[Federal Register Volume 59, Number 45 (Tuesday, March 8, 1994)]
[Unknown Section]
[Page 0]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 94-4951]


[[Page Unknown]]

[Federal Register: March 8, 1994]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 93-NM-145-AD; Amendment 39-8847; AD 94-05-09]

 

Airworthiness Directives; Beech Model 400A Airplanes Equipped 
With Certain Tosington Cabin Seat Frames

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), 
applicable to certain Beech Model 400A airplanes, that requires an 
inspection to detect fatigue-related cracking in certain cabin seat 
frames; measurement to determine gap size between the bearing shafts 
and certain seat frames; and repair, if necessary. This amendment is 
prompted by in-service inspection reports of fatigue-related cracking 
radiating outward from the bushings welded into the cabin seat frames. 
The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent separation of 
the cabin seat frames from their bases during an emergency landing.

DATES: Effective April 7, 1994.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of April 7, 1994.

ADDRESSES: The service information referenced in this AD may be 
obtained from Tosington Enterprises, Inc., 2261 Madera Road, Simi 
Valley, California 93065. 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, 
Small Airplane Directorate, Wichita Aircraft Certification Office 
(ACO), 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: Laurence Engler, Aerospace Engineer, 
Airframe Branch, ACE-120W, FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, Wichita 
ACO, 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 to include an airworthiness directive (AD) that is 
applicable to certain Beech Model 400A airplanes was published in the 
Federal Register on November 8, 1993 (58 FR 59223). That action 
proposed to require a one-time visual inspection to detect fatigue-
related cracking in certain cabin seat frames; measurement to determine 
gap size between the bearing shafts and certain seat frames; and 
repair, if necessary.
    Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate 
in the making of this amendment. Due consideration has been given to 
the single comment received.
    The commenter supports the proposed rule.
    After careful review of the available data, including the comment 
noted above, the FAA has determined that air safety and the public 
interest require the adoption of the rule as proposed.
    There are approximately 41 Beech Model 400A airplanes of the 
affected design in the worldwide fleet. The FAA estimates that 29 
airplanes of U.S. registry will be affected by this AD, that it will 
take approximately 1 work hour per airplane to accomplish the required 
actions, and that the average labor rate is $55 per work hour. Based on 
these figures, the total cost impact of the AD on U.S. operators is 
estimated to be $1,595, or $55 per airplane.
    The total 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.
    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 14 CFR part 
39 of the Federal Aviation Regulations as follows:

PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

    1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 49 U.S.C. App. 1354(a), 1421 and 1423; 49 U.S.C. 
106(g); and 14 CFR 11.89.


Sec. 39.13  [Amended]

    2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding the following new 
airworthiness directive:

94-05-09 Beech Aircraft Corporation: Amendment 39-8847. Docket 93-
NM-145-AD.

    Applicability: Model 400A airplanes; serial numbers RK-1 through 
RK-40 inclusive, and RK-45; equipped with Tosington Cabin Seat 
Frames having serial numbers prior to 5606, on which Modification 
Kit Number 303-307 has not been installed; certificated in any 
category.
    Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished 
previously.
    To prevent separation of the cabin seat frames from their bases 
during an emergency landing, accomplish the following: (a) Within 
200 hours time-in-service after the effective date of this AD, 
perform a visual inspection to detect fatigue-related cracking 
extending radially outward from the bushings welded into the cabin 
seat frames, in accordance with Tosington Enterprises, Inc., Service 
Bulletin 001, dated July 1993. If any cracking is found, prior to 
further flight, repair by welding in accordance with the service 
bulletin.
    (b) Within 200 hours time-in-service after the effective date of 
this AD, measure the gap size between the bearing shaft and the 
lower aft and/or forward seat frames in accordance with Tosington 
Enterprises, Inc., Service Bulletin 001, dated July 1993.-
    (1) If the gap size is 0.32 inch or greater, prior to further 
flight, repair by reinforcing the cabin seat frame in accordance 
with the service bulletin.
    (2) If the gap size is less than 0.32 inch, no further action is 
required.
    (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, Wichita 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, Wichita ACO.

    Note: Information concerning the existence of approved 
alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be 
obtained from the Wichita ACO.

    (d) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with 
Federal Aviation Regulations (FAR) 21.197 and 21.199 to operate the 
airplane to a location where the requirements of this AD can be 
accomplished.
    (e) The inspection, repairs, and measurement shall be done in 
accordance with Tosington Enterprises, Inc., Service Bulletin 001, 
dated July 1993. 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 Tosington 
Enterprises, Inc., 2261 Madera Road, Simi Valley, California 93065. 
Copies may be inspected at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or at the FAA, Small 
Airplane Directorate, Wichita Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), 
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.
    (f) This amendment becomes effective on April 7, 1994.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on February 28, 1994.
Darrell M. Pederson,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 94-4951 Filed 3-7-94; 8:45 am]
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