AD 96-10-05

This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) that applies to certain Maule Aerospace Technologies, Inc. (Maule) Models M-4-210 and M-4-210C airplanes that have Dual Exhaust System 5230F installed. This action requires relocating the gascolator and electric fuel pump away from the dual exhaust system. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) recently became aware that, with these dual exhaust systems installed on the affected airplanes, the left-hand exhaust stack is routed almost directly below the fuel gascolator. The close proximity of the flammable fuel to the exhaust system presents an unsafe condition and violates current regulations. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent an airplane engine fire caused by the close proximity of the fuel gascolator and electric fuel pump to the exhaust system.

Final rule.

96-10-05 Maule Aerospace Technologies, Inc.: Amendment 39-9610; Docket No. 95-CE-22-AD.

Applicability: The following airplane models and serial numbers, certificated in any category, that have Dual Exhaust System 5230F installed:

Model
Serial numbers
M-4-210
1001 through 1045.
M-4-210C
1001C through 1080C

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 (c) 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 after the effective date of this AD, unless already accomplished.

To prevent an airplane engine fire caused by the close proximity of the fuel gascolator and electric fuel pump to the exhaust system, accomplish the following:

(a) Relocate the gascolator and fuel pump from above the air egress to the left-side of the airplane in accordance with Maule Service Bulletin No. 10, dated September 16, 1994.

(b) 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.

(c) 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), Campus Building, 1701 Columbia Avenue, suite 2-160, College Park, Georgia 30337-2748. 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.

(d) The relocation required by this AD shall be done in accordance with Maule Service Bulletin No. 10, dated September 16, 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 Maule Aerospace Technology, Inc., Lake Maule, Route 5, Box 318, Moultrie, Georgia 31768. Copies may be inspected at the FAA, Central Region, Office of the Assistant Chief 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.

(e) This amendment (39-9610) becomes effective on June 21, 1996.

A proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) to include an AD that would apply to Maule Models M-4-210 and M-4-210C airplanes that have Dual Exhaust System 5230F installed was published in the Federal Register on June 12, 1995 (60 FR 35877). The action proposed to require relocating the gascolator and electric fuel pump. Accomplishment of the proposed action would be in accordance with Maule Service Bulletin No. 10, dated September 16, 1994.

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.

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.

The FAA estimates that 125 airplanes in the U.S. registry will be affected by this AD, that it will take approximately 8 workhours per airplane to accomplish the required action, and that the average labor rate is approximately $60 an hour. Parts cost approximately $158 per airplane. Based on these figures, the total cost impact of this AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be $79,750. This figure is based on the assumption that no owner/operator of the affected airplanes has relocated the gascolator and electric fuel pump.

Maule has informed the FAA that enough parts have been distributed to accomplish the relocation on two of the affected airplanes. Assuming that each owner/operator that received parts has accomplished the relocation, the cost impact upon the public is reduced by $1,276 from $79,750 to $78,474.

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 locationprovided 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.

Sec. 39.13 [Amended]

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