[Federal Register Volume 60, Number 213 (Friday, November 3, 1995)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 55781-55784]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 95-26723]



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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 94-ANE-31; Amendment 39-9408; AD 95-22-01]


Airworthiness Directives; Aerospace Lighting Corporation Power 
Units and Power Supplies

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This amendment supersedes an existing airworthiness directive 
(AD), applicable to certain Aerospace Lighting Corporation (ALC) lamp 
connectors and fluorescent lamps, that currently requires an 
inspection, and adjustment or replacement of improperly installed, 
damaged, or improperly configured lamp connectors and fluorescent lamps 
used in cabin fluorescent lighting 

[[Page 55782]]
systems. This amendment adds an optional replacement of certain power 
units and power supplies with new technology parts as terminating 
action to the repetitive inspections. This amendment is prompted by the 
availability of new technology components. The actions specified by 
this AD are intended to prevent smoke, fire, electrical shock, and 
possible electromagnetic interference caused by high voltage arcing in 
the cabin which, if undetected, could result in personal hazard or loss 
of the aircraft.

DATES: Effective December 4, 1995.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of December 4, 1995.

ADDRESSES: The service information referenced in this AD may be 
obtained from Aerospace Lighting Corporation, 101-8 Colin Drive, 
Holbrook, NY 11741; telephone (516) 563-6400, fax (516) 563-8781. This 
information may be examined at the Federal Aviation Administration 
(FAA), New England Region, Office of the Assistant Chief Counsel, 12 
New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803-5299; or at the Office 
of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, 
Washington, DC.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Bradford Chin, Electronics Engineer, 
New York Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, Engine and Propeller 
Directorate, 10 Fifth St., Third Floor, Valley Stream, NY 11581-1200; 
telephone (516) 256-7507, fax (516) 568-2716.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: A proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal 
Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) by superseding AD 90-14-06, 
Amendment 39-6640 (55 FR 27457, July 3, 1990), which is applicable to 
Aerospace Lighting Corporation (ALC) lamp connectors, Part Number (P/N) 
31.85.1.A, and Series 66 fluorescent lamps, was published in the 
Federal Register on January 4, 1995 (60 FR 382). That action proposed 
to continue to require an inspection, and adjustment or replacement of 
improperly installed, damaged, or improperly configured lamp connectors 
and fluorescent lamps used in cabin fluorescent lighting systems in 
accordance with ALC Information Bulletin No. IB 90-001, dated August 
15, 1992. That AD also proposed to add an optional replacement of power 
units, and power supplies and dimmers, with new technology protected 
power units, and protected power supplies, as applicable. Installation 
of these protected power units and protected power supplies constitutes 
terminating action to the repetitive inspections. The actions required 
by that proposed AD would be required to be accomplished in accordance 
with the following ALC Installation Instructions (II): AL-11023M, 
Revision A, dated May 20, 1994; AL-11024M, dated March 15, 1992; and 
AL-11025M, dated March 15, 1992. These II's describe procedures for 
installing improved design protected power units, and protected power 
supplies, as applicable.
    Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate 
in the making of this amendment. Due consideration has been given to 
the comments received.
    Three commenters support the rule as proposed.
    One commenter suggests that the real problem lies with Series 
``66'' lamps, which have spring tension split rings that cause arcing 
as the lamps wear. The commenter suggests that a terminating action 
need only require replacing all Series ``66'' lamps with Series ``AL-
12'' lamps. The FAA does not concur. While the FAA agrees that 
replacing the Series ``66'' lamps will eliminate the lamp connection as 
a possible arcing site, the rest of the lamp output loop contains the 
same arcing potential as the lamp connector. The FAA has determined 
that replacing the Series ``66'' lamps is not a satisfactory 
terminating action as it does not completely prevent arcing in the 
aircraft from fluorescent lighting high voltage.
    The manufacturer states that the economic analysis work hours and 
parts should be lowered to better reflect field practice. The FAA 
concurs and the economic analysis has been revised accordingly.
    The manufacturer also states that the list of aircraft 
installations in the applicability should be revised to delete a Beech 
model and add certain Raytheon Corporate Jets, Inc. and Bombardier Inc. 
Canadair models. The FAA concurs and this final rule has been revised 
accordingly.
    The manufacturer also commented that the ALC part numbers listed in 
paragraphs (d)(3) and (d)(4) of the proposed rule represented the same 
unit. The manufacturer suggests that paragraphs (d)(3) and (d)(4) can 
be combined into a single paragraph. The FAA concurs. The part number 
for ALC P/N 18-95D was changed in January 1991 to P/N AL-0598, and P/N 
22-311 to P/N AL-0542. These old and new part number units are 
functionally and physically identical. ALC has integrated the dimmer 
functions of P/N 22-311 and P/N AL-0542 into power units P/N AL-5118 
and P/N AL-5130. Because of these changes, the FAA has revised 
paragraphs (d)(3) and (d)(4) by combining them into a single paragraph 
(d)(3) in the final rule.
    The manufacturer also states that the word ``removal'' should be 
deleted from paragraph (a)(2). The FAA does not concur. Operators are 
required to remove unserviceable parts and then replace those parts 
with serviceable parts. The FAA has, however, reworded paragraph (a)(2) 
for clarity and to update the referenced service information.
    Lastly, the manufacturer states that paragraph (d)(2) should 
provide that the optional replacement actions constitute alternative 
methods of compliance with the AD. The FAA does not concur. The 
replacement actions in paragraph (d)(2) work to end an operator's 
obligation to continue repetitive inspections, and, therefore, 
compliance with those inspection requirements of the AD. The FAA views 
those actions as an end to the AD for that operator rather than as an 
alternate method of complying with the AD.
    After careful review of the available data, including the comments 
noted above, the FAA has determined that air safety and the public 
interest require the adoption of the rule with the changes described 
previously. The FAA has determined that these changes will neither 
increase the economic burden on any operator nor increase the scope of 
the AD.
    The FAA estimates that it will take approximately 1 work hour per 
power unit or power supply to accomplish the required actions, and that 
the average labor rate is $60 per work hour. Required parts will cost 
approximately $400 per power unit or $900 per power supply. Based on 
these figures, the cost impact of the AD on U.S. operators is estimated 
to be $460 per power unit or $960 per power supply.
    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 

[[Page 55783]]
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 USC 106(g), 40101, 40113, 44701.


Sec. 39.13  [Amended]

    2. Section 39.13 is amended by removing Amendment 39-6640 (55 FR 
27457, July 3, 1990) and by adding a new airworthiness directive, 
Amendment 39-9408, to read as follows:

95-22-01  Aerospace Lighting Corporation: Amendment 39-9408. Docket 
94-ANE-31. Supersedes AD 90-14-06, Amendment 39-6640.

    Applicability: Aerospace Lighting Corporation (ALC) lamp 
connectors, Part Number (P/N) 31.85.1.A; Series 66 fluorescent 
lamps; power units, P/N's TR-991, TR-992, AL-0546, and AL-0514; and 
power supplies, P/N's 1895D and AL-0598. These products are utilized 
in cabin fluorescent lighting systems, and are installed on, but not 
limited to, the following aircraft: Airbus Industrie Model A310; 
Avion Marcel Dassault Breguet Aviation Model Falcon 10; Boeing 
Airplane Company Models 727, 737, 747, and 757; Raytheon Corporate 
Jets, Inc. (formerly British Aerospace) Model HS. 125-600A, -700A, -
800A, and -1000A; Bombardier Inc. Canadair Ltd. Models CL-600-1A11, 
CL-600-2A12, CL-600-2B16, CL-600-2B19, CL-601, CL-601-3A, CL-601-3R; 
Cessna Aircraft Company Models 550 and 560; Dassault Aviation Models 
Mystere-Falcon 20 and 50; Empresa Brasileira de Aeronauctica S/A 
Model Embraer EMB-120; Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation Models G-
159, G-1159, G-1159A, and G-IV; Israel Aircraft Industrie, Ltd. 
Models 1124 and 1125; Jetstream Aircraft, Ltd. Jetstream Model 310; 
Learjet Corporation Models Learjet 35 and 36; Saab Aircraft AB Model 
Saab 340A; and Sikorsky Aircraft Division Model S-76A.

    Note: This airworthiness directive (AD) applies to each product 
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 products that have been 
modified, altered, or repaired so that the performance of the 
requirements of this AD is affected, the owner/operator must use the 
authority provided in paragraph (e) to request approval from the 
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). This approval may address 
either no action, if the current configuration eliminates the unsafe 
condition, or different actions necessary to address the unsafe 
condition described in this AD. Such a request should include an 
assessment of the effect of the changed configuration on the unsafe 
condition addressed by this AD. In no case does the presence of any 
modification, alteration, or repair remove any product from the 
applicability of this AD.

    Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished 
previously.
    To prevent smoke, fire, electrical shock, and possible 
electromagnetic interference caused by high voltage arcing in the 
cabin which, if undetected, could result in personal hazard or loss 
of the aircraft, accomplish the following:
    (a) Within 30 calendar days of the effective date of this 
airworthiness directive (AD), accomplish the following:
    (1) Inspect the cabin fluorescent lighting system in accordance 
with ALC Information Bulletin No. IB 90-001, dated August 15, 1992, 
paragraph IV. ``Fluorescent Lighting System Components 
Identification and Inspection Procedure,'' subparagraphs B.1, 2., 
3., 5., 6., and 7.
    (2) After completing the inspection above in paragraph (a)(1) of 
this AD, remove and replace any part(s) found to be damaged or 
improperly configured in accordance with paragraph IV. B.4, 8., and 
9., as required, of ALC Information Bulletin No. IB 90-001, dated 
August 15, 1992.
    (b) Within 5 flights or 10 flight hours, whichever occurs first, 
of a cabin fluorescent lighting system components failure, repeat 
the removal and replacement procedures of paragraph (a)(2) of this 
AD.
    (c) An alternative method of compliance with paragraphs (a)(1), 
(a)(2), and (b) of this AD would be to turn the fluorescent lighting 
system off and to placard the system to prevent unintentional 
activation.
    (d) Replacement of the following ALC parts, in accordance with 
the following instructions, constitutes terminating action to the 
inspections required by paragraph (b) of this AD. These actions are:
    (1) Remove power units, P/N TR-991 or AL-0546, and replace with 
protected power units, P/N AL-5117, in accordance with ALC 
Installation Instruction (II) No. AL-11025M, dated March 15, 1992.
    (2) Remove power units, P/N TR-992 or AL-0514, and replace with 
protected power unit, P/N AL-5112, in accordance with ALC II No. AL-
11024M, dated March 15, 1992.
    (3) Remove power supplies, P/N 18-95D or AL-0598 and dimmer, P/N 
22-311 or AL-0542, and replace with protected power supply, P/N AL-
5118 or AL-5130, in accordance with ALC II No. AL-11023M, Revision 
A, dated May 20, 1994.
    (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, New York Aircraft Certification 
Office. The request should be forwarded through an appropriate FAA 
Principal Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send 
it to the Manager, New York Aircraft Certification Office.

    Note: Information concerning the existence of approved 
alternative method of compliance with this AD, if any, may be 
obtained from the New York Aircraft Certification Office.

    (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 aircraft to a location where 
the requirements of this AD can be accomplished.
    (g) The actions required by this AD shall be done in accordance 
with the following service documents:

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        Document No.            Pages    Revision           Date        
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ALC II AL-11023M............  1-18....  A.........  May 20, 1994.       
    Total pages: 18                                                     
ALC II AL-11024M............  1-9.....  Original..  March 15, 1992.     
    Total pages: 9                                                      
ALC II AL-11025M............  1-9.....  Original..  March 15, 1992.     
    Total pages: 9                                                      
ALC No. IB90-001............  1.......  Revision..  August 15, 1992.    
                              2-8.....  Original..  March 30, 1990.     
                              9.......  Revision..  August 15, 1992.    
                              10-13...  Original..  March 30, 1990.     
    Total pages: 13                                                     
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[[Page 55784]]

    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 Aerospace Lighting Corporation, 
101-8 Colin Drive, Holbrook, NY 11741; telephone (516) 563-6400, fax 
(516) 563-8781. Copies may be inspected at the FAA, New England 
Region, Office of the Assistant Chief Counsel, 12 New England 
Executive Park, Burlington, MA; or at the Office of the Federal 
Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC.
    (h) This amendment becomes effective on December 4, 1995.

    Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on October 11, 1995.
Jay J. Pardee,
Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 95-26723 Filed 11-2-95; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U