[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 34 (Thursday, February 20, 1997)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 7667-7669]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 97-3957]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 97-CE-06-AD; Amendment 39-9937; AD 97-04-02]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Raytheon Aircraft Company (Formerly
Beech Aircraft Corporation) Models 1900, 1900C, and 1900D Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.
ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.
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SUMMARY: This document publishes in the Federal Register an amendment
adopting Airworthiness Directive (AD) 97-04-02, which was sent
previously to known U.S. owners and operators of certain Raytheon
Aircraft Company (Raytheon) Models 1900, 1900C, and 1900D airplanes
(formerly referred to as Beech Models 1900, 1900C, and 1900D
airplanes). This AD requires installing new exterior operating
instruction placards for the airstair door, cargo door, and emergency
exits, as applicable. This AD results from an accident involving a
Raytheon Model 1900C airplane that collided with another airplane while
completing its landing roll. The ensuing fire destroyed both airplanes.
The actions specified by this AD are intended to assure complete
instructions are visible for opening the airstair door, cargo door, or
emergency exits, which, if not visible or understandable, could result
in the inability to open the airstair door, cargo door, or emergency
exits during an emergency situation.
DATES: Effective March 10, 1997, to all persons except those to whom it
was made immediately effective by priority letter AD 97-04-02, issued
February 4, 1997, which contained the requirements of this amendment.
The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as
of March 10, 1997.
Comments for inclusion in the Rules Docket must be received on or
before April 25, 1997.
ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), Central Region, Office of the Assistant Chief
Counsel, Attention: Rules Docket 97-CE-06-AD, Room 1558, 601 E. 12th
Street, Kansas City, Missouri 64106.
Service information that applies to this AD may be obtained from
the Raytheon Aircraft Company, P.O. Box 85, Wichita, Kansas 67201-0085.
This information may also be examined at the Rules Docket at the
address above, or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North
Capitol Street, NW., 7th Floor, suite 700, Washington, DC.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Steve Potter, Aerospace Engineer,
Wichita Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, 1801 Airport Road, Mid-
Continent Airport, Wichita, Kansas 67209; telephone (316) 946-4124;
facsimile (316) 946-4407.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Discussion
On February 4, the FAA issued priority letter AD 97-04-02, which
applies to the following Raytheon Aircraft Company (formerly Beech
Aircraft Corporation) airplanes:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Model Serial No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1900...................................... UA-2 and UA-3.
1900C..................................... UB-1 through UB-74, and UC-1
through UC-174.
1900C (C-12J)............................. UD-1 through UD-6.
1900D..................................... UE-1 through UE-268.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
That AD resulted from an accident involving a Raytheon Aircraft
Company (Raytheon) Model 1900C airplane (formerly referred to as Beech
Model 1900C) that collided with another airplane while completing its
landing roll. The ensuing fire destroyed both airplanes.
Investigation following the accident indicates that all occupants
of the Raytheon Model 1900C survived the impact of the collision. The
emergency crew was not able to open the forward (main boarding)
airstair door, and all occupants of the airplane died of smoke
inhalation. The airstair door is unlocked and opened from the outside
by depressing a release button while simultaneously rotating the door
handle downward. The FAA believes that the instructions for opening the
main boarding door of the Raytheon Model 1900C airplane were either not
visible or not easily understandable.
Inspection of another Raytheon Model 1900C airplane revealed
incomplete instructions for opening the airstair door. Specifically,
these instructions consisted of a small placard with black letters 2/
10-inch high on a white background, located aft and slightly lower than
the door handle with the following information: ``PUSH BUTTON AND TURN
HANDLE TO OPEN.'' The button was neither outlined nor highly visible,
and the instructions did not include the requirement of depressing the
button while simultaneously rotating the handle and they did not
indicate which direction to move the handle.
Discussion of the Applicable Service Information
The FAA has reviewed and approved Raytheon Aircraft Mandatory
Service Bulletin No. 2741, Issued: February, 1997. This service
bulletin specifies installing (1) new exterior operating instruction
placards for the airstair door and cargo door for Raytheon Models 1900
and 1900C airplanes; and (2) new exterior operating instruction
placards for the airstair door, cargo door, and emergency exits for
Raytheon Model 1900D airplanes. The placards and procedures for
installing the placards are included with the following kits:
Raytheon Part Number (P/N) 114-5050-3, Exterior Marking Placard
Kit, for Model 1900 airplanes, serial numbers UA-2 and UA-3.
Raytheon P/N 114-5050-1, Exterior Marking Placard Kit, for Model
1900C, serial numbers UB-1 through UB-74, and UC-1 through UC-174; and
Model 1900C (C-12J) airplanes, serial numbers UD-1 through UD-6.
Raytheon P/N 129-5030-1, Exterior Marking Placard Kit, for Model
1900D airplanes, serial numbers UE-1 through UE-268.
The FAA's Determination and Explanation of the AD
Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to
exist or develop in other Raytheon Models 1900, 1900C, and 1900D
airplanes of the same type design, the FAA issued priority letter AD
97-04-02 to assure complete instructions are visible for opening the
airstair door, cargo door, or emergency exits, which, if not visible or
understandable, could result in the inability to open the airstair
door, cargo door, or emergency exits during an emergency situation. The
AD requires installing new exterior operating instruction placards for
the airstair door, cargo door, and emergency exits, as
[[Page 7668]]
applicable. The placards and instructions to accomplish the
instructions are included with the kits previously referenced.
Compliance Time of This AD
The compliance time of this AD is presented in calendar time (20
days). The FAA has determined that calendar time is appropriate because
incorporating the placard is not related to airplane flight hours and
needs to be incorporated on all airplanes within a reasonable period of
time. This compliance time of 20 days was selected to ensure that the
action is accomplished within a reasonable amount of time without
negatively impacting the operations of the Raytheon Models 1900, 1900C,
and 1900D airplane fleet.
Determination of the Effective Date of the AD
Since it was found that immediate corrective action was required,
notice and opportunity for prior public comment thereon were
impracticable and contrary to the public interest, and good cause
existed to make the AD effective immediately by individual lettters
issued on February 4, 1997, to known U.S. operators of certain Raytheon
Models 1900, 1900C, and 1900D airplanes. These conditions still exist,
and the AD is hereby published in the Federal Register as an amendment
to section 39.13 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 39.13) to
make it effective as to all persons.
Comments Invited
Although this action is in the form of a final rule that involves
requirements affecting immediate flight safety and, thus, was not
preceded by notice and opportunity to comment, comments are invited on
this rule. Interested persons are invited to comment on this rule by
submitting such written data, views, or arguments as they may desire.
Communications should 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 will be considered,
and this rule may be amended in light of the comments received. Factual
information that supports the commenter's ideas and suggestions is
extremely helpful in evaluating the effectiveness of the AD action and
determining whether additional rulemaking action would be needed.
Comments are specifically invited on the overall regulatory,
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the rule that might
suggest a need to modify the 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 that
summarizes each FAA-public contact concerned with the substance of this
AD will be filed in the Rules Docket.
Commenters wishing the FAA to acknowledge receipt of their comments
submitted in response to this rule must submit a self-addressed,
stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: ``Comments
to Docket No. 97-CE-06-AD.'' The postcard will be date stamped and
returned to the commenter.
Regulatory Impact
The regulations adopted herein will 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 final
rule does not have sufficient federalism implications to warrant the
preparation of a Federalism Assessment.
The FAA has determined that this regulation is an emergency
regulation that must be issued immediately to correct an unsafe
condition in aircraft, and is not a ``significant regulatory action''
under Executive Order 12866. It has been determined further that this
action involves an emergency regulation under DOT Regulatory Policies
and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979). If it is determined
that this emergency regulation otherwise would be significant under DOT
Regulatory Policies and Procedures, a final regulatory evaluation will
be prepared and placed in the Rules Docket. A copy of it, if filed, may
be obtained from 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, pursuant to 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 USC 106(g), 40113, 44701.
Sec. 39.13 [Amended]
2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding a new airworthiness directive
(AD) to read as follows:
97-04-02 Raytheon Aircraft Company (formerly Beech Aircraft
Corporation): Amendment 39-9937; Docket No. 97-CE-06-AD.
Applicability: The following model and serial number airplanes,
certificated in any category:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Model Serial No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1900...................................... UA-2 and UA-3.
1900C..................................... UB-1 through UB-74, and UC-1
through UC-174.
1900C (C-12J)............................. UD-1 through UD-6.
1900D..................................... UE-1 through UE-268.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Note 1: This AD applies to each airplane identified in the
preceding applicability provision, 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 (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 within the next 20 days after the effective
date of this AD, unless already accomplished, except to those
operators receiving this action by priority letter issued February
4, 1997, which made these actions effective immediately upon
receipt.
To assure complete instructions are visible for opening the
airstair door, cargo door, or emergency exits, which, if not visible
or understandable, could result in the inability to open the
airstair door, cargo door, or emergency exits during an emergency
situation, accomplish the following:
(a) Install new exterior operating instruction placards for the
airstair door and cargo door of Raytheon Models 1900 and 1900C
airplanes; and the new exterior operating instruction placards for
the airstair door, cargo door, and emergency exits of Raytheon Model
1900D airplanes. The placards and procedures for installing the
placards are included with the following kits, as referenced in
Raytheon Aircraft Mandatory Service Bulletin No. 2741, Issued:
February, 1997:
(1) Raytheon Part Number (P/N) 114-5050-3, Exterior Marking
Placard Kit, for Model 1900 airplanes, serial numbers UA-2 and UA-3;
(2) Raytheon P/N 114-5050-1, Exterior Marking Placard Kit, for
Model 1900C airplanes, serial numbers UB-1 through UB-74, and UC-1
through UC-174; and Model
[[Page 7669]]
1900C (C-12J), serial numbers UD-1 through UD-6; or
(3) Raytheon P/N 129-5030-1, Exterior Marking Placard Kit, for
Model 1900D airplanes, serial numbers UE-1 through UE-268.
Note 2: Raytheon Aircraft Mandatory Service Bulletin No. 2741,
Issued: February, 1997, references the above kits and contains other
information relating to this subject.
(b) Overlapping the registration numbers through proper
installation of the placards is permissible as specified in section
45.21, paragraph (b), of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR
45.21(b)). If this requirement cannot be met, obtain an alternative
method of compliance using the instructions in paragraph (c) of this
AD.
(c) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the
compliance time that provides an equivalent level of safety may be
approved by the Manager, Wichita Aircraft Certification Office
(ACO), 1801 Airport Road, Room 100, Mid-Continent Airport, Wichita,
Kansas 67209. The request shall be forwarded through an appropriate
FAA Airworthiness Inspector, who may add comments and then send it
to the Manager, Wichita ACO.
Note 3: Information concerning the existence of approved
alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be
obtained from the Wichita ACO.
(d) The installations required by this AD shall be done in
accordance with the instructions to the following kits, as
referenced in Raytheon Aircraft Mandatory Service Bulletin No. 2741,
Issued: February, 1997:
--Raytheon Part Number (P/N) 114-5050-3, Exterior Marking Placard
Kit, for Model 1900 airplanes, serial numbers UA-2 and UA-3;
--Raytheon P/N 114-5050-1, Exterior Marking Placard Kit, for Model
1900C airplanes, serial numbers UB-1 through UB-74, and UC-1 through
UC-174; and Model 1900C (C-12J), serial numbers UD-1 through UD-6;
and .
--Raytheon P/N 129-5030-1, Exterior Marking Placard Kit, for Model
1900D airplanes, serial numbers UE-1 through UE-268.
This incorporation by reference was approved by the Director of
the Federal Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR
part 51. Copies may be obtained from the Raytheon Aircraft
Corporation, P.O. Box 85, Wichita, Kansas 67201-0085. Copies may be
inspected at the FAA, Central Region, Office of the Assistant Chief
Counsel, Room 1558, 601 E. 12th Street, Kansas City, Missouri, or at
the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW,
suite 700, Washington, DC.
(e) This amendment (39-9937) becomes effective on March 10,
1997, to all persons except those persons to whom it was made
immediately effective by priority letter AD 97-04-02, issued
February 4, 1997, which contained the requirements of this
amendment.
Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on February 11, 1997.
Henry A. Armstrong,
Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 97-3957 Filed 2-19-97; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U
