Airworthiness Directives; Raytheon Model DH.125, HS.125, and BH.125 Series Airplanes; Model BAe.125 Series 800A (C-29A and U-125), 800B, 1000A, and 1000B Airplanes; and Model Hawker 800 (including variant U-125A), and 1000 Airplanes, 2857-2859 [06-403]
Download as PDF
2857
Rules and Regulations
Federal Register
Vol. 71, No. 11
Wednesday, January 18, 2006
This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER
contains regulatory documents having general
applicability and legal effect, most of which
are keyed to and codified in the Code of
Federal Regulations, which is published under
50 titles pursuant to 44 U.S.C. 1510.
The Code of Federal Regulations is sold by
the Superintendent of Documents. Prices of
new books are listed in the first FEDERAL
REGISTER issue of each week.
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2005–20969; Directorate
Identifier 2005–NM–017–AD; Amendment
39–14443; AD 2006–01–04]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Raytheon
Model DH.125, HS.125, and BH.125
Series Airplanes; Model BAe.125
Series 800A (C–29A and U–125), 800B,
1000A, and 1000B Airplanes; and
Model Hawker 800 (including variant
U–125A), and 1000 Airplanes
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Final rule.
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AGENCY:
SUMMARY: The FAA is superseding an
existing airworthiness directive (AD),
which applies to certain Raytheon
airplanes identified above. That AD
currently requires a visual inspection to
determine whether adequate clearance
exists between the fan venturi motor
casing and the adjacent equipment, and
adjustments, if necessary; and a visual
inspection to detect signs of
overheating, degradation of insulating
materials, and ingestion of debris into
the motor, and replacement of
discrepant parts with serviceable parts.
This new AD instead requires that
operators replace the fan venturi with a
new or modified part. This AD results
from reports that the fan venturi
overheated and produced smoke while
the airplane was on the ground. We are
issuing this AD to prevent heat and fire
damage to equipment adjacent to the fan
venturi, which could result in smoke in
the cabin and/or burning equipment.
DATES: This AD becomes effective
February 22, 2006.
The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
VerDate Aug<31>2005
15:03 Jan 17, 2006
Jkt 208001
of a certain publication listed in the AD
as of February 22, 2006.
ADDRESSES: You may examine the AD
docket on the Internet at https://
dms.dot.gov or in person at the Docket
Management Facility, U.S. Department
of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street
SW., Nassif Building, room PL–401,
Washington, DC.
Contact Raytheon Aircraft Company,
Department 62, P.O. Box 85, Wichita,
Kansas 67201–0085, for service
information identified in this AD.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Philip Petty, Aerospace Engineer,
Electrical Systems and Avionics Branch,
ACE–119W, FAA, Wichita Aircraft
Certification Office, 1801 Airport Road,
room 100, Mid-Continent Airport,
Wichita, Kansas 67209; telephone (316)
946–4139; fax (316) 946–4107.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Examining the Docket
You may examine the airworthiness
directive (AD) docket on the Internet at
https://dms.dot.gov or in person at the
Docket Management Facility office
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday
through Friday, except Federal holidays.
The Docket Management Facility office
(telephone (800) 647–5227) is located on
the plaza level of the Nassif Building at
the street address stated in the
ADDRESSES section.
Discussion
The FAA issued a notice of proposed
rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR
part 39 to include an AD that
supersedes AD 94–11–03, amendment
39–8919 (59 FR 27231, May 26, 1994).
The existing AD applies to certain
Raytheon Corporate Jets Model DH/BH/
HS BAe 125 and Hawker 800 and 1000
series airplanes. That NPRM was
published in the Federal Register on
April 18, 2005 (70 FR 20080). That
NPRM proposed to require replacing the
fan venturi with a new or modified part.
Comments
We provided the public the
opportunity to participate in the
development of this AD. We have
considered the comments from one
commenter that have been received on
the NPRM.
Request for Parts AD
The commenter requests that a
determination be made as to whether
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Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
the defective parts are installed on other
aircraft, particularly those manufactured
by Israel Aircraft Industries. If so, then
consideration should be given to making
the NPRM applicable to the Honeywell
part, rather than the airframe on which
it is installed or, alternatively, to the
Honeywell part and the identified
airframes.
The FAA considered the commenter’s
request. In this particular case, the
unsafe condition is caused by the
combination of a part that can overheat
and the particular installation allowing
it to be close to surrounding material
that could burn. We have contacted the
Civil Aviation Administration of Israel
(CAAI) to determine if the unsafe
condition identified in this AD may also
occur on airplanes manufactured by
Israel Aircraft Industries. If the CAAI
determines that the unsafe condition
could exist on additional airplanes, we
will consider further rulemaking. No
change to the final rule is necessary in
this regard.
Request To Reference Parts
Manufacturer Approval (PMA) Parts
The same commenter also requests
that the language in the NPRM be
changed to permit installation of PMA
equivalent parts. The commenter states
that the mandated installation of a
certain part number ‘‘is at variance with
FAR 21.303,’’ which permits the
installation of other (PMA) parts.
We infer that the commenter would
like the AD to permit installation of any
equivalent PMA parts so that it is not
necessary for an operator to request
approval of an alternative method of
compliance (AMOC) in order to install
an ‘‘equivalent’’ PMA part. Whether an
alternative part is ‘‘equivalent’’ in
adequately resolving the unsafe
condition can only be determined on a
case-by-case basis based on a complete
understanding of the unsafe condition.
We are not currently aware of any such
parts. Our policy is that, in order for
operators to replace a part with one that
is not specified in the AD, they must
request an AMOC. This is necessary so
that we can make a specific
determination that an alternative part is
or is not susceptible to the same unsafe
condition.
In response to the commenter’s
statement regarding a ‘‘variance with
FAR 21.303,’’ under which the FAA
issues parts manufacturer approvals
(PMA), this statement appears to reflect
E:\FR\FM\18JAR1.SGM
18JAR1
2858
Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 11 / Wednesday, January 18, 2006 / Rules and Regulations
a misunderstanding of the relationship
between ADs and the certification
procedural regulations of part 21 of the
FARs (14 CFR part 21). Those
regulations, including section 21.303 of
the FARs (14 CFR 21.303), are intended
to ensure that aeronautical products and
parts are safe. But ADs are issued when,
notwithstanding those procedures, we
become aware of unsafe conditions in
these products or parts. Therefore, an
AD takes precedence over other
‘‘approvals’’ when we identify an unsafe
condition, and mandating installation of
a certain part number in an AD is not
at variance with section § 21.303.
The AD provides a means of
compliance for operators to ensure that
the identified unsafe condition is
addressed appropriately. For an unsafe
condition attributable to a part, the AD
normally identifies the replacement
parts necessary to obtain that
compliance. As stated in section 39.7 of
the FARs (14 CFR 39.7), ‘‘Anyone who
operates a product that does not meet
the requirements of an applicable
airworthiness directive is in violation of
this section.’’ Unless an operator obtains
approval for an AMOC, replacing a part
with one not specified by the AD would
make the operator subject to an
enforcement action and result in a civil
penalty. No change to the AD is
necessary in this regard.
Request To Address Defective PMA
Parts
The same commenter also requests
that the NPRM be revised to cover
possible defective PMA alternative
parts, rather than just a single part
number, so that those defective PMA
parts also are subject to the proposed
AD. The commenter notes that because
there is at least one known PMA part for
a modified fan venturi, there also may
be other PMA parts for the older,
unmodified venturi. The commenter
states that in the case of this NPRM, the
PMA holder is also the supplier to the
airplane manufacturer, so the parts are
numbered identically. However, the
commenter adds that this is not usually
the case, and states that PMA
manufacturers are encouraged—and in
some cases, required—to identify PMA
parts by alternative designations.
We concur with the commenter’s
general request that, if we know that an
unsafe condition also exists in PMA
parts, the AD should address those
parts, as well as the original parts. As
the commenter states, in this case, the
identified PMA part has the same part
number as the original, and is therefore
subject to the requirements of this AD.
We are not aware of other PMA parts
that have a different part number. The
commenter’s remarks are timely in that
the Transport Airplane Directorate
currently is in the process of reviewing
this issue as it applies to transport
category airplanes. We acknowledge
that there may be other ways of
addressing this issue to ensure that
unsafe PMA parts are identified and
addressed. Once we have thoroughly
examined all aspects of this issue,
including input from industry, and have
made a final determination, we will
consider whether our policy regarding
addressing PMA parts in ADs needs to
be revised. We consider that to delay
this AD action would be inappropriate,
since we have determined that an
unsafe condition exists and that
replacement of certain parts must be
accomplished to ensure continued
safety. Therefore, no change has been
made to the final rule in this regard.
Request To Consider Broader Aspects
of an Identified Problem
The commenter also notes that the use
of alternative PMA parts is becoming
increasingly common, and admonishes
the FAA to take note of this fact. The
commenter suggests that the FAA view
the service bulletin as a starting point
for further research into the problem.
The commenter concludes that simply
adopting the manufacturers’ service
bulletins could result in severe safety
compromises unless due consideration
is given to the broader aspects of an
identified problem.
Although the commenter’s remarks
above do not specifically request a
change to this AD, we would like to
clarify that we do use service bulletins
as starting points for our research into
the development of an AD, when they
are available, because of the original
equipment manufacturer (OEM’s)
expertise and broad knowledge of the
product. Often, service information may
not even be available that addresses a
particular identified unsafe condition.
In all cases, we may also consult with
other aeronautical experts, specialists,
and vendors, and we may research
databases, reports, testing results, etc.,
to ensure that the unsafe condition is
addressed in an appropriate and timely
manner. No change has been made to
this AD as a result of the commenter’s
remarks in the previous paragraph.
Clarification of AMOC Paragraph
We have revised this action to clarify
the appropriate procedure for notifying
the principal inspector before using any
approved AMOC on any airplane to
which the AMOC applies.
Conclusion
We have carefully reviewed the
available data, including the comments
received, and determined that air safety
and the public interest require adopting
the AD with the change described
previously. We have determined that
this change will neither increase the
economic burden on any operator nor
increase the scope of the AD.
Costs of Compliance
There are about 500 airplanes of the
affected design worldwide. This AD will
affect about 350 airplanes of U.S.
registry. The following table provides
the estimated costs for U.S. operators to
comply with this AD.
ESTIMATED COSTS
Action
Option 1: Replacement ....................................................................................
Option 2: Modification ......................................................................................
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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
VerDate Aug<31>2005
15:03 Jan 17, 2006
Jkt 208001
Average labor
rate per hour
Work hours
4
8
detail the scope of the Agency’s
authority.
We are 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
PO 00000
Frm 00002
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
$65
65
Parts
$12,487
2,269
Cost per
airplane
$12,747
2,789
promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in
air commerce by prescribing regulations
for practices, 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
E:\FR\FM\18JAR1.SGM
18JAR1
Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 11 / Wednesday, January 18, 2006 / Rules and Regulations
that is likely to exist or develop on
products identified in this rulemaking
action.
Regulatory Findings
We have 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) 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.
We prepared a regulatory evaluation
of the estimated costs to comply with
this AD and placed it in the AD docket.
See the ADDRESSES section for a location
to examine the regulatory evaluation.
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 FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as
follows:
I
PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS
DIRECTIVES
1. The authority citation for part 39
continues to read as follows:
I
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
§ 39.13
[Amended]
2. The Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA) amends § 39.13
by removing amendment 39–8919 (59
FR 27231, May 26, 1994) and by adding
the following new airworthiness
directive (AD):
I
erjones on PROD1PC68 with RULES
2006–01–04 Raytheon Aircraft Company:
Amendment 39–14443. Docket No.
FAA–2005–20969; Directorate Identifier
2005–NM–017–AD.
Effective Date
(a) This AD becomes effective February 22,
2006.
Affected ADs
(b) This AD supersedes AD 94–11–03.
VerDate Aug<31>2005
15:03 Jan 17, 2006
Jkt 208001
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to Raytheon Model
DH.125, HS.125, and BH.125 series airplanes;
Model BAe.125 Series 800A (C–29A and U–
125), 800B, 1000A, and 1000B airplanes; and
Model Hawker 800 (including variant U–
125A), and 1000 airplanes, certificated in any
category; as identified in Raytheon Service
Bulletin SB 21–3669, dated December 2004.
Unsafe Condition
(d) This AD results from reports indicating
that the fan venturi overheated and produced
smoke while the airplane was on the ground.
We are issuing this AD to prevent heat and
fire damage to equipment adjacent to the fan
venturi, which could result in smoke in the
cabin and/or burning equipment.
Compliance
(e) You are responsible for having the
actions required by this AD performed within
the compliance times specified, unless the
actions have already been done.
Modification or Replacement
(f) Within 1,200 flight hours or 24 months
after the effective date of this AD, whichever
occurs first, do the action in either paragraph
(f)(1) or (f)(2) of this AD in accordance with
the Accomplishment Instructions of
Raytheon Service Bulletin SB 21–3669, dated
December 2004.
(1) Modify the existing fan venturi part
number (P/N) 132322–2–1 by installing an
improved motor, P/N 207640–34.
(2) Replace the existing fan venturi P/N
132322–2–1 with a new fan venturi P/N
132322–3–1.
Note 1: Raytheon Service Bulletin SB 21–
3669 refers to Honeywell Service Bulletin
132322–21–4041, Revision 2, dated August
20, 2004, as an additional source of service
information for doing the modification. The
Raytheon service bulletin includes the
Honeywell service bulletin.
Parts Installation
(g) As of the effective date of this AD, no
person may install a fan venturi, P/N
132322–2–1, on any airplane unless the fan
venturi has been modified in accordance
with paragraph (f)(1) of this AD; or unless the
fan venturi has a new P/N in accordance with
paragraph (f)(2) of this AD.
Alternative Method of Compliance (AMOC)
(h)(1) The Manager, Wichita Aircraft
Certification Office, FAA, has the authority to
approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested in
accordance with the procedures found in 14
CFR 39.19.
(2) Before using any AMOC approved in
accordance with 14 CFR 39.19 on any
airplane to which the AMOC applies, notify
the appropriate principal inspector in the
FAA Flight Standards Certificate Holding
District Office.
Material Incorporated by Reference
(i) You must use Raytheon Service Bulletin
SB 21–3669, dated December 2004, including
Honeywell Service Bulletin 132322–21–4041,
Revision 2, dated August 20, 2004, to
perform the actions that are required by this
AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise. The
PO 00000
Frm 00003
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
2859
Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference of this document
in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR
part 51. Contact Raytheon Aircraft Company,
Department 62, P.O. Box 85, Wichita, Kansas
67201–0085, for a copy of this service
information. You may review copies at the
Docket Management Facility, U.S.
Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh
Street SW., room PL–401, Nassif Building,
Washington, DC; on the Internet at https://
dms.dot.gov; or at the National Archives and
Records Administration (NARA). For
information on the availability of this
material at the NARA, call (202) 741–6030,
or go to https://www.archives.gov/
federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/
ibr_locations.html.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on
December 23, 2005.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate,
Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 06–403 Filed 1–17–06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 2002–NM–105–AD; Amendment
39–14441; AD 2006–01–02]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; McDonnell
Douglas Model DC–9–14, DC–9–15,
and DC–9–15F Airplanes; Model DC–9–
20, DC–9–30, DC–9–40, and DC–9–50
Series Airplanes; Model DC–9–81 (MD–
81), DC–9–82 (MD–82), DC–9–83 (MD–
83), and DC–9–87 (MD–87) Airplanes;
Model MD–88 Airplanes; and Model
MD–90–30 Airplanes
Federal Aviation
Administration, DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a
new airworthiness directive (AD),
applicable to certain McDonnell
Douglas transport category airplanes,
that requires an inspection of the upper
lock link assembly of the nose landing
gear (NLG) to determine the
manufacturer, repetitive eddy current
inspections for cracking, and
modification or replacement if
necessary. This AD also provides for
optional terminating action for the
repetitive inspections. The actions
specified by this AD are intended to
prevent fracture of the upper lock link
assembly of the NLG, which could
result in failure of the NLG to extend
following a gear-down selection, and
consequent gear-up landing, structural
damage, and possible injury to
E:\FR\FM\18JAR1.SGM
18JAR1
Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 11 (Wednesday, January 18, 2006)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 2857-2859]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 06-403]
========================================================================
Rules and Regulations
Federal Register
________________________________________________________________________
This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains regulatory documents
having general applicability and legal effect, most of which are keyed
to and codified in the Code of Federal Regulations, which is published
under 50 titles pursuant to 44 U.S.C. 1510.
The Code of Federal Regulations is sold by the Superintendent of Documents.
Prices of new books are listed in the first FEDERAL REGISTER issue of each
week.
========================================================================
Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 11 / Wednesday, January 18, 2006 /
Rules and Regulations
[[Page 2857]]
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2005-20969; Directorate Identifier 2005-NM-017-AD;
Amendment 39-14443; AD 2006-01-04]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Raytheon Model DH.125, HS.125, and
BH.125 Series Airplanes; Model BAe.125 Series 800A (C-29A and U-125),
800B, 1000A, and 1000B Airplanes; and Model Hawker 800 (including
variant U-125A), and 1000 Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Final rule.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The FAA is superseding an existing airworthiness directive
(AD), which applies to certain Raytheon airplanes identified above.
That AD currently requires a visual inspection to determine whether
adequate clearance exists between the fan venturi motor casing and the
adjacent equipment, and adjustments, if necessary; and a visual
inspection to detect signs of overheating, degradation of insulating
materials, and ingestion of debris into the motor, and replacement of
discrepant parts with serviceable parts. This new AD instead requires
that operators replace the fan venturi with a new or modified part.
This AD results from reports that the fan venturi overheated and
produced smoke while the airplane was on the ground. We are issuing
this AD to prevent heat and fire damage to equipment adjacent to the
fan venturi, which could result in smoke in the cabin and/or burning
equipment.
DATES: This AD becomes effective February 22, 2006.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in the AD as of February 22,
2006.
ADDRESSES: You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at https://
dms.dot.gov or in person at the Docket Management Facility, U.S.
Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street SW., Nassif Building,
room PL-401, Washington, DC.
Contact Raytheon Aircraft Company, Department 62, P.O. Box 85,
Wichita, Kansas 67201-0085, for service information identified in this
AD.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Philip Petty, Aerospace Engineer,
Electrical Systems and Avionics Branch, ACE-119W, FAA, Wichita Aircraft
Certification Office, 1801 Airport Road, room 100, Mid-Continent
Airport, Wichita, Kansas 67209; telephone (316) 946-4139; fax (316)
946-4107.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Examining the Docket
You may examine the airworthiness directive (AD) docket on the
Internet at https://dms.dot.gov or in person at the Docket Management
Facility office between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday,
except Federal holidays. The Docket Management Facility office
(telephone (800) 647-5227) is located on the plaza level of the Nassif
Building at the street address stated in the ADDRESSES section.
Discussion
The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14
CFR part 39 to include an AD that supersedes AD 94-11-03, amendment 39-
8919 (59 FR 27231, May 26, 1994). The existing AD applies to certain
Raytheon Corporate Jets Model DH/BH/HS BAe 125 and Hawker 800 and 1000
series airplanes. That NPRM was published in the Federal Register on
April 18, 2005 (70 FR 20080). That NPRM proposed to require replacing
the fan venturi with a new or modified part.
Comments
We provided the public the opportunity to participate in the
development of this AD. We have considered the comments from one
commenter that have been received on the NPRM.
Request for Parts AD
The commenter requests that a determination be made as to whether
the defective parts are installed on other aircraft, particularly those
manufactured by Israel Aircraft Industries. If so, then consideration
should be given to making the NPRM applicable to the Honeywell part,
rather than the airframe on which it is installed or, alternatively, to
the Honeywell part and the identified airframes.
The FAA considered the commenter's request. In this particular
case, the unsafe condition is caused by the combination of a part that
can overheat and the particular installation allowing it to be close to
surrounding material that could burn. We have contacted the Civil
Aviation Administration of Israel (CAAI) to determine if the unsafe
condition identified in this AD may also occur on airplanes
manufactured by Israel Aircraft Industries. If the CAAI determines that
the unsafe condition could exist on additional airplanes, we will
consider further rulemaking. No change to the final rule is necessary
in this regard.
Request To Reference Parts Manufacturer Approval (PMA) Parts
The same commenter also requests that the language in the NPRM be
changed to permit installation of PMA equivalent parts. The commenter
states that the mandated installation of a certain part number ``is at
variance with FAR 21.303,'' which permits the installation of other
(PMA) parts.
We infer that the commenter would like the AD to permit
installation of any equivalent PMA parts so that it is not necessary
for an operator to request approval of an alternative method of
compliance (AMOC) in order to install an ``equivalent'' PMA part.
Whether an alternative part is ``equivalent'' in adequately resolving
the unsafe condition can only be determined on a case-by-case basis
based on a complete understanding of the unsafe condition. We are not
currently aware of any such parts. Our policy is that, in order for
operators to replace a part with one that is not specified in the AD,
they must request an AMOC. This is necessary so that we can make a
specific determination that an alternative part is or is not
susceptible to the same unsafe condition.
In response to the commenter's statement regarding a ``variance
with FAR 21.303,'' under which the FAA issues parts manufacturer
approvals (PMA), this statement appears to reflect
[[Page 2858]]
a misunderstanding of the relationship between ADs and the
certification procedural regulations of part 21 of the FARs (14 CFR
part 21). Those regulations, including section 21.303 of the FARs (14
CFR 21.303), are intended to ensure that aeronautical products and
parts are safe. But ADs are issued when, notwithstanding those
procedures, we become aware of unsafe conditions in these products or
parts. Therefore, an AD takes precedence over other ``approvals'' when
we identify an unsafe condition, and mandating installation of a
certain part number in an AD is not at variance with section Sec.
21.303.
The AD provides a means of compliance for operators to ensure that
the identified unsafe condition is addressed appropriately. For an
unsafe condition attributable to a part, the AD normally identifies the
replacement parts necessary to obtain that compliance. As stated in
section 39.7 of the FARs (14 CFR 39.7), ``Anyone who operates a product
that does not meet the requirements of an applicable airworthiness
directive is in violation of this section.'' Unless an operator obtains
approval for an AMOC, replacing a part with one not specified by the AD
would make the operator subject to an enforcement action and result in
a civil penalty. No change to the AD is necessary in this regard.
Request To Address Defective PMA Parts
The same commenter also requests that the NPRM be revised to cover
possible defective PMA alternative parts, rather than just a single
part number, so that those defective PMA parts also are subject to the
proposed AD. The commenter notes that because there is at least one
known PMA part for a modified fan venturi, there also may be other PMA
parts for the older, unmodified venturi. The commenter states that in
the case of this NPRM, the PMA holder is also the supplier to the
airplane manufacturer, so the parts are numbered identically. However,
the commenter adds that this is not usually the case, and states that
PMA manufacturers are encouraged--and in some cases, required--to
identify PMA parts by alternative designations.
We concur with the commenter's general request that, if we know
that an unsafe condition also exists in PMA parts, the AD should
address those parts, as well as the original parts. As the commenter
states, in this case, the identified PMA part has the same part number
as the original, and is therefore subject to the requirements of this
AD. We are not aware of other PMA parts that have a different part
number. The commenter's remarks are timely in that the Transport
Airplane Directorate currently is in the process of reviewing this
issue as it applies to transport category airplanes. We acknowledge
that there may be other ways of addressing this issue to ensure that
unsafe PMA parts are identified and addressed. Once we have thoroughly
examined all aspects of this issue, including input from industry, and
have made a final determination, we will consider whether our policy
regarding addressing PMA parts in ADs needs to be revised. We consider
that to delay this AD action would be inappropriate, since we have
determined that an unsafe condition exists and that replacement of
certain parts must be accomplished to ensure continued safety.
Therefore, no change has been made to the final rule in this regard.
Request To Consider Broader Aspects of an Identified Problem
The commenter also notes that the use of alternative PMA parts is
becoming increasingly common, and admonishes the FAA to take note of
this fact. The commenter suggests that the FAA view the service
bulletin as a starting point for further research into the problem. The
commenter concludes that simply adopting the manufacturers' service
bulletins could result in severe safety compromises unless due
consideration is given to the broader aspects of an identified problem.
Although the commenter's remarks above do not specifically request
a change to this AD, we would like to clarify that we do use service
bulletins as starting points for our research into the development of
an AD, when they are available, because of the original equipment
manufacturer (OEM's) expertise and broad knowledge of the product.
Often, service information may not even be available that addresses a
particular identified unsafe condition. In all cases, we may also
consult with other aeronautical experts, specialists, and vendors, and
we may research databases, reports, testing results, etc., to ensure
that the unsafe condition is addressed in an appropriate and timely
manner. No change has been made to this AD as a result of the
commenter's remarks in the previous paragraph.
Clarification of AMOC Paragraph
We have revised this action to clarify the appropriate procedure
for notifying the principal inspector before using any approved AMOC on
any airplane to which the AMOC applies.
Conclusion
We have carefully reviewed the available data, including the
comments received, and determined that air safety and the public
interest require adopting the AD with the change described previously.
We have determined that this change will neither increase the economic
burden on any operator nor increase the scope of the AD.
Costs of Compliance
There are about 500 airplanes of the affected design worldwide.
This AD will affect about 350 airplanes of U.S. registry. The following
table provides the estimated costs for U.S. operators to comply with
this AD.
Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Average labor Cost per
Action Work hours rate per hour Parts airplane
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Option 1: Replacement........................... 4 $65 $12,487 $12,747
Option 2: Modification.......................... 8 65 2,269 2,789
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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.
We are 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, 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
[[Page 2859]]
that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this
rulemaking action.
Regulatory Findings
We have 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) 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.
We prepared a regulatory evaluation of the estimated costs to
comply with this AD and placed it in the AD docket. See the ADDRESSES
section for a location to examine the regulatory evaluation.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.
Adoption of the Amendment
0
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator,
the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows:
PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
0
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]
0
2. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) amends Sec. 39.13 by
removing amendment 39-8919 (59 FR 27231, May 26, 1994) and by adding
the following new airworthiness directive (AD):
2006-01-04 Raytheon Aircraft Company: Amendment 39-14443. Docket No.
FAA-2005-20969; Directorate Identifier 2005-NM-017-AD.
Effective Date
(a) This AD becomes effective February 22, 2006.
Affected ADs
(b) This AD supersedes AD 94-11-03.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to Raytheon Model DH.125, HS.125, and BH.125
series airplanes; Model BAe.125 Series 800A (C-29A and U-125), 800B,
1000A, and 1000B airplanes; and Model Hawker 800 (including variant
U-125A), and 1000 airplanes, certificated in any category; as
identified in Raytheon Service Bulletin SB 21-3669, dated December
2004.
Unsafe Condition
(d) This AD results from reports indicating that the fan venturi
overheated and produced smoke while the airplane was on the ground.
We are issuing this AD to prevent heat and fire damage to equipment
adjacent to the fan venturi, which could result in smoke in the
cabin and/or burning equipment.
Compliance
(e) You are responsible for having the actions required by this
AD performed within the compliance times specified, unless the
actions have already been done.
Modification or Replacement
(f) Within 1,200 flight hours or 24 months after the effective
date of this AD, whichever occurs first, do the action in either
paragraph (f)(1) or (f)(2) of this AD in accordance with the
Accomplishment Instructions of Raytheon Service Bulletin SB 21-3669,
dated December 2004.
(1) Modify the existing fan venturi part number (P/N) 132322-2-1
by installing an improved motor, P/N 207640-34.
(2) Replace the existing fan venturi P/N 132322-2-1 with a new
fan venturi P/N 132322-3-1.
Note 1: Raytheon Service Bulletin SB 21-3669 refers to Honeywell
Service Bulletin 132322-21-4041, Revision 2, dated August 20, 2004,
as an additional source of service information for doing the
modification. The Raytheon service bulletin includes the Honeywell
service bulletin.
Parts Installation
(g) As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install a
fan venturi, P/N 132322-2-1, on any airplane unless the fan venturi
has been modified in accordance with paragraph (f)(1) of this AD; or
unless the fan venturi has a new P/N in accordance with paragraph
(f)(2) of this AD.
Alternative Method of Compliance (AMOC)
(h)(1) The Manager, Wichita Aircraft Certification Office, FAA,
has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested in
accordance with the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19.
(2) Before using any AMOC approved in accordance with 14 CFR
39.19 on any airplane to which the AMOC applies, notify the
appropriate principal inspector in the FAA Flight Standards
Certificate Holding District Office.
Material Incorporated by Reference
(i) You must use Raytheon Service Bulletin SB 21-3669, dated
December 2004, including Honeywell Service Bulletin 132322-21-4041,
Revision 2, dated August 20, 2004, to perform the actions that are
required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise. The Director
of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of
this document in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
Contact Raytheon Aircraft Company, Department 62, P.O. Box 85,
Wichita, Kansas 67201-0085, for a copy of this service information.
You may review copies at the Docket Management Facility, U.S.
Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street SW., room PL-401,
Nassif Building, Washington, DC; on the Internet at https://
dms.dot.gov; or at the National Archives and Records Administration
(NARA). For information on the availability of this material at the
NARA, call (202) 741-6030, or go to https://www.archives.gov/
federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_
locations.html.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on December 23, 2005.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 06-403 Filed 1-17-06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P