[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 232 (Monday, December 2, 1996)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 63702-63704]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-29988]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 96-NM-173-AD; Amendment 39-9835; AD 96-24-11]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Israel Aircraft Industries (IAI), Ltd., 
Model 1123, 1124, and 1124A Series Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), 
applicable to all IAI, Ltd., Model 1123, 1124, and 1124A series 
airplanes, that requires repetitive inspections of the aileron push-
pull tubes for excessive wear and the guide rollers for smooth 
rotation; and repair or replacement of worn parts with serviceable 
parts. This amendment is prompted by reports of excessive wear on the 
aileron push-pull tube in the area of the guide rollers. The actions 
specified by this AD are intended to prevent such wear, which could 
result in uneven movement of the control wheel, perforation of the 
aileron push-pull tube, and consequent reduced roll control of the 
airplane.

DATES: Effective January 6, 1997.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of January 6, 1997.


[[Page 63703]]


ADDRESSES: The service information referenced in this AD may be 
obtained from Technical Publications, Astra Jet Corporation, 77 
McCullough Drive, Suite 11, New Castle, Delaware 19720. 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 Office of the Federal Register, 800 
North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Tim Dulin, Aerospace Engineer, 
Standardization Branch, ANM-113, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056; telephone (206) 
227-2141; fax (206) 227-1149.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: A proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal 
Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) to include an airworthiness 
directive (AD) that is applicable to all IAI, Ltd., Model 1123, 1124, 
and 1124A series airplanes was published in the Federal Register on 
September 4, 1996 (61 FR 46576). That action proposed to require 
repetitive inspections of the left and right aileron push-pull tubes 
for excessive wear and the guide rollers for smooth rotation; 
replacement of the push-pull tubes with serviceable parts, if 
necessary; and repair or replacement of the guide rollers with 
serviceable parts, if necessary.
    Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate 
in the making of this amendment. No comments were submitted in response 
to the proposal or the FAA's determination of the cost to the public.

Conclusion

    The FAA has determined that air safety and the public interest 
require the adoption of the rule as proposed.

Cost Impact

    The FAA estimates that 213 IAI, Ltd., Model 1123, 1124, and 1124A 
series 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 inspections, and that the average labor rate is $60 per work 
hour. Based on these figures, the cost impact of the AD on U.S. 
operators is estimated to be $12,780, or $60 per airplane, per 
inspection.
    The 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.

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.
    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 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:

96-24-11  Israel Aircraft Industries (IAI), LTD.: Amendment 39-9835. 
Docket 96-NM-173-AD.

    Applicability: All IAI, Ltd., Model 1123, 1124, and 1124A series 
airplanes; 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 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 prevent excessive wear of the aileron push-pull tube, which 
could result in uneven movement of the control wheel, perforation of 
the aileron push-pull tube, and consequent reduced roll control of 
the airplane; accomplish the following:
    (a) Within 50 hours time-in-service after the effective date of 
this AD, inspect the left and right aileron push-pull tubes for wear 
and the guide rollers for smoothness of rotation, in accordance with 
Westwind Service Bulletin SB 1123-27-043, dated June 12, 1995 (for 
Model 1123 series airplanes); or Service Bulletin SB 1124-27-129, 
dated June 12, 1995 (for Model 1124 and 1124A series airplanes); as 
applicable.
    (1) If no wear is detected or if wear is within the limits 
specified in the applicable service bulletin, repeat the inspections 
thereafter at intervals not to exceed 600 hours time-in-service.
    (2) If any wear is detected and that wear is outside the limits 
specified in the applicable service bulletin, prior to further 
flight, replace the tube with serviceable parts in accordance with 
the applicable service bulletin. Thereafter, repeat the inspections 
at intervals not to exceed 600 hours time-in-service.
    (3) If the guide rollers do not rotate smoothly, accomplish 
either paragraph (a)(3)(i) or (a)(3)(ii) of this AD. Thereafter, 
repeat the inspections at intervals not to exceed 600 hours time-in-
service.
    (i) Prior to further flight, repair the guide roller in 
accordance with the applicable service bulletin. Or
    (ii) Prior to further flight, replace the guide roller with 
serviceable parts in accordance with the applicable service 
bulletin.
    (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, Manager, Standardization Branch, 
ANM-113, 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, 
Standardization Branch, ANM-113.

    Note 2: Information concerning the existence of approved 
alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be 
obtained from the Standardization Branch, ANM-113.

    (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.
    (d) The actions shall be done in accordance with Westwind 
Service Bulletin SB 1123-27-043, dated June 12, 1995; or Westwind 
Service Bulletin SB 1124-27-129, dated June

[[Page 63704]]

12, 1995; as applicable. 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 
Technical Publications, Astra Jet Corporation, 77 McCullough Drive, 
Suite 11, New Castle, Delaware 19720. 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.
    (e) This amendment becomes effective on January 6, 1996.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on November 18, 1997.
James V. Devany,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 96-29988 Filed 11-29-96; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U