[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 86 (Wednesday, May 4, 2011)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 25264-25273]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-10818]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2011-0450; Directorate Identifier 2011-CE-010-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Cessna Aircraft Company (Cessna) Models
337, 337A (USAF 02B), 337B, 337C, 337D, 337E, T337E, 337F, T337F, 337G,
T337G, M337B, F 337E, FT337E, F 337F, FT337F, F 337G, and FT337GP
Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the
products listed above. This proposed AD would require inspecting the
wings for internal and external damage, repairing any damage,
reinforcing the wings, installing operational limitation placards in
the cockpit, and adding limitations to the airplane flight manual
supplement. This proposed AD was prompted by a review of installed
Flint Aero, Inc. wing tip auxiliary fuel tanks, Supplemental Type
Certificate (STC) SA5090NM. We are issuing this proposed AD to detect
and correct damage in the wings and to prevent overload failure of the
wing due to the installation of the STC. Damage in the wing or overload
failure of the wing could result in structural failure of the wing,
which could result in loss of control.
DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by June 20, 2011.
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: Deliver to Mail address above between 9
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
For service information identified in this proposed AD, contact
Flint Aero, Inc., 1942 Joe Crosson Drive, El Cajon, CA 92020; phone:
(619) 448-1551; fax: (619) 448-1571; Internet: http://www.flintaero.com. You may review copies of the referenced service
information at the FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Kansas
City, MO 64106. For information on the availability of this material at
the FAA, call (816) 329-4148.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://
[[Page 25265]]
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 proposed AD, the regulatory
evaluation, any comments received, and other information. The street
address for the Docket Office (phone: 800-647-5527) is in the ADDRESSES
section. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after
receipt.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dara Albouyeh, Aerospace Engineer,
FAA, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office, 3960 Paramount Blvd.,
Lakewood, CA 90712; phone: (562) 627-5222; fax: (562) 627-5210; e-mail:
[email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or
arguments about this proposal. Send your comments to an address listed
under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2011-0450;
Directorate Identifier 2011-CE-010-AD'' at the beginning of your
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory,
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this proposed AD. We
will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend
this proposed 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 proposed AD.
Discussion
In May 2010, we reviewed wing tip auxiliary fuel tank extension
STCs to Cessna 336 and 337 series airplanes for compliance with
airworthiness standards. Due to the STC similarities between Aviation
Enterprises wing tip auxiliary fuel tank extensions and Flint Aero,
Inc. wing tip auxiliary fuel tank extensions, both were reviewed for
possible wing overload conditions.
In June 2010, we determined the proper design loads for both
Aviation Enterprises wing tip auxiliary fuel tank extension and Flint
Aero, Inc. wing tip auxiliary fuel tank extension STCs exceeded the
strength capabilities of the outer portions of the wing.
On October 4, 2010, we issued AD 2010-21-18, Amendment 39-16478 (75
FR 64111, October 19, 2010), which applies to Cessna Models 336, 337,
337A (USAF 02B), 337B, M337B (USAF 02A), T337B, 337C, T337C, 337D,
T337D, 337E, T337E, 337F, T337F, 337G, T337G, 337H, P337H, T337H,
T337H-SP, F337E, FT337E, F337F, FT337F, F337G, FT337GP, F337H, and
FT337HP airplanes that are now or have ever been modified by Aviation
Enterprises wing tip auxiliary fuel tank extensions Supplemental Type
Certificates (STC) SA02055AT, SA02056AT, SA02307AT, or SA02308AT.
In January 2011, Flint Aero, Inc. confirmed the under-strength
condition of the outer wing section.
This condition, if not corrected, could result in structural
failure of the wing, which could result in loss of control.
Relevant Service Information
We reviewed Flint Aero, Inc. Service Bulletin FA2, Rev 2, dated
April 8, 2011, and Flint Aero, Inc. Drawing FA2, Rev A, dated April 8,
2011. The service information describes procedures for the
reinforcement of the upper wing skin, the wing front spar cap, and the
stringers.
FAA's Determination
We are proposing 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 the same type design.
Proposed AD Requirements
This proposed AD would require inspecting the wings for internal
and external damage, repairing any damage, reinforcing the wings,
installing operational limitation placards in the cockpit, and adding
limitations to the Flint Aero, Inc. Airplane Flight Manual Supplement.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this AD affects 33 airplanes of U.S. registry.
We estimate the following costs to comply with this AD:
Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inspection of the wing for 5 work-hours x $85 Not applicable.... $425 per $14,025 per
damage. per hour = $425 inspection cycle. inspection cycle.
per inspection
cycle.
Fabricating and installing 1 work-hour x $85 Not applicable.... $85............... $2,805.
placards in the cockpit. per hour = $85.
Modifying the Limitations .5 work-hour x $85 Not applicable.... $42.50............ $1,402.50.
section of the Flint Aero, per hour = $42.50.
Inc. Airplane Flight Manual
Supplement.
Reinforcing the upper wing 25 work-hours x $85 $1,070............ $3,195............ $105,435.
skin, stringer, and wing front per hour = $2,125.
spar cap.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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 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.
[[Page 25266]]
For the reasons discussed above, I certify this 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),
(3) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
(4) 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.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, 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 adding the following new
airworthiness directive (AD):
Cessna Aircraft Company: Docket No. FAA-2011-0450; Directorate
Identifier 2011-CE-010-AD.
Comments Due Date
(a) We must receive comments by June 20, 2011.
Affected ADs
(b) AD 2010-21-18, Amendment 39-16478, is related to the subject
of this AD.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to Cessna Aircraft Company (Cessna) Models
337, 337A (USAF 02B), 337B, 337C, 337D, 337E, T337E, 337F, T337F,
337G, T337G, M337B, F 337E, FT337E, F 337F, FT337F, F 337G, and
FT337GP airplanes, all serial numbers, that:
(1) Are certificated in any category; and
(2) Are or have ever been modified by Flint Aero, Inc.
Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) SA5090NM.
Subject
(d) Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC)/Air Transport
Association (ATA) of America Code 57; Wings.
Unsafe Condition
(e) This AD was prompted by a review of installed Flint Aero,
Inc. wing tip auxiliary fuel tanks, STC SA5090NM. We are issuing
this AD to detect and correct damage in the wings and to prevent
overload failure of the wing due to the installation of the STC.
Damage in the wing or overload failure of the wing could result in
structural failure of the wing, which could result in loss of
control.
Compliance
(f) Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
Required Actions
(g) Within the next 50 hours time-in-service (TIS) after the
effective date of this AD or within 30 days after the effective date
of this AD, whichever occurs first, do a general and focused
inspection of the left and right wing for internal and external
damage at wing stations (WSTA) 150 and 177. Do the inspections
following Appendix 1 of this AD.
(h) After the inspection required in paragraph (g) of this AD if
no damage was found and before the modification required in
paragraph (k) of this AD is incorporated, anytime severe and/or
extreme turbulence is encountered during flight, before the next
flight do a focused inspection of the wing for damage following
steps 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, and 10 in Appendix 1 of this AD. Also inspect
for signs of distress in the upper front spar in the area around
WSTA 150 and 177. The definition of severe and extreme turbulence
can be found in table 7-1-9 of the FAA Aeronautical Information
Manual (AIM). You may obtain a copy of the FAA AIM at http://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/publications/atpubs/aim/.
(i) For airplanes that have not had the modification specified
in paragraphs (j) and (k) incorporated, within the next 50 hours
time-in-service (TIS) after the effective date of this AD or within
30 days after the effective date of this AD, fabricate a placard
(using at least \1/8\-inch letters) with the following words and
install the placard on the instrument panel within the pilot's clear
view:
(1) ``MAINTAIN AT LEAST 12 GAL OF FUEL IN EACH WING TIP FUEL
TANK FOR AIRPLANE WEIGHTS BETWEEN 3,400 LBS AND 4,330 LBS.''
(2) ``MAINTAIN FULL FUEL IN EACH WING TIP FUEL TANK FOR AIRPLANE
WEIGHTS AT OR ABOVE 4,330 LBS.''
(j) If damage or signs of distress are found during the
inspections required in paragraphs (g) and (h) of this AD, before
further flight do the following:
(1) Repair all damaged and distressed parts following FAA
Advisory Circular (AC) 43.13-1B, Chapter 4, which can be found at
http://rgl.faa.gov/;
(2) Incorporate the modification reinforcement specified in
Flint Aero, Inc. Service Bulletin FA2, Rev 2, dated April 8, 2011,
following Flint Aero, Inc. Drawing FA2, Rev A, dated April 8, 2011;
(3) Remove the placard specified in paragraph (i) of this AD;
(4) Fabricate a new placard (using at least \1/8\-inch letters)
with the following words and install the placard on the instrument
panel within the pilot's clear view: ``MAINTAIN AT LEAST 12 GAL OF
FUEL IN EACH WING TIP FUEL TANK FOR AIRPLANE WEIGHTS AT OR ABOVE
4,330 LBS''; and
(5) Incorporate the information from Appendix 2 of this AD into
the Limitations section of the Flint Aero, Inc. Airplane Flight
Manual Supplement.
(k) If no damage or signs of distress are found during the
inspections required in paragraphs (g) and (h) of this AD, within
the next 100 hours TIS after the effective date of this AD or within
12 months after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs
first, do the following:
(1) Incorporate the modification reinforcement specified in
Flint Aero, Inc. Service Bulletin FA2, Rev 2, dated April 8, 2011,
following Flint Aero, Inc. Drawing FA2, Rev A, dated April 8, 2011;
(2) Remove the placard specified in paragraph (i) of this AD;
(3) Fabricate a new placard (using at least \1/8\-inch letters)
with the following words and install the placard on the instrument
panel within the pilot's clear view: ``MAINTAIN AT LEAST 12 GAL OF
FUEL IN EACH WING TIP FUEL TANK FOR AIRPLANE WEIGHTS AT OR ABOVE
4,330 LBS''; and
(4) Incorporate the information from Appendix 2 of this AD into
the Limitations section of the Flint Aero, Inc. Airplane Flight
Manual Supplement.
(l) You may incorporate the modification reinforcement specified
in Flint Aero, Inc. Service Bulletin FA2, Rev 2, dated April 8,
2011, following Flint Aero, Inc. Drawing FA2, Rev A, dated April 8,
2011, at any time after the inspection required in paragraph (g) of
this AD but no later than the compliance time specified in paragraph
(k) of this AD as long as no cracks were found. As required in
paragraph (j) of this AD, the modification reinforcement must be
incorporated before further flight if damage or signs of distress
are found.
Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(m)(1) The Manager, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office
(ACO), FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if
requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance
with 14 CFR 39.19, send your request to your principal inspector or
local Flight Standards District Office, as appropriate. If sending
information directly to the manager of the ACO, send it to the
attention of the person identified in the Related Information
section of this AD.
(2) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate
principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager
of the local flight standards district office/certificate holding
district office.
Related Information
(n) For more information about this AD, contact Dara Albouyeh,
Aerospace Engineer, FAA, Los Angeles ACO, 3960 Paramount Blvd.,
Lakewood, CA 90712; phone: (562) 627-5222; fax: (562) 627-5210; e-
mail: [email protected].
(o) For service information identified in this AD, contact Flint
Aero, Inc., 1942 Joe Crosson Drive, El Cajon, CA 92020; phone: (619)
448-1551; fax: (619) 448-1571; Internet: http://www.flintaero.com.
You may review copies of the referenced service information at the
FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Kansas City, MO 64106.
For information on the availability of this material at the FAA,
call (816) 329-4148.
[[Page 25267]]
Appendix 1 to Docket No. FAA-2011-0450
General and Focused Inspection Procedures
Perform a general and focused inspection of the wing for
internal and external damage from wing station (WSTA) 23 to the wing
tip. The general inspection must be performed in accordance with 14
CFR 43.15(c), using a checklist that includes at least the scope and
detail of the items contained in Appendix D of 14 CFR part 43. The
focused inspection must include the items listed below. Remove all
wing access panels to conduct the inspections. Do these inspections
following the manufacturer's service information and any other
appropriate guidance, such as FAA Advisory Circular (AC) 43.13-1B
Acceptable Methods, Techniques, and Practices--Aircraft Inspection
and Repair. AC 43.13-1B can be found at http://rgl.faa.gov/.
Focused inspection items to look for:
(1) Wrinkles in upper wing skins, from the outboard edge on the
fuel tank access covers (WSTA 150 or 177) to the WSTA 222 (See View
B, Figure 3).
(2) Wrinkles in the upper wing skins from WSTA 55 to 66,
adjacent to the booms (See View E, Figure 6).
(3) Cracking of the upper wing skins. Pay particular attention
to any wrinkles, the radius between stiffeners at WSTA 150 (under
fuel tank covers), and unreinforced access holes (See View B, Figure
3).
(4) Working (smoking) rivets outboard of the wing tank access
covers.
(5) Fasteners with less than two diameters edge distance.
(6) Fasteners with less than four diameters center to center
spacing.
(7) Looseness of attachments of the tip extension to the wing
and wing tip to wing extension when pushing up and down on the tip.
(8) Any signs of distress along both front and rear spars,
particularly in the area around WSTA 177.
(9) Inspect under any repairs to the upper skins, particularly
in the area just outboard of the fuel tank access covers as these
may be covering up existing damage.
(10) Inter-rivet buckling of the stringers attached to the upper
surface skin, outboard of the fuel tank access covers (See View F,
Figure 7).
(11) Inspect rib at WSTA 222 for damage. Trimming of the rib may
have been done to allow installation of fuel lines (See View A,
Figure 2). Repair in accordance with AC 43.13-1B, Chapter 4,
paragraph 4-58(g) and Figure 4-14, or by using another FAA-approved
method that restores equivalent strength of the wing rib.
Appendix 1 to Docket No. FAA-2011-0450
General and Focused Inspection Procedures (Continued)
(12) Inspect and identify screws, installed in tapped (threaded)
holes in metal substructure, used to attach wing tips, stall fences,
fuel and electrical components, and access doors. For tapped holes,
remove fastener and open up the diameter to provide a smooth bore
hole, for the smallest oversize fastener, using close tolerance
holes noted in AC 43.13-1B, paragraph 7-39 or other FAA-approved
scheme. Maintain minimum 2 x fastener diameter edge distance and 4 x
fastener diameter center to center spacing. Select and install new,
equivalent strength or stronger, fasteners with nuts/collars in
accordance with AC 43.13-1B, Chapter 7 and AC 43.13-2B, paragraph
108 or other FAA-approved repair. New fasteners must not have
threads in bearing against the sides of the holes.
(13) Inspect wing skins for unreinforced cutouts. (See View C,
Figure 4).
(14) Inspect the upper spar cap horizontal flanges for open
holes (See View D, Figure 5).
Appendix 1 to Docket No. FAA-2011-0450 (Continued)
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
[[Page 25268]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP04MY11.005
BILLING CODE 4910-13-C
Appendix 1 to Docket No. FAA-2011-0450 (Continued)
[[Page 25269]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP04MY11.006
BILLING CODE 4910-13-C
Appendix 1 to Docket No. FAA-2011-0450 (Continued)
[[Page 25270]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP04MY11.007
BILLING CODE 4910-13-C
Appendix 1 to Docket No. FAA-2011-0450 (Continued)
[[Page 25271]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP04MY11.008
BILLING CODE 4910-13-C
Appendix 1 to Docket No. FAA-2011-0450 (Continued)
[[Page 25272]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP04MY11.009
BILLING CODE 4910-13-C
Appendix 1 to Docket No. FAA-2011-0450 (Continued)
[[Page 25273]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP04MY11.010
BILLING CODE 4910-13-C
Appendix 2 to Docket No. FAA-2011-0450
Airworthiness Limitations for the Flint Aero, Inc. Airplane
Flight Manual Supplement
``MAINTAIN AT LEAST 12 GAL OF FUEL IN EACH WING TIP FUEL TANK
FOR AIRPLANE WEIGHTS AT OR ABOVE 4,330 LBS.''
Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on April 27, 2011.
John Colomy,
Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2011-10818 Filed 5-3-11; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P