[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:
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Model Serial Nos.
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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.
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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