engine, and the short
compliance time involved with this action, this AD must be issued
immediately.
Because an unsafe condition exists that requires the immediate
adoption of this AD, we find that notice and opportunity for prior
public comment hereon are impracticable and that good cause exists for
making this amendment effective in less than 30 days.
Comments Invited
This AD is a final rule that involves requirements affecting flight
safety, and we did not provide you with notice and an opportunity to
provide your comments before it becomes effective. However, we invite
you to send any written data, views, or arguments about this AD. Send
your comments to an address listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include
``Docket No. FAA-2009-0462; Directorate Identifier 2009-NM-063-AD'' at
the beginning of your comments. We specifically invite comments on the
overall regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this
AD. We will consider all comments received by the closing date and may
amend this AD because 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 about this AD.
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:
[[Page 23616]]
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
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 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.
You can find our regulatory evaluation and the estimated costs of
compliance in the AD Docket.
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 FAA amends 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 AD:
2009-11-03 Lockheed: Amendment 39-15913. Docket No. FAA-2009-0462;
Directorate Identifier 2009-NM-063-AD.
Effective Date
(a) This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective June 4, 2009.
Affected ADs
(b) None.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to all Lockheed Model 382, 382B, 382E, 382F,
and 382G series airplanes, certificated in any category.
Subject
(d) Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 57: Wings.
Unsafe Condition
(e) This AD results from a report of severe cracking of multiple
barrel nuts in the wing station (WS) 220 upper wing joint found
during scheduled maintenance. We are issuing this AD to prevent
cracking of the barrel nuts in the upper wing joint, engine truss,
and rear beam pylon support, which could result in reduced
structural integrity of the affected part and consequent detachment
of the wing or engine from the airplane.
Compliance
(f) You are responsible for having the actions required by this
AD performed within the compliance times specified, unless the
actions have already been done.
Inspection/Replacement if Necessary
(g) Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD: Do a
general visual inspection to identify discrepant barrel nuts in the
upper wing joint, engine truss, and rear beam pylon support, in
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Lockheed Alert
Service Bulletin A382-57-91, Revision 1, dated March 25, 2009.
Except as provided by paragraph (h) of this AD, if any discrepant
barrel nut is found, before further flight, replace the barrel nut
with a new barrel nut in accordance with the service bulletin.
Note 1: For the purposes of this AD, a general visual inspection
is: ``A visual examination of an interior or exterior area,
installation, or assembly to detect obvious damage, failure, or
irregularity. This level of inspection is made from within touching
distance unless otherwise specified. A mirror may be necessary to
ensure visual access to all surfaces in the inspection area. This
level of inspection is made under normally available lighting
conditions such as daylight, hangar lighting, flashlight, or
droplight and may require removal or opening of access panels or
doors. Stands, ladders, or platforms may be required to gain
proximity to the area being checked.''
Exception to Corrective Action Instructions
(h) If any discrepant barrel nut is found during the inspection
required by this AD, and Lockheed Alert Service Bulletin A382-57-91,
Revision 1, dated March 25, 2009, specifies contacting Lockheed for
appropriate action: Before further flight, replace the discrepant
barrel nut using a method approved by the Manager, Atlanta Aircraft
Certification Office (ACO), FAA. For a repair method to be approved
by the Manager, Atlanta ACO, as required by this paragraph, the
Manager's approval letter must specifically refer to this AD.
Credit for Actions Done Using Previous Service Information
(i) Actions done before the effective date of this AD in
accordance with Lockheed Alert Service Bulletin A382-57-91, dated
March 6, 2009, are acceptable for compliance with the corresponding
requirements of this AD.
Reporting Not Required
(j) Although Lockheed Alert Service Bulletin A382-57-91,
Revision 1, dated March 25, 2009, specifies to submit certain
information to the manufacturer, this AD does not include that
requirement.
Parts Installation
(k) As of the time specified in paragraph (k)(1) or (k)(2) of
this AD, as applicable, no person may install, on any airplane, a
barrel nut in the upper wing joint, engine truss, and rear beam
pylon support unless the barrel nut has been modified in accordance
with the Accomplishment Instructions of Lockheed Alert Service
Bulletin A382-57-91, Revision 1, dated March 25, 2009.
(1) For unmarked barrel nuts with a deformed thread locking
style: As of 30 days after the effective date of this AD.
(2) For all other discrepant barrel nuts: As of the effective
date of this AD.
Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(l)(1) The Manager, Atlanta ACO, 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: Carl Gray, Aerospace
Engineer, Airframe Branch, ACE-117A, Atlanta ACO, FAA, One Crown
Center, 1895 Phoenix Boulevard, Suite 450, Atlanta, Georgia 30349;
telephone (770) 703-6131; fax (770) 703-6097.
(2) To request a different method of compliance or a different
compliance time for this AD, follow the procedures in 14 CFR 39.19.
Before using any approved AMOC on any airplane to which the AMOC
applies, notify your principal maintenance inspector (PMI) or
principal avionics inspector (PAI), as appropriate, or lacking a
principal inspector, your local Flight Standards District Office.
The AMOC approval letter must specifically reference this AD.
Material Incorporated by Reference
(m) You must use Lockheed Alert Service Bulletin A382-57-91,
Revision 1, dated March 25, 2009, 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
Lockheed Continued Airworthiness Project Office, Attention
Airworthiness, 86 South Cobb Drive, Marietta, Georgia 30063-0567;
telephone 770-494-5444; fax 770-494-5445; e-mail
ams.portal@lmco.com; Internet http://www.lockheedmartin.com/ams/
tools/TechPubs.html.
(3) You may review copies of the service information at the FAA,
Transport Airplane
[[Page 23617]]
Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington. For
information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call
425-227-1221 or 425-227-1152.
(4) You may also review copies of the service information that
is incorporated by reference 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/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/
ibr_locations.html.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on May 7, 2009.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. E9-11590 Filed 5-19-09; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P