AD Amdt-39-12255 - Airworthiness Directives; American Champion Aircraft Corporation 7, 8, and 11...

Type	Manufacturer	Model	Details
aircraft	American Champion	7	Airworthiness Directives; American Champion Aircraft Corporation 7, 8, and 11 Series Airplanes
aircraft	Champion	7	Airworthiness Directives; American Champion Aircraft Corporation 7, 8, and 11 Series Airplanes

Unsafe Condition

Damage to the front and rear wood wing spars, including cracks, compression cracks, longitudinal cracks through boltholes or nail holes, or loose or missing rib nails, could progress to in-flight structural failure of the wing with consequent loss of control of the airplane.

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

Required Actions

Inspect the entire length of the front and rear wood wing spars for damage, including installing any as-needed inspection holes; repair or replace any damaged wood spar; report any damage found during inspection.

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

Compliance Time

Initially inspect at the first annual inspection that occurs 30 calendar days or more after July 13, 2001, or within the next 13 calendar months after January 19, 2001, whichever occurs first.

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

Affected Aircraft

American Champion Aircraft Corporation (ACAC) Models 7AC, 7ACA, S7AC, 7BCM (L-16A), 7CCM (L-16B), S7CCM, 7DC, S7DC, 7EC, S7EC, 7FC, 7JC, 11AC, S11AC, 11BC, S11BC, 11CC, and S11CC airplanes that have not been modified to incorporate an engine with greater than 90 horsepower; and Group 2 airplanes: ACAC Models 7ECA, 7GC, 7GCA, 7GCAA, 7GCB, 7GCBA, 7GCBC, 7HC, 7KC, 7KCAB, 8GCBC, and 8KCAB airplanes; and any of the airplane models referenced in paragraph (a)(1) of this AD that have been modified to incorporate an engine with greater than 90 horsepower.

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

Federal Register Abstract

This amendment clarifies information contained in Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2000-25-02, which concerns certain American Champion Aircraft Corporation (ACAC) 7, 8, and 11 series airplanes. This AD currently requires inspecting the front and rear wood spars for damage, including installing any as-needed inspection holes; and repairing or replacing any damaged wood spar. We incorrectly referenced the initial inspection compliance time of this AD as "whichever occurs later." The notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) contained the correct reference of "whichever occurs first." This action revises the AD to reflect the correct reference in the compliance time. The actions specified by this AD are intended to detect and repair or replace damaged wood wing spars. Continued operation with such damage could progress to in-flight structural failure of the wing with consequent loss of control of the airplane.

Document Text

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[Federal Register Volume 66, Number 109 (Wednesday, June 6, 2001)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 30307-30310]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 01-14143]

[[Page 30307]]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 98-CE-121-AD; Amendment 39-12255; AD 2000-25-02 R1]
RIN 2120-AA64

Airworthiness Directives; American Champion Aircraft Corporation
7, 8, and 11 Series Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule; correction.

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

SUMMARY: This amendment clarifies information contained in
Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2000-25-02, which concerns certain
American Champion Aircraft Corporation (ACAC) 7, 8, and 11 series
airplanes. This AD currently requires inspecting the front and rear
wood spars for damage, including installing any as-needed inspection
holes; and repairing or replacing any damaged wood spar. We incorrectly
referenced the initial inspection compliance time of this AD as
``whichever occurs later.'' The notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM)
contained the correct reference of ``whichever occurs first.'' This
action revises the AD to reflect the correct reference in the
compliance time. The actions specified by this AD are intended to
detect and repair or replace damaged wood wing spars. Continued
operation with such damage could progress to in-flight structural
failure of the wing with consequent loss of control of the airplane.

EFFECTIVE DATE: The effective date of this AD is July 13, 2001.
The Director of the Federal Register previously approved the
incorporation by reference of American Champion Aircraft Corporation
(ACAC), Service Letter 406, Revision A, dated May 6, 1998, as of
January 19, 2001 (65 FR 78905, December 18, 2000).

ADDRESSES: You may get service information referenced in this AD from
the American Champion Aircraft Corporation, P.O. Box 37, 32032
Washington Avenue, Highway D, Rochester, Wisconsin 53167; internet
address: <a href="http://www.amerchampionaircraft.com">www.amerchampionaircraft.com</a>. You may examine this information
at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Central Region, Office of
the Regional Counsel, Attention: Rules Docket No. 98-CE-121-AD, 901
Locust, Room 506, Kansas City, Missouri 64106; or at the Office of the
Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington,
DC.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. William Rohder, Aerospace
Engineer, FAA, Chicago Aircraft Certification Office, 2300 E. Devon
Avenue, Des Plaines, Illinois 60018; telephone: (847) 294-7697;
facsimile: (847) 294-7834.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Discussion

Has FAA taken any action to this point? A review of the service
history of ACAC 7, 8, and 11 series airplanes that incorporate wood
wing spars caused FAA to issue AD 2000-25-02, Amendment 39-12036 (65 FR
78905, December 18, 2000), which applies to certain American Champion
Aircraft Corporation (ACAC) 7, 8, and 11 series airplanes. The AD
currently requires inspecting the front and rear wood spars for damage,
including installing any as-needed inspection holes; and repairing or
replacing any damaged wood spar.
What has happened since AD 2000-25-02 to initiate this action? The
compliance time of the initial inspection of AD 2000-25-02 is written
as at the first annual inspection that occurs 30 calendar days or more
after the effective date of the AD or within 13 calendar months after
the effective date of the AD, whichever occurs later. We incorrectly
referenced this compliance time as ``whichever occurs later.'' The
notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) (64 FR 29972, June 4, 1999)
contained the correct reference of ``whichever occurs first.''
What has FAA determined? Consequently, FAA has determined that AD
2000-25-02 should be revised to ensure that the inspections and
necessary replacements are accomplished in a timely manner.

Correction of Publication

What is the intent of this action? This document clarifies the
intent of the compliance time by changing the ``whichever occurs
later'' reference of the initial compliance time of AD 2000-25-02 to
``whichever occurs first.'' This document also adds the amendment to
section 39.13 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 39.13).
This action only clarifies the intent of AD 2000-25-02 and makes a
change to reflect what was originally proposed. It has no adverse
economic impact and imposes no additional burden on any person than
would have been necessary to accomplish the AD. Therefore, FAA has
determined that prior notice and opportunity for public comment are
unnecessary.

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 Federal Aviation Administration 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. FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by removing Airworthiness Directive (AD)
2000-25-02, Amendment 39-12036 (65 FR 78905, December 18, 2000), and by
adding a new AD to read as follows:

2000-25-02 R1 American Champion Aircraft Company (ACAC): Amendment
39-12255; Docket No. 98-CE-121-AD; Revises AD 2000-25-02, Amendment
39-12036; which superseded AD 98-05-04, Amendment 39-10365 (63 FR
10297, March 3, 1998).

(a) What airplanes are affected by this AD? This AD applies to
the following airplane models, all serial numbers, certificated in
any category, that are equipped with wood wing spars:
(1) Group 1 airplanes: ACAC Models 7AC, 7ACA, S7AC, 7BCM (L-
16A), 7CCM (L-16B), S7CCM, 7DC, S7DC, 7EC, S7EC, 7FC, 7JC, 11AC,
S11AC, 11BC, S11BC, 11CC, and S11CC airplanes that have not been
modified to incorporate an engine with greater than 90 horsepower.
(2) Group 2 airplanes: ACAC Models 7ECA, 7GC, 7GCA, 7GCAA, 7GCB,
7GCBA, 7GCBC, 7HC, 7KC, 7KCAB, 8GCBC, and 8KCAB airplanes; and any
of the airplane models referenced in paragraph (a)(1) of this AD
that have been modified to incorporate an engine with greater than
90 horsepower.
(b) Who must comply with this AD? Anyone who wishes to operate
any of the above airplanes must comply with this AD.
(c) What problem does this AD address? The actions specified by
this AD are intended to detect and repair or replace damaged wood
wing spars. Continued operation with such cracks and damage could
progress to an in-flight structural failure of the wing with
consequent loss of control of the airplane.
(d) What actions must be accomplished on all Group 1 airplanes
to address this problem? For any Group 1 airplane as referenced in
paragraph (a)(1) of this AD, the following must be accomplished to
address the problem:

[[Page 30308]]

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Compliance time Procedures
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) Inspection Requirements: Initially inspect at Accomplish in
Inspect (detailed visual) the first annual accordance with the
the entire length of the inspection that instructions in
front and rear wood wing occurs 30 calendar ACAC Service Letter
spars for cracks, days or more after No. 406, Revision
compression cracks, July 13, 2001 (the A, dated May 6,
longitudinal cracks through effective date of 1998. This service
the boltholes or nail this AD revision) bulletin specifies
holes, or loose or missing or within the next as an FAA-approved
rib nails. We will refer to 13 calendar months inspection option
these conditions as damage after January 19, using a high-
throughout the rest of this 2001 (the effective intensity flexible
section. date of AD 2000-25- light (e.g., ``Bend-
02), whichever A-Light''). A
occurs first. regular flashlight
must not be used
for this portion of
the inspection.
Alternative FAA-
approved inspection
options are listed
in this service
bulletin.
(2) Additional Inspection Prior to further Accomplish in
Requirements: If, after flight after each accordance with the
January 19, 2001 (the accident/incident instructions in
effective date of AD 2000- that involved wing ACAC Service Letter
25-02), any airplane is damage. No. 406, Revision
involved in an accident/ A, dated May 6,
incident that involves wing 1998. This service
damage (e.g., wing surface bulletin specifies
deformations such as as an FAA-approved
abrasions, gouges, inspection option
scratches, or dents, etc.) using a high-
accomplish the inspection intensity flexible
required in paragraph light (e.g., ``Bend-
(d)(1) of this Ad. A-Light''). A
regular flashlight
must not be used
for this portion of
the inspection.
Alternative FAA-
approved inspection
options are listed
in this service
bulletin.
(3) Replacement Prior to further In accordance with
Requirements: If any damage flight after the Advisory Circular
is found during any inspection where (AC) 43.13-1B,
inspection required by this the damage is found. Acceptable Methods,
AD, repair or replace the Techniques, and
wood spar. Practices; or other
data that is FAA-
approved for wing
spar repair or
replacement.
(4) Reporting Requirements: Within 10 days after Mail the information
If any damage is found the inspection to: FAA, Chicago
during any inspection where the damage Aircraft
required by this AD, submit was found or within Certification
a Malfunction or Defect 10 days after Office (ACO),
Report (M or D), FAA Form January 19, 2001 Attention: Docket
8010-4, to the FAA. (the effective date No. 98-CE-121-AD,
of AD 2000-25-02), 2300 E. Devon
whichever occurs Avenue, Des
later.. Plaines, Illinois
60018; facsimile:
(847) 294-7834. You
may also file
electronically as
discussed in this
AD.
(i) Include the airplane
model and serial number,
the extent of the damage
(location and type), and
the number of total hours
time-in-service (TIS) on
the damaged wing.
(ii) You may submit M or D
reports electronically by
accessing the FAA AFS-600
web page at <a href="http://www.mmac.jccbi.gov/afs/afs600">http://www.mmac.jccbi.gov/afs/afs600</a> afs600. Because you will
lose access to the report
once you electronically
submit it, we recommend
that you print two copies
prior to submitting the
report and forward one to
the Chicago ACO and keep
the other for your records.
(iii) The Office of
Management and Budget (OMB)
approved the information
collection requirements
contained in this
regulation under the
provisions of the Paperwork
Reduction Act of 1980 (14
U.S.C. 3501 et seq.). The
OMB assigned this approval
Control Number 2120-0056.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

(e) What actions must be accomplished on all Group 2 airplanes
to address this problem? For any Group 2 airplane as referenced in
paragraph (a)(2) of this AD, the following must be accomplished to
address the problem:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Compliance time Procedures
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) Inspection Requirements: Initially inspect at Accomplish in
Inspect (detailed visual) the first annual accordance with the
the entire length of the inspection that instructions in
front and rear wood wing occurs 30 calendar American Champion
spars for cracks, days or more after Aircraft
compression cracks, July 13, 2001 (the Corporation (ACAC)
longitudinal cracks through effective date of Service Letter No.
the boltholes or nail this AD revision) 406, Revision A,
holes, or loose or missing or within the next dated May 6, 1998.
rib nails. We will refer to 13 calendar months This service
these conditions as damage after January 19, bulletin specifies
throughout the rest of this 2001 (the effective an FAA-approved
section. date of AD 2000-25- inspection option
02), whichever using a high-
occurs first. intensity flexible
Repetitively light (e.g., ``Bend-
inspect thereafter A-Light''). A
at intervals not to regular flashlight
exceed 500 hours must not be used
time-in-service for this portion of
(TIS) or 12 the inspection.
calendar months, Alternative FAA
whichever occurs approved inspection
first. options are listed
in this service
bulletin.

[[Page 30309]]

(2) Additional Inspection Prior to further Accomplish in
Requirements: If, after flight after each accordance with the
January 19, 2001 (the accident/incident instructions in
effective date of AD 2000- that involved wing American Champion
25-02), any airplane is damage. Aircraft
involved in an accident/ Corporation (ACAC)
incident that involves wing Service Letter No.
damage (e.g., wing surface 406, Revision A,
deformations such as dated May 6, 1998.
abrasions, gouges, This service
scratches, or dents, etc.), bulletin specifies
accomplish the inspection an FAA-approved
required in paragraph inspection option
(e)(1) of this AD. using a high-
intensity flexible
light (e.g., ``Bend-
A-Light''). A
regular flashlight
must not be used
for this portion of
the inspection.
Alternative FAA-
approved inspection
options are listed
in this service
bulletin.
(3) Replacement Prior to further In accordance with
Requirements: If any damage flight after the Advisory Circular
is found during any inspection where (AC) 43.13-1B,
inspection required by this the damage is found. Acceptable Methods,
AD, repair or replace the Techniques, and
wood spar. Practices; or other
data that is FAA-
approved for wing
spar repair or
replacement.
(4) Reporting Requirement: Within 10 days after Mail the information
If any damage is found the inspection to: FAA, Chicago
during any inspection where the damage Aircraft
required by this AD, submit was found or within Certification
a Malfunction or Defect 10 days after Office (ACO),
Report (M or D), FAA Form January 19, 2001 Attention: Docket
8010-4, to the FAA. (the effective date 98-CE-121-AD, 2300
of AD 2000-25-02), E. Devon Avenue,
whichever occurs Des Plaines,
later. Illinois 60018;
facsimile: (847)
294-7834. You may
also file
electronically as
discussed in this
AD.
(i) Include the airplane
model and serial number,
the extent of the damage
(location and type), and
the number of total TIS on
the damaged wing.
(ii) You may submit M or D
reports electronically by
accessing the FAA AFS-600
web page at <a href="http://www.mmac.jccbi.gov/afs/afs600">http://www.mmac.jccbi.gov/afs/afs600</a> afs600. Because you will
lose access to the report
once you electronically
submit it, we recommend
printing two copies prior
to submitting the report
and forward one to the
Chicago ACO and keep the
other for your records.
(iii) The Office of
Management and Budget (OMB)
approved the information
collection requirements
contained in this
regulation under the
provisions of the Paperwork
Reduction Act of 1980 (14
U.S.C. 3501 et seq.). The
OMB assigned this approval
Control Number 2120-0056.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

(f) Can I comply with this AD in any other way?
(1) You may use an alternative method of compliance or adjust
the compliance time if:
(i) Your alternative method of compliance provides an equivalent
level of safety; and
(ii) The Manager, Chicago Aircraft Certification Office,
approves your alternative. Submit your request through an FAA
Principal Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send
it to the Manager.
(2) ACAC Service Letter 406, Revision A, and ACAC Service Letter
417, Revision C, both dated May 6, 1998, specify additional
inspection and installation alternatives over that included in the
original issue of these service letters. All inspection and
installation alternatives presented in these service letters are
acceptable for accomplishing the applicable actions of this AD.
(3) Alternative methods of compliance approved in accordance
with AD 2000-25-02 and AD 98-05-04 are approved as alternative
methods of compliance for this AD.

Note: This AD applies to each airplane identified in paragraph
(a) of this AD, regardless of whether it has been modified, altered,
or repaired in the area subject to the requirements of this AD. For
airplanes that have been modified, altered, or repaired so that the
performance of the requirements of this AD is affected, the owner/
operator must request approval for an alternative method of
compliance in accordance with paragraph (f) of this AD. The request
should include an assessment of the effect of the modification,
alteration, or repair on the unsafe condition addressed by this AD;
and, if you have not eliminated the unsafe condition, specific
actions you propose to address it.

(g) Where can I get information about any already-approved
alternative methods of compliance? Contact the Chicago Aircraft
Certification Office, 2300 E. Devon Avenue, Des Plaines, Illinois
60018; telephone: (847) 294-7697; facsimile: (847) 294-7834.
(h) What if I need to fly the airplane to another location to
comply with this AD? The FAA can issue a special flight permit under
sections 21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14
CFR 21.197 and 21.199) to operate your airplane to a location where
you can accomplish the requirements of this AD.
(i) Are any service bulletins incorporated into this AD by
reference? The inspections required by this AD must be done in
accordance with American Champion Aircraft Corporation (ACAC),
Service Letter 406, Revision A, dated May 6, 1998. The Director of
the Federal Register previously approved this incorporation by
reference under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51, as of January 19,
2001 (65 FR 78905, December 18, 2000). You can get copies from the
American Champion Aircraft Corporation, P.O. Box 37, 32032
Washington Avenue, Highway D, Rochester, Wisconsin 53167; internet
address: ``<a href="http://www.amerchampionaircraft.com">www.amerchampionaircraft.com</a>''. You can look at copies at
FAA, Central Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, 901 Locust,
Room 506, Kansas City, Missouri, or at the Office of the Federal
Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW, suite 700, Washington, DC.
(j) Are other AD's affected by this action? This amendment
revises AD 2000-25-02, Amendment 39-12036; which superseded AD 98-
05-04, Amendment 39-10365.
(k) When does this amendment become effective? This amendment
becomes effective on July 13, 2001.

[[Page 30310]]

Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on May 30, 2001.
Michael Gallagher,
Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 01-14143 Filed 6-5-01; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U

Airworthiness Directives; American Champion Aircraft Corporation 7, 8, and 11 Series Airplanes

Applicability

Unsafe Condition

Required Actions

Compliance Time

Affected Aircraft

Federal Register Abstract

Document Text

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