2024-07-07: Cargo/Baggage Doors

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 2010-18-06, Amendment 39-16419 (75 FR 52253, August 25, 2010); and b. Adding the following new airworthiness directive: 2024-07-07 GA 8 Airvan (Pty) Ltd: Amendment 39-22728; Docket No. FAA-2024-0035; Project Identifier MCAI-2023-00986-A. (a) Effective Date This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective June 3, 2024. (b) Affected ADs This AD replaces AD 2010-18-06, Amendment 39-16419 (75 FR 52253, August 25, 2010). (c) Applicability This AD applies to GA 8 Airvan (Pty) Ltd Model GA8 and GA8-TC320 airplanes, all serial numbers, certificated in any category. (d) Subject Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 5230, Cargo/Baggage Doors (e) Unsafe Condition This AD was prompted by reports of in-flight cargo door separation. The FAA is issuing this AD to detect and correct excessive wear in the forward cargo door slide, which could result in an in-flight separation of the cargo door, with possible loss of control of the airplane. (f) Compliance Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done. (g) Required Actions Do the applicable actions specified in Table 1 to paragraph (g) of this AD at the times in Table 1 to paragraph (g) of this AD, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of GippsAero Service Bulletin SB-GA8-2005-23, Issue 8, dated October 11, 2023 (GippsAero SB-GA8-2005-23, Issue 8). Table 1 to Paragraph ( g ) Paragraphs in Accomplishment Instructions of GippsAero SB-GA8-2005-23, Issue 8 Action Compliance time 12.1, A1, steps 1 and 2, for backing plate inspection, except where Figure 1 in step 1 specifies to remove and discard the vertical bolt, remove the vertical bolt from service Steps 3 through 7, if a backing plate is not installed Inspect for the existence of a backing plate on the forward slide of the cargo door. If a backing plate is not installed, install a backing plate on the forward slide of the cargo door, measure the groove width of the forward slide, and replace the slide if it exceeds 0.145 inch at any point or is cracked or worn beyond limits Inspect within 50 hours time-in-service (TIS) or 2 months after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first. Install, measure, and replace before further flight after the inspection. 12.2, A2, steps 1 and 2 for the inspection 12.2, A2, step 3 or 4, and 12.1, A1, steps 2 through 4, for the follow-on inspection and replacement Inspect for wear of the forward slide of the cargo door by inserting a slide gauge or feeler gauge to measure the clearance between the forward slide and the cargo door track. If a gap is found, measure the groove width of the forward slide and replace the slide if the groove width exceeds 0.145 inch at any point or is cracked or worn beyond limits Inspect for wear within 100 hours TIS or 2 months after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first, and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 100 hours TIS or 12 months, whichever occurs first after the most recent inspection. Measure the groove width and replace the slide before further flight after each inspection as necessary. 12.3, B1, steps 1 through 6 for the inspections 12.3, B1, steps 2, 3i, and 3ii; 12.4, B2, steps 1 through 5; and 12.5, B3, steps 1 through 12 for the corrective actions Inspect the cargo door mechanism for contact between the operating rod and cargo door handle pivot post, inspect the threaded studs and rod ends at both ends of the operating rod for bending, and inspect the cargo door handle engagement with the catch. Perform all applicable corrective actions Inspect within 50 hours TIS or 2 months after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 100 hours TIS or 12 months, whichever occurs first after the most recent inspection. Perform all applicable corrective actions before further flight. 12.6, C, steps 1 through 6 Inspect the cargo door handle to determine if an integrated stop is installed and if an integrated stop is not installed, install a cargo door handle with an integrated stop. Inspect the cargo door handle for beyond normal play and replace the handle bush if the door handle has beyond normal play Within 150 hours TIS or 4 months after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first. Perform the installation and replacement, as necessary, before further flight after the inspection. 12.7, D1, steps 1 through 10 for the center rail cargo door inspection and installation 12.8, D2, steps 1 through 2, for any necessary follow-on rework Inspect the center rail of the cargo door to determine if a center rail aft stop is installed and if a center rail aft stop is not installed, install an aft stop before further flight Within 50 hours TIS or 2 months after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first. (h) 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 (i)(2) 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. (i) Additional Information (1) Refer to Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) Australia AD AD/GA8/3 amdt 3, dated August 18, 2023, for related information. This CASA Australia AD may be found in the AD docket at regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA-2024-0035. (2) For more information about this AD, contact Doug Rudolph, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; phone: (816) 329-4059; email: doug.rudolph@faa.gov. (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) GippsAero Service Bulletin SB-GA8-2005-23, Issue 8, dated October 11, 2023. (ii) [Reserved] (3) For service information contact GA8 Airvan (Pty) Ltd, PO Box 881, Morwell, Victoria 3840, Australia; phone: +61 03 5172 1200; website: gippsaero.com.au; email: TECHPUBS@gippsaero.com.au. (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-locationsoremailfr.inspection@nara.gov. Issued on March 29, 2024. Victor Wicklund, Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2024-09087 Filed 4-26-24; 8:45 am]BILLING CODE 4910-13-P