[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 143 (Friday, July 25, 1997)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 39927-39929]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 97-19438]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 96-CE-60-AD; Amendment 39-10087; AD 97-15-13]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Raytheon Aircraft Company (Formerly 
Beech Aircraft Corporation) Models 1900, 1900C, and 1900D Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) that 
applies to certain Raytheon Aircraft Company (Raytheon) Models 1900, 
1900C, and 1900D airplanes (formerly referred to as Beech Models 1900, 
1900C, and 1900D airplanes). This action requires installing 
lubrication fittings in the airstair door handle and latch housing 
mechanisms. The AD results from reports of the airstair door not 
opening because the door was frozen shut. The actions specified by this 
AD are intended to prevent moisture from accumulating and freezing in 
the airstair door handle and latch housing, which could result in the 
door freezing shut and passengers not being able to evacuate the 
airplane in an emergency situation.

DATES: Effective September 5, 1997.

    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of September 5, 1997.

ADDRESSES: Service information that applies to this AD may be obtained 
from the Raytheon Aircraft Company, P.O. Box 85, Wichita, Kansas 67201-
0085. This information may also be examined at the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), Central Region, Office of the Assistant Chief 
Counsel, Attention: Rules Docket No. 96-CE-60-AD, Room 1558, 601 E. 
12th Street, Kansas City, Missouri 64106; or at the Office of the 
Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, 
DC.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Steven E. Potter, Aerospace Safety 
Engineer, FAA, Wichita Aircraft Certification Office, 1801 Airport 
Road, Mid-Continent Airport, Wichita, Kansas 67209; telephone (316) 
946-4124; facsimile (316) 946-4407.

[[Page 39928]]

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Events Leading to the Issuance of This AD

    A proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 
CFR part 39) to include an AD that would apply to certain Raytheon 
Models 1900, 1900C, and 1900D airplanes was published in the Federal 
Register as a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) on January 29, 1997 
(62 FR 4206). The NPRM proposed to require installing lubrication 
fittings in the airstair door handle and latch housing mechanisms. 
Accomplishment of the proposed installation as specified in the NPRM 
would be in accordance with Raytheon Mandatory Service Bulletin No. 
2572, dated July, 1996.
    The NPRM resulted from reports of the airstair door not opening 
because the door was frozen shut.
    Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate 
in the making of this amendment. One comment was received in favor of 
the NPRM and no comments were received on the FAA's determination of 
the cost to the public.

The FAA's Determination

    After careful review of all available information related to the 
subject presented above, the FAA has determined that air safety and the 
public interest require the adoption of the rule as proposed except for 
minor editorial corrections. The FAA has determined that these minor 
corrections will not change the meaning of the AD and will not add any 
additional burden upon the public than was already proposed.

Cost Impact

    The FAA estimates that 408 airplanes in the U.S. registry will be 
affected by this AD, that it will take approximately 14 workhours per 
airplane to accomplish the required installation, and that the average 
labor rate is approximately $60 an hour. Parts cost approximately $50 
per airplane. Based on these figures, the total cost impact of the AD 
on U.S. operators is estimated to be $363,120 or $890 per airplane. 
This figure is based on the presumption that no owner/operator of the 
affected airplanes has accomplished the required installation.
    Raytheon has informed the FAA that parts have been distributed to 
equip approximately 36 of the affected airplanes. Presuming that each 
set of parts has been incorporated on one of the affected airplanes, 
the cost impact of this AD upon U.S. operators of the affected 
airplanes is reduced $32,040 from $363,120 to $331,080.

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 copy of the final 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, 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 a new airworthiness directive 
(AD) to read as follows:

97-15-13  Raytheon Aircraft Company (formerly Beech Aircraft 
Corporation): Amendment 39-10087; Docket No. 96-CE-60-AD.

    Applicability: The following airplane models and serial numbers, 
certificated in any category:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                 Model                           Serial numbers         
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1900..................................  UA-1 through UA-3.              
1900C.................................  UB-1 through UB-74, and UC-1    
                                         through UC-174.                
1900D.................................  UE-1 through UE-157.            
1900D (C-12J).........................  UD-1 through UD-6.              
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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 (c) 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 within the next 200 hours time-in-service 
after the effective date of this AD, unless already accomplished.
    To prevent moisture from accumulating and freezing in the 
airstair door handle and latch housing, which could result in the 
door freezing shut and passengers not being able to evacuate the 
airplane in an emergency situation, accomplish the following:
    (a) Install lubrication fittings in the airstair door handle and 
latch housing mechanisms in accordance with the Accomplishment 
Instructions section of Raytheon Mandatory Service Bulletin No. 
2572, dated July, 1996.
    (b) 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.
    (c) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the 
compliance time that provides an equivalent level of safety may be 
approved by the Manager, Wichita Aircraft Certification Office 
(ACO), 1801 Airport Road, Room 100, Mid-Continent Airport, Wichita, 
Kansas 67209. The request shall be forwarded through an appropriate 
FAA 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.

    (d) The installation required by this AD shall be done in 
accordance with Raytheon Mandatory Service Bulletin No. 2572, dated 
July, 1996. 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 the Raytheon Aircraft 
Company, P.O. Box 85, Wichita, Kansas 67201-0085. Copies may be 
inspected at the FAA, Central Region, Office of the Assistant Chief 
Counsel, Room 1558, 601 E. 12th Street, Kansas City, Missouri, or at 
the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., 
suite 700, Washington, DC.
    (e) This amendment (39-10087) becomes effective on September 5, 
1997.


[[Page 39929]]


    Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on July 16, 1997.
Carolanne L. Cabrini,
Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 97-19438 Filed 7-24-97; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P