Airworthiness Directives; DAHER (Type Certificate Previously Held by SOCATA) Airplanes

AGENCY:

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION:

Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

SUMMARY:

The FAA proposes to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2016-08-08, which applies to all SOCATA (type certificate now held by DAHER) Model MS 880B, MS 885, MS 892A-150, MS 892E-150, MS 893A, MS 893E, MS 894A, MS 894E, Rallye 100S, Rallye 150ST, Rallye 150T, Rallye 235C, and Rallye 235E airplanes. AD 2016-08-08 requires doing repetitive detailed visual inspections of the intersection between the axle radius and the nose landing gear (NLG) fork area for chafing; doing repetitive dye penetrant inspections on the NLG wheel axle for cracks, distortion, and nicks or wear; doing corrective actions if necessary; and replacing the NLG wheel axle attachment screws with new screws. Since the FAA issued AD 2016-08-08, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Union, superseded the previous EASA AD to introduce a new inspection method and a new design for the affected NLG wheel axle that provides terminating action for the repetitive inspections, as specified in updated service information published by the manufacturer. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES:

The FAA must receive comments on this NPRM by July 19, 2024.

ADDRESSES:

You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR 11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods:

• Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
• Fax: (202) 493-2251.
• Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590.
• Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail address above between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.

AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA-2024-1480; or in person at Docket Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains this NPRM, the mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) any comments received, and other information. The street address for Docket Operations is listed above.

Material Incorporated by Reference:

• For service information, contact Daher Aerospace, Customer Support, Airplane Division, 65921 Tarbes Cedex 9, France; phone: 33 (0)5 62.41.73.00; email:tbmcare@daher.com; website: daher.com.
• You may view this service information at the FAA, Airworthiness Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 901 Locust, Kansas City, MO 64106. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call (817) 222-5110.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Fred Guerin, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; phone: (206) 231-2346; email: fred.guerin@faa.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

The FAA invites you to send any written relevant data, views, or arguments about this proposal. Send your comments to an address listed under ADDRESSES . Include “Docket No. FAA-2024-1480; Project Identifier MCAI-2023-00930-A” at the beginning of your comments. The most helpful comments reference a specific portion of the proposal, explain the reason for any recommended change, and include supporting data. The FAA will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend the proposal because of those comments.

Except for Confidential Business Information (CBI) as described in the following paragraph, and other information as described in 14 CFR 11.35, the FAA will post all comments received, without change, to regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. The agency will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact received about this NPRM.

Confidential Business Information

CBI is commercial or financial information that is both customarily and actually treated as private by its owner. Under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) (5 U.S.C. 552), CBI is exempt from public disclosure. If your comments responsive to this NPRM contain commercial or financial information that is customarily treated as private, that you actually treat as private, and that is relevant or responsive to this NPRM, it is important that you clearly designate the submitted comments as CBI. Please mark each page of your submission containing CBI as “PROPIN.” The FAA will treat such marked submissions as confidential under the FOIA, and they will not be placed in the public docket of this NPRM. Submissions containing CBI should be sent to Fred Guerin, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590. Any commentary that the FAA receives which is not specifically designated as CBI will be placed in the public docket for this rulemaking.

Background

The FAA issued AD 2016-08-08, Amendment 39-18484 (81 FR 21711, April 13, 2016) (AD 2016-08-08), for SOCATA (type certificate now held by DAHER) Model MS 880B, MS 885, MS 892A-150, MS 892E-150, MS 893A, MS 893E, MS 894A, MS 894E, Rallye 100S, Rallye 150ST, Rallye 150T, Rallye 235C, and Rallye 235E airplanes. AD 2016-08-08 was prompted by MCAI originated by EASA. EASA issued AD 2015-0203, dated October 7, 2015 (EASA AD 2015-0203) to correct an unsafe condition identified as fatigue failure of the NLG wheel axle. EASA AD 2015-0203 required retaining the requirements of Direction Générale de l'Aviation Civile (DGAC) France AD 91- 163(A)R2, dated March 30, 1994, which was superseded, but required those actions to be accomplished within reduced intervals.

AD 2016-08-08 requires doing repetitive detailed visual inspections of the intersection between the axle radius and the NLG fork area for chafing; doing repetitive dye penetrant inspections on the NLG wheel axle for cracks, distortion, and nicks or wear; corrective actions if necessary; and replacing the NLG wheel axle attachment screws with new screws. The FAA issued AD 2016-08-08 to address chafing and cracking of the NLG wheel axle, which could lead to failure of the NLG with consequent damage to the airplane and/or injury to occupants.

Actions Since AD 2016-08-08 Was Issued

Since the FAA issued AD 2016-08-08, EASA superseded EASA AD 2015-0203 and issued EASA AD 2023-0080, dated April 17, 2023 (EASA AD 2023-0080) (also referred to as the MCAI) to correct an unsafe condition for all DAHER AEROSPACE Model MS 880 B, MS 880 B-D, MS 881, MS 883, MS 884, MS 885, MS 886, MS 887, MS 890 A, MS 890 B, MS 892 A.150, MS 892 B.150, MS 892 E.150, MS 892 E-D.150, MS 893 A, MS 893 B, MS 893 E, MS 893 E-D, MS 894 A, MS 894 E, RALLYE 100 S, RALLYE 100 S-D, RALLYE 100 ST, RALLYE 100 ST-D, RALLYE 110 ST, RALLYE 150 ST, RALLYE 150 ST-D, RALLYE 150 T, RALLYE 150 T-D, RALLYE 150 SV, RALLYE 150 SVS, RALLYE 180 T, RALLYE 180 TS, RALLYE 180 T-D, RALLYE 235 A, RALLYE 235 F, RALLYE 235 E, and RALLYE 235 E-D airplanes.

The MCAI states that it retains the requirements of EASA AD 2015-0203 but introduces a new inspection method and a new design of the NLG wheel axle as a terminating action for the repetitive detailed inspections. The FAA is issuing this AD to address chafing and cracking of the NLG wheel axle, which could lead to failure of the NLG with consequent damage to the airplane and injury to occupants.

You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA-2024-1480.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

The FAA reviewed Daher Service Bulletin SB 150-32, Revision 4, dated January 2023. This service information specifies procedures for preparing, inspecting, replacing, and reconditioning the NLG wheel axle. This service information also specifies procedures for replacing the NLG wheel axle attachment screws.

This service information is reasonably available because the interested parties have access to it through their normal course of business or by the means identified in ADDRESSES .

FAA's Determination

These products have been approved by the aviation authority of another country and are approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant to the FAA's bilateral agreement with this State of Design Authority, it has notified the FAA of the unsafe condition described in the MCAI and service information referenced above. The FAA is issuing this NPRM after determining that the unsafe condition described previously is likely to exist or develop on other products of the same type design.

Proposed AD Requirements in This NPRM

This proposed AD would retain none of the requirements of AD 2016-08-08. This proposed AD would require repetitively inspecting the NLG wheel axle and, if chafing, cracking, or damage is found, installing the newly designed NLG wheel axle, which would terminate the need for the repetitive inspections. This proposed AD would also require repetitively replacing the NLG wheel axle attachment screws.

Differences Between This Proposed AD and the MCAI

The applicability of the MCAI includes DAHER AEROSPACE Model MS 886, MS 887, MS 890 A, MS 890 B, MS 892 B.150, MS 892 E-D.150, MS 893 B, MS 893 E-D, RALLYE 100 S-D, RALLYE 100 ST, RALLYE 100 ST-D, RALLYE 110 ST, RALLYE 150 ST-D, RALLYE 150 T-D, RALLYE 150 SV, RALLYE 150 SVS, RALLYE 180 T, RALLYE 180 TS, RALLYE 180 T-D, RALLYE 235 A, RALLYE 235 F, and RALLYE 235 E-D airplanes and the applicability of this proposed AD would not because these models do not have an FAA type certificate.

Costs of Compliance

The FAA estimates that this AD, if adopted as proposed, would affect 32 airplanes of U.S. registry.

The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this proposed AD:

The FAA estimates the following costs to do any necessary actions that would be required based on the results of the proposed inspections. The agency has no way of determining the number of airplanes that might need these actions:

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 the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII, Aviation Programs, describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's authority.

The FAA is 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.

Regulatory Findings

The FAA determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would 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 that the proposed regulation:

(1) Is not a “significant regulatory action” under Executive Order 12866,

(2) Would not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and

(3) Would not have a significant economic impact, positive or negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

• Air transportation
• Aircraft
• Aviation safety
• Incorporation by reference
• Safety

The Proposed Amendment

Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 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.

2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by:

a. Removing Airworthiness Directive 2016-08-08, Amendment 39-18484 ( 81 FR 21711, April 13, 2016); and

b. Adding the following new airworthiness directive:

DAHER (Type Certificate previously held by SOCATA): Docket No. FAA-2024-1480; Project Identifier MCAI-2023-00930-A.

(a) Comments Due Date

The FAA must receive comments on this airworthiness directive (AD) by July 19, 2024.

(b) Affected ADs

This AD replaces AD 2016-08-08, Amendment 39-18484 (81 FR 21711, April 13, 2016).

(c) Applicability

This AD applies to DAHER (type certificate previously held by SOCATA) Model MS 880B, MS 885, MS 892A-150, MS 892E-150, MS 893A, MS 893E, MS 894A, MS 894E, Rallye 100S, Rallye 150ST, Rallye 150T, Rallye 235C, and Rallye 235E airplanes, all serial numbers, certificated in any category.

(d) Subject

Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 3220, Nose/Tail Landing Gear.

(e) Unsafe Condition

This AD was prompted by a report of a nose landing gear (NLG) wheel axle rupture in service. The FAA is issuing this AD to address chafing and cracking of the NLG wheel axle. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could lead to failure of the NLG with consequent damage to the airplane and injury to occupants.

(f) Compliance

Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done.

(g) Definitions

For the purposes of this AD the following definitions apply:

(1) Group 1 Airplanes: Airplanes having any affected parts installed as of the effective date of this AD.

(2) Group 2 Airplanes: Airplanes that do not have any affected parts installed as of the effective date of this AD.

(3) Affected Parts: NLG wheel axles having part number (P/N) 8954200270 and NLG wheel spacer having P/N 8954200260.

(4) Serviceable Parts: NLG wheel axles having P/N AV-RAL-001-01 and NLG wheel spacer having P/N AV-RAL-002-01.

(5) New Part: Any part that has zero hours time-in-service (TIS).

(h) Inspections and Axle Replacement for Group 1 Airplanes

(1) Within 200 hours TIS after the effective date of this AD, and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 200 hours TIS, perform a detailed visual inspection for chafing and cracking between the NLG wheel bearing and axle surface in accordance with paragraphs B.1 and B.2 of Daher Service Bulletin SB 150-32, Revision 4, dated January 2023 (Daher SB 150-32, Revision 4).

(2) If any chafing or cracking is found during any inspection required by paragraph (h)(1) of this AD, before further flight, replace the NLG wheel axle with one of the following:

(i) An NLG wheel axle that is found to be free of chafing and cracking per the inspection required by paragraph (h)(1) of this AD and free of damage per the inspection required by paragraph (h)(3) of this AD.

(ii) Serviceable parts, as defined in this AD, in accordance with paragraphs C.2 through C.4 of Daher SB 150-32, Revision 4. This part installation makes the airplane a Group 2 airplane and terminates the inspection requirements in this AD.

(3) If no chafing or cracking is found during any inspection required by paragraph (h)(1) of this AD, before further flight, do a magnetic particle inspection of the NLG wheel axle for damage (distortion, nicks, wear, and cracking).

(4) If any damage is found during any magnetic particle inspection required by paragraph (h)(3) of this AD, before further flight, replace the NLG wheel axle with one of the following:

(i) An NLG wheel axle that is found to be free of chafing and cracking per the inspection required by paragraph (h)(1) of this AD and free of damage per the inspection required by paragraph (h)(3) of this AD.

(ii) Serviceable parts, as defined in this AD, in accordance with paragraphs C.2 through C.4 of Daher SB 150-32, Revision 4. This part installation makes the airplane a Group 2 airplane and terminates the inspection requirements in this AD.

(i) NLG Wheel Axle Attachment Screw Replacement for Group 1 and Group 2 Airplanes

Replace the NLG wheel axle attachment screws in accordance with paragraph C.2 of Daher SB 150-32, Revision 4, as follows:

(1) Initially before exceeding 2,000 hours TIS total on the airplane, before exceeding 2,000 hours TIS since the last time the attachment screws were replaced, or within 50 hours TIS after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later.

(2) Repetitively thereafter at intervals not to exceed 2,000 hours TIS.

(j) Installation Prohibition for Group 1 and Group 2 Airplanes

As of the effective date of this AD, do not install an affected NLG wheel axle, as defined in this AD, on any airplane, unless the criteria in paragraphs (j)(1) and (2) of this AD are met:

(1) The affected NLG wheel axle is found to be free of chafing and cracking per the inspection required by paragraph (h)(1) of this AD and free of damage per the inspection required by paragraph (h)(3) of this AD.

(2) The NLG wheel axle attachment screws are replaced with new screws.

(k) Credit for Previous Actions

You may take credit for the initial actions required by paragraphs (h) and (i) of this AD if you performed those actions before the effective date of this AD using SOCATA SB 150-32, Revision 2; or Daher-SOCATA SB 150-32, Revision 3.

(l) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

The Manager, International Validation Branch, 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 International Validation Branch, mail it to the address identified in paragraph (m)(1) of this AD or email to: 9-AVS-AIR-730-AMOC@faa.gov. If mailing information, also submit information by email. 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.

(m) Additional Information

(1) For more information about this AD, contact Fred Guerin, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; phone: (206) 231-2346; email: fred.guerin@faa.gov.

(2) Service information identified in this AD that is not incorporated by reference is available at the address specified in paragraph (n)(3) of this AD.

(n) 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) Daher Service Bulletin SB 150-32, Revision 4, dated January 2023.

(ii) [Reserved]

(3) For service information, contact Daher Aerospace, Customer Support, Airplane Division, 65921 Tarbes Cedex 9, France; phone: 33 (0)5 62.41.73.00; email: tbmcare@daher.com; website: daher.com.

(4) You may view this service information at the FAA, Airworthiness Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 901 Locust, Kansas City, MO 64106. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call (817) 222-5110.

(5) You may view this material at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at NARA, visit www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations or email fr.inspection@nara.gov.