[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 16 (Friday, January 24, 2020)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 4196-4199]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-01145]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2019-0581; Product Identifier 2019-NM-067-AD; Amendment 
39-21019; AD 2019-25-20]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Lockheed Martin Corporation/Lockheed 
Martin Aeronautics Company 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 all 
Lockheed Martin Corporation/Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company Model 
382, 382B, 382E, 382F, and 382G airplanes, type certificated in any 
category; and Model C-130A, C-130B, C-130BL, C-130E, C-130H, C-130H-30, 
C-130J, C-130J-30, EC-130Q, HC-130H, KC-130H, NC-130B, NC-130, and WC-
130H airplanes, type certificated in the restricted or amateur 
category. This AD was prompted by a report indicating that two elevator 
booster assemblies experienced significant hydraulic fluid leaks, 
caused by fatigue cracks in the actuator cylinder. This AD requires an 
inspection to determine the part number of the elevator booster 
actuator, repetitive ultrasonic inspections of the actuator to detect 
cracking, and replacement of cracked elevator booster assemblies. The 
FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these 
products.

DATES: This AD is effective February 28, 2020.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of February 28, 
2020.

ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule, 
contact Lockheed Martin Corporation/Lockheed Martin Aeronautics 
Company, Customer Support Center, Dept. 3E1M, Zone 0591, 86 S Cobb 
Drive, Marietta, GA 30063; telephone 770-494-9131; email 
hercules.support@lmco.com; internet https://www.Lockheedmartin.com. You 
may view this service information at the FAA, Transport Standards 
Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA. For information on the 
availability of this material at the FAA, call 206-231-3195. It is also 
available on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching 
for and locating Docket No. FAA-2019-0581.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2019-
0581; 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 regulatory evaluation, 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: Hector Hernandez, Aerospace Engineer, 
Systems and Equipment Section, FAA, Atlanta ACO Branch, 1701 Columbia 
Avenue, College Park, GA 30337; phone: 404-474-5587; fax: 404-474-5606; 
email: hector.hernandez@faa.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Discussion

    The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 
CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to all Lockheed Martin 
Corporation/Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company Model 382, 382B, 382E, 
382F, and 382G airplanes, type certificated in any category; and Model 
C-130A, C-130B, C-130BL, C-130E, C-130H, C-130H-30, C-130J, C-130J-30, 
EC-130Q, HC-130H, KC-130H, NC-130B, NC-130, and WC-130H airplanes, type 
certificated in the restricted or amateur category. The NPRM published 
in the Federal Register on July 31, 2019 (84 FR 37165). The NPRM was 
prompted by a report indicating that two elevator booster assemblies 
experienced significant hydraulic fluid leaks, caused by fatigue cracks 
in the actuator cylinder. The NPRM proposed to require an inspection to 
determine the part number of the elevator booster actuator, repetitive 
ultrasonic inspections of the actuator to detect cracking, and 
replacement of cracked elevator booster assemblies.
    The FAA is issuing this AD to address the possibility of a dual 
failure of the left and right actuator cylinders in the elevator 
booster assembly, which could lead to a significant reduction in 
controllability of the airplane.

Comments

    The FAA gave the public the opportunity to participate in 
developing this final rule. The following presents the comments 
received on the NPRM and the FAA's response to each comment.
    Lynden Air Cargo, LLC stated that it concurred in concept and that 
the proposed AD would enhance safety.

Request To Clarify Actions for Spare Parts

    Lynden Air Cargo, LLC requested clarification whether the 
ultrasonic inspection procedures in the proposed AD can also be 
accomplished for off-airplane spare elevator booster actuators. The 
commenter noted that the Accomplishment Instructions of Lockheed Martin 
Aeronautics Company Service Bulletin 382-27-51, Revision 1, dated 
January 17, 2018, state to do the inspection while the elevator booster 
actuators are installed on the airplane. The commenter asked that, if 
the inspection cannot be done off-airplane, alternative inspection 
procedures be provided.
    The FAA agrees to clarify. Lockheed has issued Lockheed Martin 
Aeronautics Company Service Bulletin 382-27-51, Revision 2, dated 
October 3, 2019. This service information has been revised to clarify 
that the same inspection procedures can be accomplished with the 
elevator booster actuators either on or off the airplane. The FAA has 
revised this AD to refer to the latest service information and to 
provide credit for actions that were accomplished using Lockheed Martin 
Aeronautics Company Service Bulletin 382-27-51, Revision 1, dated 
January 17, 2018.

Request To Correct Exception Language

    Lynden Air Cargo, LLC requested that paragraph (h) of the proposed 
AD be revised to refer to flight hours, rather than flight cycles. The 
commenter noted that all other references for compliance time in the 
proposed AD and the service information refer to flight hours.
    The FAA agrees with the commenter's request. The NPRM inadvertently 
referred to flight cycles rather than flight hours in the location 
noted. Since paragraph (h) of this AD is a compliance time exception 
for certain airplanes, revising the language will not adversely affect 
safety, but will allow operators to use this exception. This final rule 
has been revised accordingly.

[[Page 4197]]

Additional Changes Made to This Final Rule

    The affected airplane models were originally manufactured by 
Lockheed Martin Corporation/Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company, but 
are currently operating as type certificated airplanes in any category, 
including restricted and amateur category airplanes with a variety of 
type certificate holders. The FAA has revised the SUMMARY, the 
Discussion section, and paragraph (c) of this AD to clarify that the 
affected airplanes are certificated in different categories. The FAA 
has also revised paragraph (c) of this AD to refer to the current type 
certificate holders.
    The FAA has also revised the manufacturer contact information in 
the ADDRESSES section and paragraph (m)(3) of this AD. The website 
provided in the NPRM is no longer valid.
    The proposed AD inadvertently referred to Lockheed Martin 
Aeronautics Company Service Bulletin 82-833, Revision 1, dated January 
17, 2018. That service information is only applicable for airplanes 
operated by the U.S. military, and is not applicable for the airplanes 
identified in this AD. The FAA revised this AD to remove all references 
to Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company Service Bulletin 82-833, 
Revision 1, dated January 17, 2018.

Conclusion

    The FAA reviewed the relevant data, considered the comments 
received, and determined that air safety and the public interest 
require adopting this final rule with the changes described previously 
and minor editorial changes. The FAA has determined that these minor 
changes:
     Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the 
NPRM for addressing the unsafe condition; and
     Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was 
already proposed in the NPRM.
    The FAA has also determined that these changes will not increase 
the economic burden on any operator or increase the scope of this final 
rule.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    The FAA reviewed Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company Service 
Bulletin 382-27-51, Revision 2, dated October 3, 2019. This service 
information describes procedures for an inspection to determine the 
part number of the elevator booster actuator, repetitive ultrasonic 
inspections of the elevator booster actuator at the forward-most end to 
detect cracking along the fluid transfer bore, left and right 
cylinders, and replacement of cracked elevator booster assemblies. 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.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this AD affects 7 airplanes of U.S. 
registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:

                                                 Estimated Costs
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                                                                                                Cost on U.S.
              Action                    Labor cost        Parts cost    Cost per product          operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Part number inspection...........  1 work-hour x $85              $0  $85.................  $595.
                                    per hour = $85.
Ultrasonic inspections...........  5 work-hours x $85              0  $425 per inspection   $2,975 per
                                    per hour = $425 per                cycle.                inspection cycle.
                                    inspection cycle.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The FAA estimates the following costs to do any necessary 
replacements that would be required based on the results of the 
inspections. The FAA has no way of determining the number of aircraft 
that might need these replacements:

                                               On-Condition Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Cost per
                    Action                                 Labor cost               Parts cost        product
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Replacement...................................  10 work-hours x $85 per hour =           $43,000         $43,850
                                                 $850.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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.
    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 transport category airplanes and 
associated appliances to the Director of the System Oversight Division.

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.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this AD:
    (1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive 
Order 12866, and

[[Page 4198]]

    (2) 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 airworthiness 
directive (AD):

2019-25-20 Lockheed Martin Corporation/Lockheed Martin Aeronautics 
Company: Amendment 39-21019; Docket No. FAA-2019-0581; Product 
Identifier 2019-NM-067-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD is effective February 28, 2020.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to all Lockheed Martin Corporation/Lockheed 
Martin Aeronautics Company Model 382, 382B, 382E, 382F, and 382G 
airplanes, type certificated in any category; and Model C-130A, C-
130B, C-130BL, C-130E, C-130H, C-130H-30, C-130J, C-130J-30, EC-
130Q, HC-130H, KC-130H, NC-130B, NC-130, and WC-130H airplanes, type 
certificated in the restricted or amateur category. The restricted 
and amateur category airplanes were originally manufactured by 
Lockheed Martin Corporation/Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company; 
current type certificate holders include, but are not limited to, 
those specified in paragraphs (c)(1) through (9) of this AD.
    (1) LeSEA Model C-130A airplanes, Type Certificate Data Sheet 
(TCDS) A34SO, Revision 1.
    (2) T.B.M, Inc., (transferred from Central Air Services, Inc.) 
Model C-130A airplanes, TCDS A39CE, Revision 3.
    (3) Western International Aviation, Inc., Model C-130A 
airplanes, TCDS A33NM.
    (4) USDA Forest Service Model C-130A airplanes, TCDS A15NM, 
Revision 4.
    (5) Snow Aviation International, Inc., Model C-130A, TCDS TQ3CH, 
Revision 1.
    (6) Heavylift Helicopter, Inc. (transferred from Hemet Valley 
Flying Service), Model C-130A, TCDS A31NM, Revision 1.
    (7) Heavylift Helicopters, Inc., Model C-130B, TCDS A35NM, 
Revision 1.
    (8) Hawkins & Powers Aviation, Inc., Model HP-C-130A, TCDS 
A30NM, Revision 1.
    (9) Coulson Aviation (USA), Inc., Model EC-130Q, TCDS T00019LA, 
Revision 2.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 27, Flight 
controls.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by a report indicating that two elevator 
booster assemblies experienced significant hydraulic fluid leaks, 
caused by fatigue cracks in the actuator cylinder. The FAA is 
issuing this AD to address the possibility of a dual failure of the 
left and right actuator cylinders in the elevator booster assembly, 
which could lead to a significant reduction in controllability of 
the airplane.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Part Number Inspection, Repetitive Ultrasonic Inspections, and 
Replacement

    (1) On any elevator booster assembly having a part number 
374461-5, 374461-7, or 374461-11, before the accumulation of 4,000 
total flight hours on the elevator booster assembly, or within 180 
days after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later, 
except as required by paragraph (h) of this AD: Do an inspection of 
the elevator booster assembly to determine the part number of the 
elevator booster actuator. If the elevator booster actuator has a 
part number other than 5C5803, no further action is required by this 
AD.
    (2) If, during the inspection required by paragraph (g)(1) of 
this AD, any elevator booster actuator having part number 5C5803 is 
found, before the accumulation of 4,000 total flight hours on the 
elevator booster assembly, or within 180 days after the effective 
date of this AD, whichever occurs later, except as required by 
paragraph (h) of this AD: Do an ultrasonic inspection of the 
elevator booster actuator at the forward-most end to detect cracking 
along the fluid transfer bore, left and right cylinders, in 
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Lockheed Martin 
Aeronautics Company Service Bulletin 382-27-51, Revision 2, dated 
October 3, 2019. Repeat the inspection thereafter at intervals not 
to exceed 1,400 flight hours.
    (3) If, during any inspection required by paragraph (g)(2) of 
this AD, any cracking is found, before further flight: Replace the 
elevator booster assembly, in accordance with the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company Service Bulletin 
382-27-51, Revision 2, dated October 3, 2019.

(h) Compliance Time Exception

    For any elevator booster assembly having part number 374461-5, 
374461-7, or 374461-11 on which the total flight hours are unknown, 
do the inspections required by paragraphs (g)(1) and (2) of this AD, 
as applicable, within 180 days after the effective date of this AD.

(i) No Reporting and No Return of Parts

    (1) Although Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company Service 
Bulletin 382-27-51, Revision 2, dated October 3, 2019, specifies to 
submit certain information to the manufacturer, this AD does not 
include that requirement.
    (2) Although Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company Service 
Bulletin 382-27-51, Revision 2, dated October 3, 2019, specifies to 
return parts to the manufacturer, this AD does not require the 
return of the parts to the manufacturer.

(j) Credit for Previous Actions

    This paragraph provides credit for the actions specified in 
paragraph (g) of this AD, if those actions were performed before the 
effective date of this AD using Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company 
Service Bulletin 382-27-51, dated July 17, 2017; or Lockheed Martin 
Aeronautics Company Service Bulletin 382-27-51, Revision 1, dated 
January 17, 2018.

(k) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, Atlanta 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 (l)(1) 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 AD 
if it is approved by a Lockheed Martin Corporation/Lockheed Martin 
Aeronautics Company Designated Engineering Representative (DER) that 
has been authorized by the Manager, Atlanta ACO Branch, FAA, to make 
those findings. To be approved, the repair, modification deviation, 
or alteration deviation must meet the certification basis of the 
airplane, and the approval must specifically refer to this AD.

(l) Related Information

    (1) For more information about this AD, contact Hector 
Hernandez, Aerospace Engineer, Systems and Equipment Section, FAA, 
Atlanta ACO Branch, 1701 Columbia Avenue, College Park, GA 30337; 
phone: 404-474-5587; fax: 404-474-5606; email: 
hector.hernandez@faa.gov.
    (2) Service information identified in this AD that is not 
incorporated by reference is available at the addresses specified in 
paragraphs (m)(3) and (4) of this AD.

(m) Material Incorporated by Reference

    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference (IBR) of the service information listed 
in this

[[Page 4199]]

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) Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company Service Bulletin 382-27-
51, Revision 2, dated October 3, 2019.
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (3) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Lockheed Martin Corporation/Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company, 
Customer Support Center, Dept. 3E1M, Zone 0591, 86 S Cobb Drive, 
Marietta, GA 30063; telephone 770-494-9131; email 
hercules.support@lmco.com; internet https://www.Lockheedmartin.com.
    (4) You may view this service information at the FAA, Transport 
Standards Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA. For 
information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 
206-231-3195.
    (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 fedreg.legal@nara.gov, or go to: https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued on December 31, 2019.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Director, System Oversight Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2020-01145 Filed 1-23-20; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P


