[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 190 (Monday, September 30, 1996)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 51064-51066]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-24889]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 96-NM-158-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Beech Model 400A, 400T (Military T-1A), 
and 400T (Military TX) Series Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: This document proposes the supersedure of an existing 
airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to certain Beech Model 400A 
and 400T series airplanes, that currently requires an inspection of 
certain flap roller retention components to detect discrepant or 
missing parts; replacement of those parts; and installation of new 
washers on the roller attach bolts. This proposed action would require 
the replacement of certain previously-installed washers with new and 
stronger washers. It would also expand the applicability of the rule to 
include additional airplanes. This proposal is prompted by reports 
indicating that some locking tab washers on the roller attach bolt 
could fail, due to the absence of an inner tang. The actions specified 
by the proposed AD are intended to prevent the loss of roller attach 
nuts and the flap roller, which could result in the loss of a flap when 
the airplane is subject to load limit conditions, and, consequently 
lead to reduced controllability of the airplane.

DATES: Comments must be received by November 8, 1996.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-103, 
Attention: Rules Docket No. 96-NM-158-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., 
Renton, Washington 98055-4056. Comments may be inspected at this 
location between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, except 
Federal holidays.
    The service information referenced in the proposed rule may be 
obtained from Raytheon Aircraft Corporation, Commercial Service 
Department, P.O. Box 85, Wichita, Kansas 67201-0085. This information 
may be examined at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind 
Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington, or the FAA, Wichita Aircraft 
Certification Office, Small Airplane Directorate, 1801 Airport Road, 
Room 100, Mid-Continent Airport, Wichita, Kansas.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Larry Engler, Aerospace Engineer, 
Airframe Branch, ACE-115W, FAA, Wichita Aircraft Certification Office, 
Small Airplane Directorate, 1801 Airport Road, Room 100, Mid-Continent 
Airport, Wichita, Kansas 67209; telephone (316) 946-4122; fax (316) 
946-4407.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

    Interested persons are invited to participate in the making of the 
proposed 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 above. All 
communications received on or before the closing date for comments, 
specified above, will be considered before taking action on the 
proposed rule. The proposals contained in this notice may be changed in 
light of the comments received.
    Comments are specifically invited on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the proposed 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 summarizing each FAA-public contact concerned with 
the substance of this proposal will be filed in the Rules Docket.
    Commenters wishing the FAA to acknowledge receipt of their comments 
submitted in response to this notice must submit a self-addressed, 
stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: ``Comments 
to Docket Number 96-NM-158-AD.'' The postcard will be date stamped and 
returned to the commenter.

Availability of NPRMs

    Any person may obtain a copy of this NPRM by submitting a request 
to the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-103, Attention: Rules 
Docket No. 96-NM-158-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 
98055-4056.

Discussion

    On June 23, 1994, the FAA issued AD 94-14-06, amendment 39-8958 (59 
FR 35234, July 11, 1994), applicable to certain Beech Model 400A and 
400T (Military T-1A) series airplanes. That AD requires a one-time 
inspection of the flap roller retention components to detect discrepant 
or missing parts; the replacement of such parts, if necessary; and the 
installation of new washers, tab washers, and flat washers on the 
roller attach bolts.
    That action was prompted by reports indicating that some locking 
washers were missing inner tabs; such discrepancies would prevent these 
washers from locking. The requirements of that AD are intended to 
prevent loss of the main or aft flap surface, which could lead to 
reduced controllability of the airplane.

[[Page 51065]]

Actions Since Issuance of Previous Rule

    Since the issuance of that AD, the FAA has received reports 
indicating that the locking washers that were required to be installed 
by AD 94-14-06 are missing tabs, have undersized tabs, or lack inner 
tangs; any such discrepancy would prevent a locking washer from 
functioning. This condition, if not corrected, could ultimately result 
in the loss of a flap and reduced controllability of the airplane. (No 
such failures have occurred, however.) Recently, improved locking 
washers have been developed that will preclude the new problems that 
have been identified.
    In addition, the manufacturer has advised the FAA that additional 
airplanes--Model 400T (military TX) series airplanes--have been 
identified that are subject to the unsafe condition addressed by AD 94-
14-06. These airplanes were not included in the applicability of that 
AD.

Explanation of Relevant Service Information

    The FAA has reviewed and approved Raytheon Service Bulletin No. 
2522, Revision 1, dated May 1996. The original issue of this service 
bulletin was referenced in AD 94-14-06 as the appropriate source of 
service information. This revised service bulletin describes the 
following:
    1. Procedures for replacement of the washers, tab washers, and flat 
washers on roller attach bolts of the left and right flaps that were 
previously installed in accordance with the original issue of the 
service bulletin and in accordance with the requirements of AD 94-14-
06. These are to be replaced with new washers, tab washers (which are 
also stronger) and flat washers.
    2. New procedures for inspecting and replacing, if necessary, 
roller attach nuts and bolts; and for installing the new washers, tab 
washers (which are also stronger), and flat washers on those bolts.
    The revised service bulletin also includes additional airplanes in 
its effectivity listing that have been identified as subject to the 
same problems that prompted the issuance of the service bulletin (and 
AD 94-14-06).

Explanation of Requirements of Proposed Rule

    Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to 
exist or develop on other products of this same type design, the 
proposed AD would supersede AD 94-14-06. It would require the following 
actions:
    1. For airplanes that have been inspected previously, and on which 
the washers, tab washers, and flat washers have been installed in 
accordance with AD 94-14-06: Those washers would be required to be 
replaced with new washers (including the stronger tab washers).
    2. For airplanes that have not been inspected previously and have 
not had the washers, tab washers, and flat washers replaced; and for 
airplanes that were not included in the applicability of AD 94-14-06: 
These airplanes would be required to be inspected for discrepancies in 
the roller attach nuts and bolts of the flaps would be required, and 
discrepant parts replaced. In addition, the new washers, including the 
stronger tab washers, would be required to be installed on the attach 
bolts.
    These proposed actions would be required to be accomplished in 
accordance with the Raytheon service bulletin described previously.

Cost Impact

    There are approximately 212 Beech Model 400A and 400T series 
airplanes of the affected design in the worldwide fleet. The FAA 
estimates that 183 airplanes of U.S. registry would be affected by this 
proposed AD.
    It is estimated that 102 of the U.S.-registered airplanes would be 
required to have the washers replaced with new and stronger washers. 
This action would take approximately 2 work hours per airplane to 
accomplish, at an average labor rate of $60 per work hour. Required 
parts would cost approximately $25 per airplane. Based on these 
figures, the cost impact of the proposed replacement action on U.S. 
operators of these airplanes is estimated to be $14,790, or $145 per 
airplane.
    It is estimated that 81 of the U.S.-registered airplanes would be 
required to be inspected for discrepancies of the roller attach nuts 
and bolts, and would require the installation of new washers. Those 
actions would take approximately 6 work hours per airplane to 
accomplish, at an average labor rate of $60 per work hour. Required 
parts would cost approximately $100 per airplane. Based on these 
figures, the cost impact of the proposed actions on U.S. operators of 
these airplanes is estimated to be $37,260, or $460 per airplane.
    The cost impact figures discussed above are based on assumptions 
that no operator has yet accomplished any of the proposed 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 proposed herein would 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 
proposal would not have sufficient federalism implications to warrant 
the preparation of a Federalism Assessment.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this proposed 
regulation (1) is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under 
Executive Order 12866; (2) is not a ``significant rule'' under the DOT 
Regulatory Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); 
and (3) if promulgated, 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 copy of the draft 
regulatory evaluation prepared for this action is contained in the 
Rules Docket. A copy of it may be obtained by contacting the Rules 
Docket at the location provided under the caption ADDRESSES.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Safety.

The Proposed Amendment

    Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration proposes to amend 
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 removing amendment 39-8958 (59 FR 
35234, July 11, 1994), and by adding a new airworthiness directive 
(AD), to read as follows:

Beech Aircraft Corporation: Docket 96-NM-158-AD. Supersedes AD 94-
14-06, Amendment 39-8958.

    Applicability: Model 400A and 400T series airplanes; as listed 
in Beech Service Bulletin No. 2522, dated January 1994, and Raytheon 
Service Bulletin No. 2522, Revision 1, dated May 1996; certificated 
in any category.

    Note 1: This AD applies to each airplane identified in the 
preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been 
otherwise modified, altered, or repaired in

[[Page 51066]]

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.

    Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished 
previously.
    To prevent loss of roller attach nuts and the flap roller, which 
could result in the loss of a flap when the airplane is subject to 
load limit conditions, and consequently lead to reduced 
controllability of the airplane; accomplish the following:
    (a) For airplanes listed in Beech Service Bulletin No. 2522, 
dated January 1994, on which the inspection and installation of 
washers, tab washers, and flat washers have been accomplished prior 
to the effective date of this AD in accordance with that service 
bulletin, and in accordance with the requirements of AD 94-14-06, 
amendment 39-8958: Prior to the accumulation of 200 hours time-in-
service or within one year after the effective date of this AD, 
whichever occurs first, remove the washers, tab washers, and flat 
washers, having part numbers specified in Table 1 of this AD, from 
the roller attach bolts of the left and right flaps, and replace 
them with new washers, tab washers, and flat washers, having part 
numbers specified in Table 2 of this AD, in accordance with Part I 
of Raytheon Service Bulletin No. 2522, Revision 1, dated May 1996.

                     Table 1.--Parts To Be Replaced                     
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                 Part                          Beech Part Number        
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Tab Washers..........................  NAS460-616                       
                                       MS27111-3                        
                                       168AS-06-02                      
Flat Washers.........................  AN960D616L                       
Washers..............................  AN960-616                        
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                     Table 2.--New Replacement Parts                    
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                 Part                          Beech Part Number        
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Tab Washers..........................  45A16122-37                      
Flat Washers.........................  AN960D616L                       
Washers..............................  AN960-616                        
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    (b) For all other airplanes not subject to paragraph (a) of this 
AD: Prior to the accumulation of 200 hours time-in-service after the 
effective date of this AD, or within one year after the effective 
date of this AD, whichever occurs first, accomplish the actions 
specified in paragraphs (b) (1) and (b) (2) of this AD:
    (1) Perform an inspection of the roller attach nuts and bolts 
for the flaps to detect discrepancies (i.e., flattened, worn or 
damaged threads, damaged keway of bolts, etc.), in accordance with 
Part II of Raytheon Service Bulletin No. 2522, Revision 1, dated May 
1996. If any discrepancies are found, prior to further flight, 
replace the discrepant parts with new or serviceable parts, in 
accordance with the service bulletin. And
    (2) Remove the washers, tab washers, and flat washers from the 
roller attachment bolts of the left and right flaps, and replace 
them with new washers, tab washers, and flat washers that have part 
numbers specified in Table 2 of this AD, in accordance with Part I 
of Raytheon Service Bulletin No. 2522, Revision 1, dated May 1996.
    (c) As of the effective date of this AD, no person shall install 
on any airplane any tab washer for the roller attach bolt, having 
Beech part number 168AS-06-2, NAS460-616, or MS27111-3.
    (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 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 2: 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.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on September 23, 1996.
Darrell M. Pederson,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 96-24889 Filed 9-27-96; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U