2021-05-14: TE flap control system

The Amendment \n\n\n\tAccordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows: \n\nPART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES \n\n0 1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows: \n\n\n\tAuthority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701. \n\n\n\nSec. 39.13 (Amended) \n\n0 2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness directive: 2021-05-14 Air Tractor, Inc.: Amendment 39-21457; Docket No. FAA- 2020-0710; Project Identifier 2019-CE-037-AD. \n\n(a) Effective Date \n\n\n\tThis airworthiness directive (AD) is effective April 29, 2021. \n\n(b) Affected ADs \n\n\n\tNone. \n\n(c) Applicability \n\n\n\tThis AD applies to Air Tractor, Inc., (Air Tractor), Models AT- 250, AT-300, AT-301, AT-302, AT-400, AT-400A, AT-401, AT-401A, AT- 401B, AT402, AT-402A, AT-402B, AT-501, AT-502, AT-502A, AT-502B, AT- 503, AT-503A, AT-504, AT-602, AT-802, and AT-802A airplanes, all serial numbers, certificated in any category.(d) Subject \n\n\n\tJoint Aircraft System Component (JASC) of America Code: 2750, TE flap control system \n\n(e) Unsafe Condition \n\n\n\tThis AD was prompted by reports from Air Tractor that the flap actuator attachment brackets can crack and detach from the torque tube. The FAA is issuing this AD to detect and correct cracks in the flap actuator attachment brackets. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could lead to the brackets detaching from the torque tube, which could result in an uncommanded retraction of the flaps with consequent loss of airplane control. \n\n(f) Compliance \n\n\n\tComply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done. \n\n(g) Actions \n\n\n\t(1) Within 300 hours time-in-service (TIS) after the effective date of this AD and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 900 hours TIS, perform a dye penetrant inspection of each flap torque tube actuator attachment bracket for cracks in accordance with steps 4B(2) through (7) of Air Tractor, Inc.,Service Letter #347, Revision A, dated December 9, 2019 (Air Tractor SL #347, Rev A). \n\t(i) If there is a crack, before further flight, replace the flap torque tube with a flap torque tube that has zero hours TIS or a part that has been inspected in accordance with paragraph (g)(1) of this AD and passed the inspection. \n\t(ii) If there are no cracks, before further flight, complete the actions in steps 4B(9) and (10) of Air Tractor SL #347, Rev A. \n\t(2) Within 345 hours TIS after the inspection required by paragraph (g)(1) of this AD and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 345 hours TIS, visually inspect each flap torque tube actuator attachment bracket for cracks in accordance with steps 4A(1) through (3) of Air Tractor SL #347, Rev A. If there is a crack, before further flight, replace the flap torque tube with a flap torque tube that has zero hours TIS or with a flap torque tube that has been inspected in accordance with paragraph (g)(1) of this AD and passed the inspection.(3) Replacing a flap torque tube does not terminate any of the inspections required by this AD. \n\n(h) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) \n\n\n\t(1) The Manager, Fort Worth ACO Branch, AIR-7F0, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 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 Fort Worth ACO Branch, send it to the attention of the person identified in Related Information. \n\t(2) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager of your local Flight Standards District Office. \n\n(i) Related Information \n\n\n\tFor more information about this AD, contact Kenneth A. Cook, Aviation Safety Engineer, Fort Worth ACO Branch, AIR-7F0, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy, Fort Worth, TX 76177; phone: (817) 222-5475; email: kenneth.a.cook@faa.gov.(j) Material Incorporated by Reference \n\n\n\t(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of the service information listed in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. \n\t(2) You must use this service information as applicable to do the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise. \n\t(i) Air Tractor, Inc., Service Letter #347, Revision A, dated December 9, 2019. \n\t(ii) (Reserved) \n\t(3) For Air Tractor, Inc., service information identified in this AD, contact Air Tractor, Inc., P.O. Box 485, Olney, TX 76374: phone: (940) 564-5616: email: info@airtractor.com; website: https://airtractor.com/. \n\t(4) You may view this service information at FAA, Airworthiness Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 901 Locust St, Kansas City, MO 64106. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call (816) 329-4148. \n\t(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, email: fedreg.legal@nara.gov, or go to: https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html. \n\n\n\tIssued on February 24, 2021. Gaetano A. Sciortino, Deputy Director for Strategic Initiatives, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service. (FR Doc. 2021-06142 Filed 3-24-21; 8:45 am) BILLING CODE 4910-13-P