[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 183 (Monday, September 22, 1997)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 49426-49427]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 97-25052]



[[Page 49426]]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 96-CE-60-AD; Amendment 39-10131; AD 97-15-13 R1]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Raytheon Aircraft Company Models 1900, 
1900C, and 1900D Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

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SUMMARY: This amendment revises Airworthiness Directive (AD) 97-15-13, 
which currently requires installing lubrication fittings in the 
airstair door handle and latch housing mechanisms on certain Raytheon 
Aircraft Company (Raytheon) Models 1900, 1900C, and 1900D airplanes 
(formerly referred to as Beech Models 1900, 1900C, and 1900D 
airplanes). Certain Model 1900C serial number airplanes were 
incorrectly referenced as Model 1900D airplanes in the Applicability 
section of AD 97-15-13. This AD maintains the requirements of AD 97-15-
13, and corrects the model and serial number reference as described 
above. 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 22, 1997.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the regulations was previously approved by the Director of the Federal 
Register as of September 5, 1997 (62 FR 39927, July 25, 1997).
    Comments for inclusion in the Rules Docket must be received on or 
before October 20, 1997.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), Central Region, Office of the Assistant Chief 
Counsel, Attention: Rules Docket 96-CE-60-AD, Room 1558, 601 E. 12th 
Street, Kansas City, Missouri 64106.
    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.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Discussion

    AD 97-15-13, Amendment 39-10087 (62 FR 39927, July 25, 1997), 
currently requires installing lubrication fittings in the airstair door 
handle and latch housing mechanisms on Raytheon Models 1900, 1900C, and 
1900D airplanes. Accomplishment of the actions specified in this AD are 
in accordance with Raytheon Mandatory Service Bulletin No. 2572, dated 
July, 1996.
    The FAA has since realized that it inadvertently referenced the 
Model 1900C (C-12J) airplanes, serial numbers UD-1 through UD-6, as 
Model 1900D (C-12J) airplanes.
    These Raytheon Model 1900C (C12J) airplanes are all owned by the 
U.S. military and are not currently on the U.S. Register. The FAA 
believes that the actions of AD 97-15-13 are already incorporated on 
these airplanes. With this in mind, there would be no further cost 
impact upon U.S. operators over that of AD 97-15-13 if these airplanes 
are transferred from military to civilian service.

The FAA's Determination

    After examining the circumstances and reviewing all available 
information related to the incidents described above, the FAA has 
determined that AD action should be taken in order 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.

Explanation of the Provisions of the AD

    Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to 
exist or develop in other Raytheon Models 1900, 1900C, and 1900D 
airplanes of the same type design, this AD revises AD 97-15-13 to 
require the same actions, but changes the designation of the Model 
1900D (C-12J) airplanes, serial numbers UD-1 through UD-6, to Model 
1900C (C-12J) airplanes, serial numbers UD-1 through UD-6.

Determination of the Effective Date of the AD

    Since the portion of AD 97-15-13 that is being revised does not 
affect any airplane that is currently on the U.S. register, there are 
no adverse economic impacts or additional burdens on any person. 
Therefore, prior notice and public procedures hereon are unnecessary 
and the AD may be made effective in less than 30 days after publication 
in the Federal Register.

Comments Invited

    Although this action is in the form of a final rule that involves 
requirements affecting immediate flight safety and, thus, was not 
preceded by notice and opportunity to comment, comments are invited on 
this rule. Interested persons are invited to comment on this 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 will be considered, 
and this rule may be amended in light of the comments received. Factual 
information that supports the commenter's ideas and suggestions is 
extremely helpful in evaluating the effectiveness of the AD action and 
determining whether additional rulemaking action would be needed.
    Comments are specifically invited on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the rule that might 
suggest a need to modify the 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 
AD will be filed in the Rules Docket.
    Commenters wishing the FAA to acknowledge receipt of their comments 
submitted in response to this rule must submit a self-addressed, 
stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: ``Comments 
to Docket No. 96-CE-60-AD.'' The postcard will be date stamped and 
returned to the commenter.

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,

[[Page 49427]]

it is determined that this final rule does not have sufficient 
federalism implications to warrant the preparation of a Federalism 
Assessment.
    The FAA has determined that this regulation is an emergency 
regulation that must be issued immediately to correct an unsafe 
condition in aircraft, and is not a ``significant regulatory action'' 
under Executive Order 12866. It has been determined further that this 
action involves an emergency regulation under DOT Regulatory Policies 
and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979). If it is determined 
that this emergency regulation otherwise would be significant under DOT 
Regulatory Policies and Procedures, a final regulatory evaluation will 
be prepared and placed in the Rules Docket (otherwise, an evaluation is 
not required). A copy of it, if filed, may be obtained from the Rules 
Docket.

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 removing Airworthiness Directive 
(AD) 97-15-13, Amendment 39-10087, and by adding a new AD to read as 
follows:

97-15-13 R1  Raytheon Aircraft Company: Amendment 39-10131; Docket 
No. 96-CE-60-AD. Revises AD 97-15-13, Amendment 39-10087.

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

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

    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 previously approved 
by the Director of the Federal Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 
552(a) and 1 CFR part 51 as of September 5, 1997 (62 FR 39927, July 
25, 1997). 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 (39-10131) revises AD 97-15-13, mendment 39-
10087.
    (f) This amendment (39-10131) becomes effective on September 22, 
1997.

    Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on September 8, 1997.
James E. Jackson,
Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 97-25052 Filed 9-19-97; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P