AD 98-03-14

This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) that applies to EXTRA Flugzeugbau GmbH Models EA-300 and EA-300/S airplanes. This AD requires inspecting the upper longeron cutout bridge for cracks, repairing any cracks found, and modifying this area. This AD is the result of mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) issued by the airworthiness authority for Germany. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent structural damage to the fuselage caused by cracks in the upper longeron cutout bridge, which, if not detected and corrected, could result in loss of control of the airplane.

Final rule.

98-03-14 EXTRA FLUGZEUGBAU GMBH: Amendment 39-10307; Docket No. 97-CE-85-AD.

Applicability: The following models and serial number airplanes, certificated in any category:

Model
Serial Numbers
EA-300
V1 and 01 through 50
EA-300/S
01 through 17

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 (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 as indicated in the body of this AD, unless already accomplished.

To prevent structural damage to the fuselage caused by cracks in the upper longeron cutout bridge, which, if not detected and corrected, could result in loss of control of the airplane, accomplish the following:

(a) Upon accumulating 1,000 hours time-in-service (TIS) on the upper longeron or within the next 100 hours TIS after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later, inspect the upper longeron cutout bridge for cracks in accordance with the Instructions section of EXTRA Service Bulletin No. 300-3-93, dated January 12, 1994.

(b) Prior to further flight after the inspection required by paragraph (a) of this AD, accomplish the following in accordance with the Instructions section of EXTRA Service Bulletin No. 300-3-93, dated January 12, 1994:

(1) Repair any cracks found in the upper longeron cut-out bridge; and

(2) Modify the upper longeron cut-outbridge.

(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 airplane 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, Small Airplane Directorate, 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.

(e) Questions or technical information related to EXTRA Service Bulletin No. 300-3-93, dated January 12, 1994, should be directed to EXTRA Flugzeugbau GmbH, Flugplatz Dinslaken, 46569 H nxe, Germany. 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.

(f) The inspections, repairs, and modifications required by this AD shall be done in accordance EXTRA Service Bulletin No. 300-3-93, dated January 12, 1994. 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 EXTRA Flugzeugbau GmbH, Flugplatz Dinslaken, 46569 H nxe, Germany. 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 German AD No. 94-043, dated October 21, 1994.

(g) This amendment (39-10307) becomes effective on March 16, 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 EXTRA Flugzeugbau GmbH Models EA-300 and EA-300/S airplanes was published in the Federal Register as a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) on November 5, 1997 (62 FR 59826). The NPRM proposed to require inspecting the upper longeron cutout bridge for cracks, repairing any cracks found, and modifying this area. Accomplishment of the proposed actions as specified in the NPRM would be required in accordance with EXTRA Service Bulletin No. 300-3-93, dated January 12, 1994.

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

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 68 airplanes in the U.S. registry will be affected by this AD, that it will take approximately 13 workhours (Inspection: 3 workhours; Modification: 10 workhours) per airplane to accomplish the required action, and that the average labor rate is approximately $60 an hour. Parts cost approximately $200 per airplane. Based on these figures, the total cost impact of this AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be $66,640, or $980 per airplane.

Regulatory Impact

The regulations adopted hereinwill 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 of Subjects 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 USC 106(g), 40113, 44701.

39.13 [Amended]
2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding a new airworthiness directive (AD) to read as follows: