2008-07-05: Front fuel tank

2008-07-05 APEX Aircraft: Amendment 39-15446; Docket No. FAA-2008- 0056; Directorate Identifier 2007-CE-096-AD. Effective Date (a) This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective April 30, 2008. Affected ADs (b) None. Applicability (c) This AD applies to CAP 10 B airplanes, all serial numbers, certificated in any category. Subject (d) Air Transport Association of America (ATA) Code 28: Fuel. Reason (e) The mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) states: A CAP 10B experienced an emergency landing after its front fuel tank collapsed and rendered inoperative the left rudder pedals which were blocked in neutral position. Investigation and the metallurgical examination revealed that the fuel tank straps had fractured as a result of fatigue. The tank support straps had logged around 7,000 hours time-in-service (TIS). DGAC France Airworthiness Directive (AD) F-2004-071 was issued to introduce a 4,000 hour life-limit forthe tank support straps and to require replacement of straps which had exceeded this life-limit. Since then, a front tank support has been found damaged during an inspection before reaching 4,000 hours TIS. The present AD supersedes DGAC France AD F-2004-071, reduces to 2,000 hours the life-limit for the tank support straps and requires replacement of straps which have exceeded the new life-limit. These actions are intended to address the identified unsafe condition so as to prevent fatigue cracks from occurring in the tank support straps before the established safe life is reached. The MCAI requires the life-limit of the front fuel tank strap be reduced from 4,000 hours TIS to 2,000 hours TIS and the replacement of front fuel tank straps that have exceeded the new life-limit. Actions and Compliance (f) Unless already done, do the following actions: (1) When you accumulate a total of 2,000 hours TIS on the strap or within the next 30 days after April 30, 2008(the effective date of this AD), whichever occurs later, replace the front fuel tank support strap, part number (P/N) CAP 10-70-08-01, using the instructions in the maintenance manual. (2) Repetitively thereafter in intervals not to exceed 2,000 hours TIS on the strap replace the front fuel tank support strap, P/ N CAP 10-70-08-01, using the instructions in the maintenance manual. (3) If you are unable to establish the accumulated hours TIS on the front fuel tank support strap, P/N CAP 10-70-08-01, you must use the total hours TIS accumulated on the airplane for the accumulated hours TIS on the strap. (4) Within the next 30 days after the effective date of this AD update the airworthiness limitations section of your maintenance program to reflect the life limit change of P/N CAP 10-70-08-01 from 4,000 hours TIS to 2,000 hours TIS using APEX Aircraft Service Bulletin No. 040102 R1, Revision 1, dated September 18, 2007. FAA AD Differences Note: This AD differs from theMCAI and/or service information as follows: The FAA has established a more universal compliance time for all airplanes. This gives all owners/operators at least 30 days to comply with the AD. Other FAA AD Provisions (g) The following provisions also apply to this AD: (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, Standards Office, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. Send information to ATTN: Sarjapur Nagarajan, Aerospace Engineer, FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas City, Missouri 64106; telephone: (816) 329-4145; fax: (816) 329-4090. Before using any approved AMOC on any airplane to which the AMOC applies, notify your appropriate principal inspector (PI) in the FAA Flight Standards District Office (FSDO), or lacking a PI, your local FSDO. (2) Airworthy Product: For any requirement in this AD to obtain corrective actions from a manufacturer or other source, use these actions if they are FAA-approved. Corrective actions are considered FAA-approved if they are approved by the State of Design Authority (or their delegated agent). You are required to assure the product is airworthy before it is returned to service. (3) Reporting Requirements: For any reporting requirement in this AD, under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.), the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has approved the information collection requirements and has assigned OMB Control Number 2120-0056. Related Information (h) Refer to MCAI European Aviation Safety Agency AD No.: 2007- 0285, dated November 13, 2007; and APEX Aircraft Service Bulletin No. 040102 R1, Revision 1, dated September 18, 2007, for related information. Material Incorporated by Reference (i) You must use APEX Aircraft Service Bulletin No. 040102 R1, Revision 1, dated September 18, 2007, to do the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise. (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of this service information under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. (2) For service information identified in this AD, contact Apex Aircraft, Bureau de Navigabilit[eacute], 1, route de Troyes, 21121 DAROIS--France; telephone: +33 380 35 65 10; fax +33 380 35 65 15; e-mail: airworthiness@apex-aircraft.com; Internet: http://www.apex- aircraft.com. (3) You may review copies at the FAA, Central Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, 901 Locust, Room 506, Kansas City, Missouri 64106; or 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/ibr-locations.html.