Airworthiness directives: Raytheon,
[Federal Register: August 14, 2002 (Volume 67, Number 157)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Page 52894-52896]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr14au02-34]
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 2002-CE-07-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Raytheon Aircraft Company Beech Models 36, A36, A36TC, B36TC, 58, and 58A Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
SUMMARY: This document proposes to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2000-26-16, which applies to certain Raytheon Aircraft Company (Raytheon) Beech Models A36, B36TC, and 58 airplanes. AD 2000-26-16 currently requires you to inspect for missing rivets on the right hand side of the fuselage and, if necessary, install rivets. AD 2000-26-16 resulted from Raytheon identifying several instances of missing rivets on these airplanes. AD 2000-26-16 incorporated an incorrect listing of serial numbers for the affected model airplanes and omitted certain airplane models from the applicability section of AD 2000-26-16. This proposed AD would retain the actions required in AD 2000-26-16 and correct the applicability section. The actions specified by this proposed AD are intended to detect and correct missing rivets in the right hand fuselage panel assembly in the area above the right wing and below the cabin door threshold. These rivets must be present for the fuselage to carry the ultimate load and prevent critical structural failure with loss of airplane control.
DATES: The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) must receive any comments on this proposed rule on or before October 18, 2002.
ADDRESSES: Submit comments to FAA, Central Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, Attention: Rules Docket No. 2002-CE-07-AD, 901 Locust, Room 506, Kansas City, Missouri 64106. You may view any comments at this location between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. You may also send comments electronically to the following address: 9-ACE-7-Docket@faa.gov. Comments sent electronically must contain ``Docket No. 2002-CE-07-AD'' in the subject line. If you send comments electronically as attached electronic files, the files must be formatted in Microsoft Word 97 for Windows or ASCII text.
You may get service information that applies to this proposed AD from Raytheon Aircraft Company, 9709 E. Central, Wichita, Kansas 67201- 0085; telephone: (800) 429-5372 or (316) 676-3140. You may also view this information at the Rules Docket at the address above.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: T.N. Baktha, Aerospace Engineer, FAA, Wichita Aircraft Certification Office, 1801 Airport Road, Mid-Continent Airport, Wichita, Kansas 67209; telephone: (316) 946-4155; facsimile: (316) 946-4407.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
How Do I Comment on This Proposed AD?
The FAA invites comments on this proposed rule. You may submit whatever written data, views, or arguments you choose. You need to include the rule's docket number and submit your comments to the address specified under the caption ADDRESSES. We will consider all comments received on or before the closing date. We may amend this proposed rule in light of comments received. Factual information that supports your ideas and suggestions is extremely helpful in evaluating the effectiveness of this proposed AD action and determining whether we need to take additional rulemaking action.
Are There Any Specific Portions of This Proposed AD I Should Pay Attention To?
The FAA specifically invites comments on the overall regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this proposed rule that might suggest a need to modify the rule. You may view all comments we receive before and after the closing date of the rule in the Rules Docket. We will file a report in the Rules Docket that summarizes each contact we have with the public that concerns the substantive parts of this proposed AD.
How Can I Be Sure FAA Receives My Comment?
If you want FAA to acknowledge the receipt of your mailed comments, you must include a self-addressed, stamped
[[Page 52895]]
postcard. On the postcard, write ``Comments to Docket No. 2002-CE-07- AD.'' We will date stamp and mail the postcard back to you.
Discussion
Has FAA Taken Any Action to This Point?
Raytheon production and inspection personnel identified several instances of missing rivets on Models A36, B36TC, and 58 airplanes. The missing rivets are the result of a quality control problem. This condition caused us to issue AD 2000-26-16, Amendment 39-12066 (66 FR 1253, January 8, 2001). AD 2000-26-16 requires you to inspect for missing rivets on the right hand fuselage and if necessary, install rivets.
What Has Happened Since AD 2000-26-16 To Initiate This Action?
Raytheon notified FAA that the airplane models and serial numbers listed in Raytheon Mandatory Service Bulletin SB 53-3341, Rev. 1, Revised: May, 2000, and the applicability section of AD 2000-26-16 are incorrect. The serial number designations did not correctly refer to the applicable airplane models. We are correcting this in this document.
The FAA's Determination and an Explanation of the Provisions of This Proposed AD What Has FAA Decided?
After examining the circumstances and reviewing all available information related to the incidents described above, we have determined that:
--The unsafe condition referenced in this document exists or could develop on other Raytheon Beech Models 36, A36, A36TC, B36TC, 58, and 58A airplanes of the same type design; --The applicability of AD 2000-26-16 should be changed as discussed earlier; and --AD action should be taken in order to correct this unsafe condition.
What Would This Proposed AD Require?
This proposed AD would supersede AD 2000-26-16 with a new AD that would retain the actions required in AD 2000-26-16 and add certain airplane models to the applicability section of this proposed AD.
Cost Impact
How Many Airplanes Would This Proposed AD Impact?
We estimate that this proposed AD affects 3632 airplanes in the U.S. registry.
What Would Be the Cost Impact of This Proposed AD on Owners/Operators of the Affected Airplanes?
We estimate the following costs to accomplish the proposed inspection:
Total cost on U.S. Labor cost
Parts cost
Total cost per airplane
operators
1 workhour x $60 per hour = $60.... No parts required for $60 per airplane....... $60 x 3632 = the inspection.
$217,920.
We estimate the following costs to accomplish the modification if necessary:
Labor cost
Parts cost
Total cost per airplane
4 workhours x $60 per hour = $240...... $100 per airplane.......... $340 per airplane.
What Is the Difference Between the Cost Impact of This Proposed AD and the Cost Impact of AD 2000-26-16?
The only difference between this proposed AD and AD 2000-26-16 is the correction to the applicability. No additional actions are being proposed. The FAA has determined that this proposed AD action does not increase the cost impact over that already required by AD 2000-26-16.
Regulatory Impact
Would This Proposed AD Impact Various Entities?
The regulations proposed herein would 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 proposed rule would not have federalism implications under Executive Order 13132.
Would This Proposed AD Involve a Significant Rule or Regulatory Action?
For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this proposed 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) if promulgated, 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 draft regulatory evaluation prepared for this action has been placed 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, Safety.
The Proposed Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration proposes to amend 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) 2000-26-16, Amendment 39-12066 (66 FR 1253, January 8, 2001), and by adding a new AD to read as follows:
Raytheon Aircraft Company: Docket No. 2002-CE-07AD; Supersedes AD 2000-26-16, Amendment 39-12066.
(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.
(1) Group 1:
A36................................ E-185 through E-3231 and E- 3233.
B36TC.............................. EA-242 and EA-273 through EA- 635.
58................................. TH-1 through TH-1811 and TH- 1813 through TH-1897. (2) Group 2:
36................................. E-1 through E-184.
A36TC.............................. EA-1 through EA-241 and EA-243 through EA-272.
58A................................ TH-1 through TH-1811 and TH- 1813 through TH-1897.
[[Page 52896]]
(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 detect and correct missing rivets in the right hand fuselage panel assembly in the area above the right wing and below the cabin door threshold. These rivets must be present for the fuselage to carry the ultimate load and prevent critical structural failure with loss of control of the airplane.
(d) What actions must I accomplish to address this problem? To address this problem, you must accomplish the following, unless already accomplished:
Actions
Compliance
Procedures
(1) For Group airplanes: Within the next 100 In accordance with inspect for up to 9 missing hours time-in-
the ACCOMPLISHMENT rivets between fuselage service (TIS) after INSTRUCTIONS station (F.S.) 83.00 and February 16, 2001 paragraph of F.S. 91.00 at water line (the effective date Raytheon Mandatory (W.L.) 90.3.
of AD 200-26-16). Service Bulletin SB 53-3341. Revision 1, Revised: May 2000, and the Bonanza Series Maintenance Manual or Baron Model 58 Series Maintenance Manual.
(2) For Group 2 airplanes: Within the next 100 In accordance with inspector for up to 9
hours time-in-
the ACCOMPLISHMENT missing rivets between
service after the INSTRUCTIONS fuselage station (F.S.) effective date of paragraph of 83.00 and F.S. 91.00 at this AD.
Raytheon Mandatory water line (W.L.) 90.3.
Service Bulletin SB 53-3341, Revision 1, Revised: May 2000, and the Bonanza Series Maintenance Manual.
(3) For all affected
Before further
In accordance with airplanes: if you find
flight after the the ACCOMPLISHMENT rivets are missing, install inspection.
INSTRUCTIONS these rivets.
paragraph of Raytheon Mandatory Service Bulletin SB 53-3341l Revision 1, Revised: May 200, and the Bonanza Series Maintenance Manual or Baron Model 58 Series Maintenance Manual.
(e) 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, Wichita Aircraft 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, Wichita ACO.
(2) Alternative methods of compliance approved in accordance with AD 2000-26-16, which is superseded by this AD, are approved as alternative methods of compliance with 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 (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 methods of compliance? Contact T.N. Baktha, Aerospace Engineer, FAA, Wichita Aircraft Certification Office, 1801 Airport Road, Mid-Continent Airport, Wichita, Kansas 67209; telephone: (316) 946-4155; facsimile: (316) 946-4407.
(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) How do I get copies of the documents referenced in this AD? You may get copies of the documents referenced in this AD from Raytheon Aircraft Company, P.O. Box 85, Wichita, Kansas 67201-0085; telephone: (800) 429-5372 or (316) 676-3140. You may view these documents at FAA, Central Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, 901 Locust, Room 506, Kansas City, Missouri 64106.
(i) Does this AD action affect any existing AD actions? This amendment supersedes AD 2000-26-16, Amendment 39-12066.
Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on August 6, 2002. Michael Gallagher, Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 02-20519Filed8-13-02; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
