[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 5 (Thursday, January 8, 1998)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 1076-1077]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-474]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 97-NM-93-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Lockheed Model 1329-23 and -25 Series
Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
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SUMMARY: This document proposes the adoption of a new airworthiness
directive (AD) that is applicable to certain Lockheed Model 1329-23 and
-25 series airplanes. This proposal would require replacement of a
certain tailpipe V-band coupling with a new tailpipe V-band coupling.
This proposal is prompted by reports indicating that, the flight crew
received a fire/overheat warning as a result of displacement of engine
tailpipes, which allowed hot exhaust gases into the engine bypass duct.
The actions specified by the proposed AD are intended to prevent such
displacement, which could result in escape of the hot exhaust gases
from the engine tailpipe, and consequent damage to adjacent structure.
DATES: Comments must be received by February 23, 1998.
ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114,
Attention: Rules Docket No. 97-NM-93-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue SW, Renton,
Washington 98055-4056.
Comments may be inspected at this location between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00
p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
The service information referenced in the proposed rule may be
obtained from Lockheed Aeronautical Systems Support Company (LASSC),
Field Support Department, Dept. 693, Zone 0755, 2251 Lake Park Drive,
Smyrna, Georgia 30080. This information may be examined at the FAA,
Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton,
Washington; or at the FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, Atlanta Aircraft
Certification Office, One Crown Center, 1895 Phoenix Boulevard, suite
450, Atlanta, Georgia.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Thomas Peters, Aerospace Engineer,
Systems and Flight Test Branch, ACE-116A, FAA, Small Airplane
Directorate, Atlanta Aircraft Certification Office, One Crown Center,
1895 Phoenix Boulevard, suite 450, Atlanta, Georgia 30349; telephone
(770) 703-6063; fax (770) 703-6097.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
Interested persons are invited to participate in the making of the
proposed rule by submitting such written data, views, or arguments as
they may desire. Communications shall identify the Rules Docket number
and be submitted in triplicate to the address specified above. All
communications received on or before the closing date for comments,
specified above, will be considered before taking action on the
proposed rule. The proposals contained in this notice may be changed in
light of the comments received.
Comments are specifically invited on the overall regulatory,
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the proposed rule. All
comments submitted will be available, both before and after the closing
date for comments, in the Rules Docket for examination by interested
persons. A report summarizing each FAA-public contact concerned with
the substance of this proposal will be filed in the Rules Docket.
Commenters wishing the FAA to acknowledge receipt of their comments
submitted in response to this notice must submit a self-addressed,
stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: ``Comments
to Docket No. 97-NM-93-AD.'' The postcard will be date stamped and
returned to the commenter.
Availability of NPRM's
Any person may obtain a copy of this NPRM by submitting a request
to the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114, Attention: Rules
Docket No. 97-NM-93-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington
98055-4056.
Discussion
The FAA received several reports indicating that, during flight on
Lockheed Model 1329 series airplanes, the flight crew received a fire/
overheat warning due to displacement of the engine tailpipe, which
allowed hot exhaust gases to escape from the tailpipe into the engine
bypass duct. Investigation revealed that, due to temperature cycling,
the tailpipe V-band coupling of the engine is subject to cracking and
eventual fracture. A fractured tailpipe V-band coupling could cause
displacement of the engine tailpipe. This condition, if not corrected,
could result in hot exhaust gases escaping from the engine tailpipe,
and consequent damage to adjacent structure.
Explanation of Relevant Service Information
The FAA has reviewed and approved the installation of tailpipe
clamp part number (P/N) NH1003605-10 for Lockheed 1329-23 and -25
series airplanes. Figure 71-1 of Lockheed JetStar II Handbook of
Operating and Maintenance Instructions (for Model 1329-25 series
airplanes) and Figure 71-1(S) of Airesearch Aviation Company 731
JetStar Handbook of Operating and Maintenance Instructions (for Model
1329-23 series airplanes), both undated, describe procedures for
replacement of a certain tailpipe V-band coupling with a certain new
tailpipe V-band coupling. Accomplishment of this action will prevent
displacement of the engine tailpipe.
Explanation of Requirements of Proposed Rule
Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to
exist or develop on other products of this same type design, the
proposed AD would require replacement of a certain tailpipe V-band
coupling with a certain new tailpipe V-band coupling. The actions would
be required to be accomplished in accordance with the figures shown in
the handbooks described previously.
Cost Impact
There are approximately 91 Model 1329-25 and -23 series airplanes
of the affected design in the worldwide fleet.
The FAA estimates that 25 Model 1329-25 (JetStar II) airplanes of
U.S. registry would be affected by this proposed AD, that it would take
approximately 60 work hours per airplane to accomplish the proposed
actions, and that the average labor rate is $60 per work hour. Required
parts would cost approximately $726 per airplane. Based on these
figures, the cost impact of the proposed AD on U.S. operators of these
airplanes is estimated to be $108,150, or $4,326 per airplane.
The FAA estimates that 35 Model 1329-23 (731 JetStar) airplanes of
U.S. registry would be affected by this proposed AD, that it would take
approximately 60 work hours per airplane to accomplish the proposed
actions, and that the average labor rate is $60 per work hour. Required
parts would cost approximately $1,200 per airplane. Based on these
figures, the cost impact of the proposed AD on U.S. operators of these
airplanes is estimated to be $168,000, or $4,800 per airplane.
The cost impact figures discussed above are based on assumptions
that no
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operator has yet accomplished any of the proposed requirements of this
AD action, and that no operator would accomplish those actions in the
future if this AD were not adopted.
Regulatory Impact
The regulations proposed herein would not have substantial direct
effects 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, in
accordance with Executive Order 12612, it is determined that this
proposal would not have sufficient federalism implications to warrant
the preparation of a Federalism Assessment.
For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this proposed
regulation (1) is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under
Executive Order 12866; (2) is not a ``significant rule'' under the 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 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, Safety.
The Proposed Amendment
Accordingly, pursuant to 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. Section 39.13 is amended by adding the following new
airworthiness directive:
Lockheed Aeronautical Systems Company: Docket 97-NM-93-AD.
Applicability: Model 1329-25 series airplanes equipped with an
engine tailpipe V-band coupling, part number (P/N) NH1002299-10; and
Model 1329-23 series airplanes that have been modified in accordance
with Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) SA2326SW, equipped with an
engine tailpipe V-band coupling, P/N NH1002299-10; certificated in
any category.
Note 1: This AD applies to each airplane identified in the
preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been
otherwise 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 (c) 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 the unsafe condition has not been
eliminated, the request should include specific proposed actions to
address it.
Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished
previously.
To prevent displacement of the engine tailpipes, which could
result in escape of hot exhaust gases from the engine tailpipe, and
consequent damage to adjacent structure, accomplish the following:
(a) Within 12 months after the effective date of this AD,
replace the tailpipe V-band coupling having P/N NH1002299-10 with a
new, redesigned coupling having P/N NH1003605-10, in accordance with
Step 1, Figure 71-1, of Lockheed JetStar II Handbook of Operating
and Maintenance Instructions, undated (for Model 1329-25 series
airplanes); or Step 8, Figure 71-1(S), of Airesearch Aviation
Company 731 JetStar Handbook of Operating and Maintenance
Instructions, undated (for Model 1329-23 series airplanes); as
applicable.
(b) As of 12 months after the effective date of this AD, no
person shall install a tailpipe V-band coupling, P/N NH1002299-10,
on any airplane.
(c) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the
compliance time that provides an acceptable level of safety may be
used if approved by the Manager, Atlanta Aircraft Certification
Office (ACO), FAA, Small Airplane Directorate. Operators shall
submit their requests through an appropriate FAA Principal
Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send it to the
Manager, Atlanta ACO.
Note 2: Information concerning the existence of approved
alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be
obtained from the Atlanta ACO.
(d) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with
sections 21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14
CFR 21.197 and 21.199) to operate the airplane to a location where
the requirements of this AD can be accomplished.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on January 2, 1998.
Darrell M. Pederson,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 98-474 Filed 1-7-98; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
