Adoption of the Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows:
PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
0 1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
Sec. 39.13 [Amended]
0 2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness directive (AD):
2012-18-01 M7 Aerospace LLC (Type Certificate Previously Held by Fairchild Aircraft Incorporated): Amendment 39-17177; Docket No. FAA-2012-0917; Directorate Identifier 2012-CE-030-AD.
(a) Effective Date
This AD is effective September 21, 2012.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to M7 Aerospace LLC (type certificate previously held by Fairchild Aircraft Incorporated) Models SA226-AT, SA226-T, SA226-T(B), SA226-TC, SA227-AC (C-26A), SA227-BC (C-26A), SA227-CC, SA227-DC (C-26B), SA227-AT, and SA227-TT airplanes, all serial numbers, that are certificated in any category.
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(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC)/Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 5741, Wing, Fuselage Attach Fitting.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by reports of fatigue cracking in the left and right forward (main) and aft spar wing-to-fuselage attach fittings. We are issuing this AD to correct the unsafe condition on these products.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done.
(g) Inspection
At the initial and repetitive compliance times specified in Appendix 1 to this AD, inspect the left and right forward (main) and aft spar wing-to-fuselage attach fittings for cracks. Do the inspections following M7 Aerospace LLC SA226 Series Service Bulletin 226-53-016, dated July 27, 2012, with Supplement A--SB 226-53-016, dated June 22, 2012; M7 Aerospace LLC SA227 Series Service Bulletin227-53-010, dated July 27, 2012, with Supplement A--SB 227-53-010, dated June 22, 2012; and M7 Aerospace LLC SA227 Series Service Bulletin CC7-53-006, dated July 27, 2012, with Supplement A--SB CC7- 53-006, dated June 22, 2012, as applicable.
(h) Replacement
If cracks are found during any inspection required in paragraph (g) of this AD, before further flight, replace both wing-to-fuselage attach fitting halves (pair) at the cracked fitting location. Do the replacement following M7 Aerospace LLC SA226 Series Service Bulletin 226-53-016, dated July 27, 2012; M7 Aerospace LLC SA227 Series Service Bulletin 227-53-010, dated July 27, 2012; and M7 Aerospace LLC SA227 Series Service Bulletin CC7-53-006, dated July 27, 2012, as applicable.
(i) Reporting Requirement
If cracks are found during any inspection required in paragraph (g) of this AD, within 10 days after the inspection in which cracks are found or within 10 days after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later, report the results of the inspections to the FAA, ASW-150 (c/o San Antonio MIDO (SW-MIDO-43)), Attn: Andrew McAnaul, Aerospace Engineer, 10100 Reunion Place, Suite 650, San Antonio, Texas 78216; fax: (210) 308-3370; email: andrew.mcanaul@faa.gov. Please identify AD 2012-18-01 in the subject line if submitted through email. Include the following information in the report:
(1) Length of crack(s) and a general description of the damage.
(2) Airplane model, serial number, aircraft total flight cycles, and total hours time-in-service (TIS).
(3) Using figure 2 in M7 Aerospace LLC SA226 Series Service Bulletin 226-53-016, dated July 27, 2012; M7 Aerospace LLC SA227 Series Service Bulletin 227-53-010, dated July 27, 2012; and M7 Aerospace LLC SA227 Series Service Bulletin CC7-53-006, dated July 27, 2012, as applicable, indicate location of damage, show forward orientation using arrows, and orientation of crack.
(4) Whether the airplane has had, or is suspected of having,a hard landing in the past.
(j) Paperwork Reduction Act Burden Statement
A federal agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, nor shall a person be subject to a penalty for failure to comply with a collection of information subject to the requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act unless that collection of information displays a current valid OMB Control Number. The OMB Control Number for this information collection is 2120-0056. Public reporting for this collection of information is estimated to be approximately 5 minutes per response, including the time for reviewing instructions, completing and reviewing the collection of information. All responses to this collection of information are mandatory. Comments concerning the accuracy of this burden and suggestions for reducing the burden should be directed to the FAA at: 800 Independence Ave. SW., Washington, DC 20591, Attn: Information Collection Clearance Officer, AES-200.
(k) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(1) The Fort Worth Airplane Certification Office, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, send your request to your principal inspector or local Flight Standards District Office, as appropriate. If sending information directly to the manager of the ACO, send it to the attention of the person identified in the Related Information section of this AD.
(2) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager of the local flight standards district office/certificate holding district office.
(l) Related Information
For more information about this AD, contact Andrew McAnaul, Aerospace Engineer, FAA, ASW-150 (c/o San Antonio MIDO (SW-MIDO- 43)), 10100 Reunion Place, Suite 650, San Antonio, Texas 78216; phone: (210) 308-3365; fax: (210) 308-3370; email: andrew.mcanaul@faa.gov.
(m) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference (IBR) of the service information listed in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
(2) You must use this service information as applicable to do the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
(i) M7 Aerospace LLC SA226 Series Service Bulletin 226-53-016, dated July 27, 2012, with Supplement A--SB 226-53-016, dated June 22, 2012.
(ii) M7 Aerospace LLC SA227 Series Service Bulletin 227-53-010, dated July 27, 2012, with Supplement A--SB 227-53-010, dated June 22, 2012.
(iii) M7 Aerospace LLC SA227 Series Service Bulletin CC7-53-006, dated July 27, 2012, with Supplement A--SB CC7-53-006, dated June 22, 2012.
(3) For M7 Aerospace LLC service information identified in this AD, contact M7 Aerospace LP, 10823 NE Entrance Road, San Antonio, Texas 78216; phone: (210) 824-9421; fax: (210) 804-7766; Internet: http://www.m7aerospace.com.
(4) You may view this service information at FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Kansas City, Missouri 64106. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 816-329-4148.
(5) You may view this service information that is incorporated by reference at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at NARA, call 202-741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/index.html.
Appendix 1 to AD 2012-18-01
Initial and Repetitive Inspection Compliance Times
Models SA226-AT, SA226-T, SA226-T(B), SA226-TC, All Serial Numbers
Initial Inspection--As of September 21, 2012 (the effective date of this AD):
For owner/operators who do not track total aircraft flight cycles (TAC), for the purposes of this AD, use the following conversion calculation: Use a .5 to 1 conversion, e.g., 35,000 TAC is equivalent to 17,500 hours time-in-service (TIS).
For owner/operators who do not track flight cycles, for the purposes of this AD use the following conversion calculation for the initial inspection compliance time: Use a 1 to 1 conversion, e.g., 300 flight cycles are equivalent to 300 hours TIS.
For airplanes with more than 35,000 TAC: Inspect within the next 300 flight cycles after September 21, 2012 (the effective date of this AD).
For airplanes with at least 20,000 TAC but no more than 35,000 TAC: Inspect within the next 500 flight cycles after September 21, 2012 (the effective date of this AD).
For airplanes with at least 10,600 TAC but no more than 19,999 TAC: Inspect within the next 1,000 flight cycles after September 21, 2012 (the effective date of this AD).
For airplanes with less than 10,600 TAC: Inspect upon reaching 10,600 TAC or within the next 1,000 flight cycles after September 21, 2012 (the effective date of this AD), whichever occurs later.
Repetitive Inspection:
For owner/operators who do not track flight cycles, for the purposes of this AD use the following conversion calculation for the repetitive inspection compliance times: Use a .5 to 1 conversion, e.g., 10,600 flight cycles are equivalent to 5,300 hours TIS.
If no cracks are found during the initial inspection or during any subsequent repetitive inspection required by this AD and the original wing-to-fuselage attach fitting is reinstalled using the same size bolts, repetitively thereafter inspect every 10,600 flight cycles.
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Initial and Repetitive Inspection Compliance Times
If no cracks are found during the initial inspection or during any subsequent repetitive inspection required by this AD and the original wing-to-fuselage attach fitting is reinstalled using oversized bolts, repetitively thereafter inspect every 7,700 flight cycles.
If cracks are found during the initial inspection or during any subsequent repetitive inspection required by this AD and the replacement wing-to-fuselage attach fitting is installed using the same size bolts, repetitive thereafter inspect every 16,600 flight cycles.
If cracks are found during the initial inspection or during any subsequent repetitive inspection required by this AD and the replacement wing-to-fuselage attach fitting is installed using the oversized bolts, repetitive thereafter inspect every 13,100 flight cycles.
Models SA227-CC and SA227-DC (C-26B), All Serial Numbers
Initial Inspection--As of September 21, 2012 (the effective date of this AD):
For owner/operators who do not track total aircraft flight cycles (TAC), for the purposes of this AD, use the following conversion calculation: Use a .5 to 1 conversion, e.g., 35,000 TAC is equivalent to 17,500 hours time-in-service (TIS).
For owner/operators who do not track flight cycles, for the purposes of this AD use the following conversion calculation for the initial inspection compliance time: Use a 1 to 1 conversion, e.g., 300 flight cycles are equivalent to 300 hours TIS.
For airplanes with more than 35,000 TAC: Inspect within the next 300 flight cycles after September 21, 2012 (the effective date of this AD).
For airplanes with at least 20,000 TAC but no more than 35,000 TAC: Inspect within the next 500 flight cycles after September 21, 2012 (the effective date of this AD).
For airplanes with at least 14,200 TAC but no more than 19,999 TAC: Inspect within the next 1,000 flight cycles after September 21, 2012 (the effective date of this AD).
For airplanes with less than 14,200 TAC: Inspect upon reaching 14,200 TAC or within the next 1,000 flight cycles after September 21, 2012 (the effective date of this AD), whichever occurs later.
Initial and Repetitive Inspection Compliance Times
Repetitive Inspection
For owner/operators who do not track flight cycles, for the purposes of this AD use the following conversion calculation for the repetitive inspection compliance times: Use a .5 to 1 conversion, e.g., 14,200 flight cycles are equivalent to 7,100 hours TIS.
If no cracks are found during the initial inspection or during any subsequent repetitive inspection required by this AD and the original wing-to-fuselage attach fitting is reinstalled using the same size bolts, repetitively thereafter inspect every 14,200 flight cycles.
If no cracks are found during the initial inspection or during any subsequent repetitive inspection required by this AD and the original wing-to-fuselage attach fitting is reinstalled using oversized bolts, repetitively thereafter inspect every 10,900 flight cycles.
If cracks are found during the initial inspection or during any subsequent repetitive inspection required by this AD and the replacement wing-to-fuselage attach fitting is installed using the same size bolts, repetitive thereafter inspect every 16,600 flight cycles.
If cracks are found during the initial inspection or during any subsequent repetitive inspection required by this ADand the replacement wing-to-fuselage attach fitting is installed using the oversized bolts, repetitive thereafter inspect every 13,100 flight cycles.
Models SA227-AC (C-26A) and SA227-AT: Serial Numbers 600 and Subsequent; and Model SA227-BC (C-26A) Airplanes, All Serial Numbers
Initial Inspection--As of September 21, 2012 (the effective date of this AD):
For owner/operators who do not track total aircraft flight cycles (TAC), for the purposes of this AD, use the following conversion calculation: Use a .5 to 1 conversion, e.g., 35,000 TAC is equivalent to 17,500 hours time-in-service (TIS).
For owner/operators who do not track flight cycles, for the purposes of this AD use the following conversion calculation for the initial inspection compliance time: Use a 1 to 1 conversion, e.g., 300 flight cycles are equivalent to 300 hours TIS.
For airplanes with more than 35,000 TAC: Inspect within the next 300 flight cycles after September 21, 2012 (the effective date of this AD).
Inspection Compliance Times
For airplanes with at least 20,000 TAC but no more than 35,000 TAC: Inspect within the next 500 flight cycles after September 21, 2012 (the effective date of this AD).
For airplanes with at least 14,200 TAC but no more than 19,999 TAC: Inspect within the next 1,000 flight cycles after September 21, 2012 (the effective date of this AD).
For airplanes with less than 14,200 TAC: Inspect upon reaching 14,200 TAC or within the next 1,000 flight cycles after September 21, 2012 (the effective date of this AD), whichever occurs later.
Repetitive Inspection
For owner/operators who do not track flight cycles, for the purposes of this AD use the following conversion calculation for the repetitive inspection compliance times: Use a .5 to 1 conversion, e.g., 14,200 flight cycles are equivalent to 7,100 hours TIS.
If no cracks are found during the initial inspection or during any subsequent repetitive inspection required by this AD and the original wing-to-fuselage attach fitting is reinstalled using the same size bolts, repetitively thereafter inspect every 14,200 flight cycles.
If no cracks are found during the initial inspection or during any subsequent repetitive inspection required by this AD and the original wing-to-fuselage attach fitting is reinstalled using oversized bolts, repetitively thereafter inspect every 10,900 flight cycles.
If cracks are found during the initial inspection or during any subsequent repetitive inspection required by this AD and the replacement wing-to-fuselage attach fitting is installed using the same size bolts, repetitive thereafter inspect every 16,600 flight cycles.
If cracks are found during the initial inspection or during any subsequent repetitive inspection required by this AD and the replacement wing-to-fuselage attach fitting is installed using the oversized bolts, repetitive thereafter inspect every 13,100 flight cycles.
Inspection Compliance Times
Models SA227-AC (C-26A) and SA227-AT: All Serial Numbers Through 599; and Model SA227-TT Airplanes, All Serial Numbers
Initial Inspection--As of September 21, 2012 (the effective date of this AD):
For owner/operators who do not track total aircraft flight cycles (TAC), for the purposes of this AD, use the following conversion calculation: Use a .5 to 1 conversion, e.g., 35,000 TAC is equivalent to 17,500 hours time-in-service (TIS).
For owner/operators who do not track flight cycles, for the purposes of this AD use the following conversion calculation for the initial inspection compliance time: Use a 1 to 1 conversion, e.g., 300 flight cycles are equivalent to 300 hours TIS.
For airplanes with more than 35,000 TAC: Inspect within the next 300 flight cycles after September 21, 2012 (the effective date of this AD).
For airplanes with at least 20,000 TAC but no more than 35,000 TAC: Inspect within the next 500 flight cycles after September 21, 2012 (the effective date of this AD).
For airplanes with at least 10,600 TAC but no more than 19,999 TAC: Inspect within the next 1,000 flight cycles after September 21, 2012 (the effective date of this AD).
For airplanes with less than 10,600 TAC: Inspect upon reaching 10,600 TAC or within the next 1,000 flight cycles after September 21, 2012 (the effective date of this AD), whichever occurs later.
Repetitive Inspection:
For owner/operators who do not track flight cycles, for the purposes of this AD use the following conversion calculation for the repetitive inspection compliance times: Use a .5 to 1 conversion, e.g., 10,600 flight cycles are equivalent to 5,300 hours TIS.
If no cracks are found during the initial inspection or during any subsequent repetitive inspection required by this AD and the original wing-to-fuselage attach fitting is reinstalled using the same size bolts, repetitively thereafter inspect every 10,600 flight cycles.
Inspection Compliance Times
If no cracks are foundduring the initial inspection or during any subsequent repetitive inspection required by this AD and the original wing-to-fuselage attach fitting is reinstalled using oversized bolts, repetitively thereafter inspect every 7,700 flight cycles.
If cracks are found during the initial inspection or during any subsequent repetitive inspection required by this AD and the replacement wing-to-fuselage attach
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fitting is installed using the same size bolts, repetitive thereafter inspect every 16,600 flight cycles.
If cracks are found during the initial inspection or during any subsequent repetitive inspection required by this AD and the replacement wing-to-fuselage attach fitting is installed using the oversized bolts, repetitive thereafter inspect every 13,100 flight cycles.