Discussion
What Events Have Caused This AD?
The FAA has received a report of a crack at the most outboard wing attachment fitting bolt hole on a REVO Model Lake LA-4-200 airplane. This airplane had incorporated the modification from AD 2000-10-22, Amendment 39-11746 (65 FR 34065, May 26, 2000), which requires the following on REVO Models Lake LA-4, Lake LA-4A, Lake LA-4P, Lake LA-4- 200, and Lake Model 250 airplanes:
--Inspection of the left and right wing upper and lower spar doublers for cracks;
--Replacement of any cracked parts; and
--Incorporation of the B-79 Modification Kit or FAA-approved equivalent.
This modification consists of installing a doubler kit to give the spar an adequate fatigue life. The repetitive inspections are no longer required after incorporation of this modification.
AD 2000-10-12 was the result of reports of a fatigue crack found at the second most inboard wing attachment bolt hole on one of the affected airplanes and similar fatigue cracking on seven more of the affected airplanes.
The most recent accident airplane had accumulated about 50 hours time-in-service (TIS) since incorporating the modification required by AD 2000-10-22.
What Are the Consequences if the Condition Is Not Corrected?
This condition, if not corrected, could result in wing spar failure and the wing separating from the airplane with consequent loss of control.
The FAA's Determination and an Explanation of the Provisions of This AD
What Has FAA Decided?
The FAA has reviewed all available information, including the service information referenced above; and determined that:
--The unsafe condition referenced in this document exists or could develop on other REVO Models Lake LA-4, Lake LA-4A, Lake LA-4P, Lake LA-4-200, and Lake Model 250 airplanes of the same type design;
--The affected airplanes that incorporate the modification required by AD 2000-10-22 should have the wing spar doublers and angles inspected for cracks and have any cracked parts replaced; and
--AD action should be taken in order to correct this unsafe condition.
What Does This AD Require?
This AD requires you to accomplish the following:
--Inspect the upper and lower wing spar doublers and angles for cracks at a certain time after the incorporation of Modification Kit B-79 or FAA-approved equivalent as required by AD 2000-10-22;
--Replace any cracked wing spar doubler or angle; and
--Report the results of the inspection to FAA.
In preparation of this rule, we contacted type clubs and aircraft operators to obtain technical information and information on operational and economic impacts. We have included, in the rulemaking docket, a discussion of information that may have influenced this action.
Will I Have the Opportunity To Comment Prior to the Issuance of the Rule?
Because the unsafe condition described in this document could result in the wing separating from the airplane with consequent loss of control, we find that notice and opportunity for public prior comment are impracticable. Therefore, good cause exists for making this amendment effective in less than 30 days.
Comments Invited
How Do I Comment on This AD?
Although this action is in the form of a final rule and was not preceded by notice and opportunity for public comment, FAA invites your comments on the rule. You may submit whatever written data, views, or arguments you choose. You need to include the rule's docket number and submit your comments to the address specified under the caption ADDRESSES. We will consider all comments received on or before the closing date specified above. We may amend this rule in light of comments received. Factual information that supports your ideas and suggestions is extremely helpful in evaluating the effectiveness of the AD action and determining whether we need to take additional rulemaking action.
Are There AnySpecific Portions of the AD I Should Pay Attention To?
We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the rule that might suggest a need to modify the rule. You may view all comments we receive before and after the closing date of the rule in the Rules Docket. We will file a report in the Rules Docket that summarizes each FAA contact with the public that concerns the substantive parts of this AD.
How Can I Be Sure FAA Receives My Comment?
If you want us to acknowledge the receipt of your written comments, you must include a self-addressed, stamped postcard. On the postcard, write "Comments to Docket No. 2002-CE-40-AD." We will date stamp and mail the postcard back to you.
Regulatory Impact
Does This AD Impact Various Entities?
These regulations 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. Therefore, FAA has determined that this final rule does not have federalism implications under Executive Order 13132.
Does This AD Involve a Significant Rule or Regulatory Action?
We have determined that this regulation is an emergency regulation that must be issued immediately to correct an unsafe condition in aircraft, and is not a significant regulatory action under Executive Order 12866. It has been determined further that this action involves an emergency regulation under DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979). If it is determined that this emergency regulation otherwise would be significant under DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures, a final regulatory evaluation will be prepared and placed in the Rules Docket (otherwise, an evaluation is not required). A copy of it, if filed, may be obtained from the Rules Docket.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation,Aircraft, Aviation safety, Safety.
Adoption of the Amendment
Accordingly, under 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.
Sec. 39.13 [Amended]
2. FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding a new airworthiness directive (AD) to read as follows: