2024-01-02: Fuselage

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: 2024-01-02 Lockheed Martin Corporation/Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company: Amendment 39-22653; Docket No. FAA-2024-0027; Project Identifier AD-2023-01202-T. (a) Effective Date This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective January 24, 2024. (b) Affected ADs This AD affects AD 2023-11-10, Amendment 39-22456 (88 FR 41308, June 26, 2023) (AD 2023-11-10). (c) Applicability This AD applies to the airplanes identified in paragraphs (c)(1) through (3) of this AD. (1) All Lockheed Martin Corporation/Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company Model 382, 382B, 382E, 382F, and 382G airplanes, certificated in any category. (2) All Lockheed Martin Corporation/Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company Model 382J airplanes, certificated in any category. (3) All airplanes specified in paragraphs (c)(3)(i) through (xi) of this AD, type certificated in the restricted category. (i) LeSEA Model C-130A airplanes (transferred from Central Air Services, Inc.), Type Certificate Data Sheet (TCDS) A34SO, Revision 1. (ii) T.B.M., Inc., Model C-130A airplanes, TCDS A39CE, Revision 3. (iii) Western International Aviation, Inc., Model C-130A airplanes, TCDS A33NM. (iv) USDA Forest Service Model C-130A airplanes, TCDS A15NM, Revision 4. (v) Snow Aviation International, Inc., Model C-130A airplanes, TCDS TQ3CH, Revision 1. (vi) International Air Response (transferred from Rogers Helicopters, Inc., and Heavylift Helicopters Inc.) Model C-130A airplanes, TCDS A31NM, Revision 3. (vii) Heavylift Helicopters, Inc., Model C-130B airplanes, TCDS A35NM, Revision 1. (viii) Hawkins & Powers Aviation, Inc., Model HP-C-130A airplanes, TCDS A30NM, Revision 1. (ix) Coulson Aviation (USA), Inc., Model EC-130Q and C-130H airplanes, TCDS T00019LA, Revision 4. (x) Lockheed-Georgia Company Model 282-44A-05 (C-130B) airplanes, TCDS A5SO. (xi) Surplus Model C-130A airplanes. (d) Subject Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 53, Fuselage. (e) Unsafe Condition This AD was prompted by the determination that certain aft fuselage sloping longerons may have been exposed to excessively hot forming temperatures for excessive amounts of time, which will reduce the mechanical properties of the longerons and affect their static strength. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the possibility of both aft sloping longerons being understrength, which would reduce the structural integrity of the airplane below limit load ( i.e., maximum load to be expected in service) and could lead to failure of both longerons. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result loss of the airplane. (f) Compliance Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done. (g) Records Review and Applicable Actions For airplanes identified in paragraphs (c)(1) and (3) of this AD on which the left- or right-hand aft fuselage sloping longeron, P/N 342986-( ), was replaced on or after December 31, 2012, and airplanes identified in paragraphs (c)(1) and (3) of this AD on which a review of the airplane maintenance records cannot conclusively determine whether the part has been replaced: Do the actions specified in both paragraphs (g)(1) and (2) of this AD. (1) Within 35 days after the effective date of this AD, review the airplane maintenance records to determine if a conductivity check has been performed on both left- and right-hand aft fuselage sloping longerons part number 342986-( ), from fuselage station (FS) 750 to FS 770, as specified in Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company Alert Service Bulletin A382-53-69, dated April 12, 2023, and to determine if the check was measured at least every four inches. (2) Within 90 days after the effective date of this AD, inspect the airplane and do all applicable repairs using a method approved by the Manager, FAA East Certification Branch. (h) Parts Installation Limitation (1) For airplanes identified in paragraphs (c)(1) and (3) of this AD: As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install an aft fuselage sloping longeron part number 342986-( ) on any airplane, unless all applicable actions specified in paragraph (g) of this AD have been accomplished. The parts installation limitation required by this paragraph replaces the parts installation limitation required by paragraph (n)(1) of AD 2023-11-10. (2) For airplanes identified in paragraph (c)(2) of this AD: As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install an aft fuselage sloping longeron part number 342986-( ) on any airplane, unless a conductivity check has been performed on the aft fuselage sloping longeron, from fuselage station (FS) 750 to FS 770, using a method approved by the Manager, FAA, East Certification Branch. The parts installation limitation required by this paragraph replaces the parts installation limitation required by paragraph (n)(2) of AD 2023-11-10. (i) Special Flight Permit Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with 14 CFR 21.197 and 21.199 to operate the airplane to a location where the actions required by this AD can be performed, but special flight permits may not be issued to operate the airplane after the actions required by this AD have identified an aft fuselage sloping longeron that does not meet the applicable requirements, unless the operator contacts the Manager, East Certification Branch, FAA, for specific limitations that must be followed and complies with those limitations. (j) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (1) The Manager, East 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 responsible Flight Standards Office, as appropriate. If sending information directly to the manager of the certification office, send it to the attention of the person identified in paragraph (k)(1) of this AD. (2) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager of the responsible Flight Standards Office. (k) Related Information (1) For more information about this AD, contact Fred Caplan, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1701 Columbia Avenue, College Park, GA 30337; telephone 404-474-5507; email 9-ASO-ATLACO-ADs@faa.gov. (2) For Lockheed service information identified in this AD that is not incorporated by reference, contact Lockheed Martin Corporation/Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company, Airworthiness Office, Dept. 6A0M, Zone 0252, Column P-58, 86 S Cobb Drive, Marietta, GA 30063; telephone 770-494-5444; fax 770-494-5445; email ams.portal@lmco.com. You may view this service information at the FAA, Airworthiness Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 206-231-3195. (l) Material Incorporated by Reference None. Issued on January 4, 2024. Ross Landes, Deputy Director for Regulatory Operations, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2024-00300 Filed 1-5-24; 11:15 am]BILLING CODE 4910-13-P