2023-20-07: TE Flap Control System

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 adding the following new airworthiness directive: 2023-20-07 Epic Aircraft, LLC: Amendment 39-22566; Docket No. FAA-2023-1503; Project Identifier AD-2023-00197-A. (a) Effective Date This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective November 22, 2023. (b) Affected ADs None. (c) Applicability This AD applies to Epic Aircraft, LLC Model E1000 airplanes, serial numbers K003 through K032 inclusive, certificated in any category. (d) Subject Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 2750, TE Flap Control System. (e) Unsafe Condition This AD was prompted by a report that during a production ground test, the flap position switches were not properly rigged and allowed the actuator to travel beyond the commanded flaps' full (fully extended) position. The FAA is issuing this AD to prevent the flap actuator from overrunning the flaps' fully extended position if the full position microswitch is either missing or not rigged properly, resulting in an uncertified flap configuration. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in loss of control of the airplane. (f) Compliance Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done. (g) Required Actions Within 12 months after the effective date of this AD, install a secondary full position limit switch to the flap system, install a switch ramp on the flap actuator, and modify the take-off position switch rigging in accordance with steps 5 through 13 of the Instructions section in Epic Aircraft Service Bulletin SB-0034, Revision B, issued December 22, 2022 (Epic SB-0034, Revision B). Where Epic SB-0034, Revision B, specifies to discard a switch block, this AD requires removing that part from service. If, during the accomplishment of step 12, the flap-to-wing clearances exceed the specified travel limits, before further flight, adjust the flap-to-wing clearances until they do not exceed the specified travel limits. Where Epic SB-0034, Revision B, specifies to contact Epic Aircraft if clearance and travel limits cannot be met, this AD does not require that action. Note 1 to paragraph (g): Information regarding the flap-to-wing travel limits may be found in Epic E1000 Maintenance Manual SK05000000, Revision A, dated April 13, 2020. (h) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (1) The Manager, West Certification 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 certification branch, send it to the attention of the person identified in paragraph (i)(1) of this AD. Information may be emailed to: 9-ANM-Seattle-ACO-AMOC-Requests@faa.gov. (2) 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. (i) Additional Information (1) For more information about this AD, contact Anthony Caldejon, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, CA 90712; phone: (206) 231-3534; email: anthony.v.caldejon@faa.gov. (2) Service information identified in this AD that is not incorporated by reference is available at the addresses specified in paragraphs (j)(3) and (4) of this AD. (j) 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) Epic Aircraft Service Bulletin SB-0034, Revision B, issued December 22, 2022. (ii) [Reserved] (3) For service information identified in this AD, contact Epic Aircraft, LLC, 22590 Nelson Road, Bend, OR 97701; phone: (541) 639-4603; email: info@epicaircraft.com; website: epicaircraft.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 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: fr.inspection@nara.gov, or go to: www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html. Issued on September 29, 2023. Victor Wicklund, Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2023-22962 Filed 10-17-23; 8:45 am]BILLING CODE 4910-13-P