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Rule2024-09087

Airworthiness Directives; GA 8 Airvan (Pty) Ltd Airplanes

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Published

April 29, 2024

Effective

June 3, 2024

Issuing agencies

Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration

Abstract

The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2010-18- 06, which applied to all GA8 Airvan (Pty) Ltd Model GA8 and GA8-TC320 airplanes. AD 2010-18-06 required inspections and a minor design change to the forward slide of the cargo door with corrective action as necessary. Since the FAA issued AD 2010-18-06, the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), which is the aviation authority for Australia, superseded the previous CASA Australia AD to incorporate more detailed inspections and additional modifications as specified in updated service information published by the manufacturer. This AD was prompted by reports of in-flight cargo door separation. This AD requires inspections and rework (modifications) of the cargo door with corrective action as necessary. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

Full Text

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<title>Federal Register, Volume 89 Issue 83 (Monday, April 29, 2024)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 83 (Monday, April 29, 2024)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 33220-33224]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2024-09087]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2024-0035; Project Identifier MCAI-2023-00986-A;
Amendment 39-22728; AD 2024-07-07]
RIN 2120-AA64

Airworthiness Directives; GA 8 Airvan (Pty) Ltd Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2010-18-
06, which applied to all GA8 Airvan (Pty) Ltd Model GA8 and GA8-TC320
airplanes. AD 2010-18-06 required inspections and a minor design change
to the forward slide of the cargo door with corrective action as
necessary. Since the FAA issued AD 2010-18-06, the Civil Aviation
Safety Authority (CASA), which is the aviation authority for Australia,
superseded the previous CASA Australia AD to incorporate more detailed
inspections and additional modifications as specified in updated

[[Page 33221]]

service information published by the manufacturer. This AD was prompted
by reports of in-flight cargo door separation. This AD requires
inspections and rework (modifications) of the cargo door with
corrective action as necessary. The FAA is issuing this AD to address
the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective June 3, 2024.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of June 3,
2024.

ADDRESSES:
AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under
Docket No. FAA-2024-0035; 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, the mandatory continuing airworthiness
information (MCAI), 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.
Material Incorporated by Reference:
<bullet> For service information contact GA8 Airvan (Pty) Ltd, PO
Box 881, Morwell, Victoria 3840, Australia; phone: +61 03 5172 1200;
website: <a href="http://gippsaero.com">gippsaero.com</a>.au; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#4a1e0f09021a1f08190a762b6a22382f2c77" http: gippsaero.com">gippsaero.com</a>.au">TECHPUBS@<a href="http://gippsaero.com">gippsaero.com</a>.au</a>.
<bullet> You may view this 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 (817) 222-5110. It is also available at
<a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under Docket No. FAA-2024-0035.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Doug Rudolph, Aviation Safety
Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590;
phone: (816) 329-4059; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#99fdf6ecfeb7ebecfdf6f5e9f1d9fff8f8b7fef6ef">[email&#160;protected]</a>.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14
CFR part 39 to supersede AD 2010-18-06, Amendment 39-16419 (75 FR
52253, August 25, 2010) (AD 2010-18-06). AD 2010-18-06 applied to all
GA8 Airvan (Pty) Ltd Model GA8 and GA8-TC320 airplanes. AD 2010-18-06
was prompted by MCAI originated by CASA, which is the aviation
authority for Australia. CASA Australia issued CASA Australia AD AD/
GA8/3 Amdt 2, dated August 11, 2010 (CASA Australia AD/GA8/3 Amdt 2) to
correct an unsafe condition identified as excessive wear in the forward
cargo door slide, which could result in an in-flight separation of the
cargo door, with possible loss of control of the airplane. CASA
Australia AD AD/GA8/3 Amdt 2 was issued to require the actions in
service information updated by the manufacturer to remove any
ambiguities in the previous revision and provide an improved inspection
method and a minor design change to the forward slide of the cargo door
(inclusion of a slide backing plate, castellated nut, and split pin).
AD 2010-18-06 required doing all of Action 1 (measuring the groove
width of the forward cargo door slide and if it exceeds 0.145 inch at
any point along the slide, or is cracked, installing a new slider
assembly) and Action 2 (inspecting wear of the forward slide of the
cargo door and doing applicable corrective action steps specified in
Action 1) of GippsAero Pty. Ltd. Mandatory Service Bulletin SB-GA8-
2005-23, Issue 3, dated August 5, 2010. The FAA issued AD 2010-18-06 to
address excessive wear in the forward cargo door slide.
The NPRM published in the Federal Register on January 23, 2024 (89
FR 4211). The NPRM was prompted by CASA Australia AD AD/GA8/3 amdt 3,
dated August 18, 2023 (also referred to as the MCAI). The MCAI states
that inspections revealed cases of excessive wear in the forward slide
of the cargo door. Excessive wear in the forward slide of the cargo
door may result in the cargo door separating from the airplane in
flight with potentially catastrophic results. The MCAI requires
accomplishing the actions specified in GippsAero Service Bulletin SB-
GA8-2005-23, Issue 7, dated May 30, 2023 (GippsAero Service Bulletin
SB-GA8-2005-23, Issue 7). This service bulletin includes procedures for
revised inspections of the door mechanism, installing a stop on the
forward slide of the cargo door and reworking the door slide to suit
(accommodate) the track stop installation. Depending on the findings of
the inspections, additional actions might be necessary including
reworking the door mechanism pivot, upgrading the door operating rod,
or fitting a door handle with an integral stop.
The FAA is issuing this AD to address excessive wear in the forward
slide of the cargo door. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could
result in the cargo door separating from the airplane during flight,
with potential loss of control of the airplane.
You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under
Docket No. FAA-2024-0035.

Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive

Comments

The FAA received no comments on the NPRM or on the determination of
the costs.

Conclusion

These products have been approved by the aviation authority of
another country and are 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 referenced above. The FAA reviewed the relevant data 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. This AD is adopted as proposed in the NPRM.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

The FAA reviewed GippsAero Service Bulletin SB-GA8-2005-23, Issue
8, dated October 11, 2023 (GippsAero SB-GA8-2005-23, Issue 8). This
service information specifies procedures for installing a backing plate
on the forward slide of the cargo door; inspecting the forward slide of
the cargo door for excessive wear; inspecting the cargo door latching
mechanism for contact between the operating rod and door handle pivot
post, inspecting the threaded studs and rod ends at both ends of the
operating rod for bending, and checking the cargo door handle
engagement with the catch; reworking the cargo door handle pivot post;
reworking the door operating rod; inspecting the door handle to
determine if an integrated stop is installed and checking for excessive
play; and inspecting the center rail of the cargo door to determine if
an aft stop is installed, installing an aft stop, and reworking the
center rail of the cargo door to accommodate the track stop.
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 ADDRESSES.

Differences Between This AD and the MCAI[

The MCAI applicability is Gippsland Aeronautics Model GA8 Series
airplanes, all serial numbers. The applicability in this AD is GA8
Airvan (Pty) Ltd Model GA8 and GA8-TC320

[[Page 33222]]

airplanes because the FAA type certificate specifies GA8 Airvan (Pty)
Ltd instead of Gippsland Aeronautics and specifies Model GA8 and GA8-
TC320 airplanes instead of Model GA8 Series airplanes.
The MCAI requires doing the actions in Gippsland Aeronautics
mandatory service bulletin SB-GA8-2005-23 Issue 7, dated May 30, 2023.
This AD requires doing the actions in GippsAero SB-GA8-2005-23, Issue
8. After the MCAI was published, the manufacturer issued GippsAero SB-
GA8-2005-23, Issue 8, which was revised to provide clarification
regarding the actions and compliance schedule. The title page of
GippsAero SB-GA8-2005-23, Issue 8, specifies GippsAero instead of
Gippsland Aeronautics.

Costs of Compliance

The FAA estimates that this AD affects 61 airplanes of U.S.
registry.
The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD. The
corresponding letter and number in parenthesis refer to the specific
paragraph in GippsAero SB-GA8-2005-23, Issue 8.

Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Installing forward cargo door 0.50 work-hour x $175 $217.50............ $13,267.50.
slide backing plate (A1). $85 per hour =
$42.50.
Inspecting forward cargo door 0.25 work-hour x 0 $21.25 per $1,296.25 per
slide wear (A2). $85 per hour = inspection cycle. inspection cycle.
$21.25 per
inspection cycle.
Inspecting cargo door latching 1 work-hour x $85 0 $85 per inspection $5,185 per
mechanism (B1). per hour = $85 per cycle. inspection cycle.
inspection cycle.
Inspecting cargo door handle and 0.75 work-hour x 0 $63.75............. $3,88.75.
inspecting for excessive play $85 per hour =
(C). $63.75.
Inspecting cargo door center rail 1 work-hour x $85 0 $85................ $5,185.
(D1). per hour = $85.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The FAA estimates the following costs to do any necessary actions
that would be required based on the results of the inspections. The
agency has no way of determining the number of airplanes that might
need these actions. The corresponding letter and number in parenthesis
refer to the specific paragraph in GippsAero SB-GA8-2005-23, Issue 8.

On-Condition Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost per
Action Labor cost Parts cost product
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inspecting/replacing forward cargo door slide 0.50 work-hour x $85 per hour = $175 $217.50.
(A1, Steps 2 through 4), corrective action $42.50.
for (A2).
Reworking cargo door pivot (B2) and reworking/ 2 work-hours x $85 per hour = 630 800.
replacing door operating rod assembly (B3). $170.
Replacing door handle/handle bush (C)......... 1 work-hour x $85 per hour = $85 267 352.
Replacing cargo door center rail/slide-center 2 work-hours x $85 per hour = 152 322.
and backing plate (D1) and reworking cargo $170.
door center rail and backing plate (D2).
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The FAA has included all known costs in its cost estimate.
According to the manufacturer, however, some of the costs of this AD
may be covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost impact on
affected operators.

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

The FAA has 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) 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,

[[Page 33223]]

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:
0
a. Removing Airworthiness Directive 2010-18-06, Amendment 39-16419 (75
FR 52253, August 25, 2010); and
0
b. Adding the following new airworthiness directive:

2024-07-07 GA 8 Airvan (Pty) Ltd: Amendment 39-22728; Docket No.
FAA-2024-0035; Project Identifier MCAI-2023-00986-A.

(a) Effective Date

This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective June 3, 2024.

(b) Affected ADs

This AD replaces AD 2010-18-06, Amendment 39-16419 (75 FR 52253,
August 25, 2010).

This AD applies to GA 8 Airvan (Pty) Ltd Model GA8 and GA8-TC320
airplanes, all serial numbers, certificated in any category.

(d) Subject

Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 5230, Cargo/Baggage
Doors

(e) Unsafe Condition

This AD was prompted by reports of in-flight cargo door
separation. The FAA is issuing this AD to detect and correct
excessive wear in the forward cargo door slide, which could result
in an in-flight separation of the cargo door, with possible loss of
control of the airplane.

(f) Compliance

Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.

(g) Required Actions

Do the applicable actions specified in Table 1 to paragraph (g)
of this AD at the times in Table 1 to paragraph (g) of this AD, in
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of GippsAero Service
Bulletin SB-GA8-2005-23, Issue 8, dated October 11, 2023 (GippsAero
SB-GA8-2005-23, Issue 8).

Table 1 to Paragraph (g)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Paragraphs in Accomplishment
Instructions of GippsAero SB-GA8- Action Compliance time
2005-23, Issue 8
------------------------------------------------------------------------
12.1, A1, steps 1 and 2, for Inspect for the Inspect within 50
backing plate inspection, existence of a hours time-in-
except where Figure 1 in step 1 backing plate on service (TIS) or
specifies to remove and discard the forward slide 2 months after
the vertical bolt, remove the of the cargo the effective
vertical bolt from service. door. If a date of this AD,
Steps 3 through 7, if a backing backing plate is whichever occurs
plate is not installed. not installed, first. Install,
install a backing measure, and
plate on the replace before
forward slide of further flight
the cargo door, after the
measure the inspection.
groove width of
the forward
slide, and
replace the slide
if it exceeds
0.145 inch at any
point or is
cracked or worn
beyond limits.
12.2, A2, steps 1 and 2 for the Inspect for wear Inspect for wear
inspection. of the forward within 100 hours
12.2, A2, step 3 or 4, and 12.1, slide of the TIS or 2 months
A1, steps 2 through 4, for the cargo door by after the
follow-on inspection and inserting a slide effective date of
replacement. gauge or feeler this AD,
gauge to measure whichever occurs
the clearance first, and
between the thereafter at
forward slide and intervals not to
the cargo door exceed 100 hours
track. If a gap TIS or 12 months,
is found, measure whichever occurs
the groove width first after the
of the forward most recent
slide and replace inspection.
the slide if the Measure the
groove width groove width and
exceeds 0.145 replace the slide
inch at any point before further
or is cracked or flight after each
worn beyond inspection as
limits. necessary.
12.3, B1, steps 1 through 6 for Inspect the cargo Inspect within 50
the inspections. door mechanism hours TIS or 2
12.3, B1, steps 2, 3i, and 3ii; for contact months after the
12.4, B2, steps 1 through 5; between the effective date of
and 12.5, B3, steps 1 through operating rod and this AD,
12 for the corrective actions. cargo door handle whichever occurs
pivot post, first and
inspect the thereafter at
threaded studs intervals not to
and rod ends at exceed 100 hours
both ends of the TIS or 12 months,
operating rod for whichever occurs
bending, and first after the
inspect the cargo most recent
door handle inspection.
engagement with Perform all
the catch. applicable
Perform all corrective
applicable actions before
corrective further flight.
actions.
12.6, C, steps 1 through 6...... Inspect the cargo Within 150 hours
door handle to TIS or 4 months
determine if an after the
integrated stop effective date of
is installed and this AD,
if an integrated whichever occurs
stop is not first. Perform
installed, the installation
install a cargo and replacement,
door handle with as necessary,
an integrated before further
stop. Inspect the flight after the
cargo door handle inspection.
for beyond normal
play and replace
the handle bush
if the door
handle has beyond
normal play.
12.7, D1, steps 1 through 10 for Inspect the center Within 50 hours
the center rail cargo door rail of the cargo TIS or 2 months
inspection and installation. door to determine after the
12.8, D2, steps 1 through 2, for if a center rail effective date of
any necessary follow-on rework. aft stop is this AD,
installed and if whichever occurs
a center rail aft first.
stop is not
installed,
install an aft
stop before
further flight.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

(h) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

The Manager, 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 International Validation Branch, mail
it to the address identified in paragraph (i)(2) of this AD or email
to: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#566f7b1700057b171f047b6165667b171b19151630373778313920">[email&#160;protected]</a>. If mailing information, also submit
information by email. 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.

(i) Additional Information

(1) Refer to Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) Australia AD
AD/GA8/3 amdt 3, dated August 18, 2023, for related information.
This CASA Australia AD may be

[[Page 33224]]

found in the AD docket at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under Docket No. FAA-2024-
0035.
(2) For more information about this AD, contact Doug Rudolph,
Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410,
Westbury, NY 11590; phone: (816) 329-4059; email:
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#91f5fee4f6bfe3e4f5fefde1f9d1f7f0f0bff6fee7">[email&#160;protected]</a>.

(j) 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) GippsAero Service Bulletin SB-GA8-2005-23, Issue 8, dated
October 11, 2023.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For service information contact GA8 Airvan (Pty) Ltd, PO Box
881, Morwell, Victoria 3840, Australia; phone: +61 03 5172 1200;
website: <a href="http://gippsaero.com">gippsaero.com</a>.au; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#e2b6a7a1aab2b7a0b1a2de83c28a908784df" http: gippsaero.com">gippsaero.com</a>.au">TECHPUBS@<a href="http://gippsaero.com">gippsaero.com</a>.au</a>.
(4) You may view this 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 (817) 222-5110.
(5) You may view this material at the National Archives and
Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability
of this material at NARA, visit <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#e8d489c8809a8d8ed5" http: www.archives.gov federal-register cfr ibr-locationsoremailfr.inspection@nara.gov">www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/[email&#160;protected]</a>"><a href="http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locationsoremailfr.inspection@nara.gov">www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/[email&#160;protected]</a></a>.

Issued on March 29, 2024.
Victor Wicklund,
Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2024-09087 Filed 4-26-24; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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