Airworthiness directives: Fairchild,

[Federal Register: April 17, 2002 (Volume 67, Number 74)]

[Rules and Regulations]

[Page 18813-18815]

From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

[DOCID:fr17ap02-6]

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2001-CE-17-AD; Amendment 39-12708; AD 2002-08-01]

RIN 2120-AA64

Airworthiness Directives; Fairchild Aircraft, Inc. SA226 and SA227 Series Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) that applies to certain Fairchild Aircraft, Inc. (Fairchild) SA226 and SA227 series airplanes equipped with Skidmore-Wilheim Manufacturing Co. (Skidmore-Wilheim) (formerly Hydromotive) Model V1-15-1000 brake master cylinders. This AD requires you to replace these brake master cylinders with new or overhauled units of the same design. This AD is the result of reports of dragging brakes during taxi operations. The actions specified by this AD are intended to correct and prevent future malfunctioning brake master cylinders. Malfunctioning brake master cylinders could cause dragging brakes, which can result in overheated brakes and a wheelwell fire if the dragging takes place during takeoff and the gear is later retracted.

DATES: This AD becomes effective on June 6, 2002.

The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in the regulations as of June 6, 2002.

ADDRESSES: You may get the service information referenced in this AD from Fairchild Aircraft, Inc., P.O. Box 790490, San Antonio, Texas 78279-0490; telephone: (210) 824-9421; facsimile: (210) 820-8609. You may view this information at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Central Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, Attention: Rules Docket No. 2001-CE-17-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: Werner Koch, Aerospace Engineer, FAA, Airplane Certification Office, 2601 Meacham Boulevard, Fort Worth, Texas 76193-0150; telephone: (817) 222-5133; facsimile: (817) 222-5960.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Discussion

What Events Have Caused This AD?

The FAA received several reports of dragging brakes on Fairchild SA226 series airplanes when the brake pedals were operated during taxi operations. After troubleshooting by maintenance personnel, the problem was traced to the brake master cylinder. Disassembly of the malfunctioning master cylinders revealed broken check valve spring washers that, together with the action of the shuttle valve, prevented the release of brake pressure. Based on observed failures, FAA has determined that the brake master cylinders should be replaced at intervals of 15,000 hours time-in-service.

What Is the Potential Impact if FAA Took No Action?

This condition, if not detected or corrected, could cause dragging brakes, which can result in overheated brakes and cause an in-flight wheelwell fire if the dragging takes place during takeoff and the gear is later retracted.

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 Fairchild SA226 and SA227 series airplanes equipped with Skidmore-Wilheim Model V1-15-1000 brake master cylinders. This proposal was published in the Federal Register as a supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) on December 20, 2001 (66 FR 65663). The supplemental NPRM proposed to required you replace these brake master cylinders with new or overhauled units of the same design.

Was the Public Invited To Comment?

The FAA encouraged interested persons to participate in the making of this amendment. We did not receive any comments on the supplemental proposed rule or on our determination of the cost to the public.

FAA's Determination

What Is FAA's Final Determination on This Issue?

After careful review of all available information related to the subject presented above, we have determined that air safety and the public interest require the adoption of the rule as proposed except for minor editorial corrections. We have determined that these minor corrections:

--provide the intent that was proposed in the supplemental NPRM for correcting the unsafe condition; and

[[Page 18814]]

--do not add any additional burden upon the public than was already proposed in the supplemental NPRM.

Cost Impact

How Many Airplanes Does This AD Impact?

We estimate that this AD affects 140 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 replacements:

New or overhauled parts Labor cost

cost (4 parts for each Total cost per Total cost on U.S. aircraft required)

airplane

operators

8 workhours x $60 per hour = $480..... 4 parts x $200 = $800...

$1,280 140 x $1,280 = $179,200.

Regulatory Impact

Does This AD Impact Various Entities?

The regulations adopted herein 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. Therefore, it is determined that this final rule does not have federalism implications under Executive Order 13132.

Does This AD Involve a Significant Rule or Regulatory Action?

For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this action (1) is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order 12866; (2) is not a ``significant rule'' under 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. A copy of the final evaluation prepared for this action is contained in the Rules Docket. A copy of it may be obtained by contacting the Rules Docket at the location provided under the caption ADDRESSES.

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 adding a new AD to read as follows:

   2002-08-01 Fairchild Aircraft, Inc.: Amendment 39-12708; Docket No. 2001-CE-17-AD.

   (a) What airplanes are affected by this AD? This AD affects the following airplane models and serial numbers that are certificated in any category:

   Model

   Serial Nos.

   SA226-AT.................................. All. SA226-T................................... All. SA226-T(B)................................ All. SA226-TC.................................. All. SA227-AC, SA227-AT, and SA227-TT.......... 420 through 583.

   (b) Who must comply with this AD? Anyone who wishes to operate any of the airplanes identified in paragraph (a) of this AD must comply with this AD.

   (c) What problem does this AD address? The actions specified by this AD are intended to correct and prevent future malfunctioning brake master cylinders. Malfunctioning brake master cylinders could cause dragging brakes, which can result in overheated brakes and a wheelwell fire if the dragging takes place during takeoff and the gear is later retracted.

   (d) What actions must I accomplish to address this problem? To address this problem, you must accomplish the following:

   Actions

   Compliance

   Procedures

   Replace the Skidmore-Wilheim Within the next 200 For SA226 series Manufacturing Co. Model V1- hours time-in-

   airplanes, do this 15-1000 brake master

   service (TIS) after action following cylinders with new or

   June 6, 2002 (the the procedures in overhauled Model V1-15-1000 effective date of the applicable brake master cylinders or this AD) or 15,000 maintenance manual. FAA-approved equivalent hours total TIS on Overhaul the brake part numbers.

   the affected brake master cylinders master cylinders, following the whichever occurs procedures in later, unless

   Fairchild Service already

   Bulletin 226-32- accomplished.

   069, Issued: Replace thereafter October 24, 2001. at intervals not to For SA227 series exceed 15,000 hours airplanes, do this TIS.

   action following the procedures in the applicable maintenance manual. Overhaul the brake master cylinders following the procedures in Fairchild Service Bulletin 227-32- 045, Issued: October 24, 2001.

   (e) Can I comply with this AD in any other way? You may use an alternative method of compliance or adjust the compliance time if:

   (1) Your alternative method of compliance provides an equivalent level of safety; and

   (2) The Manager, Fort Worth Airplane Certification Office (ACO), approves your alternative. Submit your request through an FAA Principal Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send it to the Manager, Fort Worth ACO.

   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 (e) 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.

   (f) Where can I get information about any already-approved alternative

   [[Page 18815]]

   methods of compliance? Contact Werner Koch, Aerospace Engineer, FAA, Airplane Certification Office, 2601 Meacham Boulevard, Fort Worth, Texas 76193-0150; telephone: (817) 222-5133; facsimile: (817) 222-5960.

   (g) 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.

   (h) Are any service bulletins incorporated into this AD by reference? Actions required by this AD must be done in accordance with Fairchild Aircraft Service Bulletin 226-32-069 including Overhaul Instructions With Parts Breakdown, Issued: October 24, 2001, and Fairchild Aircraft Service Bulletin 227-32-045 including Overhaul Instructions With Parts Breakdown, Issued: October 24, 2001. The Director of the Federal Register approved this incorporation by reference under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. You can get copies from Fairchild Aircraft, Inc., P.O. Box 790490, San Antonio, Texas 78279-0490. You can look at copies at the 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.

   (i) When does this amendment become effective? This amendment becomes effective on June 6, 2002.

   Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on April 8, 2002. James E. Jackson, Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.

   [FR Doc. 02-8988Filed4-16-02; 8:45 am]

   BILLING CODE 4910-13-U