[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 49 (Friday, March 13, 1998)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 12403-12405]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-6332]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 97-NM-169-AD; Amendment 39-10387; AD 98-06-10]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Israel Aircraft Industries, Ltd., Model
1121, 1121A, 1121B, 1123, 1124, 1124A, 1125 Westwind Astra, and Astra
SPX Series Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD),
applicable to all Israel Aircraft Industries, Ltd., Model 1121, 1121A,
1121B, 1123, 1124, 1124A, 1125 Westwind Astra, and Astra SPX series
airplanes, that requires repetitive functional tests for proper
operation of hydraulic fuses installed in the brake system and
emergency hydraulic indicating system; and replacement of any
discrepant hydraulic fuse with a new, improved unit. This amendment is
prompted by the issuance of mandatory continuing airworthiness
information by a foreign civil airworthiness authority. The actions
specified by this AD are intended to prevent failure of the hydraulic
fuse to operate properly, due to internal corrosion, in the event of an
external leak downstream of the fuse, which could result in loss of
hydraulic systems.
DATES: Effective April 17, 1998.
The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as
of April 17, 1998.
ADDRESSES: The service information referenced in this AD may be
obtained from Galaxy Aerospace Corporation, One Galaxy Way, Fort Worth
Alliance Airport, Fort Worth, Texas 76177. This information may be
examined at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Transport
Airplane Directorate, Rules Docket, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton,
Washington; or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol
Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Norman B. Martenson, Manager,
International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate,
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056; telephone (425)
227-2110; fax (425) 227-1149.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: A proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal
Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) to include an airworthiness
directive (AD) that is applicable to all Israel Aircraft Industries,
Ltd., Model 1121, 1121A, 1121B, 1123, 1124, 1124A, 1125 Westwind Astra,
and Astra SPX series airplanes was published in the Federal Register on
January 13, 1998 (63 FR 1930). That action proposed to require
repetitive functional tests for proper operation of hydraulic fuses
installed in the brake system and emergency hydraulic indicating
system; and replacement of any discrepant hydraulic fuse with a new,
improved unit.
Comments
Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate
in the making of this amendment. No comments were submitted in response
to the proposal or the FAA's determination of the cost to the public.
Conclusion
The FAA has determined that air safety and the public interest
require the adoption of the rule as proposed.
Interim Action
This is considered to be interim action until final action is
identified, at which time the FAA may consider further rulemaking.
[[Page 12404]]
Cost Impact
The FAA estimates that 359 airplanes of U.S. registry will be
affected by this AD, that it will take approximately 2 work hours per
airplane to accomplish the required functional test, and that the
average labor rate is $60 per work hour. Based on these figures, the
cost impact of the AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be $43,080, or
$120 per airplane, per functional test.
The cost impact figure discussed above is based on assumptions that
no operator has yet accomplished any of the 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 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.
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 final evaluation has been prepared for this action
and it is contained in the Rules Docket. A copy of it 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 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
Sec. 39.13 [Amended]
2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding the following new
airworthiness directive:
98-06-10 Israel Aircraft Industries Ltd.: Amendment 39-10387.
Docket 97-NM-169-AD.
Applicability: All Model 1121, 1121A, 1121B, 1123, 1124, 1124A,
1125 Westwind Astra, and Astra SPX series airplanes; certificated in
any category.
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 (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 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 failure of the hydraulic fuse to operate properly in
the event of an external leak downstream of the fuse, which could
result in loss of hydraulic systems, accomplish the following:
(a) For Model 1121, 1121A, 1123, 1124, and 1124A series
airplanes: Perform a functional test (by measuring fluid loss) for
proper operation of the hydraulic fuses installed in the brake
system and emergency hydraulic indicating system in accordance with
Commodore Jet Service Bulletin 1121-29-022 (for Model 1121, 1121A,
and 1121B series airplanes), Westwind Service Bulletin SB 1123-29-
045 (for Model 1123 series airplanes), or Westwind Service Bulletin
SB 1124-29-132 (for Model 1124 and 1124A series airplanes); all
dated September 11, 1996; as applicable; at the later of the times
specified in paragraphs (a)(1) and (a)(2) of this AD. Thereafter,
repeat the inspections at intervals not to exceed 1,200 flight hours
or 3 years, whichever occurs first.
(1) Within 250 flight hours or 1 year after the effective date
of this AD, whichever occurs first. Or,
(2) Prior to accumulation of 1,200 total flight hours, or within
3 years since the date of manufacture, whichever occurs first.
(b) For Model 1125 Westwind Astra and Astra SPX series
airplanes: Perform a functional test (by measuring fluid loss) for
proper operation of the hydraulic fuses installed in the brake
system, in accordance with Astra Service Bulletin 1125-32-154, dated
September 11, 1996, at the later of the times specified in
paragraphs (b)(1) and (b)(2) of this AD. Thereafter, repeat the
inspections at intervals not to exceed 1,000 flight hours or 3
years, whichever occurs first.
(1) Within 250 total flight hours or 1 year after the effective
date of this AD, whichever occurs first. Or,
(2) Prior to the accumulation of 1,000 total flight hours, or
within 3 years since the date of manufacture, whichever occurs
first.
(c) If, during any inspection required by paragraph (a) or (b)
of this AD, any discrepancy is found, prior to further flight,
replace the fuse with a new, improved fuse (part number 713047 with
suffix ``A'' after the serial number), in accordance with Commodore
Jet Service Bulletin SB 1121-29-022 (for Model 1121, 1121A, and
1121B series airplanes), Westwind Service Bulletin SB 1123-29-045
(for Model 1123 series airplanes), Westwind Service Bulletin SB
1124-29-132 (for Model 1124 and 1124A series airplanes), or Astra
Service Bulletin SB 1125-32-154 (for Model 1125 Westwind Astra and
Astra SPX series airplanes); all dated September 11, 1996; as
applicable.
Note 2: Replacement of the fuse in accordance with paragraph (c)
of this AD does not constitute terminating action for the repetitive
functional tests required by paragraphs (a) and (b) of this AD.
(d) As of the effective date of this AD, no person shall install
on any airplane a hydraulic fuse having part number 713047, unless
it has a suffix ``A'' after the serial number.
(e) 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, International Branch, ANM-116, FAA,
Transport 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, International
Branch, ANM-116.
Note 3: Information concerning the existence of approved
alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be
obtained from the International Branch, ANM-116.
(f) 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.
(g) The actions shall be done in accordance with Commodore Jet
Service Bulletin
SB 1121-29-022, dated September 11, 1996; Westwind Service Bulletin
SB 1123-29-045, dated September 11, 1996; Westwind Service Bulletin
SB 1124-29-132, dated September 11, 1996; and Astra Service Bulletin
SB 1125-32-154, dated September 11, 1996. 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 Galaxy Aerospace Corporation, One Galaxy Way, Fort
Worth Alliance Airport, Fort Worth, Texas 76177. Copies may be
inspected at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind
Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or at the Office of the Federal
Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC.
Note 4: The subject of this AD is addressed in Israeli
airworthiness directive 29-97-03-10, dated March 27, 1997.
[[Page 12405]]
(h) This amendment becomes effective on April 17, 1998.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on March 5, 1998.
Darrell M. Pederson,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 98-6332 Filed 3-12-98; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
