Rule2021-26330
Airworthiness Directives; Learjet Inc. 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
December 6, 2021
Effective
January 10, 2022
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Learjet Inc. (Learjet) Model 45 airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports of corrosion found on the upper surface of the lower center wing mid spar splice plate. This AD requires repetitively inspecting the center wing area for corrosion and deterioration of protective treatments, removing any corrosion, and treating any deteriorated areas. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Full Text
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<title>Federal Register, Volume 86 Issue 231 (Monday, December 6, 2021)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 231 (Monday, December 6, 2021)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 68899-68902]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2021-26330]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2021-0157; Project Identifier AD-2020-00483-T;
Amendment 39-21806; AD 2021-23-08]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Learjet Inc. Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for
certain Learjet Inc. (Learjet) Model 45 airplanes. This AD was prompted
by reports of corrosion found on the upper surface of the lower center
wing mid spar splice plate. This AD requires repetitively inspecting
the center wing area for corrosion and deterioration of protective
treatments, removing any corrosion, and treating any deteriorated
areas. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on
these products.
DATES: This AD is effective January 10, 2022.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of January 10,
2022.
ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule,
contact Learjet Inc., One Learjet Way, Wichita, KS 67209; phone: (316)
946-2000; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#b3d2d09ddad0c7f3d2d6c1dc9dd1dcded1d2c1d7dad6c19dd0dcde"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="b4d5d79addd7c0f4d5d1c6db9ad6dbd9d6d5c6d0ddd1c69ad7dbd9">[email protected]</span></a>; website: https://
<a href="http://businessaircraft.bombardier.com/en/aircraft/learjet.html">businessaircraft.bombardier.com/en/aircraft/learjet.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.
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-2021-0157; 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 final rule, any
comments received, and other information. The address for Docket
Operations is U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M-
30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue
SE, Washington, DC 20590.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Tara Shawn, Aviation Safety Engineer,
Wichita ACO Branch, FAA, 1801 Airport Road, Wichita, KS 67209; phone:
(316) 946-4141; fax: (316) 946-4107; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#82f6e3f0e3acf1eae3f5ecc2e4e3e3ace5edf4"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="2b5f4a594a0558434a5c456b4d4a4a054c445d">[email protected]</span></a>.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14
CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to certain serial numbered
Learjet Inc. (Learjet) Model 45 (Learjet 40), Model 45 (Learjet 45),
Model 45 (Learjet 70), and Model 45 (Learjet 75) airplanes. The NPRM
published in the Federal Register on July 28, 2021 (86 FR 40379). The
NPRM was prompted by a report from Learjet of corrosion found in the
center wing area of a Model 45 (Learjet 45) airplane. Exfoliating
corrosion was found on the upper surface of the lower center wing mid
spar splice plate during unrelated maintenance. The corrosion appeared
to extend half way through the thickness of the splice plate. Since the
initial report, the FAA has received 23 additional reports of corrosion
from Learjet.
The FAA determined areas of the wing center section are not sealed
against the elements; in addition, the fuselage has drain holes that
allow condensation to drain into the center wing. The accumulation and
retention of moisture in the center wing section may lead to corrosion.
In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to require repetitively inspecting the
center wing area for corrosion and deterioration of protective
treatments, removing any corrosion, and treating any deteriorated
areas. This
[[Page 68900]]
condition, if not addressed, could result in failure of the wing
centerline joint and lead to partial wing separation with consequent
loss of control of the airplane.
Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive
Comments
The FAA received one comment from an individual. The following
presents the comment received on the NPRM and the FAA's response to the
comment.
An individual requested the FAA allow credit for previous visual
inspections using Inspection Reference Number (IRN) 5710190. The
commenter stated that IRN 5710190 requires the same inspection as the
applicable service bulletin. The commenter noted that while some
operators might not have used the service bulletin listed in paragraph
(k) of the NPRM, operators of aircraft over 8 years old will have used
IRN 5710190.
The FAA agrees and has added the applicable maintenance manual
references for IRN 5710190 to paragraph (k) of this AD, which provides
credit for previous actions.
Conclusion
The FAA reviewed the relevant data, considered any comments
received, and determined that air safety requires adopting this AD as
proposed. Accordingly, the FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe
condition on these products. Except for the changes described
previously, this AD is adopted as proposed in the NPRM. None of the
changes will increase the economic burden on any operator.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed the following service documents required for
compliance with this AD:
<bullet> Bombardier Learjet 40 Service Bulletin 40-57-06, Revision
1, dated October, 26, 2020;
<bullet> Bombardier Learjet 45 Service Bulletin 45-57-13, Revision
1, dated October, 26, 2020;
<bullet> Bombardier Learjet 70 Service Bulletin 70-57-02, Revision
1, dated October, 26, 2020; and
<bullet> Bombardier Learjet 75 Service Bulletin 75-57-01, Revision
2, dated April 19, 2021.
As applicable to the model configuration specified, each service
bulletin contains procedures for inspecting for corrosion and
deterioration of protective treatments of the center wing area from the
front spar to the rear spar between wing stations 33.00L to 33.00R,
treating deteriorated areas, and removing any corrosion. Bombardier
Learjet 75 Service Bulletin 75-57-01, Revision 2, dated April 19, 2021,
does not apply to newly- manufactured airplanes, since Learjet added
this inspection to the Airworthiness Limitation Section, which will be
delivered with new airplanes starting at S/N 45-597.
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.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD affects 450 airplanes of U.S.
registry.
The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:
Estimated costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost per Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts Cost product operators
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Inspect........................... 7.5 work-hours x $85 Not applicable....... $637.50 $286,875
per hour = $637.50.
Report to FAA..................... 1 work-hours x $85 Not applicable....... 85 38,250
per hour = $85.
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The extent of corrosion and deterioration of protective treatments
may vary significantly from airplane to airplane. The FAA has no way of
determining how much damage may be found on each airplane, the cost to
remove the corrosion or treat deteriorated areas (or replacing the
part, if needed), or the number of airplanes that may require repair.
If corrosion is found and removed, the FAA estimates that it would
take 2 work-hours per airplane to provide data to Learjet. With an
average labor rate of $85 per work-hour, the FAA estimates a cost of
$170 per airplane.
Paperwork Reduction Act
A federal agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not
required to respond to, nor shall a person be subject to a penalty for
failure to comply with a collection of information subject to the
requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act unless that collection of
information displays a currently valid OMB Control Number. The OMB
Control Number for this information collection is 2120-0056. Public
reporting for this collection of information is estimated to take
approximately 3 hours per response, including the time for reviewing
instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and
maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the
collection of information. All responses to this collection of
information are mandatory. Send comments regarding this burden estimate
or any other aspect of this collection of information, including
suggestions for reducing this burden to: Information Collection
Clearance Officer, Federal Aviation Administration, 10101 Hillwood
Parkway, Fort Worth, TX 76177-1524.
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 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.
[[Page 68901]]
For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this AD:
(1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive
Order 12866,
(2) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, 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.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.
The Amendment
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 airworthiness
directive:
2021-23-08 Learjet Inc.: Amendment 39-21806; Docket No. FAA-
2021-0157; Project Identifier AD-2020-00483-T.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective January 10, 2022.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Learjet Inc. Model 45 (Learjet 40), Model 45
(Learjet 45), Model 45 (Learjet 70), and Model 45 (Learjet 75)
airplanes, serial numbers 45-002 through 45-596 and 45-2001 through
45-2146, certificated in any category.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 5714, Wing, Center
Box.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by reports of corrosion found on the upper
surface of the lower center wing mid spar splice plate. The FAA is
issuing this AD to detect and correct corrosion or deterioration of
protective treatments on the center wing area. The unsafe condition,
if not addressed, could result in failure of the wing centerline
joint and lead to partial wing separation with consequent loss of
control of the airplane.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Applicable Service Bulletins
Use the following service bulletin, as applicable to your
airplane model configuration, to perform the actions required by
paragraph (h) of this AD:
(1) Bombardier Learjet 40 Service Bulletin 40-57-06, Revision 1,
dated October 26, 2020;
(2) Bombardier Learjet 45 Service Bulletin 45-57-13, Revision 1,
dated October 26, 2020;
(3) Bombardier Learjet 70 Service Bulletin 70-57-02, Revision 1,
dated October 26, 2020; or
(4) Bombardier Learjet 75 Service Bulletin 75-57-01, Revision 2,
dated April 19, 2021.
(h) Wing Center Spar Inspection, Related Investigative Inspections, and
Corrective Actions
At the applicable initial compliance time specified in paragraph
(h)(1) or (2) of this AD and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 8
years, inspect the center wing area for corrosion and deterioration
of protective treatments and perform all related corrective actions
by following the Accomplishment Instructions, steps 3.A. and 3.B.,
of the applicable service bulletin listed in paragraph (g) of this
AD.
(1) For airplanes with 8 or fewer years since the date of
issuance of the original airworthiness certificate or the date of
issuance of the original export certificate of airworthiness,
whichever date is earlier: Before or upon accumulating 8 years or
within 12 months after the effective date of this AD, whichever
occurs later; or
(2) For airplanes that have accumulated more than 8 years since
the date of issuance of the original airworthiness certificate or
the date of issuance of the original export certificate of
airworthiness, whichever date is earlier: Within 12 months after the
effective date of this AD.
(i) Service Information Exception
Where Bombardier Learjet 40 Service Bulletin 40-57-06, Revision
1, dated October 26, 2020, Bombardier Learjet 45 Service Bulletin
45-57-13, Revision 1, dated October 26, 2020, Bombardier Learjet 70
Service Bulletin 70-57-02, Revision 1, dated October 26, 2020, and
Bombardier Learjet 75 Service Bulletin 75-57-01, Revision 2, dated
April 19, 2021, specify contacting Learjet Inc. for appropriate
action: Before further flight, repair using a method approved in
accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph (l) of this
AD.
(j) Reporting Requirement
Within 30 days after completing the initial inspection required
by paragraph (h) of this AD or within 30 days after the effective
date of this AD, whichever occurs later, submit a report of the
findings (both positive and negative) of the inspection to: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#baedd3d9d2d3cedb97f9f5e9fadcdbdb94ddd5cc"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="b2e5dbd1dadbc6d39ff1fde1f2d4d3d39cd5ddc4">[email protected]</span></a>; or Ann Johnson, Wichita ACO Branch, FAA, 1801 Airport
Road, Wichita, KS 67209. This reporting requirement is limited to
the initial inspection results only. The report must include: The
name of the owner; the address of the owner; the name of the
organization doing the actions required by this AD; the date the
inspection was completed; the name of the person submitting the
report; the address, telephone number, and email of the person
submitting the report; the airplane serial number; the date of
issuance of the original airworthiness certificate, or the date of
issuance of the original export certificate of airworthiness
(whichever date is earlier); whether protective treatments are
deteriorated, and if so, the location of deteriorated areas; whether
corrosion was detected, and if so, the location of corrosion; and a
list of parts replaced if the level of corrosion required
replacement of parts.
(k) Credit for Previous Actions
You may take credit for the initial wing spar inspection
required by the introductory text to paragraph (h) of this AD if you
performed the visual inspection before the effective date of this AD
using Bombardier Learjet 40 Service Bulletin 40-57-06, Basic Issue,
dated February 25, 2019; Bombardier Learjet 40 Maintenance Manual
MM-105, Temporary Revision No. 4-32, Inspection Reference Number
AC5710190, dated March 25, 2021; Bombardier Learjet 40 Maintenance
Manual MM-105, Inspection Reference Number AB5710190, dated April
29, 2019, or November 14, 2019; Bombardier Learjet 45 Service
Bulletin 45-57-13, Basic Issue, dated February 25, 2019; Bombardier
Learjet 45 Maintenance Manual MM-104, Temporary Revision No. 4-47,
Inspection Reference Number AC5710190, dated March 25, 2021;
Bombardier Learjet 45 Maintenance Manual MM-104, Inspection
Reference Number AB5710190, dated April 29, 2019, or November 14,
2019; Bombardier Learjet 70 Service Bulletin 70-57-02, Basic Issue,
dated February 25, 2019; Bombardier Learjet 70/75 eINSPECTOR version
(2019.2.25) thru version (2021.4.23), Inspection Reference Number
5710190; Bombardier Learjet 75 Service Bulletin 75-57-01, Basic
Issue, dated February 25, 2019; or Bombardier Learjet 75 Service
Bulletin 75-57-01, Revision 1, dated October 26, 2020.
(1) To take credit for the initial inspection, you must comply
with paragraph (j) of this AD within 30 days after the effective
date of this AD.
(2) You cannot take credit for the recurring inspections, only
the initial inspection.
(l) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, Wichita ACO 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 paragraph (m) 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.
(3) An AMOC that provides an acceptable level of safety may be
used for any repair, modification, or alteration required by this
[[Page 68902]]
AD if it is approved by a Learjet Inc. Designated Engineering
Representative, or a Unit Member of the Learjet Organization
Designation Authorization, that has been authorized by the Manager,
Wichita ACO Branch, to make those findings. To be approved, the
repair, modification, or alteration method must meet the
certification basis of the airplane, and the approval must
specifically refer to this AD.
(m) Related Information
For more information about this AD, contact Tara Shawn, Aviation
Safety Engineer, Wichita ACO Branch, FAA, 1801 Airport Road,
Wichita, KS 67209; phone: (316) 946-4141; fax: (316) 946-4107;
email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#a0d4c1d2c18ed3c8c1d7cee0c6c1c18ec7cfd6"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="f387928192dd809b92849db3959292dd949c85">[email protected]</span></a>.
(n) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference (IBR) of the service information listed
in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
(2) You must use this service information as applicable to do
the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
(i) Bombardier Learjet 40 Service Bulletin 40-57-06, Revision 1,
dated October, 26, 2020.
(ii) Bombardier Learjet 45 Service Bulletin 45-57-13, Revision
1, dated October, 26, 2020.
(iii) Bombardier Learjet 70 Service Bulletin 70-57-02, Revision
1, dated October, 26, 2020.
(iv) Bombardier Learjet 75 Service Bulletin 75-57-01, Revision
2, dated April 19, 2021.
(3) For service information identified in this AD, contact
Learjet Inc., One Learjet Way, Wichita, KS 67209; phone: (316) 946-
2000; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#e68785c88f8592a687839489c884898b848794828f8394c885898b"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="97f6f4b9fef4e3d7f6f2e5f8b9f5f8faf5f6e5f3fef2e5b9f4f8fa">[email protected]</span></a>; website:
<a href="http://businessaircraft.bombardier.com/en/aircraft/learjet.html">businessaircraft.bombardier.com/en/aircraft/learjet.html</a>.
(4) You may view this service information at 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.
(5) You may view this 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, email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#c8aebae6a1a6bbb8adabbca1a7a688a6a9baa9e6afa7be"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="284e5a0641465b584d4b5c4147466846495a49064f475e">[email protected]</span></a>, or go to: <a href="https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html">https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html</a>.
Issued on October 28, 2021.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2021-26330 Filed 12-3-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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