AD 98-15-19

[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 140 (Wednesday, July 22, 1998)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 39231-39232]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-19329]


-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 98-CE-27-AD; Amendment 39-10670; AD 98-15-19]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Aeromot-Industria Mecanico Metalurgica 
Ltda. Model AMT-200 Powered Gliders

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) that 
applies to certain Aeromot-Industria Mecanico Metalurgica Ltda. 
(Aeromot) Model AMT-200 powered gliders. This AD requires replacing 
certain flexible hoses in the engine oil system with flexible hoses 
with a larger internal diameter. This AD is the result of mandatory 
continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) issued by the airworthiness 
authority for Brazil. The actions specified by this AD are intended to 
prevent inefficiency of the engine lubricating system because of 
ineffective flexible hoses, which could result in an in-flight engine 
shutdown with consequent loss of powered glider controllability.

DATES: Effective September 7, 1998.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of September 7, 1998.

ADDRESSES: Service information that applies to this AD may be obtained 
from Grupo Aeromot, Aeromot-Industria Mecanico Metalurgica Ltda., Av. 
das Industrias-1210, Bairro Anchieta, Caixa Postal 8031, 90200-Porto 
Alegre-RS, Brazil. This information may also be examined at the Federal 
Aviation Administration (FAA), Central Region, Office of the Regional 
Counsel, Attention: Rules Docket No. 98-CE-27-AD, Room 1558, 601 E. 
12th Street, Kansas City, Missouri 64106; or at the Office of the 
Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW, suite 700, Washington, 
DC.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Curtis Jackson, Aerospace 
Engineer, FAA, Atlanta Aircraft Certification Office, One Crown Center, 
1895 Phoenix Blvd., suite 450, Atlanta, Georgia 30349; telephone: (770) 
703-6083; facsimile: (770) 703-6097.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

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 certain Aeromot Model 
AMT-200 powered gliders was published in the Federal Register as a 
notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) on April 30, 1998 (63 FR 23685). 
The NPRM proposed to require replacing any engine oil system hose, part 
number 10702, 10703, or 10704, with a hose with a larger internal 
diameter, part number 10706, 10707, or 10708. Accomplishment of the 
proposed action as specified in the NPRM would be in accordance with 
Aeromot Service Bulletin B.S. No. 200-79-036, Issue Date: January 30, 
1997.
    The NPRM was the result of mandatory continuing airworthiness 
information (MCAI) issued by the airworthiness authority for Brazil.
    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 18 powered gliders in the U.S. registry will 
be affected by this AD, that it will take approximately 7 workhours per 
powered glider to accomplish the replacements, and that the average 
labor rate is approximately $60 an hour. Based on these figures, the 
total cost impact of this AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be 
$7,560, or $420 per powered glider.

Regulatory Impact

    The regulations adopted herein will 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

[[Page 39232]]

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 U.S.C. 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:

98-15-19  Aeromot-Industria Mecanico Metalurgica Ltda.: Amendment 
39-10670; Docket No. 98-CE-27-AD.

    Applicability: Model AMT-200 powered gliders, serial numbers 
200.046 through 200.066, certificated in any category.

    Note 1: This AD applies to each powered glider 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 powered gliders 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 within the next 50 hours time-in-service 
(TIS) after the effective date of this AD, unless already 
accomplished.
    To prevent inefficiency of the engine lubricating system because 
of ineffective flexible hoses, which could result in an in-flight 
engine shutdown with consequent loss of powered glider 
controllability, accomplish the following:
    (a) For powered gliders with a serial number in the range of 
200.046 through 200.058: Replace any engine oil system hose, part 
number 10702, with a hose with a larger internal diameter, part 
number 10706. Accomplish the replacement in accordance with Part I 
of the Accomplishment Instructions of Aeromot Service Bulletin B.S. 
No. 200-79-036, Issue Date: January 30, 1997.
    (b) For powered gliders with a serial number in the range of 
200.059 through 200.066: Replace any engine oil system hose, part 
number 10702, 10703, or 10704, with a hose with a larger diameter, 
part number 10706, 10707, or 10708. Accomplish the replacement in 
accordance with Part II of the Accomplishment Instructions of 
Aeromot Service Bulletin B.S. No. 200-79-036, Issue Date: January 
30, 1997.
    (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 powered glider 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, Atlanta Aircraft Certification Office 
(ACO), One Crown Center, 1895 Phoenix Blvd., suite 450, Atlanta, 
Georgia 30349. 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.

    (e) Questions or technical information related to Aeromot 
Service Bulletin B.S. No. 200-79-036, Issue Date: January 30, 1997, 
should be directed to Grupo Aeromot, Aeromot-Industria Mecanico 
Metalurgica Ltda., Av. das Industrias-1210, Bairro Anchieta, Caixa 
Postal 8031, 90200-Porto Alegre-RS, Brazil. 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 64106.
    (f) The replacement required by this AD shall be done in 
accordance with Aeromot Service Bulletin B.S. No. 200-79-036, Issue 
Date: January 30, 1997. 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 Grupo Aeromot, 
Aeromot-Industria Mecanico Metalurgica Ltda., Av. das Industries-
1210, Bairro Anchieta, Caixa Postal 8031, 90200-Porto Alegre-RS, 
Brazil. 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 Brazilian AD 97-
04-02, dated April 8, 1997.

    (g) This amendment becomes effective on September 7, 1998.
    Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on July 14, 1998.
Marvin R. Nuss,
Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 98-19329 Filed 7-21-98; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P