[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 85 (Friday, May 2, 1997)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 24013-24014]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 97-11198]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 96-NM-190-AD; Amendment 39-10008; AD 97-09-12]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Raytheon Model DH 125-1A, -3A, and -
400A 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 Raytheon Model DH 125-1A, -3A, and -400A series
airplanes, that requires a one-time inspection to detect scoring of the
upper fuselage skin around the periphery of the cockpit canopy blister
interface, and repair, if necessary. This amendment is prompted by
reports indicating that scoring of the upper fuselage skin had been
detected in that area. The actions specified by this AD are intended to
detect and correct scoring of the upper fuselage skin around the
periphery of the cockpit canopy blister interface, which could result
in reduced structural integrity of the fuselage, and consequent cabin
depressurization.
DATES: Effective June 6, 1997.
The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as
of June 6, 1997.
ADDRESSES: The service information referenced in this AD may be
obtained from Raytheon Aircraft Company, Commercial Service Department,
P.O. Box 85, Wichita, Kansas 67201-0085. 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 FAA, Wichita Aircraft Certification Office, Small
Airplane Directorate, 1801 Airport Road, Room 100, Mid-Continent
Airport, Wichita, Kansas; or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800
North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Larry Engler, Aerospace Engineer,
Airframe Branch, ACE-120W, FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, Wichita
Aircraft Certification Office, 1801 Airport Road, Room 100, Mid-
Continent Airport, Wichita, Kansas 67209; telephone (316) 946-4122; fax
(316) 946-4407.
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 Raytheon Model DH 125-1A, -3A,
and -400A series airplanes was published in the Federal Register on
February 20, 1997 (62 FR 7731). That action proposed to require a one-
time detailed visual inspection to detect scoring of the upper fuselage
skin around the periphery of the cockpit canopy blister interface, and
repair, if necessary.
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.
Cost Impact
There are approximately 200 Model DH 125-1A, -3A, and -400A series
airplanes of the affected design in the worldwide fleet. The FAA
estimates that 115 airplanes of U.S. registry will be affected by this
AD, that it will take approximately 4 work hours per airplane to
accomplish the required actions, 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 $27,600, or $240 per airplane.
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.
[[Page 24014]]
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:
97-09-12 Raytheon Aircraft Company (Formerly Beech, Raytheon
Corporate Jets, British Aerospace, Hawker Siddeley, et al.):
Amendment 39-10008. Docket 96-NM-190-AD.
Applicability: All Model DH 125-1A, -3A, and -400 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 (d) 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.
Note 2: Raytheon Model DH 125-1B, -3B, and -400B series
airplanes are similar in design to the airplanes that are subject to
the requirements of this AD and, therefore, also may be subject to
the unsafe condition addressed by this AD. However, as of the
effective date of this AD, those models are not type certificated
for operation in the United States. Airworthiness authorities of
countries in which the Model DH 125-1B, -3B, and -400B series
airplanes are approved for operation should consider adopting
corrective action, applicable to those models, that is similar to
the corrective action required by this AD.
Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished
previously.
To detect and correct scoring of the upper fuselage skin around
the periphery of the cockpit canopy blister interface, which could
result in reduced structural integrity of the fuselage skin, and
consequent cabin depressurization; accomplish the following:
(a) Within 90 days after the effective date of this AD, perform
a one-time detailed visual inspection to detect scoring of the upper
fuselage skin around the periphery of the cockpit canopy blister
interface, in accordance with Raytheon Aircraft Service Bulletin
SB.53-93, dated May 16, 1996.
(b) If no scoring is detected during the inspection required by
paragraph (a) of this AD, no further action is required by this AD.
(c) If any scoring is detected during the inspection required by
paragraph (a) of this AD, prior to further flight, determine the
maximum location and details of each score, including the edge
distance and material thickness, in accordance with Raytheon
Aircraft Service Bulletin SB.53-93, dated May 16, 1996.
(1) If any scoring is found that is within the limits specified
in the service bulletin, prior to further flight, repair in
accordance with the service bulletin.
(2) If any scoring is found that is outside the limits specified
in the service bulletin, prior to further flight, repair in
accordance with a method approved by the Manager, Wichita Aircraft
Certification Office (ACO), FAA, Small Airplane Directorate.
(d) 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, Wichita ACO. Operators shall submit
their requests through an appropriate FAA Principal Maintenance
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.
(e) 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.
(f) The actions shall be done in accordance with Raytheon
Aircraft Service Bulletin SB.53-93, dated May 16, 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 Raytheon Aircraft Company,
Commercial Service Department, P.O. Box 85, Wichita, Kansas 67201-
0085. Copies may be inspected at the FAA, Transport Airplane
Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or at the
FAA, Wichita Aircraft Certification Office, Small Airplane
Directorate, 1801 Airport Road, Room 100, Mid-Continent Airport,
Wichita, Kansas; or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North
Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC.
(g) This amendment becomes effective on June 6, 1997.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on April 24, 1997.
Neil D. Schalekamp,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 97-11198 Filed 5-1-97; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U
