[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 158 (Tuesday, August 17, 1999)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 44650-44652]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 99-20878]
=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 99-NM-204-AD; Amendment 39-11254; AD 99-17-05]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Israel Aircraft Industries, Ltd., Model
Astra SPX Series Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.
ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) that
is
[[Page 44651]]
applicable to certain Israel Aircraft Industries Model Astra SPX series
airplanes. This action requires repetitive inspections to detect
cracking of the main fuel tube assemblies of the left and right
engines, and corrective action, if necessary. This amendment is
prompted by issuance of mandatory continuing airworthiness information
by a foreign civil airworthiness authority. The actions specified in
this AD are intended to detect and correct fuel line fractures, which
could result in in-flight engine shutdowns or an increased risk of
engine nacelle fires.
DATES: Effective September 1, 1999.
The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as
of September 1, 1999.
Comments for inclusion in the Rules Docket must be received on or
before September 16, 1999.
ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114,
Attention: Rules Docket No. 99-NM-204-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW.,
Renton, Washington 98055-4056.
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 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.
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: The Civil Aviation Administration of Israel
(CAAI), which is the airworthiness authority for Israel, recently
notified the FAA that an unsafe condition may exist on certain Israel
Aircraft Industries Model Astra SPX series airplanes. The CAAI advises
that cracking of the main fuel tube assembly on the left engine was
found at the base of the ``T'' joint weld (fuel pressure switch boss),
which resulted in fuel leakage on one occasion. Such cracking may be
caused by excessive vibration of the tube-mounted fuel pressure switch.
This condition, if not corrected, could result in fuel line fractures
and consequent in-flight engine shutdowns or an increased risk of
engine nacelle fires.
Explanation of Relevant Service Information
Israel Aircraft Industries has issued Astra Alert Service Bulletin
1125-73A-191, dated April 2, 1999, which describes procedures for a
repetitive fluorescent penetrant inspection to detect cracking of the
main fuel tube assemblies of the left and right engines, and corrective
action, if necessary. The CAAI classified this alert service bulletin
as mandatory and issued Israeli airworthiness directive 73-99-07-05,
dated July 11, 1999, in order to assure the continued airworthiness of
these airplanes in Israel.
FAA's Conclusions
This airplane model is manufactured in Israel and is type
certificated for operation in the United States under the provisions of
section 21.29 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.29) and
the applicable bilateral airworthiness agreement. Pursuant to this
bilateral airworthiness agreement, the CAAI has kept the FAA informed
of the situation described above. The FAA has examined the findings of
the CAAI, reviewed all available information, and determined that AD
action is necessary for products of this type design that are
certificated for operation in the United States.
Explanation of Requirements of Rule
Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to
exist or develop on other airplanes of the same type design registered
in the United States, this AD is being issued to detect cracking of the
main fuel tube assemblies of the left and right engines, which could
result in fuel line fractures and consequent inflight engine shutdowns
or an increased risk of engine nacelle fires. This AD requires
accomplishment of the actions specified in the alert service bulletin
described previously.
Interim Action
This is considered to be interim action until final action is
identified, at which time the FAA may consider further rulemaking.
Determination of Rule's Effective Date
Since a situation exists that requires the immediate adoption of
this regulation, it is found that notice and opportunity for prior
public comment hereon are impracticable, and that good cause exists for
making this amendment effective in less than 30 days.
Comments Invited
Although this action is in the form of a final rule that involves
requirements affecting flight safety and, thus, was not preceded by
notice and an opportunity for public 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 shall identify the Rules Docket number and be submitted
in triplicate to the address specified under the caption ADDRESSES. 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 Number 99-NM-204-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 that it 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
[[Page 44652]]
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 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
Sec. 39.13 [Amended]
2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding the following new
airworthiness directive:
99-17-05 Israel Aircraft Industries, Ltd.: Amendment 39-11254.
Docket 99-NM-204-AD.
Applicability: Model Astra SPX series airplanes, serial numbers
089 through 115 inclusive; 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 (b) 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 detect and correct cracking of the main fuel tube assemblies
of the left and right engines, which could result in fuel line
fractures and consequent in-flight engine shutdowns or an increased
risk of engine nacelle fires, accomplish the following:
Repetitive Inspections and Corrective Action
(a) Within 5 hours time-in-service after the effective date of
this AD: Perform a fluorescent penetrant inspection to detect
cracking of the main fuel tube assemblies of the left and right
engines around the bases of the ``T'' joint welds of the pressure
transmitter tubes, in accordance with Astra Alert Service Bulletin
1125-73A-191, dated April 2, 1999. Repeat the inspection thereafter
at intervals not to exceed 25 hours time-in-service. If any crack is
detected during any inspection required by this paragraph, prior to
further flight, replace the fuel tube assembly with a new or
serviceable part, in accordance with the alert service bulletin.
Alternative Methods of Compliance
(b) 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 2: Information concerning the existence of approved
alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be
obtained from the International Branch, ANM-116.
Special Flight Permits
(c) 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.
Incorporation by Reference
(d) The actions shall be done in accordance with Astra Alert
Service Bulletin 1125-73A-191, dated April 2, 1999. 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 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 3: The subject of this AD is addressed in Israeli
airworthiness directive 73-99-07-05, dated July 11, 1999.
(e) This amendment becomes effective on September 1, 1999.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on August 6, 1999.
D. L. Riggin,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 99-20878 Filed 8-16-99; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U
