AD 2004-15-15

Recurring final rule

Airworthiness Directives; Air Tractor, Inc. Models AT-401, AT-401B, AT-402, AT-402A, AT-402B, AT-501, AT-502, AT-502A, AT-502B, AT-503A, AT-602, AT-802, and AT-802A Airplanes

AD Number: 2004-15-15
Status: final_rule
Effective Date: September 7, 2004
Product Category: aircraft
Docket: Docket No. 2004-CE-05-AD
FR Citation: 69 FR 45566

Technical illustration of a riveted aircraft structural panel and frame — Problem area **Airframe structure**

Applicability

Type	Manufacturer	Model	Details
aircraft	Air Tractor Inc.	AT-401	Airworthiness Directives; Air Tractor, Inc. Models AT-401, AT-401B, AT-402, AT-402A, AT-402B, AT-501, AT-502, AT-502A, AT-502B, AT-503A, AT-602, AT-802, and AT-802A Airplanes
aircraft	Air Tractor Inc.	AT-401B	Airworthiness Directives; Air Tractor, Inc. Models AT-401, AT-401B, AT-402, AT-402A, AT-402B, AT-501, AT-502, AT-502A, AT-502B, AT-503A, AT-602, AT-802, and AT-802A Airplanes
aircraft	Air Tractor Inc.	AT-402	Airworthiness Directives; Air Tractor, Inc. Models AT-401, AT-401B, AT-402, AT-402A, AT-402B, AT-501, AT-502, AT-502A, AT-502B, AT-503A, AT-602, AT-802, and AT-802A Airplanes
aircraft	Air Tractor Inc.	AT-402A	Airworthiness Directives; Air Tractor, Inc. Models AT-401, AT-401B, AT-402, AT-402A, AT-402B, AT-501, AT-502, AT-502A, AT-502B, AT-503A, AT-602, AT-802, and AT-802A Airplanes
aircraft	Air Tractor Inc.	AT-402B	Airworthiness Directives; Air Tractor, Inc. Models AT-401, AT-401B, AT-402, AT-402A, AT-402B, AT-501, AT-502, AT-502A, AT-502B, AT-503A, AT-602, AT-802, and AT-802A Airplanes
aircraft	Air Tractor Inc.	AT-501	Airworthiness Directives; Air Tractor, Inc. Models AT-401, AT-401B, AT-402, AT-402A, AT-402B, AT-501, AT-502, AT-502A, AT-502B, AT-503A, AT-602, AT-802, and AT-802A Airplanes
aircraft	Air Tractor Inc.	AT-502	Airworthiness Directives; Air Tractor, Inc. Models AT-401, AT-401B, AT-402, AT-402A, AT-402B, AT-501, AT-502, AT-502A, AT-502B, AT-503A, AT-602, AT-802, and AT-802A Airplanes
aircraft	Air Tractor Inc.	AT-502A	Airworthiness Directives; Air Tractor, Inc. Models AT-401, AT-401B, AT-402, AT-402A, AT-402B, AT-501, AT-502, AT-502A, AT-502B, AT-503A, AT-602, AT-802, and AT-802A Airplanes
aircraft	Air Tractor Inc.	AT-502B	Airworthiness Directives; Air Tractor, Inc. Models AT-401, AT-401B, AT-402, AT-402A, AT-402B, AT-501, AT-502, AT-502A, AT-502B, AT-503A, AT-602, AT-802, and AT-802A Airplanes
aircraft	Air Tractor Inc.	AT-503A	Airworthiness Directives; Air Tractor, Inc. Models AT-401, AT-401B, AT-402, AT-402A, AT-402B, AT-501, AT-502, AT-502A, AT-502B, AT-503A, AT-602, AT-802, and AT-802A Airplanes
aircraft	Air Tractor Inc.	AT-602	Airworthiness Directives; Air Tractor, Inc. Models AT-401, AT-401B, AT-402, AT-402A, AT-402B, AT-501, AT-502, AT-502A, AT-502B, AT-503A, AT-602, AT-802, and AT-802A Airplanes
aircraft	Air Tractor Inc.	AT-802	Airworthiness Directives; Air Tractor, Inc. Models AT-401, AT-401B, AT-402, AT-402A, AT-402B, AT-501, AT-502, AT-502A, AT-502B, AT-503A, AT-602, AT-802, and AT-802A Airplanes
aircraft	Air Tractor Inc.	AT-802A	Airworthiness Directives; Air Tractor, Inc. Models AT-401, AT-401B, AT-402, AT-402A, AT-402B, AT-501, AT-502, AT-502A, AT-502B, AT-503A, AT-602, AT-802, and AT-802A Airplanes

Unsafe Condition

Cracks in the upper aft longeron and upper diagonal tube on the left hand side of the aft fuselage structure, which could cause the fuselage to fail and result in loss of control of the airplane.

AI-generated summary from the source AD text. Verify against the official source before acting.

Required Actions

Repetitively inspect the upper longeron and upper diagonal tube on the left hand side of the aft fuselage structure for cracks. If cracks are found, replace and modify the upper and diagonal aft longeron (as applicable) to terminate the repetitive inspection requirement.

AI-generated summary from the source AD text. Verify against the official source before acting.

Compliance Time

Within 12 months of the effective date of this AD.

AI-generated summary from the source AD text. Verify against the official source before acting.

Affected Aircraft

Air Tractor, Inc. Models AT-401, AT-401B, AT-402, AT-402A, AT-402B, AT-501, AT-502, AT-502A, AT-502B, AT-503A, AT-602, AT-802, and AT-802A airplanes.

AI-generated summary from the source AD text. Verify against the official source before acting.

Federal Register Abstract

The FAA supersedes Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2002-19-10, which applies to certain Air Tractor, Inc. (Air Tractor) Models AT-402, AT-402A, AT-402B, AT-602, AT-802, and AT-802A airplanes. AD 2002-19-10 currently requires you to repetitively inspect the upper longeron and upper diagonal tube on the left hand side of the aft fuselage structure for cracks and contact the manufacturer for a repair scheme if cracks are found. This AD is the result of reports of the same cracks recently found on AT-500 series airplanes. The manufacturer has also issued new and revised service information that incorporates a modification to terminate the repetitive inspection requirements. Consequently, this AD retains the inspection actions required in AD 2002-19-10, adds certain AT-500 series airplanes to the applicability section, changes the compliance times, and incorporates new and revised manufacturer service information that contains a terminating action for the repetitive inspection requirement. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct cracks in the upper aft longeron, which could cause the fuselage to fail. Such failure could result in loss of control of the airplane.

Document Text

Show stored source text (verify against official source)

[Federal Register Volume 69, Number 146 (Friday, July 30, 2004)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 45566-45570]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 04-17119]

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2004-CE-05-AD; Amendment 39-13749; AD 2004-15-15]
RIN 2120-AA64

Airworthiness Directives; Air Tractor, Inc. Models AT-401, AT-
401B, AT-402, AT-402A, AT-402B, AT-501, AT-502, AT-502A, AT-502B, AT-
503A, AT-602, AT-802, and AT-802A Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The FAA supersedes Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2002-19-10,
which applies to certain Air Tractor, Inc. (Air Tractor) Models AT-402,
AT-402A, AT-402B, AT-602, AT-802, and AT-802A airplanes. AD 2002-19-10
currently requires you to repetitively inspect the upper longeron and
upper diagonal tube on the left hand side of the aft fuselage structure
for cracks and contact the manufacturer for a repair scheme if cracks
are found. This AD is the result of reports of the same cracks recently
found on AT-500 series airplanes. The manufacturer has also issued new
and revised service information that incorporates a modification to
terminate the repetitive inspection requirements. Consequently, this AD
retains the inspection actions required in AD 2002-19-10, adds certain
AT-500 series airplanes to the applicability section, changes the
compliance times, and incorporates new and revised manufacturer service
information that contains a terminating action for the repetitive
inspection requirement. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct
cracks in the upper aft longeron, which could cause the fuselage to
fail. Such failure could result in loss of control of the airplane.

DATES: This AD becomes effective on September 7, 2004.
As of September 7, 2004, the Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference of certain publications listed
in the regulation.

ADDRESSES: You may get the service information identified in this AD
from Air Tractor, Incorporated, P.O. Box 485, Olney, Texas 76374.
You may view the AD docket at FAA, Central Region, Office of the
Regional Counsel, Attention: Rules Docket No. 2004-CE-05-AD, 901
Locust, Room 506, Kansas City, Missouri 64106. Office hours are 8 a.m.
to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Andrew D. McAnaul, Aerospace Engineer,
FAA, Fort Worth Airplane Certification Office (ACO), 2601 Meacham
Boulevard, Fort Worth, Texas 76193-0150. Current duty station: San
Antonio Manufacturing Inspection District Office (MIDO), 10100 Reunion
Place, Suite 650, San Antonio, Texas 78216; telephone: (210) 308-3365;
facsimile: (210) 308-3370.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Discussion

Has FAA taken any action to this point? We received reports of
cracks found on the left hand upper longeron and upper diagonal support
tubes where they intersect on the left hand side of the fuselage frame
just forward of the vertical fin front spar attachment point on Air
Tractor Model AT-602 airplanes. Additional cracking was later reported
on AT-400, AT-602, and AT-802 series airplanes.
Air Tractor started installing extended reinforcement gussets on
AT-402 and AT-802 series airplanes at the factory to alleviate the
crack condition from occurring. The extended reinforcement gussets were
intended to transfer the loads away from the joint. However, an AT-802
airplane with the extended reinforcement gusset installed during
factory production was discovered cracked in service at the forward end
of the gusset.
These conditions caused us to issue AD 2002-19-10, Amendment 39-
12890 (67 FR 61481, October 1, 2002). AD 2002-19-10 currently requires
you to do the following on certain Air Tractor Models AT-402, AT-402A,
AT-402B, AT-602, AT-802, and AT-802A airplanes:

[[Page 45567]]

--Repetitively inspect the upper longeron and upper diagonal tube on
the left hand side of the aft fuselage structure for cracks; and
--Contact the manufacturer for a repair scheme if cracks are found.

What has happened since AD 2002-19-10 to initiate this AD? We have
received additional reports of the same cracks found on an Air Tractor
Model AT-401, AT-502 and AT-502A airplane.
The manufacturer has also issued new and revised service
information. The new service information contains procedures for
replacing and modifying the upper aft longeron as a terminating action
for the repetitive inspection requirement.
What is the potential impact if FAA took no action? This condition,
if not detected and corrected, could cause the fuselage to fail. Such
failure could result in loss of control of the airplane.
Has FAA taken any action to this point? We issued a proposal to
amend part 39 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) to
include an AD that would apply to certain Air Tractor Models AT-401,
AT-401B, AT-402, AT-402A, AT-402B, AT-501, AT-502, AT-502A, AT-502B,
AT-503A, AT-602, AT-802, and AT-802A airplanes of the same type. This
proposal was published in the Federal Register as a notice of proposed
rulemaking (NPRM) on April 9, 2004 (69 FR 18848), as corrected on June
4, 2004 (69 FR 31658). The NPRM proposed to supersede 2002-19-10 with a
new AD that would require you to repetitively inspect the upper
longeron and the upper diagonal tube (as applicable) on the left hand
side of the aft fuselage structure for cracks. If cracks are found, the
NPRM also proposed to require you to replace and modify the upper and
diagonal aft longeron (as applicable). Replacing and modifying the
upper aft longeron and the diagonal longeron (as applicable) would
terminate the repetitive inspection requirement.

Comments

Was the public invited to comment? The FAA encouraged interested
persons to participate in the making of this amendment. The following
presents the comments received on the proposal and FAA's responses to
the comments:

Comment Issue No. 1: Remove the Requirement To Inspect, Replace, and
Modify the Diagonal Longeron for Models AT-501, AT-502, AT-502A, AT-
502B, AT-503A, AT-602, AT-802, and AT-802A Airplanes

What is the commenter's concern? The manufacturer states that we
incorrectly proposed a requirement to inspect, replace, and modify the
diagonal longeron on Models AT-501, AT-502, AT-502A, AT-502B, AT-503A,
AT-602, AT-802, and AT-802A airplanes. The related service information
referenced in the proposed AD does not require this action.
We infer that the manufacturer wants us to remove this requirement
for the above referenced model airplanes from the final rule AD.
What is FAA's response to the concern? We concur with the
commenter. We will change the final rule AD action based on this
comment.

Comment Issue No. 2: Correct the Name of Snow Engineering Company in
the Table in Paragraph (e) Under the Heading ``Procedures''

What is the commenter's concern? The manufacturer states that the
reference to Snow Engineer Co. Service Letter <greek-i>195, reissued
November 10, 2003, should be changed to Snow Engineering Co. Service
Letter <greek-i>195, reissued November 10, 2003.
What is FAA's response to the concern? We concur with the
commenter. We will change the final rule AD action accordingly.

Comment Issue No. 3: Correct the Federal Register Version of the Notice
of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) Published on April 9, 2004 (69 FR 18848)

What is the commenter's concern? The manufacturer wants the
following corrections made in the final rule AD:

--In the table in paragraph (e)(2) under the heading ``Procedures'',
reference to Service Letter <greek-i>218A should be changed to Service
Letter <greek-i>195B;
--In the table in paragraph (e)(4) under the heading ``Procedures'',
reference to Service Letter <greek-i>218B, dated November 10, 2003,
should be changed to Service Letter <greek-i>213B, revised November 10,
2003; and
--In the table in paragraph (e)(7) under the heading ``Procedures'',
reference to Service Letter <greek-i>217B, dated November 10, 2003,
should be changed to Service Letter <greek-i>217B, revised November 10,
2003.

What is FAA's response to the concern? We concur with the
commenter. On June 4, 2004 (69 FR 31658), the Office of the Federal
Register published a correction to the NPRM that incorporated all of
the above comments. We are not changing the final rule AD based on this
comment.

Conclusion

What is FAA's final determination on this issue? We have carefully
reviewed the available data and determined that air safety and the
public interest require adopting the AD as proposed except for the
changes discussed above and minor editorial corrections. We have
determined that these changes and minor corrections:

--Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the NPRM for
correcting the unsafe condition; and
--Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was already
proposed in the NPRM.

Changes to 14 CFR Part 39--Effect on the AD

How does the revision to 14 CFR part 39 affect this AD? On July 10,
2002, the FAA published a new version of 14 CFR part 39 (67 FR 47997,
July 22, 2002), which governs the FAA's AD system. This regulation now
includes material that relates to altered products, special flight
permits, and alternative methods of compliance. This material
previously was included in each individual AD. Since this material is
included in 14 CFR part 39, we will not include it in future AD
actions.

Costs of Compliance

How many airplanes does this AD impact? We estimate that this AD
affects 1,194 airplanes in the U.S. registry.
What is the cost impact of this AD on owners/operators of the
affected airplanes? We estimate the following costs to accomplish the
inspection(s):

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total cost per
Labor cost Parts cost airplane Total cost on U.S. operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 workhour x $65 per hour = $65.... No parts required..... $65 $65 x 1,194 = $77,610
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

We estimate the following costs to accomplish any necessary
replacements that will be required based on the results of the
inspection(s). We have no way of determining the number of

[[Page 45568]]

airplanes that may need this replacement:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total cost per
Labor cost Parts cost airplane
------------------------------------------------------------------------
27 workhours x $65 per hour = For AT-400, AT- For AT-400, AT-
$1,755. 500, and AT-600 500, and AT-600
series airplanes: series airplanes:
$35. $1,755 + $35 =
$1,790
For AT-800 series For AT-800 series
airplanes: $45. airplanes: $1,755
+ $45 = $1,800.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

What is the difference between the cost impact of this AD and the
cost impact of AD 2002-19-10? The difference is the addition of certain
Model AT-401, AT-401B, AT-501, AT-502, AT-502A, AT-502B, and AT-503A
airplanes to the applicability section of this AD and the cost of
replacing any cracked upper aft longeron. We are also removing certain
Model AT-402 airplanes from the applicability section of this AD. There
is no difference in cost to perform the inspection(s).

Regulatory Findings

Will this AD impact various entities? We have determined that 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.
Will this AD involve a significant rule or regulatory action? 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 the DOT Regulatory Policies
and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); 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.
We prepared a summary of the costs to comply with this AD and
placed it in the AD Docket. You may get a copy of this summary by
sending a request to us at the address listed under ADDRESSES. Include
``AD Docket No. 2004-CE-05-AD'' in your request.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

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

Adoption of the Amendment

0
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator,
the Federal Aviation Administration amends part 39 of the Federal
Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) as follows:

PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

0
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]

0
2. FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by removing Airworthiness Directive (AD)
2002-19-10, Amendment 39-12890 (67 FR 61481, October 1, 2002), and by
adding a new AD to read as follows:

2004-15-15 Air Tractor, Inc.: Amendment 39-13749; Docket No. 2004-
CE-05-AD; Supersedes AD 2002-19-10; Amendment 39-12890.

When Does This AD Become Effective?

(a) This AD becomes effective on September 7, 2004.

What Other ADs Are Affected by This Action?

(b) This AD supersedes AD 2002-19-10.

What Airplanes Are Affected by This AD?

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Model Serial Nos.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
AT-401, AT-401B, AT-402, AT-402A, and 0716 through 1144
AT-402B.
AT-501, AT-502, AT-502A, AT-502B, and 0037 through 0658
AT-503A.
AT-602................................ 0337 through 0664
AT-802 and AT-802A.................... 0001 through 0139
------------------------------------------------------------------------

What Is the Unsafe Condition Presented in This AD?

(d) This AD is the result of reports of cracks in the aft
fuselage upper longeron, originally detected as excessive movement
in the empennage due to the loss of fuselage torsional rigidity. The
actions specified in this AD are intended to detect and correct
cracks in the upper aft longeron, which could cause the fuselage to
fail. Such failure could result in loss of control of the airplane.

What Must I Do To Address This Problem?

(e) To address this problem, you must inspect the upper longeron
and upper diagonal tube (as applicable) on the left hand side of the
fuselage frame just forward of the vertical fin front spar
attachment for cracks at the times specified below. You must also
replace and modify any cracked upper and diagonal longerons (as
applicable) found during any inspection required by this AD before
further flight after the inspection in which cracks are found.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inspection
Affected models and serial nos. compliance times Procedures
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) AT-401, AT-401B, serial Initially inspect Inspect following
numbers (S/Ns) 0716 through upon the Snow Engineering
1144. accumulation of Co. Service
1,250 total hours Letter <greek-
time-in-service i>218A, dated
(TIS) or within November 10,
the next 100 2003, as
hours TIS after specified in Snow
September 7, 2004 Engineering Co.
(the effective Service Letter
date of this AD), <greek-i>195,
whichever occurs reissued November
later. 10, 2003. Replace
Repetitively and modify
inspect following Snow
thereafter at Engineering Co.
intervals not to Service Letter
exceed 100 hours <greek-i>218B,
TIS until the dated November
upper and 10, 2003.
diagonal
longerons are
replaced and
modified.
Replacing and
modifying the
upper and
diagonal
longerons is the
terminating
action for the
repetitive
inspection
requirement in
this AD.

[[Page 45569]]

(2) AT-402, AT-402A, and AT- Initially inspect Inspect following
402B, S/Ns 0716 through 1144. upon the Snow Engineering
accumulation of Co. Service
1,250 total hours Letter <greek-
TIS or within the i>218A, dated
next 100 hours November 10,
TIS after the 2003, as
last inspection specified in Snow
required by AD Engineering Co.
2002-19-10, Service Letter
whichever occurs <greek-i>195,
later. reissued November
Repetitively 10, 2003. Replace
inspect and modify
thereafter at following Snow
intervals not to Engineering Co.
exceed 100 hours Service Letter
TIS until the <greek-i>218B,
upper and dated November
diagonal 10, 2003.
longerons are
replaced and
modified.
Replacing and
modifying the
upper and
diagonal
longerons is the
terminating
action for the
repetitive
inspection
requirement in
this AD.
(3) AT-501, AT-502, AT-502B, and Initially inspect Inspect following
AT-503A, S/Ns 0037 through 0658. upon the Snow Engineering
accumulation of Co. Service
4,800 total hours Letter <greek-
TIS or within the i>195B, dated
next 100 hours November 10,
TIS after 2003, as
September 7, 2004 specified in Snow
(the effective Engineering Co.
date of this AD), Service Letter
whichever occurs <greek-i>195,
later. reissued November
Repetitively 10, 2003. Replace
inspect and modify
thereafter at following Snow
intervals not to Engineering Co.
exceed 100 hours Service Letter
TIS until the <greek-i>195A,
upper longeron is revised November
replaced and 10, 2003.
modified.
Replacing and
modifying the
upper longeron is
the terminating
action for the
repetitive
inspection
requirement in
this AD.
(4)AT-502A, S/Ns 0037 through Initially inspect Inspect following
0658. upon the Snow Engineering
accumulation of Co. Service
2,800 total hours Letter <greek-
TIS or within the i>195B, dated
next 100 hours November 10,
TIS after 2003, as
September 7, 2004 specified in Snow
(the effective Engineering Co.
date of this AD), Service Letter
whichever occurs <greek-i>195,
later. reissued November
Repetitively 10, 2003. Replace
inspect and modify
thereafter at following Snow
intervals not to Engineering Co.
exceed 100 hours Service Letter
TIS until the <greek-i>195A,
upper longeron is revised November
replaced and 10, 2003.
modified.
Replacing and
modifying the
upper longeron is
the terminating
action for the
repetitive
inspection
requirement in
this AD.
(5) AT-602, S/Ns 0337 through Initially inspect Inspect following
0661. upon the Snow Engineering
accumulation of Co. Service
700 total hours Letter <greek-
TIS or within the i>213A, dated
next 100 hours November 10,
TIS after the 2003, as
last inspection specified in Snow
required by AD Engineering Co.
2002-19-10, Service Letter
whichever occurs <greek-i>195,
later. reissued November
Repetitively 10, 2003. Replace
inspect and modify
thereafter at following Snow
intervals not to Engineering Co.
exceed 100 hours Service Letter
TIS until the <greek-i>213B,
upper longeron is revised November
replaced and 10, 2003.
modified.
Replacing and
modifying the
upper longeron is
the terminating
action for the
repetitive
inspection
requirement in
this AD.
(6) AT-602, S/Ns 0662 through Initially inspect Inspect following
0664. upon the Snow Engineering
accumulation of Co. Service
1,750 total hours Letter <greek-
TIS or within the i>213A, dated
next 100 hours November 10,
TIS after the 2003, as
last inspection specified in Snow
required by AD Engineering Co.
2002-19-10, Service Letter
whichever occurs <greek-i>195,
later. reissued November
Repetitively 10, 2003. Replace
inspect and modify
thereafter at following Snow
intervals not to Engineering Co.
exceed 100 hours Service Letter
TIS until the <greek-i>213B,
upper longeron is revised November
replaced and 10, 2003.
modified.
Replacing and
modifying the
upper longeron is
the terminating
action for the
repetitive
inspection
requirement in
this AD.
(7) AT-802 and AT-802A, S/Ns Initially inspect Inspect following
0001 through 0004 and 0012 upon the Snow Engineering
through 0118. accumulation of Co. Service
250 total hours Letter <greek-
TIS or within the i>217A, dated
next 100 hours November 10,
TIS after the 2003, as
last inspection specified in Snow
required by AD Engineering Co.
2002-19-10, Service Letter
whichever occurs <greek-i>195,
later. reissued November
Repetitively 10, 2003. Replace
inspect and modify
thereafter at following Snow
intervals not to Engineering Co.
exceed 100 hours Service Letter
TIS until the <greek-i>217B,
upper longeron is revised November
replaced and 10, 2003.
modified.
Replacing and
modifying the
upper longeron is
the terminating
action for the
repetitive
inspection
requirement in
this AD.
(8) AT-802 and AT-802A, S/Ns Initially inspect Inspect following
0005 through 0011. upon the Snow Engineering
accumulation of Co. Service
900 total hours Letter <greek-
TIS or within the i>217A, dated
next 100 hours November 10,
TIS after the 2003, as
last inspection specified in Snow
required by AD Engineering Co.
2002-19-10, Service Letter
whichever occurs <greek-i>195,
later. reissued November
Repetitively 10, 2003. Replace
inspect and modify
thereafter at following Snow
intervals not to Engineering Co.
exceed 100 hours Service Letter
TIS until the <greek-i>217B,
upper longeron is revised November
replaced and 10, 2003.
modified.
Replacing and
modifying the
upper longeron is
the terminating
action for the
repetitive
inspection
requirement in
this AD.

[[Page 45570]]

(9) AT-802 and AT-802A, S/Ns Initially inspect Inspect following
0119 through 0139. upon the Snow Engineering
accumulation of Co. Service
1,750 total hours Letter <greek-
TIS or within the i>217A, dated
next 100 hours November 10,
TIS after the 2003, as
last inspection specified in Snow
required by AD Engineering Co.
2002-19-10, Service Letter
whichever occurs <greek-i>195,
later. reissued November
Repetitively 10, 2003. Replace
inspect and modify
thereafter at following Snow
intervals not to Engineering Co.
exceed 100 hours Service Letter
TIS until the <greek-i>217B,
upper longeron is revised November
replaced and 10, 2003.
modified.
Replacing and
modifying the
upper longeron is
the terminating
action for the
repetitive
inspection
requirement in
this AD.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

(f) You may replace and modify the upper and diagonal longeron
(as applicable) at any time as a terminating action for the
repetitive inspection requirement in this AD. However, you must
replace and modify the upper and diagonal longeron (as applicable)
before further flight after any inspection in which cracks are
found.

May I Request an Alternative Method of Compliance?

(g) You may request a different method of compliance or a
different compliance time for this AD by following the procedures in
14 CFR 39.19. Unless FAA authorizes otherwise, send your request to
your principal inspector. The principal inspector may add comments
and will send your request to the Manager, Fort Worth Aircraft
Certification Office (ACO), FAA. For information on any already
approved alternative methods of compliance, contact Andrew D.
McAnaul, Aerospace Engineer, FAA, Fort Worth ACO, 2601 Meacham
Boulevard, Fort Worth, Texas 76193-0150. Current duty station: San
Antonio Manufacturing Inspection District Office (MIDO), 10100
Reunion Place, Suite 650, San Antonio, Texas 78216; telephone: (210)
308-3365; facsimile: (210) 308-3370.

Does This AD Incorporate Any Material by Reference?

(h) You must do the actions required by this AD following the
instructions in Snow Engineering Co. Service Letter <greek-i>195,
reissued November 10, 2003; Snow Engineering Co. Service Letter
<greek-i>195A, revised November 10, 2003; Snow Engineering Co.
Service Letter <greek-i>195B, dated November 10, 2003; Snow
Engineering Co. Service Letter <greek-i>213A, dated November 10,
2003; Snow Engineering Co. Service Letter <greek-i>213B, revised
November 10, 2003; Snow Engineering Co. Service Letter
<greek-i>217A, dated November 10, 2003; Snow Engineering Co. Service
Letter <greek-i>217B, revised November 10, 2003; Snow Engineering
Co. Service Letter <greek-i>218A, dated November 10, 2003; and Snow
Engineering Co. Service Letter <greek-i>218B, dated November 10,
2003. The Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference of this service bulletin in accordance
with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. You may get a copy from Air
Tractor, Incorporated, P.O. Box 485, Olney, Texas 76374. You may
review copies at FAA, Central Region, Office of the Regional
Counsel, 901 Locust, Room 506, Kansas City, Missouri 64106; or at
the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For
information on the availability of this material at NARA, call (202)
741-6030, or go to: <a href="http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html">http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html</a>.

Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on July 20, 2004.
Dorenda D. Baker,
Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 04-17119 Filed 7-29-04; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

Source: Official FAA Source ↗

Retrieved: Apr 6, 2026

Rights: U.S. Government Public Domain

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View Official Source ↗ Find More ADs for Air Tractor Inc. AT-401

Airworthiness Directives; Air Tractor, Inc. Models AT-401, AT-401B, AT-402, AT-402A, AT-402B, AT-501, AT-502, AT-502A, AT-502B, AT-503A, AT-602, AT-802, and AT-802A Airplanes

Applicability

Unsafe Condition

Required Actions

Compliance Time

Affected Aircraft

Federal Register Abstract

Document Text

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