DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2019-0566; Product Identifier 2018-CE-035-AD; Amendment
39-21182; AD 2020-15-19]
RIN 2120-AA64

Airworthiness Directives; Pacific Aerospace Limited Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for
Pacific Aerospace Limited Model 750XL airplanes. This AD results from
mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) issued by an
aviation authority of another country to identify and correct an unsafe
condition on an aviation product. The MCAI describes the unsafe
condition as ineffective firewall sealing for firewall wiring
penetrations. The FAA is issuing this AD to require actions to address
the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective August 19, 2020.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in the AD as of August 19,
2020.

ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this AD, contact
Pacific Aerospace Limited, Airport Road, Hamilton, Private Bag 3027,
Hamilton 3240, New Zealand; phone: +64 7843 6144; fax: +64 843 6134;
email: pacific@aerospace.co.nz; internet: www.aerospace.co.nz. You may
view this referenced service information at the FAA, Airworthiness
Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 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
https://www.regulations.gov by searching for Docket No. FAA-2019-0566.

Examining the AD Docket

You may examine the AD docket on the internet at https://www.regulations.
gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2019-
0566; or in person at Docket Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.,
Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains
this final rule, the NPRM, the regulatory evaluation, any comments
received, and other information. The address for Docket Operations is
U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West
Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE,
Washington, DC 20590.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mike Kiesov, Aerospace Engineer, FAA,
Small Airplane Standards Branch, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas City,
Missouri 64106; telephone: (816) 329-4144; fax: (816) 329-4090; email:
mike.kiesov@faa.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Discussion

The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14
CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to Pacific Aerospace
Limited Model 750XL airplanes. The NPRM was published in the Federal
Register on August 6, 2019 (84 FR 38146). The NPRM proposed to correct
an unsafe condition of the specified products and was prompted by MCAI
AD DCA/750XL/31, dated July 5, 2018, issued by the Civil Aviation
Authority (CAA) of New Zealand. The MCAI states:

During a review of the installation of the aircraft main loom
[part number] P/N 11-81021, possible ineffective sealing was
identified for firewall wiring penetrations. DCA/750XL/31 is issued
to mandate the instructions in Pacific Aerospace Mandatory Service
Bulletin (MSB) PACSB/XL/101 issue 1, dated 9 May 2018, or later
approved revision to improve the firewall sealing by installing new
components (firewall penetration tubes, firesleeve and hose clips).

The CAA advised the design is non-compliant with regard to the
fireproof requirements for firewalls. Ineffective sealant may fail to
prevent fire propagation through the firewall, which could result in
smoke or fire in the cockpit. The CAA issued the MCAI to correct this
unsafe condition.
You may examine the MCAI on the internet at: https://www.regulations.gov
by searching for FAA-2019-0566-0002.

Comments

The FAA gave the public the opportunity to participate in
developing this AD. The FAA received no comments on the NPRM or on the
determination of the cost to the public.

Conclusion

The FAA reviewed the relevant data and determined that air safety
and the public interest require adopting the AD as proposed.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

The FAA reviewed Pacific Aerospace Mandatory Service Bulletin
PACSB/XL/101, Issue 1, dated May 9, 2018. The service information
provides instructions for installing improved firewall sealing for
wiring penetration looms and correcting any damaged or chafed looms.
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.

Costs of Compliance

The FAA estimates that this AD will affect 22 products of U.S.
registry. The FAA also estimates that it will take about 8 work-hours
per product to comply with the basic requirements of this AD. The
average labor rate is $85 per work-hour. Required parts will cost about
$385 per product.
Based on these figures, the FAA estimates the cost of this AD on
U.S. operators to be $23,430, or $1,065 per product.
According to the manufacturer, some of the costs of this AD may be
covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost impact on affected
individuals. The FAA does not control warranty coverage for affected
individuals. As a result, the FAA has included all costs in our cost
estimate.

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.
The FAA is 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 this AD:
(1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive
Order 12866,
(2) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
(3) 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 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 adding the following new airworthiness
directive (AD):