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CFR Citation: 14 CFR Part 39

Docket ID: [Docket No. 2002-CE-58-AD]

RIN ID: RIN 2120-AA64

NOTICE: PROPOSED RULES

ACTION: Airworthiness directives:

DOCUMENT ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

SUBJECT CATEGORY: Airworthiness Directives; Univair Aircraft Corporation Models Alon A-2 and A2-A; ERCO 415-C, 415-CD, 415-D, 415-E, and 415-G; Forney F-1 and F-1A; and Mooney M10 Airplanes

DATES: The FAA must receive any comments on this proposed rule on or before July 28, 2003.

DOCUMENT SUMMARY: This document proposes to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 941804 R1, which currently applies to all Univair Aircraft Corporation (Univair) Models Alon A2 and A2A; ERCO 415C, 415CD, 415D, 415E, and 415G; Forney F1 and F1A; and Mooney M10 airplanes. AD 941804 R1 requires installing inspection openings in the outer wing panels, inspecting (onetime) the wing outer panel structural components for corrosion, and repairing any corroded wing outer panel structural component. Several reports of corrosion in the outer wing panels of the affected airplanes prompted that AD. Additional reports of corrosion on airplanes in compliance with AD 941804 R1 have caused the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to propose repetitive inspections. This proposed AD would make the inspection required in AD 941804 R1 repetitive. The actions specified by this proposed AD are intended to prevent wing damage caused by a corroded wing outer panel structural component, which, if not detected and corrected, could progress to the point of structural failure.

SUMMARY: Univair Aircraft Corp.,

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

How Do I Comment on This Proposed AD?

The FAA invites comments on this proposed rule. You may submit whatever written data, views, or arguments you choose. You need to include the proposed rule's docket number and submit your comments to the address specified under the caption ADDRESSES. We will consider all comments received on or before the closing date. We may amend this proposed rule in light of comments received. Factual information that supports your ideas and suggestions is extremely helpful in evaluating the effectiveness of this proposed AD action and determining whether we need to take additional rulemaking action.
Are There Any Specific Portions of This Proposed AD I Should Pay Attention To?

The FAA specifically invites comments on the overall regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this proposed rule that might suggest a need to modify the rule. You may view all comments we receive before and after the closing date of the rule in the Rules Docket. We will file a report in the Rules Docket that summarizes each contact we have with the public that concerns the substantive parts of this proposed AD.

How Can I Be Sure FAA Receives My Comment?

If you want FAA to acknowledge the receipt of your mailed comments, you must include a selfaddressed, stamped postcard. On the postcard, write ``Comments to Docket No. 2002CE58AD.'' We will date stamp and mail the postcard back to you.
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Discussion

Has FAA Taken Any Action to This Point?

Maintenance inspection procedures did not allow for thorough inspection of the wing structure on Univair Models Alon A2 and A2A; ERCO 415C, 415CD, 415D, 415E, and 415G; Forney F1 and F1A; and Mooney M10 airplanes. This caused us to issue AD 941804, Amendment 399017 (59 FR 43727, August 25, 1994) to require installing inspection openings in the outer wing panels, inspecting (onetime) the wing outer panel structure for corrosion, and repairing any corrosion found.

After AD 941804 was issued, Univair revised Service Bulletin No. 29 to the Revision B level. Univair Service Bulletin No. 29, Revision B, dated January 2, 1995, changed the dimension of one of the openings to position it symmetrically between two ribs; and clarified the dimensioning system utilized in placement of the inspection openings. Univair SB No. 29, Revision B, also presented further discussion of the service difficulties encountered on the referenced subject and clarified the intent of the preliminary inspection procedure that may be accomplished prior to the installation of the inspection openings.

This caused us to issue AD 941804 R1, Amendment 399173 (60 FR 62321, March 14, 1995).
What Has Happened Since AD 941804 R1 To Initiate This Proposed Action?

The FAA has received additional reports of corrosion damage in the wing outer panel structural components continuing to go undetected. Univair has revised Service Bulletin No. 29 to the Revision C level, dated July 8, 1999. This revision changes the onetime inspection of the wing outer panel structural components for corrosion to a repetitive inspection.
The FAA's Determination and an Explanation of the Provisions of This Proposed AD

What Has FAA Decided?

After examining the circumstances and reviewing all available information related to the incidents described above, we have determined that:
The unsafe condition referenced in this document exists or could develop on other Univair Models Alon A2 and A2A; ERCO 415C, 415CD, 415D, 415E, and 415G; Forney F1 and F1A, and Mooney M10 airplanes of the same type design;
The inspection specified in the previouslyreferenced service information and AD 941804 R1 should be made repetitive on the affected airplanes; and
AD action should be taken in order to correct this unsafe condition. What Would This Proposed AD Require?

This proposed AD would supersede AD 941804 R1 with a new AD that would retain the actions required in AD 941804 R1 and make the one time inspection of the wing outer panel structural components for corrosion a repetitive inspection.
How Does the Revision to 14 CFR Part 39 Affect This Proposed AD?

On July 10, 2002, FAA published a new version of 14 CFR part 39 (67 FR 47997, July 22, 2002), which governs FAA's AD system. This regulation now includes material that relates to special flight permits, alternative methods of compliance, and altered products. This material previously was included in each individual AD. Since this material is included in 14 CFR part 39, we will not include it in future AD actions.
Cost Impact

How Many Airplanes Would This Proposed AD Impact?

We estimate that this proposed AD affects 2,600 airplanes in the U.S. registry.
What Would Be the Cost Impact of This Proposed AD on Owners/Operators of the Affected Airplanes?

We estimate the following costs to accomplish this proposed installation of the inspection openings:
Total cost Labor cost Parts cost per airplane 6 workhours x $60 per hour = $360........... $67 $427

We estimate the following costs to accomplish the proposed inspection:
Total cost Labor cost Parts cost per Total cost on U.S. operators airplane 2 workhours x $60 per hour = $120... Not applicable........ $120 $120 x 2,600 = $312,000

The FAA has no method of determining the number of repetitive inspections each owner/operator would incur over the life of each of the affected airplanes so the cost impact is based on the initial inspection.

The FAA has no method of determining the number of repairs or replacements each owner/operator would incur over the life of each of the affected airplanes based on the results of the proposed inspections. We have no way of determining the number of airplanes that may need such repair. The extent of damage may vary on each airplane. Compliance Time of This Proposed AD

What Would Be the Compliance Time of This Proposed AD?

The compliance time of this proposed AD is ``within the next 12 calendar months after the effective date of this AD.''
Why Is the Proposed Compliance Time Presented in Calendar Time Instead of Hours TimeinService (TIS)?

The unsafe condition specified by this proposed AD is caused by corrosion. Corrosion can occur regardless of whether the airplane is in operation or is in storage. Therefore, to assure that the unsafe condition specified in this
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proposed AD does not go undetected for a long period of time, the compliance is presented in calendar time instead of hours TIS. Regulatory Impact

Would This Proposed AD Impact Various Entities?

The regulations proposed herein 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. Therefore, it is determined that this proposed rule would not have federalism implications under Executive Order 13132.
Would This Proposed AD Involve a Significant Rule or Regulatory Action?

For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this proposed action (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) if promulgated, 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. A copy of the draft regulatory evaluation prepared for this action has been placed in the Rules Docket. A copy of it may be obtained by contacting the Rules Docket at the location provided under the caption ADDRESSES.

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 Federal Aviation Administration proposes to amend part 39 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) as follows:

PART 39AIRWORTHINESS 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. FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by removing Airworthiness Directive (AD) 941804 R1, Amendment 399173 (60 FR 62321, March 14, 1995), and by adding a new AD to read as follows:
Univair Aircraft Corporation: Docket No. 2002CE58AD; Supersedes AD 941804 R1, Amendment 399173.
(a) What airplanes are affected by this AD? This AD affects the following airplane models and serial numbers that are certificated in any category:
Models Serial No. Alon A2 and A2A............................ All.
ERCO 415C, 415CD, 415D, 415E, and 415G.. All.
Forney F1 and F1A.......................... All.
Mooney M10................................... All.
(b) Who must comply with this AD? Anyone who wishes to operate any of the airplanes identified in paragraph (a) of this AD must comply with this AD.
(c) What problem does this AD address? The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent wing damage caused by a corroded wing outer panel structural component, which, if not detected and corrected, could progress to the point of structural failure. (d) What actions must I accomplish to address this problem? To address this problem, you must accomplish the following:
Actions Compliance Procedures (1) Install inspection Within the next 12 In accordance with openings in the outer wing calendar months Univair Service panels and inspect the wing after March 24, Bulletin No. 29, outer panel internal 1995 (the effective Revision B, dated structural components for date of AD 941804 January 2, 1995, or corrosion and unrepaired R1), unless already Univair Service corrosion damage. accomplished. Bulletin No. 29, Revision C, dated July 8, 1999, and Advisory Circular 434A, Corrosion Control for Aircraft. (2) If corrosion or Repair or replace In accordance with corrosion damage is found prior to further Univair Aircraft during the inspection flight after the Corporation Service required in paragraph inspection required Bulletin No. 29, (d)(1) of this AD, repair in paragraph (d)(1) Revision B, dated or replace components of of this AD. January 2, 1995, or the wing outer panel Univair Service structure. Bulletin No. 29, Revision C, dated July 8, 1999, the applicable maintenance manual, and Advisory Circular 434A, Corrosion Control for Aircraft. (3) Repetitively inspect the Initially inspect In accordance with wing outer panel internal within the next 6 Univair Aircraft structural components for calendar months Corporation Service corrosion and unrepaired after the effective Bulletin No. 29, corrosion damage. date of this AD Revision C, dated unless the wing July 8, 1999, and outer panel Advisory Circular internal structure 434A, Corrosion had been inspected Control for for corrosion Aircraft. within the previous
6 calendar months
immediately prior
to the effective
date of this AD.
Repetitively
inspect thereafter
at intervals not to
exceed 12 months
after the last
inspection.
(4) At any time corrosion or Repair or replace In accordance with corrosion damage is found, prior to further Univair Aircraft repair or replace flight after the Corporation Service components of the wing inspection in which Bulletin No. 29, outer panel structure. the corrosion or Revision B, dated corrosion damage is January 2, 1995, or found. Continue Univair Service with the repetitive Bulletin No. 29, inspection Revision C, dated requirements of July 8, 1999, and this AD. Advisory Circular 434A, Corrosion Control for Aircraft.

Note 1: The compliance times specified in Univair Aircraft Corporation Service Bulletin No. 29, Revision B, dated January 2, 1995, or Univair Service Bulletin No. 29, Revision C, dated July 8, 1999, are different from those required by this AD. The compliance times in this AD take precedence over those in the service bulletin. (e) Can I comply with this AD in any other way?
(1) To use an alternative method of compliance or adjust the compliance time, follow the procedures in 14 CFR 39.13. Send these requests to the Manager, Denver Aircraft Certification Office (ACO). For information on any already approved alternative methods of compliance, contact Roger Caldwell, Aerospace Engineer, FAA, Denver Aircraft Certification Office, 26805 East 68th Avenue, Room 214, Denver, Colorado 802496361; telephone: (303) 3421086; facsimile: (303) 3421088.
(2) Alternative methods of compliance approved for the inspection required in AD 941804 R1, which is superseded by this [[Page 32440]]
AD, are approved as alternative methods of compliance with this AD. (f) How do I get copies of the documents referenced in this AD? You may get copies of the documents referenced in this AD from Univair Aircraft Corporation, 2500 Himalaya Road, Aurora, Colorado 80011, telephone: (303) 3758882; facsimile: (303) 3758888. You may view these documents at FAA, Central Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, 901 Locust, Room 506, Kansas City, Missouri 64106. (g) Does this AD action affect any existing AD actions? This amendment supersedes AD 941804 R1, Amendment 399173.

Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on May 23, 2003. Michael Gallagher,
Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 0313511 Filed 52903; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 491013P

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT Roger Caldwell, Aerospace Engineer, FAA, Denver Aircraft Certification Office, 26805 East 68th Avenue, Room 214, Denver, Colorado 802496361; telephone: (303) 3421086; facsimile: (303) 3421088.