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[Federal Register, Volume 89 Number 83 (Monday, April 29, 2024)]

[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 33220-33224]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2024-09087]

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2024-0035; Project Identifier MCAI-2023-00986-A; Amendment

39-22728; AD 2024-07-07]

RIN 2120-AA64

Airworthiness Directives; GA 8 Airvan (Pty) Ltd Airplanes

AGENCY:
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION:
Final rule.

SUMMARY:
The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2010-18-06, which applied to all GA8 Airvan
(Pty) Ltd Model GA8 and GA8-TC320 airplanes. AD 2010-18-06 required inspections and a minor
design change to the forward slide of the cargo door with corrective action as necessary. Since the
FAA issued AD 2010-18-06, the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), which is the aviation
authority for Australia, superseded the previous CASA Australia AD to incorporate more detailed
inspections and additional modifications as specified in updated service information published by
the manufacturer. This AD was prompted by reports of in-flight cargo door separation. This AD
requires inspections and rework (modifications) of the cargo door with corrective action as
necessary. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES:
This AD is effective June 3, 2024.

The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of a certain
publication listed in this AD as of June 3, 2024.

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ADDRESSES:

AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA-2024-0035;
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 mandatory continuing airworthiness
information (MCAI), 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.

Material Incorporated by Reference:

• 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:
[email protected].

• 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. It is also available at regulations.gov under Docket No.
FAA-2024-0035.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Doug Rudolph, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY
11590; phone: (816) 329-4059; email: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background
The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR part 39 to supersede
AD 2010-18-06, Amendment 39-16419 (75 FR 52253, August 25, 2010) (AD 2010-18-06). AD
2010-18-06 applied to all GA8 Airvan (Pty) Ltd Model GA8 and GA8-TC320 airplanes. AD
2010-18-06 was prompted by MCAI originated by CASA, which is the aviation authority for
Australia. CASA Australia issued CASA Australia AD AD/GA8/3 Amdt 2, dated August 11, 2010
(CASA Australia AD/GA8/3 Amdt 2) to correct an unsafe condition identified as 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. CASA Australia AD AD/GA8/3 Amdt 2 was issued to require
the actions in service information updated by the manufacturer to remove any ambiguities in the
previous revision and provide an improved inspection method and a minor design change to the
forward slide of the cargo door (inclusion of a slide backing plate, castellated nut, and split pin).

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AD 2010-18-06 required doing all of Action 1 (measuring the groove width of the forward cargo
door slide and if it exceeds 0.145 inch at any point along the slide, or is cracked, installing a new
slider assembly) and Action 2 (inspecting wear of the forward slide of the cargo door and doing
applicable corrective action steps specified in Action 1) of GippsAero Pty. Ltd. Mandatory Service
Bulletin SB-GA8-2005-23, Issue 3, dated August 5, 2010. The FAA issued AD 2010-18-06 to
address excessive wear in the forward cargo door slide.

The NPRM published in the Federal Register on January 23, 2024 (89 FR 4211). The NPRM was
prompted by CASA Australia AD AD/GA8/3 amdt 3, dated August 18, 2023 (also referred to as the
MCAI). The MCAI states that inspections revealed cases of excessive wear in the forward slide of the
cargo door. Excessive wear in the forward slide of the cargo door may result in the cargo door
separating from the airplane in flight with potentially catastrophic results. The MCAI requires
accomplishing the actions specified in GippsAero Service Bulletin SB-GA8-2005-23, Issue 7, dated
May 30, 2023 (GippsAero Service Bulletin SB-GA8-2005-23, Issue 7). This service bulletin includes
procedures for revised inspections of the door mechanism, installing a stop on the forward slide of
the cargo door and reworking the door slide to suit (accommodate) the track stop installation.
Depending on the findings of the inspections, additional actions might be necessary including
reworking the door mechanism pivot, upgrading the door operating rod, or fitting a door handle
with an integral stop.

The FAA is issuing this AD to address excessive wear in the forward slide of the cargo door. The
unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in the cargo door separating from the airplane
during flight, with potential loss of control of the airplane.

You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at regulations.gov under Docket No.
FAA-2024-0035.

Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive

Comments
The FAA received no comments on the NPRM or on the determination of the costs.

Conclusion
These products have been approved by the aviation authority of another country and are approved
for operation in the United States. Pursuant to the FAA's bilateral agreement with this State of
Design Authority, it has notified the FAA of the unsafe condition described in the MCAI referenced
above. The FAA reviewed the relevant data and determined that air safety requires adopting this AD
as proposed. Accordingly, the FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these
products. This AD is adopted as proposed in the NPRM.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

The FAA reviewed GippsAero Service Bulletin SB-GA8-2005-23, Issue 8, dated October 11, 2023
(GippsAero SB-GA8-2005-23, Issue 8). This service information specifies procedures for installing
a backing plate on the forward slide of the cargo door; inspecting the forward slide of the cargo door

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for excessive wear; inspecting the cargo door latching mechanism for contact between the operating
rod and door handle pivot post, inspecting the threaded studs and rod ends at both ends of the
operating rod for bending, and checking the cargo door handle engagement with the catch;
reworking the cargo door handle pivot post; reworking the door operating rod; inspecting the door
handle to determine if an integrated stop is installed and checking for excessive play; and inspecting
the center rail of the cargo door to determine if an aft stop is installed, installing an aft stop, and
reworking the center rail of the cargo door to accommodate the track stop.

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 ADDRESSES .

Differences Between This AD and the MCAI[

The MCAI applicability is Gippsland Aeronautics Model GA8 Series airplanes, all serial numbers.
The applicability in this AD is GA8 Airvan (Pty) Ltd Model GA8 and GA8-TC320 airplanes because
the FAA type certificate specifies GA8 Airvan (Pty) Ltd instead of Gippsland Aeronautics and
specifies Model GA8 and GA8-TC320 airplanes instead of Model GA8 Series airplanes.

The MCAI requires doing the actions in Gippsland Aeronautics mandatory service bulletin SB-
GA8-2005-23 Issue 7, dated May 30, 2023. This AD requires doing the actions in GippsAero SB-
GA8-2005-23, Issue 8. After the MCAI was published, the manufacturer issued GippsAero SB-
GA8-2005-23, Issue 8, which was revised to provide clarification regarding the actions and
compliance schedule. The title page of GippsAero SB-GA8-2005-23, Issue 8, specifies GippsAero
instead of Gippsland Aeronautics.

Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD affects 61 airplanes of U.S. registry.

The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD. The corresponding letter and
number in parenthesis refer to the specific paragraph in GippsAero SB-GA8-2005-23, Issue 8.

Estimated Costs

Parts Cost per Cost on U.S.

Action Labor cost
cost product operators
Installing forward cargo 0.50 work-hour × $85 $175 $217.50 $13,267.50.
door slide backing plate per hour = $42.50
(A1)

Inspecting forward cargo 0.25 work-hour × $85 0 $21.25 per $1,296.25 per
door slide wear (A2) per hour = $21.25 per inspection inspection cycle.
inspection cycle cycle
Inspecting cargo door 1 work-hour × $85 per 0 $85 per $5,185 per
latching mechanism (B1) hour = $85 per inspection inspection cycle.
inspection cycle cycle

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Parts Cost per Cost on U.S.

Action Labor cost
cost product operators
Inspecting cargo door 0.75 work-hour × $85 0 $63.75 $3,88.75.
handle and inspecting for per hour = $63.75
excessive play (C)
Inspecting cargo door 1 work-hour × $85 per 0 $85 $5,185.
center rail (D1) hour = $85

The FAA estimates the following costs to do any necessary actions that would be required based on
the results of the inspections. The agency has no way of determining the number of airplanes that
might need these actions. The corresponding letter and number in parenthesis refer to the specific
paragraph in GippsAero SB-GA8-2005-23, Issue 8.

On-Condition Costs

Parts Cost per

Action Labor cost
cost product
Inspecting/replacing forward cargo door slide (A1, 0.50 work-hour × $175 $217.50.
Steps 2 through 4), corrective action for (A2) $85 per hour =
$42.50

Reworking cargo door pivot (B2) and reworking/ 2 work-hours × 630 800.
replacing door operating rod assembly (B3) $85 per hour =
$170
Replacing door handle/handle bush (C) 1 work-hour × 267 352.
$85 per hour =
$85

Replacing cargo door center rail/slide-center and 2 work-hours × 152 322.

backing plate (D1) and reworking cargo door $85 per hour =
center rail and backing plate (D2) $170

The FAA has included all known costs in its cost estimate. According to the manufacturer, however,
some of the costs of this AD may be covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost impact on
affected operators.

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,

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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
The FAA has 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.

For the reasons discussed above, I certify that 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

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.

§ 39.13 [Amended]

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:

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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
Action Compliance time
Instructions of GippsAero
SB-GA8-2005-23, Issue 8
12.1, A1, steps 1 and 2, for Inspect for the existence of a Inspect within 50 hours time-
backing plate inspection, backing plate on the forward in-service (TIS) or 2 months
except where Figure 1 in step 1 slide of the cargo door. If a after the effective date of this
specifies to remove and backing plate is not installed, AD, whichever occurs first.
discard the vertical bolt, install a backing plate on the Install, measure, and replace

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Paragraphs in
Accomplishment
Action Compliance time
Instructions of GippsAero
SB-GA8-2005-23, Issue 8
remove the vertical bolt from forward slide of the cargo before further flight after the
service Steps 3 through 7, if a door, measure the groove inspection.
backing plate is not installed 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

12.2, A2, steps 1 and 2 for the Inspect for wear of the Inspect for wear within 100
inspection 12.2, A2, step 3 or forward slide of the cargo hours TIS or 2 months after
4, and 12.1, A1, steps 2 door by inserting a slide the effective date of this AD,
through 4, for the follow-on gauge or feeler gauge to whichever occurs first, and
inspection and replacement measure the clearance thereafter at intervals not to
between the forward slide exceed 100 hours TIS or 12
and the cargo door track. If a months, whichever occurs first
gap is found, measure the after the most recent
groove width of the forward inspection. Measure the
slide and replace the slide if groove width and replace the
the groove width exceeds slide before further flight after
0.145 inch at any point or is each inspection as necessary.
cracked or worn beyond
limits
12.3, B1, steps 1 through 6 for Inspect the cargo door Inspect within 50 hours TIS or
the inspections 12.3, B1, steps mechanism for contact 2 months after the effective
2, 3i, and 3ii; 12.4, B2, steps 1 between the operating rod date of this AD, whichever
through 5; and 12.5, B3, steps and cargo door handle pivot occurs first and thereafter at
1 through 12 for the corrective post, inspect the threaded intervals not to exceed 100
actions studs and rod ends at both hours TIS or 12 months,
ends of the operating rod for whichever occurs first after the
bending, and inspect the most recent inspection.
cargo door handle Perform all applicable
engagement with the catch. corrective actions before
Perform all applicable further flight.
corrective actions
12.6, C, steps 1 through 6 Inspect the cargo door handle Within 150 hours TIS or 4
to determine if an integrated months after the effective date
stop is installed and if an of this AD, whichever occurs
integrated stop is not first. Perform the installation
installed, install a cargo door and replacement, as necessary,
handle with an integrated before further flight after the
stop. Inspect the cargo door inspection.
handle for beyond normal
play and replace the handle
bush if the door handle has
beyond normal play

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Paragraphs in
Accomplishment
Action Compliance time
Instructions of GippsAero
SB-GA8-2005-23, Issue 8
12.7, D1, steps 1 through 10 Inspect the center rail of the Within 50 hours TIS or 2
for the center rail cargo door cargo door to determine if a months after the effective date
inspection and installation center rail aft stop is installed of this AD, whichever occurs
12.8, D2, steps 1 through 2, and if a center rail aft stop is first.
for any necessary follow-on not installed, install an aft
rework stop before further flight

(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-
[email protected]. 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:
[email protected].

(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:
[email protected].

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(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/[email protected].

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

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