DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2016-8992; Directorate Identifier 2016-CE-021-AD;
Amendment 39-18621; AD 2016-17-08]
RIN 2120-AA64

Airworthiness Directives; Textron Aviation, Inc. Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

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SUMMARY: We are superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2016-07-24 for
all Textron Aviation, Inc. Models 310 through 310R, E310H, E310J, T310P
through T310R, 310J-1, 320 through 320F, 320-1, 335, 340, 340A, 401
through 401B, 402 through 402C, 411, 411A, 414, 414A, and 421 through
421C airplanes (type certificates 3A10, 3A25, and A7CE previously held
by Cessna Aircraft Company). AD 2016-07-24 required replacement and
repetitive inspections of the hardware securing the elevator trim tab
push-pull rod. This AD retains the actions for AD 2016-07-24 but
revises the repetitive inspection intervals and allows for a longer
bolt for the attachment of the elevator trim tab actuator rod end to
the push-pull tube connection and/or for the elevator trim tab horn end
to the push-pull tube connection. This AD was prompted by comments
indicating difficulties with bolt installation and requesting a
revision to repetitive inspection intervals to coincide with
established inspection intervals. We are issuing this AD to prevent
jamming of the elevator trim tab in a position outside the normal
limits of travel due to the loss of the attachment hardware connecting
the elevator trim tab actuator to the elevator trim tab push-pull rod,
which could result in loss of control.

DATES: This AD is effective September 12, 2016.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of September
12, 2016.
We must receive any comments on this AD by October 11, 2016.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods:
Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions
for submitting comments.
Fax: 202-493-2251.
Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New
Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590.
Hand Delivery: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New
Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.,
Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
For service information identified in this final rule, contact
Textron Aviation Customer Service, P.O. Box 7706, Wichita, Kansas
67277; telephone: (316) 517-5800; fax: (316) 517-7271; email:
customercare@txtav.com; Internet: https://support.cessna.com/custsupt/csupport/newlogin.jsp. You may review
this referenced service
information at the FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Kansas
City, Missouri 64106. For information on the availability of this
material at the FAA, call (816) 329-4148. It is also available on the
Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating
Docket No. FAA-2016-8992.

Examining the AD Docket

You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov
by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2016-
8992; or in person at the Docket Management Facility between 9 a.m. and
5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket
contains this AD, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and
other information. The street address for the Docket Office (phone:
800-647-5527) is in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available
in the AD docket shortly after receipt.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Adam Hein, Aerospace Engineer, Wichita
Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, 1801 S. Airport Road, Room 100,
Wichita, Kansas 67209; phone: (316) 946-4116; fax: (316) 946-4107;
email: adam.hein@faa.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Discussion

On March 30, 2016, we issued AD 2016-07-24, Amendment 39-18469 (81
FR 21250, April 11, 2016), (``AD 2016-07-24''), for all Textron
Aviation, Inc. Models 310 through 310R, E310H, E310J, T310P through
T310R, 310J-1, 320 through 320F, 320-1, 335, 340, 340A, 401 through
401B, 402 through 402C, 411, 411A, 414, 414A, and 421 through 421C
airplanes (type certificates 3A10, 3A25, and A7CE previously held by
Cessna Aircraft Company). AD 2016-07-24 required replacing the hardware
connecting the elevator trim tab push-pull rod to the elevator trim tab
actuator and elevator trim tab. AD 2016-07-24 resulted from accident
reports on Textron Aviation, Inc. Models T310Q, 310Q, and 402B
airplanes; lessons learned in accident investigation support; and
analysis of past accidents. The analysis of National Transportation
Safety Board (NTSB) determination of probable cause indicated that
following the loss of the attachment hardware connecting the elevator
trim tab actuator to the elevator trim tab push-pull rod, the elevator
trim tab may jam in a position outside the normal limits of travel. We
issued AD 2016-07-24 to require replacement and repetitive inspections
of the hardware securing the elevator trim tab push-pull rod.

Actions Since AD 2016-07-24 Was Issued

Since we issued AD 2016-07-24, we have received reports of
difficulties in installing the required bolt, part number (P/N)
NAS464P3-8, because it was found in some cases to be too short to
properly fasten with a cotter pin as required by the AD. It was also
determined beneficial to revise the repetitive inspection intervals to
better coincide with the standard established inspection intervals for
these airplanes. We are issuing this AD to correct the unsafe condition
on these products.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

We reviewed Textron Aviation, Inc. (Cessna Aircraft Company) Multi-
engine Service Bulletin No. MEB-27-02, Revision 1, dated June 15, 2016.
The service information describes procedures for replacing the hardware
connecting the elevator trim tab push-pull rod to the elevator trim tab
actuator and elevator trim tab. This service information is reasonably
available because the interested parties have access to it through
their normal course of business or by the means identified in the
ADDRESSES section.

FAA's Determination

We are issuing this AD because we evaluated all the relevant
information and determined the unsafe condition described previously is
likely to exist or develop in other products of the same type design.

AD Requirements

This AD requires replacement and repetitive inspection of the
elevator trim tab push-pull rod connecting hardware.

Differences Between the AD and the Service Information

Due to the immediate safety of flight condition of this AD action,
we are requiring replacement of the hardware within 90 days after the
effective date of this AD rather than the potential of up to a year as
allowed in the service information.
The kit referenced in the service bulletin contains only standard
parts that may be procured from other sources.

FAA's Justification and Determination of the Effective Date

An unsafe condition exists that requires the immediate adoption of
this AD. The FAA has found that the risk to the flying public justifies
waiving notice and comment prior to adoption of this rule because the
loss of the attachment hardware connecting the elevator trim tab
actuator to the elevator trim tab push-pull rod may result in jamming
of the elevator trim tab beyond normal limits, which could result in
loss of ability to control the airplane. Therefore, we find that notice
and opportunity for prior public comment are impracticable and that
good cause exists for making this amendment effective in less than 30
days.

Comments Invited

This AD is a final rule that involves requirements affecting flight
safety, and we did not provide you with notice and an opportunity to
provide your comments before it becomes effective. However, we invite
you to send any written data, views, or arguments about this AD. Send
your comments to an address listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include
the docket number FAA-2016-8992 and directorate identifier 2016-CE-021-
AD at the beginning of your comments. We specifically invite comments
on the overall regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects
of this AD. We will consider all comments received by the closing date
and may amend this AD because of those comments.
We will post all comments we receive, without change, to http://www.
regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. We
will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact we
receive about this AD.

Costs of Compliance

We estimate that this AD affects 5,066 airplanes of U.S. registry.
We estimate the following costs to comply with this AD:

Estimated Costs

We estimate the following costs to do any necessary replacements
that would be required based on the results of the inspection. This is
the same replacement that is initially required by this AD. We have no
way of determining the number of aircraft that might need this
repetitive on-condition replacement:

On-Condition Costs

Authority for This Rulemaking

Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, Section 106, describes the
authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII, Aviation Programs,
describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's authority.
We are issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in
Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701, ``General
requirements.'' Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with
promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing
regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator
finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within
the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition
that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this
rulemaking action.

Regulatory Findings

This AD will not have federalism implications under Executive Order
13132. This AD will not have a substantial direct effect on the States,
on the relationship between the national government and the States, or
on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various
levels of government.
For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this AD:
(1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive
Order 12866,
(2) Is not a ``significant rule'' under DOT Regulatory Policies and
Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979),
(3) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
(4) Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or
negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria
of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.

Adoption of the Amendment

Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the FAA amends part 39 of the Federal Aviation
Regulations (14 CFR part 39) as follows:

PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:

Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.

Sec. 39.13 [Amended]

2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by removing Airworthiness Directive (AD)
2016-07-24, Amendment 39-18469 (81 FR 21250, April 11, 2016) and adding
the following new AD: