AD NUMBER: 2019-06-10

PRODUCT: Vulcanair S.p.A. Model AP68TP-300 “SPARTACUS” and Model AP68TP-600 “VIATOR” airplanes.

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

SUMMARY: This AD results from mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) issued by the aviation authority of another country to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an aviation product.

The MCAI describes the unsafe condition as cracks on wing ribs, which could result in reduced structural integrity of the wing assembly.

DATES: This AD is effective April 29, 2019. Comments must be received by May 24, 2019.

COST: The FAA estimates affect 2 products of U.S. registry. Operators may incur the following costs in order to comply with this AD:

Inspection: One work hour X $85 = $85 per airplane

The FAA estimates that any necessary installation of the reinforcement modification would take about 8 work-hours for rib number 3 on each wing; 8 work-hours for rib number 4 on each wing; and 12 work-hours for both ribs numbers 3 and 4 on each wing.

The following are a parts cost estimates per side:

• Kit SI106 (if the required corrective action is the installation of the reinforcement to LH or RH wing rib #3) $240.
• Kit SI107/A (if the required corrective action is the installation of upper and rear reinforcements to LH or RH wing rib number 4 due to no reinforcements existing) $469.
• Kit SI107/B (if the required corrective action is the installation of rear reinforcements to LH or RH wing rib number 4 due to only the upper reinforcement existing) $240.
• Kit SI107/C (if the required corrective action is the installation of upper reinforcement to LH or RH wing rib number 4 due to only the rear reinforcement existing) $240.

Since installation of the reinforcement modification kits can only be done on airplanes where cracks or corrosion was not found during the required inspection, the FAA has no way of knowing how many airplanes may require the installation of the reinforcement modification kits.

Also, damage from cracks or corrosion found during the inspection may vary from airplane to airplane and the cost to repair the damage will vary from airplane to airplane. Therefore, the FAA has no way of knowing how many airplanes may require repair or the cost of that repair.

FMI: AD