Proposed Rule2021-18386
Airworthiness Directives; ASI Aviation (Type Certificate Previously Held by Reims Aviation S.A.) Airplanes
Primary source
Metadata and text below are from the Federal Register, a public-domain U.S. government work. Always verify the official published version before relying on it for any legal matter.
Published
August 27, 2021
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all ASI Aviation (type certificate previously held by Reims Aviation S.A.) Model F406 airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) originated by an aviation authority of another country to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an aviation product. The MCAI describes the unsafe condition as failure of a circuit breaker (CB) switch. This proposed AD would require replacing certain CB switches and establishing a life limit for the CB switches. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Full Text
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<title>Federal Register, Volume 86 Issue 164 (Friday, August 27, 2021)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 164 (Friday, August 27, 2021)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 48067-48069]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2021-18386]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2021-0714; Project Identifier 2019-CE-016-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; ASI Aviation (Type Certificate
Previously Held by Reims Aviation S.A.) Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
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SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD)
for all ASI Aviation (type certificate previously held by Reims
Aviation S.A.) Model F406 airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by
mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) originated by an
aviation authority of another country to identify and correct an unsafe
condition on an aviation product. The MCAI describes the unsafe
condition as failure of a circuit breaker (CB) switch. This proposed AD
would require replacing certain CB switches and establishing a life
limit for the CB switches. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the
unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: The FAA must receive comments on this proposed AD by October 12,
2021.
ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods:
<bullet> Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a>. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
<bullet> Fax: (202) 493-2251.
<bullet> 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.
<bullet> 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 NPRM, contact ASI
Aviation, A[eacute]rodrome de Reims Prunay, 51360 Prunay, France;
telephone: +33 3 26 48 46 84; fax: +33 3 26 49 18 57; email:
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#86e5e9e8f2e7e5f2c6e7f5efabe7f0efe7f2efe9e8a8e0f4"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="c8aba7a6bca9abbc88a9bba1e5a9bea1a9bca1a7a6e6aeba">[email protected]</span></a>; website: <a href="https://asi-aviation.fr/page-Accueil.html">https://asi-aviation.fr/page-Accueil.html</a>. You may view this service information at the
Airworthiness Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 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 at <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a> by
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2021-0714; or in person at
Docket Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday,
except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains this NPRM, the MCAI,
any comments received, and other information. The street address for
Docket Operations is listed above.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Gregory Johnson, Aviation Safety
Engineer, AIR-732 International Validation Section FAA, 901 Locust,
Room 301, Kansas City, MO 64106-2641; phone: (720) 626-5462; email:
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#42253027252d303b6c282d2a2c312d2c022423236c252d34"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="12756077757d606b3c787d7a7c617d7c527473733c757d64">[email protected]</span></a>.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
The FAA invites you to send any written relevant data, views, or
arguments about this proposal. Send your comments to an address listed
under ADDRESSES. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2021-0714; Project Identifier
2019-CE-016-AD'' at the beginning of your comments. The most helpful
comments reference a specific portion of
[[Page 48068]]
the proposal, explain the reason for any recommended change, and
include supporting data. The FAA will consider all comments received by
the closing date and may amend the proposal because of those comments.
Except for Confidential Business Information (CBI) as described in
the following paragraph, and other information as described in 14 CFR
11.35, the FAA will post all comments received, without change, to
<a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a>, including any personal information you
provide. The agency will also post a report summarizing each
substantive verbal contact received about this proposed AD.
Confidential Business Information
CBI is commercial or financial information that is both customarily
and actually treated as private by its owner. Under the Freedom of
Information Act (FOIA) (5 U.S.C. 552), CBI is exempt from public
disclosure. If your comments responsive to this NPRM contain commercial
or financial information that is customarily treated as private, that
you actually treat as private, and that is relevant or responsive to
this NPRM, it is important that you clearly designate the submitted
comments as CBI. Please mark each page of your submission containing
CBI as ``PROPIN.'' The FAA will treat such marked submissions as
confidential under the FOIA, and they will not be placed in the public
docket of this NPRM. Submissions containing CBI should be sent to
Gregory Johnson, Aviation Safety Engineer, AIR-732 International
Validation Section FAA, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas City, MO 64106-
2641. Any commentary that the FAA receives which is not specifically
designated as CBI will be placed in the public docket for this
rulemaking.
Background
The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical
Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued EASA AD
2019-0015, dated January 29, 2019 (referred to after this as ``the
MCAI''), to address an unsafe condition on ASI Aviation (type
certificate previously held by Reims Aviation S.A.) Model F406
airplanes. The MCAI states:
After the Federal Aviation Administration issued AD 2005-20-25,
applicable to Cessna 400 series aeroplanes equipped with certain
avionics bus CB switches, it was determined that, due to design
commonality, one of the affected avionics bus CB switches, P/N [part
number] CM3589-50, was also installed on Reims F 406 aeroplanes.
This condition, if not corrected, could lead to smoke and/or
burning smell in the cockpit, possibly resulting in reduced control
of the aeroplane.
To address that potential unsafe condition, RAI issued SB
[service bulletin] F406-62 to provide instructions to remove certain
switches from service. Consequently, EASA issued AD 2006-0134 to
require identification of the date code of P/N CM3589-50 CB switches
and, depending on findings, replacement with improved design CB
switches, P/N 4061-2400-1. That [EASA] AD also imposed a life limit
on the affected CB switches P/N CM3589-50.
Since that [EASA] AD was issued, in-service occurrences of smoke
and burning smell in the cockpit have been reported on F 406
aeroplanes. Technical investigations revealed that these were due to
failure of CB switches P/N CM3589-20, which are used to control the
propeller de-icing circuit. Prompted by these events, ASI Aviation
issued the applicable SB (as defined in this [EASA] AD) to provide
instructions to replace the affected parts with serviceable parts.
For the reasons described above, this [EASA] AD retains the
requirements of EASA AD 2006-0134, which is superseded, expands the
range of affected parts, and requires replacement of P/N CM3589-20
CB switches with improved design CB switches P/N 406E2450-00000-100.
This [EASA] AD also replaces the previous life limit, 1 000 flight
hours (FH) for certain P/N CM3589-50 CB switches, with a 6 year
calendar time life limit, and also imposes that limit on the
improved design CB switches.
You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a> by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2021-
0714.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed ASI Aviation Service Bulletin No. F406-62,
Revision 01, dated December 14, 2018, which specifies inspecting the CB
switches to determine the date code, replacing CB switches with certain
date codes, and establishing a life limit of 6 years for the new CB
switches. The FAA also reviewed ASI Aviation Service Bulletin No. F406-
90, dated December 14, 2018, which specifies replacing the CB switches
and establishing a life limit of 6 years for the new CB switches. This
service information is reasonably available because the interested
parties have access to it through their normal course of business or by
the means identified in the ADDRESSES section.
FAA's Determination
This product has been approved by the aviation authority of another
country and is approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant to
the FAA's bilateral agreement with this State of Design Authority, it
has notified the FAA of the unsafe condition described in the MCAI and
service information referenced above. The FAA is issuing this NPRM
after determining the unsafe condition described previously is likely
to exist or develop on other products of the same type design.
Proposed AD Requirements
This proposed AD would require accomplishing the actions specified
in the service information already described, except as discussed under
``Differences Between this Proposed AD and the MCAI.''
Differences Between This Proposed AD and the MCAI
The MCAI allows installation of an affected CB switch until the
airplane is modified. This proposed AD would prohibit installation of
an affected CB switch as of the effective date of this AD.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD, if adopted as proposed, would
affect 4 airplanes of U.S. registry.
The FAA also estimates that it would take about 5 work-hours per
airplane to comply with the inspection required by this proposed AD.
The average labor rate is $85 per work-hour.
Based on these figures, the FAA estimates the inspection cost of
this proposed AD on U.S. operators to be $1,700 or $425 per airplane.
In addition, the FAA estimates that each replacement required by
this proposed AD would take about 1 work-hour and require parts costing
$350. Based on these figures, the FAA estimates the replacement cost of
this proposed AD on U.S. operators to be $435 per airplane.
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.
The FAA is 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
[[Page 48069]]
develop on products identified in this rulemaking action.
Regulatory Findings
The FAA 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 this proposed
regulation:
(1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive
Order 12866,
(2) Would not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
(3) Would 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
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 airworthiness
directive:
ASI Aviation (Type Certificate Previously Held by Reims Aviation
S.A.): Docket No. FAA-2021-0714; Project Identifier 2019-CE-016-AD.
(a) Comments Due Date
The FAA must receive comments on this airworthiness directive
(AD) by October 12, 2021.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to ASI Aviation (type certificate previously
held by Reims Aviation S.A.) Model F406 airplanes, all serial
numbers, certificated in any category.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 2400, Electrical
Power System.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by mandatory continuing airworthiness
information (MCAI) originated by an aviation authority of another
country to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an aviation
product. The MCAI describes the unsafe condition as failure of a
circuit breaker (CB) switch. The FAA is issuing this AD to prevent
smoke and burning smell in the cockpit caused by failure of CB
switches. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in
reduced controllability of the airplane.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Inspection and Corrective Actions
Within 200 hours time-in-service (TIS) or within 12 months,
whichever occurs first after the effective date of this AD, prepare
the airplane and gain access in accordance with steps 1 through 7 of
the Accomplishment Instructions in ASI Aviation Service Bulletin No.
F406-62, Revision 01, dated December 14, 2018 (SB F406-62R1), and
inspect each avionics bus CB switch part number (P/N) CM3589-50 to
identify the date code.
(1) If a CB switch does not have a date code, before further
flight, remove the CB switch from service and install CB switch P/N
4061-2400-1 in accordance with steps 9 through 14 of the
Accomplishment Instructions in SB F406-62R1.
(2) If a CB switch has a date code earlier than 0434, before the
CB switch exceeds 1,000 hours TIS since first installation on an
airplane, remove the CB switch from service and install CB switch P/
N 4061-2400-1 in accordance with steps 9 through 14 of the
Accomplishment Instructions in SB F406-62R1.
(3) If a CB switch has a date code 0434 or later, before the CB
switch exceeds 6 years since first installation on an airplane or
within 12 months after the effective date of this AD, whichever
occurs later, remove the CB switch from service and install CB
switch P/N 4061-2400-1 in accordance with steps 9 through 14 of the
Accomplishment Instructions in SB F406-62R1.
(h) Replacements
Within 200 hours TIS or within 12 months, whichever occurs first
after the effective date of this AD, remove each CB switch P/N
CM3589-20 from service, re-identify the CB panel, and install CB
switches with P/N 406E2450-00000-100 in accordance with Part 1,
steps 1 through 13, of the Accomplishment Instructions in ASI
Aviation Service Bulletin No. F406-90, dated December 14, 2018 (SB
F406-90).
(i) Life Limit
Before exceeding 6 years since first installation on an airplane
and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 6 years, remove each CB
switch P/N 4061-2400-1 and P/N 406E2450-00000-100 from service and
replace it in accordance with steps 9 through 14 of the
Accomplishment Instructions in SB F406-62R1 or Part 1, steps 1
through 13, of the Accomplishment Instructions in SB F406-90, as
applicable.
(j) Parts Installation Prohibition
As of the effective date of this AD, do not install a CB switch
P/N CM3589-50 or P/N CM3589-20 on any airplane.
(k) Credit for Previous Actions
You may take credit for the actions required by paragraph (g) of
this AD if you performed those actions before the effective date of
this AD using Reims Aviation Industries Service Bulletin No. F406-
62, dated March 8, 2006.
(l) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, General Aviation & Rotorcraft Section (AIR-
732), International Validation Branch, 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 certification office, send it to the attention of the
person identified in Related Information or email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#7a43573b2c29573b3328574d494a573b3735393a1c1b1b541d150c"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="625b4f2334314f232b304f5551524f232f2d21220403034c050d14">[email protected]</span></a>.
(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.
(m) Related Information
(1) For more information about this AD, contact Gregory Johnson,
Aviation Safety Engineer, AIR-732 International Validation Section
FAA, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas City, MO 64106-2641; phone: (720)
626-5462; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#d6b1a4b3b1b9a4aff8bcb9beb8a5b9b896b0b7b7f8b1b9a0"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="3b5c495e5c54494215515453554854557b5d5a5a155c544d">[email protected]</span></a>.
(2) Refer to European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2019-
0015, dated January 29, 2019, for more information. You may examine
the EASA AD in the AD docket at <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a> by
searching for and locating it in Docket No. FAA-2021-0714.
(3) For service information identified in this AD, contact ASI
Aviation, A[eacute]rodrome de Reims Prunay, 51360 Prunay, France;
telephone: +33 3 26 48 46 84; fax: +33 3 26 49 18 57; email:
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#f4979b9a80959780b495879dd995829d95809d9b9ada9286"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="44272b2a302527300425372d6925322d25302d2b2a6a2236">[email protected]</span></a>; website: <a href="https://asi-aviation.fr/page-Accueil.html">https://asi-aviation.fr/page-Accueil.html</a>. You may view this referenced service information at
the FAA, Airworthiness Products Section, Operational Safety Branch,
901 Locust, Kansas City, MO 64106. For information on the
availability of this material at the FAA, call (816) 329-4148.
Issued on August 20, 2021.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2021-18386 Filed 8-26-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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