[Federal Register: June 11, 2009 (Volume 74, Number 111)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 27689-27691]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr11jn09-5]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2009-0531; Directorate Identifier 2009-CE-030-AD;
Amendment 39-15938; AD 2009-12-15]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; GROB-Werke Model G120A 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 the
products listed above. This AD results from mandatory continuing
airworthiness information (MCAI) issued by the aviation authority of
another country to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an
aviation product. The MCAI describes the unsafe condition as:
The manufacturer has advised of receiving a report from a G 120A
operator of an electrical fire caused by a chafed/scorched cable
loom. It has been found that the RH main power distribution cable
chafed on the instrument panel combing. It is likely that vibrations
made the wiring to chafe. The chafing caused eventually electrical
arcing and subsequently an in-flight fire that damaged partially the
instrument panel cover.
This AD requires actions that are intended to address the unsafe
condition described in the MCAI.
DATES: This AD becomes effective July 1, 2009.
On July 1, 2009, the Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in this AD.
We must receive comments on this AD by July 13, 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.
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: Karl Schletzbaum, Aerospace Engineer,
FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas City,
Missouri 64106; telephone: (816) 329-4146; fax: (816) 329-4090.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Discussion
The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical
Agent for the Member States of the European Community, has issued AD
No.: 2009-0107, dated May 8, 2009 (referred to after this as ``the
MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for the specified products. The
MCAI states:
The manufacturer has advised of receiving a report from a G 120A
operator of an electrical fire caused by a chafed/scorched cable
loom. It has been found that the RH main power distribution cable
chafed on the instrument panel combing. It is likely that vibrations
made the wiring to chafe. The chafing caused eventually electrical
arcing and subsequently an in-flight fire that damaged partially the
instrument panel cover.
For the reasons stated above, this new AD mandates inspection of
all cable looms in the front of the instrument panel cover, repair
as necessary and installation of a protective cover on the edge of
the instrument panel combing.
You may obtain further information by examining the MCAI in the AD
docket.
Relevant Service Information
GROB Aircraft AG has issued Service Bulletin No. MSB1121-108, dated
March 18, 2009, and Service Bulletin No. MSB1121-108/1, dated April 27,
2009. The actions described in this service information are intended to
correct the unsafe condition identified in the MCAI.
FAA's Determination and Requirements of the AD
This product has been approved by the aviation authority of another
country, and is approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant
to our bilateral agreement with this State of Design Authority, they
have notified us of the unsafe condition described in the MCAI and
service information referenced above. We are issuing this AD because we
evaluated all information provided by the State of Design Authority and
determined the unsafe condition exists and is likely to exist or
develop on other products of the same type design.
Differences Between This AD and the MCAI or Service Information
We have reviewed the MCAI and related service information and, in
general, agree with their substance. But we might have found it
necessary to use different words from those in the MCAI to ensure the
AD is clear for U.S. operators and is enforceable. In making these
changes, we do not intend to differ substantively from the information
provided in the MCAI and related service information.
We might have also required different actions in this AD from those
in the MCAI in order to follow FAA policies. Any such differences are
described in a separate paragraph of the AD. These requirements take
precedence over those copied from the MCAI.
FAA's Determination of the Effective Date
An unsafe condition exists that requires the immediate adoption of
this AD. The FAA has found that the risk to the flying public justifies
waiving notice and comment prior to adoption of this rule because if
left uncorrected, the power distribution cable could chafe leading to
electrical arcing and an in-flight fire. Therefore, we determined that
notice and opportunity for public comment before issuing this AD are
impracticable and that good cause exists for making this amendment
effective in fewer than 30 days.
Comments Invited
This AD is a final rule that involves requirements affecting flight
safety, and we did not precede it by notice and opportunity for public
comment. We invite you to send any written relevant
[[Page 27690]]
data, views, or arguments about this AD. Send your comments to an
address listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-
2009-0531; Directorate Identifier 2009-CE-030-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: 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 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 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 AD and placed it 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:
2009-12-15 GROB-Werke: Amendment 39-15938; Docket No. FAA-2009-0531;
Directorate Identifier 2009-CE-030-AD.
Effective Date
(a) This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective July 1,
2009.
Affected ADs
(b) None.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to Model G120A airplanes, serial numbers
85001 through 85007 and 85026 through 85034, certificated in any
category.
Subject
(d) Air Transport Association of America (ATA) Code 24: Electric
Power.
Reason
(e) The mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI)
states:
``The manufacturer has advised of receiving a report from a G
120A operator of an electrical fire caused by a chafed/scorched
cable loom. It has been found that the RH main power distribution
cable chafed on the instrument panel combing. It is likely that
vibrations made the wiring to chafe. The chafing caused eventually
electrical arcing and subsequently an in-flight fire that damaged
partially the instrument panel cover.
``For the reasons stated above, this new AD mandates inspection
of all cable looms in the front of the instrument panel cover,
repair as necessary and installation of a protective cover on the
edge of the instrument panel combing.''
Actions and Compliance
(f) Unless already done, do the following actions.
(1) Before further flight after July 1, 2009 (the effective date
of this AD), inspect the electrical cables for chafing and scorching
marks in accordance with the accomplishment instructions of GROB
Aircraft AG Service Bulletin No. MSB1121-108, dated March 18, 2009,
or GROB Aircraft AG Service Bulletin No. MSB1121-108/1, dated April
27, 2009.
(2) If any chafe, burn, or scorch mark is found during the
inspection required in paragraph (f)(1) of this AD, before further
flight, replace the damaged cable(s) in accordance with the FAA
Advisory Circular 43.13-1B Change 1, dated September 27, 2001, and
install a protective cover on the attachment edge of the instrument
panel combing in accordance with the accomplishment instructions of
GROB Aircraft AG Service Bulletin No. MSB1121-108, dated March 18,
2009, or GROB Aircraft AG Service Bulletin No. MSB1121-108/1, dated
April 27, 2009. You may get a copy of the FAA Advisory Circular on
the Internet at http://rgl.faa.gov/Regulatory_and_Guidance_
Library/rgAdvisoryCircular.nsf/Frameset?OpenPage.
(3) If no chafe, burn, or scorch mark is found during the
inspection required in paragraph (f)(1) of this AD, within the next
100 hours time-in-service (TIS) after July 1, 2009 (the effective
date of this AD), install a protective cover on the attachment edge
of the instrument panel combing in accordance with the
accomplishment instructions of GROB Aircraft AG Service Bulletin No.
MSB1121-108, dated March 18, 2009, or GROB Aircraft AG Service
Bulletin No. MSB1121-108/1, dated April 27, 2009.
(4) Thereafter, at intervals not to exceed every 200 hours TIS,
repeat the inspection of the electrical cables for chafing and
scorching marks in accordance with the accomplishment instructions
of GROB Aircraft AG Service Bulletin No. MSB1121-108/1, dated April
27, 2009.
FAA AD Differences
Note: This AD differs from the MCAI and/or service information
as follows: No differences.
Other FAA AD Provisions
(g) The following provisions also apply to this AD:
(1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager,
Standards 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: Karl Schletzbaum, Aerospace Engineer, FAA,
Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas City,
Missouri 64106; telephone: (816) 329-4146; fax: (816) 329-4090.
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.
(2) Airworthy Product: For any requirement in this AD to obtain
corrective actions from a manufacturer or other source, use these
actions if they are FAA-approved. Corrective actions are considered
FAA-approved if they are approved by the State of Design Authority
(or their delegated agent). You are required to assure the product
is airworthy before it is returned to service.
(3) Reporting Requirements: For any reporting requirement in
this AD, under the
[[Page 27691]]
provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.),
the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has approved the
information collection requirements and has assigned OMB Control
Number 2120-0056.
Related Information
(h) Refer to MCAI European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD No.:
2009-0107, dated May 8, 2009; GROB Aircraft AG Service Bulletin No.
MSB1121-108, dated March 18, 2009; and GROB Aircraft AG Service
Bulletin No. MSB1121-108/1, dated April 27, 2009, for related
information.
Material Incorporated by Reference
(i) You must use GROB Aircraft AG Service Bulletin No. MSB1121-
108, dated March 18, 2009; and GROB Aircraft AG Service Bulletin No.
MSB1121-108/1, dated April 27, 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 GROB
Aircraft AG/Customer Service, 86874 Tussenhausen-Mattsies, Germany;
telephone: +49 (0) 8268-998-105; fax: + 49 (0) 8268-998-200; e-mail
productsupport@grob-aircraft.com; Internet: http://www.grob-
aircraft.eu/service-and-support/g-120/documentation/service-
bulletins.html.
(3) You may review copies of the service information
incorporated by reference for this AD at the FAA, Central Region,
Office of the Regional Counsel, 901 Locust, Kansas City, Missouri
64106. For information on the availability of this material at the
Central Region, call (816) 329-3768.
(4) You may also review copies of the service information
incorporated by reference for this AD 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 Kansas City, Missouri on June 4, 2009.
Kim Smith,
Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. E9-13576 Filed 6-10-09; 8:45 am]
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