Discussion
We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to Costruzioni Aeronautiche Tecnam srl Model P2006T airplane. The NPRM was published in the Federal Register on March 19, 2018 (83 FR 11903). The NPRM proposed to correct an unsafe condition for the specified products and was based on mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) originated by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Community. The MCAI states:
It was identified that the Part Number (P/N) of the rudder trim actuator mentioned in the P2006T Aircraft Maintenance Manual (AMM) Airworthiness Limitations Section (ALS) document was erroneously mentioned. As a result, it cannot be excluded that the life limit applicable to this actuator is not being applied in service.
This condition, if not corrected, could lead to failure of the ruddercontrol system, possibly resulting in reduced control of the aeroplane.
To address this potential unsafe condition, TECNAM published Service Bulletin (SB)-285-CS Ed. 1 Rev. 0 (later revised) to inform operators about this typographical error. It is expected that, during the next revision of the P2006T AMM ALS document, it will list the correct the P/N for that rudder trim actuator.
For the reason described above, this [EASA] AD requires implementation of a life limit for rudder trim actuator.
The MCAI can be found in the AD docket on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov/document?D=FAA-2018-0204-0002.
Comments
We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing this AD. We received no comments on the NPRM or on the determination of the cost to the public.
Changes Made to This AD
We changed the incorporation by reference of the service information for adding a life limit to the Airworthiness Limitations section of the maintenance programto only a reference. The service information does not provide any specific procedures or instructions for establishing the life limit.
We also inadvertently omitted information for ``Contacting the Manufacturer,'' which is a standard paragraph for FAA ADs related to MCAIs. We have added that paragraph in the final rule as paragraph (g)(2).
Conclusion
We reviewed the relevant data and determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting the AD as proposed except for the changes stated above and other minor editorial changes. We have determined that these minor changes:
Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the NPRM for correcting the unsafe condition; and
Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was already proposed in the NPRM.
Related Service Information
Costruzioni Aeronautiche Tecnam srl has issued Service Bulletin No. SB 285-CS-Ed 1, Revision 2, dated February 2, 2018. The service information describes procedures for correcting the part number of the rudder trim actuator in the Airworthiness Limitations section of the FAA-approved maintenance program (e.g., maintenance manual).
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this AD will affect 20 products of U.S. registry. We also estimate that it will take about 1 work-hour per product to comply with this requirement to incorporate a correction to the Airworthiness Limitations section of the FAA-approved maintenance program (e.g., maintenance manual). The average labor rate is $85 per work-hour.
Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of this AD on U.S. operators to be $1,700, or $85 per product.
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
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the FAA Administrator. ``Subtitle VII: Aviation Programs,'' describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's authority.We are 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 small airplanes, gliders, balloons, airships, domestic business jet transport airplanes, and associated appliances to the Director of the Policy and Innovation Division.
Regulatory Findings
We determined that 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 this AD:
(1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order 12866,
(2) Is not a ``significant rule'' under the DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979),
(3) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
(4) 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.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2018- 0204; or in person at Docket Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains the NPRM, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and other information. The street address for the Docket Operations (telephone (800) 647-5527) is in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by reference, Safety.