[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 214 (Monday, November 4, 1996)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 56642-56644]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-28165]



[[Page 56642]]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 95-CE-34-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Fairchild Aircraft SA226 and SA227 
Series Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: This document proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive 
(AD) that would apply to Fairchild Aircraft SA226 and SA227 series 
airplanes. The proposed action would require modifying the electrical 
power generation system. Three reports of both generators going off-
line on the affected airplanes while in-flight prompted this action. 
The actions specified by the proposed AD are intended to prevent 
failure of both generators during critical phases of flight (such as 
night operation or while in icing conditions), which could result in 
loss of control of the airplane.

DATES: Comments must be received on or before February 3, 1997.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), Central Region, Office of the Assistant Chief 
Counsel, Attention: Rules Docket No. 95-CE-34-AD, Room 1558, 601 E. 
12th Street, Kansas City, Missouri 64106. Comments may be inspected at 
this location between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, 
holidays excepted.
    Service information that applies to the proposed AD may be obtained 
from Field Support Engineering, Fairchild Aircraft, P.O. Box 790490, 
San Antonio, Texas 78279-0490; telephone (210) 824-9421; facsimile 
(210) 820-8609. This information also may be examined at the Rules 
Docket at the address above.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. Ingrid D. Knox, Aerospace 
Engineer, FAA, Airplane Certification Office, 2601 Meacham Boulevard, 
Fort Worth, Texas 76193-0150; telephone (817) 222-5190; facsimile (817) 
222-5960.

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 should 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 that summarizes 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 No. 95-CE-34-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, Central Region, Office of the Assistant Chief Counsel, 
Attention: Rules Docket No. 95-CE-34-AD, Room 1558, 601 E. 12th Street, 
Kansas City, Missouri 64106.

Discussion

    The FAA has received three reports of both generators going off-
line during flight operations on Fairchild Aircraft SA226 and SA227 
series airplanes. In one instance, both generators went off-line when 
the airplane was cruising at 21,500 feet. The pilot immediately began 
resetting the generators without initial success. After the airplane 
had descended to an altitude of 13,000 feet, the pilot was able to 
bring the generators back on-line. In all three incidents, the 
generator control unit required replacement.

Applicable Service Information

    Fairchild Aircraft has issued several service bulletins to address 
these electrical power generation system problems. The following 
presents and briefly describes the technical modification intent of 
each service bulletin (SB):

--SB 226-24-027, Issued: May 19, 1988, Revised: February 22, 1989: 
Specifies procedures for replacing the existing generator fault 
transformer wiring with dual conductor shielded wiring on Fairchild 
SA226 series airplanes.
--SB 227-24-008, Issued: March 18, 1988, Revised: February 22, 1989: 
Specifies the same procedures as SB 226-24-027, but provides these 
procedures for Fairchild Aircraft SA227 series airplanes.
--SB 226-24-023, Issued: October 25, 1985, Revised: January 23, 1989: 
Specifies procedures for rewiring the direct current (DC) generation 
system to reduce the possibility of 325-amp current limiter failure on 
Fairchild Aircraft SA226 series airplanes.
--SB 227-24-005, Issued: October 25, 1985, Revised: January 23, 1989: 
Specifies the same procedures as SB 226-24-023, but provides these 
procedures for Fairchild Aircraft SA227 series airplanes.
--SB 226-24-026, Issued: May 27, 1987: Specifies procedures for 
modifying the voltage regulator access panel and installing a connector 
in the wire bundle on Fairchild Aircraft SA226 series airplanes.
--SB 24-018, Issued: October 22, 1980, Revised: January 7, 1981: 
Specifies procedures for installing new voltage regulators, rerouting 
certain wires, and replacing the entire voltage regulator panel 
assembly on Fairchild Aircraft SA226 series airplanes.
--SB 226-24-031, dated July 27, 1989: Specifies procedures for 
modifying the DC generator control system so that it will operate off 
its respective generator output on Fairchild Aircraft SA226 series 
airplanes. This includes removing field current and reset resistors, 
removing the reset and generator relays and associated diodes, 
installing a 10-amp generator control circuit breaker to the left-hand 
and right-hand essential bus panels, and replacing the 10-amp generator 
control circuit breakers in the left-hand and right-hand wheelwells 
with 15-amp circuit breakers that are wired in series with the 
generator control circuit breakers.
--SB 227-24-012, Issued: May 4, 1989, Revised: July 27, 1989: Specifies 
the same procedures as SB 226-24-031, but provides these procedures for 
Fairchild Aircraft SA227 series airplanes.

The FAA's Determination

    After examining the circumstances and reviewing all available 
information related to the incidents described above, including the 
referenced service information, the FAA has determined that AD action 
should be taken to prevent failure of both generators during critical 
phases of flight (such as night operation or while in icing 
conditions), which could result in loss of control of the airplane.

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Explanation of the Provisions of the Proposed AD

    Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to 
exist or develop in other Fairchild Aircraft SA226 and SA227 series 
airplanes of the same type design, the proposed AD would require 
modifying the electrical power generation system. Accomplishment of the 
proposed modifications would be in accordance with the service 
bulletins previously referenced.

Cost Impact

    The FAA estimates that 34 SA226 series airplanes and 206 SA227 
series airplanes in the U.S. registry would be affected by the proposed 
modifications, that it would take approximately 80 workhours per SA226 
series airplane and 50 workhours per SA227 series airplane to 
accomplish the proposed modifications, and that the average labor rate 
is approximately $60 an hour. Parts cost approximately $12,400 for 
SA226 series airplanes and $6,000 for SA227 series airplanes. Based on 
these figures, the total cost impact of the proposed AD on U.S. 
operators is estimated to be $584,800 for SA226 series airplane 
operators (or $17,200 per airplane) and $1,854,000 for SA227 series 
airplane operators (or $9,000 per airplane). This figure is based on 
the assumption that no owner/operator of the affected airplanes has 
accomplished the proposed modifications. Fairchild Aircraft has 
informed the FAA that no parts have been distributed to any affected 
airplane owner/operator.
    The proposed AD allows 2,000 hours time-in-service (TIS) after the 
proposed AD would become effective before mandatory accomplishment of 
the design modifications. The average utilization of the fleet for 
those airplanes in commercial commuter service is approximately 25 to 
50 hours TIS per week. Based on these figures, operators of commuter-
class airplanes involved in commercial operation would have to 
accomplish the proposed modification within 24 to 48 calendar months 
after the proposed AD would become effective. For private owners, who 
typically operate between 100 to 200 hours TIS per year, this would 
allow 24 to 48 years before the proposed modification would be 
mandatory.

Regulatory Flexibility Determination and Analysis

    The Regulatory Flexibility Act of 1980 (RFA) was enacted by 
Congress to ensure that small entities are not unnecessarily or 
disproportionally burdened by government regulations. The RFA requires 
government agencies to determine whether rules would have a 
``significant economic impact on a substantial number of small 
entities,'' and, in cases where they would, conduct a Regulatory 
Flexibility Analysis in which alternatives to the rule are considered. 
FAA Order 2100.14A, Regulatory Flexibility Criteria and Guidance, 
outlines FAA procedures and criteria for complying with the RFA. Small 
entities are defined as small businesses and small not-for-profit 
organizations that are independently owned and operated or airports 
operated by small governmental jurisdictions. A ``substantial number'' 
is defined as a number that is not less than 11 and that is more than 
one-third of the small entities subject to a proposed rule, or any 
number of small entities judged to be substantial by the rulemaking 
official. A ``significant economic impact'' is defined by an annualized 
net compliance cost, adjusted for inflation, which is greater than a 
threshold cost level for defined entity types. FAA Order 2100.14A sets 
the size threshold for small entities operating aircraft for hire at 9 
aircraft owned and the annualized cost thresholds at $69,000 for 
scheduled operators and $5,000 for unscheduled operators.
    The FAA has determined that, for four entities (two nonscheduled 
air carriers and two scheduled air carriers), the compliance costs of 
the proposed AD would impose a significant economic impact. Because at 
least 11 small entities are not affected, the proposed AD would not 
affect a ``substantial number of small entities'' as defined in Order 
2100.14A.
    A copy of the full Cost Analysis and Regulatory Flexibility 
Determination for the proposed action may be examined at the FAA, 
Central Region, Office of the Assistant Chief Counsel, Attention: Rules 
Docket No. 95-CE-34-AD, Room 1558, 601 E. 12th Street, Kansas City, 
Missouri.

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 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) 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 has been placed 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 adding a new airworthiness directive 
(AD) to read as follows:

Fairchild Aircraft: Docket No. 95-CE-34-AD.

    Applicability: The following model and serial number airplanes, 
certificated in any category:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                 Model                             Serial Nos.          
------------------------------------------------------------------------
SA226-T...............................  T201 through T275 and T277      
                                         through T291.                  
SA226-T(B)............................  T(B)276 and T(B)292 through     
                                         T(B)417.                       
SA226-AT..............................  AT001 through AT074.            
SA226-TC..............................  TC201 through TC419.            
SA227-TT..............................  TT421 through TT541.            
SA227-AT..............................  AT423 through AT631.            
SA227-AC..............................  AC406, AC415, AC416, AC420      
                                         through AC705, and AC707       
                                         through AC733.                 
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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 (g) of 
this AD. The request should include an assessment of the effect of 
the modification, alteration, or

[[Page 56644]]

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 within the next 2,000 hours time-in-service 
after the effective date of this AD, unless already accomplished.
    To prevent failure of both generators during critical phases of 
flight (such as night operation or while in icing conditions), which 
could result in loss of control of the airplane, accomplish the 
following:
    (a) For the model and serial number airplanes presented below, 
replace the existing generator fault transformer wiring with new 
dual conductor shielded wire in accordance with Fairchild Service 
Bulletin (SB) 226-24-027, Issued: May 19, 1988, Revised: February 
22, 1989, or Fairchild SB 227-24-008, Issued: October 25, 1985, 
Revised: January 23, 1989, as applicable.
    (1) Model SA226-T airplanes, serial numbers T201 through T275 
and T277 through T291; Model SA226-T(B) airplanes, serial numbers 
T(B)276 and T(B)292 through T(B)417; Model SA226-AT airplanes, 
serial numbers AT001 through AT074; and Model SA226-TC airplanes, 
serial numbers TC201 through TC419.
    (2) Model SA227-TT airplanes, serial numbers TT421 through 
TT541; Model SA227-AT airplanes, serial numbers AT423 through AT631; 
and Model SA227-AC airplanes, serial numbers AC406, AC415, AC416, 
and AC420 through AC683.
    (b) For the model and serial number airplanes presented below, 
rewire the electrical power generation system to reduce the 
possibility of 325-amp current limiter failure in accordance with 
Fairchild SB 226-24-023, Issued: October 25, 1985, Revised: January 
23, 1989, or Fairchild SB 227-24-005, Issued: October 25, 1985, 
Revised: January 23, 1989, as applicable.
    (1) Model SA226-T airplanes, serial numbers T249 through T275 
and T277 through T291; Model SA226-T(B) airplanes, serial numbers 
T(B)276 and T(B)292 through T(B)417; Model SA226-AT airplanes, 
serial numbers AT025 through AT074; and Model SA226-TC airplanes, 
serial numbers TC209 through TC419.
    (2) Model SA227-TT airplanes, serial numbers TT421 through 
TT541; Models SA227-AT airplanes, serial numbers AT423 through 
AT591; and SA227-AC airplanes, serial numbers AC420 through AC594.
    (c) For Model SA226-T airplanes, serial numbers T249 through 
T275 and T277 through T291; Model SA226-T(B) airplanes, serial 
numbers T(B)276 and T(B)292 through T(B)417; Model SA226-AT 
airplanes, serial numbers AT025 through AT074; and Model SA226-TC 
airplanes, serial numbers TC209 through TC419, modify the voltage 
regulator access panel and install a connector in the wire bundle in 
accordance with Fairchild SB 226-24-026, Issued: May 27, 1987.
    (d) For Model SA226-T airplanes, serial numbers T201 through 
T275 and T277 through T291; Model SA226-T(B) airplanes, serial 
numbers T(B)276 and T(B)292 through T(B)347; Model SA226-AT 
airplanes, serial numbers AT001 through AT074; and Model SA226-TC 
airplanes, serial numbers TC201 through TC348, install new voltage 
regulators, reroute certain wires, and replace the entire voltage 
regulator panel assembly in accordance with Fairchild SB 24-018, 
Issued: October 22, 1980, Revised: January 7, 1981.
    (e) For the model and serial number airplanes presented below, 
modify the direct current (DC) generator control system so that it 
will operate off its respective generator output in accordance with 
Fairchild SB 226-24-031, dated July 27, 1989, or Fairchild SB 227-
24-012, Issued: May 4, 1989; Revised: July 27, 1989, as applicable. 
This includes removing field current and reset resistors, removing 
the reset and generator relays and associated diodes, installing a 
10-amp generator control circuit breaker to the left- hand and 
right-hand essential bus panels, and replacing the 10-amp generator 
control circuit breakers in the left-hand and right-hand wheelwells 
with 15-amp circuit breakers that are wired in series with the 
generator control circuit breakers.
    (1) Model SA226-T airplanes, serial numbers T249 through T275 
and T277 through T291; Model SA226-T(B) airplanes, serial numbers 
T(B)276 and T(B)292 through T(B)417; Model SA226-AT airplanes, 
serial numbers AT025 through AT074; and Model SA226-TC airplanes, 
serial numbers TC209 through TC419.
    (2) Model SA227-TT airplanes, serial numbers TT421 through 
TT541; Model SA227-AT airplanes, serial numbers AT423 through AT695; 
and Model SA227-AC airplanes, serial numbers AC406, AC415, AC416, 
AC420 through AC556, AC558 through AC705, and AC707 through AC733.
    (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 airplane to a location where 
the requirements of this AD can be accomplished.
    (g) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the 
compliance time that provides an equivalent level of safety may be 
approved by the Manager, Fort Worth Airplane Certification Office 
(ACO), FAA, 2601 Meacham Boulevard, Fort Worth, Texas 76193-0150. 
The request shall be forwarded through an appropriate FAA 
Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send it to the 
Manager, Fort Worth ACO.

    Note 2: Information concerning the existence of approved 
alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be 
obtained from the Fort Worth ACO.

    (h) All persons affected by this directive may obtain copies of 
the document referred to herein upon request to Fairchild Aircraft, 
P.O. Box 790490, San Antonio, Texas 78279-0490; or may examine this 
document at the FAA, Central Region, Office of the Assistant Chief 
Counsel, Room 1558, 601 E. 12th Street, Kansas City, Missouri 64106.

    Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on October 28, 1996.
John R. Colomy,
Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 96-28165 Filed 11-1-96; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U