AD 98-15-19

This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) that applies to certain Aeromot-Industria Mecanico Metalurgica Ltda. (Aeromot) Model AMT-200 powered gliders. This AD requires replacing certain flexible hoses in the engine oil system with flexible hoses with a larger internal diameter. This AD is the result of mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) issued by the airworthiness authority for Brazil. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent inefficiency of the engine lubricating system because of ineffective flexible hoses, which could result in an in-flight engine shutdown with consequent loss of powered glider controllability.

Final rule

98-15-19 AEROMOT-INDUSTRIA MECANICO METALURGICA LTDA.: Amendment 39-10670; Docket No. 98-CE-27-AD.

Applicability: Model AMT-200 powered gliders, serial numbers 200.046 through 200.066, certificated in any category.

NOTE 1: This AD applies to each powered glider 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 powered gliders 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 (d) 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 within the next 50 hours time-in-service (TIS) after the effective date of this AD, unless already accomplished.

To prevent inefficiency of the engine lubricating system because of ineffective flexible hoses, which could result in an in-flight engine shutdown with consequent loss of powered glider controllability, accomplish the following:

(a) For powered gliders with a serial number in the range of 200.046 through 200.058: Replace any engine oil system hose, part number 10702, with a hose with a larger internal diameter, part number 10706. Accomplish the replacement in accordance with Part I of the Accomplishment Instructions of Aeromot Service Bulletin B.S. No. 200-79-036, Issue Date: January 30, 1997.

(b) For powered gliders with a serial number in the range of 200.059 through 200.066: Replace any engine oil system hose, part number 10702, 10703, or 10704, with a hose with a larger diameter, part number 10706, 10707, or 10708. Accomplish the replacement in accordance with Part II of the Accomplishment Instructions of Aeromot Service Bulletin B.S. No. 200-79-036, Issue Date: January 30, 1997.

(c) 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 powered glider to a location where the requirements of this AD can be accomplished.

(d) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the compliance time that provides an equivalent level of safety may be approved by the Manager, Atlanta Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), One Crown Center, 1895 Phoenix Blvd., suite 450, Atlanta, Georgia 30349. The request shall be forwarded through an appropriate FAA Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send it to the Manager, Atlanta ACO.

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

(e) Questions or technicalinformation related to Aeromot Service Bulletin B.S. No. 200-79-036, Issue Date: January 30, 1997, should be directed to Grupo Aeromot, Aeromot-Industria Mecanico Metalurgica Ltda., Av. das Industrias-1210, Bairro Anchieta, Caixa Postal 8031, 90200-Porto Alegre-RS, Brazil. This service information may be examined at the FAA, Central Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, Room 1558, 601 E. 12th Street, Kansas City, Missouri 64106.

(f) The replacement required by this AD shall be done in accordance with Aeromot Service Bulletin B.S. No. 200-79-036, Issue Date: January 30, 1997. 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 Grupo Aeromot, Aeromot-Industria Mecanico Metalurgica Ltda., Av. das Industries-1210, Bairro Anchieta, Caixa Postal 8031, 90200-Porto Alegre-RS, Brazil. 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, suite 700, Washington, DC.

NOTE 3: The subject of this AD is addressed in Brazilian AD 97-04-02, dated April 8, 1997.

(g) This amendment becomes effective on September 7, 1998.

Events Leading to the Issuance of This AD
A proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) to include an AD that would apply to certain Aeromot Model AMT-200 powered gliders was published in the Federal Register as a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) on April 30, 1998 (63 FR 23685). The NPRM proposed to require replacing any engine oil system hose, part number 10702, 10703, or 10704, with a hose with a larger internal diameter, part number 10706, 10707, or 10708. Accomplishment of the proposed action as specified in the NPRM would be in accordance with Aeromot Service Bulletin B.S. No. 200-79-036, Issue Date: January 30, 1997.

The NPRM was the result of mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) issued by the airworthiness authority for Brazil.

Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate in the making of this amendment. No comments were received on the proposed rule or the FAA's determination of the cost to the public.

The FAA's Determination
After careful review of all available information related to the subject presented above, the FAA has determined that air safety and the public interest require the adoption of the rule as proposed except for minor editorial corrections. The FAA has determined that these minor corrections will not change the meaning of the AD and will not add any additional burden upon the public than was already proposed.

Cost Impact
The FAA estimates that 18 powered gliders in the U.S. registry will be affected by this AD, that it will take approximately 7 workhours per powered glider to accomplish the replacements, and that the average labor rate is approximately $60 an hour. Based on these figures, the total cost impact of this AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be $7,560, or $420 per powered glider.

Regulatory Impact
The regulations adopted herein will not have substantial direct effects 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. Therefore, in accordance with Executive Order 12612, it is determined that this final rule does not have sufficient federalism implications to warrant the preparation of a Federalism Assessment.

For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this action (1) is not a "significant regulatory action" under Executive Order 12866; (2) is not a "significant rule" under DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); 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. A copy of the final evaluation prepared for this action is contained in the Rules Docket. A copy of it may be obtained by contacting the Rules Docket at the location provided under the caption "ADDRESSES".

List ofSubjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by reference, Safety.

Adoption of the Amendment
Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration amends part 39 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) as follows:
PART 39 - AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
39.13 [Amended]
2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding a new airworthiness directive (AD) to read as follows: