[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 110 (Thursday, June 7, 2018)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 26349-26352]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-11930]


=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2018-0462; Product Identifier 2018-CE-017-AD; Amendment 
39-19292; AD 2018-11-04]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Aircraft Industries a.s. Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
Aircraft Industries a.s. Models L 410 UVP-E20 and L 410 UVP-E20 CARGO 
airplanes. This AD results from mandatory continuing airworthiness 
information (MCAI) issued by the aviation authority of another country 
to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an aviation product. The 
MCAI describes the unsafe condition as un-commanded negative thrust 
mode activated on an engine. We are issuing this AD to require actions 
to address the unsafe condition on these products.

[[Page 26350]]


DATES: This AD is effective June 27, 2018.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in the AD as of June 27, 2018.
    We must receive comments on this AD by July 23, 2018.

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: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., 
Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    For service information identified in this AD, contact Aircraft 
Industries, a.s., 686 04 Kunovice 1177, Czech Republic; phone: +420 572 
817 664; fax: +420 572 816 112; email: [email protected]; internet: http://www.let.cz/clanek_267_objednavka-bulletinove-sluzby.html. You may 
review copies of the referenced service information at the FAA, Policy 
and Innovation Division, 901 Locust, Kansas City, Missouri 64106. For 
information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call (816) 
329-4148. It is also available on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for locating Docket No. FAA-2018-0462.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2018-
0462; 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 AD, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and other 
information. The street address for Docket Operations (telephone (800) 
647-5527) is in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available in 
the AD docket shortly after receipt.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Doug Rudolph, Aerospace Engineer, FAA, 
Small Airplane Standards Branch, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas City, 
Missouri 64106; telephone: (816) 329-4059; fax: (816) 329-4090; email: 
[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Discussion

    The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical 
Agent for the Member States of the European Community, has issued AD 
No. 2018-0057, dated March 14, 2018 (referred to after this as ``the 
MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for Aircraft Industries a.s. 
Models L 410 UVP-E20 and L 410 UVP-E20 CARGO airplanes and was based on 
mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) originated by an 
aviation authority of another country. The MCAI states:

    The investigation results of an L 410 UVP-E20 accident 
identified that, during final approach, an un-commanded negative 
thrust mode was activated on the right-hand engine. Pending the 
investigation results of the accident, as a preliminary measure, 
EASA issued SIB 2017-21, recommending operators to check the 
components of engine and propeller control system, including the 
beta switch, in accordance with the instructions of Revision 1 of AI 
SB L410UVP-E/492b.
    This condition, if not corrected, could lead to reduced or loss 
of control of an aeroplane.
    To address this unsafe condition, AI issued the MB, providing 
modification instructions, and issued the DB, amending the Aircraft 
Flight Manual (AFM), providing instructions for the flight crew in 
case of inadvertent beta range cell activation in flight and 
introducing instructions for the flight crew to check the function 
of pitch lock system before each flight.
    For the reasons described above, this [EASA] AD requires 
modification of the electrical testing circuit of the propeller 
pitch lock system and amendment of the applicable AFM.

    EASA SIB 2017-21 has been withdrawn accordingly. You may examine 
the MCAI on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for 
and locating Docket No. FAA-2018-0462.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    Aircraft Industries a.s. has issued LET Aircraft Industries 
Mandatory Bulletin MB No. L410UVP-E/143a, Revision 2, dated March 7, 
2018; and LET Aircraft Industries Documentation Bulletin DB No. 
L410UVP-E/268d, dated May 9, 2018. Mandatory Bulletin MB No. L410UVP-E/
143a describes procedures for modifying the electrical circuit of the 
propeller pitch lock system function test. Documentation Bulletin DB 
No. L410UVP-E/268d provides instructions for flight crew in case of 
inadvertent beta range cell activation in flight and instructions for a 
pre-flight check of the function of the pitch lock system. 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 and Requirements of the AD

    This product has been approved by the aviation authority of another 
country, and is approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant 
to our bilateral agreement with this State of Design Authority, they 
have notified us of the unsafe condition described in the MCAI and 
service information referenced above. We are issuing this AD because we 
evaluated all information provided by the State of Design Authority and 
determined the unsafe condition exists and is likely to exist or 
develop on other products of the same type design.

FAA's Determination of the Effective Date

    An unsafe condition exists that requires the immediate adoption of 
this AD. The FAA has found that the risk to the flying public justifies 
waiving notice and comment prior to adoption of this rule because there 
are no airplanes currently on the U.S. registry and thus, does not have 
any impact upon the public. Therefore, we find good cause that notice 
and opportunity for prior public comment are unnecessary. In addition, 
for the reason(s) stated above, we find that good cause exists for 
making this amendment effective in less than 30 days.

Difference Between the MCAI and This AD

    The MCAI requires the AFM changes in accordance with DB No.: 
L410UVP-E/247d and DB No.: L410UVP-E/259d, both dated March 3, 2018. 
These documents only apply to airplanes operated under the European 
type certificate and do not apply to those airplanes operating under 
the FAA type certificate. Therefore, Aircraft Industries a.s. developed 
DB No.: L410UVP-E/268d, dated May 9, 2018, and this AD requires the AFM 
changes in accordance with this document.

Comments Invited

    This AD is a final rule that involves requirements affecting flight 
safety, and we did not precede it by notice and opportunity for public 
comment. We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or 
arguments about this AD. Send your comments to an address listed under 
the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2018-0462; Product 
Identifier 2018-CE-017-AD'' at the beginning of your comments. We 
specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, economic,

[[Page 26351]]

environmental, and energy aspects of this AD. We will consider all 
comments received by the closing date and may amend this 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 AD.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD will affect 0 products of U.S. registry. 
We also estimate that it would take about 9 work-hours per product to 
comply with the basic requirements of this AD. The average labor rate 
is $85 per work-hour. Required parts would cost about $2,000 per 
product.
    Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of the AD on U.S. 
operators to be $0 fleet cost, but $2,765 per product if a product is 
registered on the U.S. registry.
    According to the manufacturer, some of the costs of this AD may be 
covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost impact on affected 
individuals. We do not control warranty coverage for affected 
individuals. As a result, we have included all costs in our cost 
estimate.

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.
    This AD is issued in accordance with authority delegated by the 
Executive Director, Aircraft Certification Service, as authorized by 
FAA Order 8000.51C. In accordance with that order, issuance of ADs is 
normally a function of the Compliance and Airworthiness Division, but 
during this transition period, the Executive Director has delegated the 
authority to issue ADs applicable to small airplanes, gliders, 
balloons, airships, domestic business jet transport airplanes, and 
associated appliances to the Director of the Policy and Innovation 
Division.

Regulatory Findings

    We 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) 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.

Adoption of 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 AD:

2018-11-04 Aircraft Industries a.s.: Amendment 39-19292; Docket No. 
FAA-2018-0462; Product Identifier 2018-CE-017-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective June 27, 
2018.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to the following Aircraft Industries a.s. Models 
L 410 UVP-E20 and L 410 UVP-E20 CARGO airplanes, manufacturer serial 
numbers 2904 through 3114, that are:
    (1) Equipped with GE Aviation H80-200 engines and Avia Propeller 
AV 725 propellers; and
    (2) certificated in any category.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association of America (ATA) Code 61: Propellers/
Propulsors.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by mandatory continuing airworthiness 
information (MCAI) issued by the aviation authority of another 
country to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an aviation 
product. The MCAI describes the unsafe condition as un-commanded 
negative thrust mode activated on an engine. We are issuing this AD 
to provide guidance to the flight crew in the event of un-commanded 
negative thrust mode activated on an engine, which could lead to 
loss of control.

 (f) Actions and Compliance

    Unless already done, do the following actions.
    (1) Within the next 25 hours time-in-service (TIS) after the 
effective date of this AD or within the next 30 days after the 
effective date of this, whichever occurs first, modify the 
electrical testing circuit of the propeller pitch lock system 
following the Instructions for Implementation in LET Aircraft 
Industries Mandatory Bulletin MB No. L410UVP-E/143a, Revision 2, 
dated March 7, 2018.
    (2) Within the next 25 hours TIS after the effective date of 
this AD or within the next 30 days after the effective date of this, 
whichever occurs first, incorporate airplane flight manual (AFM) 
changes following the Measures specified in LET Aircraft Industries 
Documentation Bulletin DB No. L410UVP-E/268d, dated May 9, 2018. 
After incorporating the AFM changes, operate the airplane 
accordingly.
    (3) If any discrepancies are found during any pitch lock system 
pre-flight check required in the AFM changes specified in paragraph 
(f)(2) of this AD, before further flight, contact the manufacturer 
for FAA-approved repair instructions approved specifically for this 
AD. You may use the contact information found in paragraph (i)(3) of 
this AD.

(g) Other FAA AD Provisions

    The following provisions also apply to this AD:
    (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, 
Small Airplane Standards Branch, FAA, has the authority to approve 
AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 
39.19. Send information to ATTN: Doug Rudolph, Aerospace Engineer, 
FAA, Small Airplane Standards Branch, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas 
City, Missouri 64106; telephone: (816) 329-4059; fax: (816) 329-
4090; email: [email protected]. Before using any approved AMOC on 
any airplane to which the AMOC applies, notify your appropriate 
principal inspector (PI) in the FAA Flight Standards District Office 
(FSDO), or lacking a PI, your local FSDO.

[[Page 26352]]

    (2) Airworthy Product: For any requirement in this AD to obtain 
corrective actions from a manufacturer, the action must be 
accomplished using a method approved by the Manager, Small Airplane 
Standards Branch, FAA; or the European Aviation Safety Agency 
(EASA).

(h) Related Information

    Refer to MCAI EASA AD No. 2018-0057, dated March 14, 2018, for 
related information. You may examine the MCAI on the internet at 
http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. 
FAA-2018-0462.

(i) 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) LET Aircraft Industries Mandatory Bulletin MB No. L410UVP-E/
143a, Revision 2, dated March 7, 2018.
    (ii) LET Aircraft Industries Documentation Bulletin DB No. 
L410UVP-E/268d, dated May 9, 2018.
    (3) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Aircraft Industries, a.s., 686 04 Kunovice 1177, Czech Republic; 
phone: +420 572 817 664; fax: +420 572 816 112; email: [email protected]; 
internet: http://www.let.cz/clanek_267_objednavka-bulletinove-sluzby.html.
    (4) You may view this service information at FAA, Policy and 
Innovation Division, 901 Locust, Kansas City, Missouri 64106. For 
information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 
(816) 329-4148. It is also available on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for locating Docket No. FAA-2018-
0462.
    (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, call 202-741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on May 11, 2018.
Melvin J. Johnson,
Aircraft Certification Service, Deputy Director, Policy and Innovation 
Division, AIR-601.
[FR Doc. 2018-11930 Filed 6-6-18; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P


