AD 99-02-15 ACTIVE

This action confirms the effective date of Airworthiness Directive (AD) 99-02-15, which applies to certain Avions Pierre Robin Model R2160 airplanes. AD 99-02-15 requires repetitively inspecting the engine bearer for cracks, and replacing the engine bearer with a reinforced part either immediately or at a certain time period depending on whether cracks are found during the inspections. Replacing the engine bearer with a reinforced part terminates the repetitive inspection requirement. This AD is the result of mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) issued by the airworthiness authority for France. The actions specified in this AD are intended to detect and correct cracks in the engine bearer, which could result in the engine separating from the airplane.

Direct final rule; confirmation of effective date.

99-02-15 AVIONS PIERRE ROBIN: Amendment 39-11007; Docket No. 98-CE-78-AD.

Applicability: Model R2160 airplanes, serial numbers C193 through C199, and C202; certificated in any category.

NOTE 1: This AD applies to each airplane identified in the preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been modified, altered, or repaired in the area subject to the requirements of this AD. For airplanes that have been modified, altered, or repaired so that the performance of the requirements of this AD is affected, the owner/operator must request approval for an alternative method of compliance in accordance with paragraph (f) of this AD. The request should include an assessment of the effect of the modification, alteration, or repair on the unsafe condition addressed by this AD; and, if the unsafe condition has not been eliminated, the request should include specific proposed actions to address it.

Compliance: Required as indicated in the body of this AD, unless already accomplished.

To detect and correct cracks in the engine bearer, which could result in the engine separating from the airplane, accomplish the following:

(a) Within the next 25 hours time-in-service (TIS) after the effective date of this AD, and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 25 hours TIS until the replacement required by paragraph (b) of this AD is accomplished, visually inspect the engine bearer for cracks. Accomplish the inspections in accordance with Avions Pierre Robin Service Bulletin No. 97, dated April 22, 1983.

(b) At whichever of the compliance times in paragraphs (b)(1) and (b)(2) of this AD that occurs first, replace the engine bearer with a reinforced part (or FAA-approved equivalent), as referenced in Avions Pierre Robin Service Bulletin No. 97, dated April 22, 1983. Accomplish the replacement in accordance with the applicable maintenance manual.

(1) Prior to further flight if cracks are found during any inspection required by paragraph (a) of this AD; or

(2) Within the next 100 hours TIS after the effective date of this AD.

(c) Replacing the engine bearer with a reinforced part, as specified in paragraph (b) of this AD, is considered terminating action for the repetitive inspection requirement of this AD.

(d) As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install, on any affected airplane, an engine bearer that is not one of a reinforced part (or FAA-approved equivalent part number), as referenced in Avions Pierre Robin Service Bulletin No. 97, dated April 22, 1983.

(e) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with sections 21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.197 and 21.199) to operate the airplane to a location where the requirements of this AD can be accomplished.

(f) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the compliance times that provides an equivalent level of safety may be used if approved by the Manager, Small AirplaneDirectorate, FAA, 1201 Walnut, suite 900, Kansas City, Missouri 64106. The request shall be forwarded through an appropriate FAA Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send it to the Manager, Small Airplane Directorate.

NOTE 2: Information concerning the existence of approved alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be obtained from the Small Airplane Directorate.

(g) The inspections required by this AD shall be done in accordance with Avions Pierre Robin Service Bulletin No. 97, dated April 22, 1983. This incorporation by reference was approved by the Director of the Federal Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. Copies may be obtained from Avions Pierre Robin, 1, route de Troyes, 21121 Darois-France. Copies may be inspected at the FAA, Central Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, Room 1558, 601 E. 12th Street, Kansas City, Missouri, or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW, suite700, Washington, DC.

NOTE 3: The subject of this AD is addressed in French AD 83-99-(A), dated June 15, 1983.

(h) This amendment becomes effective on March 29, 1999.

The FAA published this direct final rule with request for comments in the Federal Register on January 26, 1999 (64 FR 3817). The FAA uses the direct final rulemaking procedure for a non-controversial rule where the FAA anticipates that there will be no adverse public comment. This direct final rule advised the public that no adverse comments were anticipated, and that unless a written adverse comment, or a written notice of intent to submit such an adverse comment, was received within the comment period, the regulation would become effective on March 29, 1999. No adverse comments were received, and thus this notice confirms that this final rule will become effective on that date.

Mr. Karl M. Schletzbaum, Aerospace Engineer, FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 1201 Walnut, suite 900, Kansas City, Missouri 64106; telephone: (816) 426-6932; facsimile: (816) 426-2169.