[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 244 (Friday, December 19, 1997)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 66565-66567]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 97-33146]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 97-CE-74-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; AlliedSignal Aerospace Bendix/King 
Model KSA 470 Autopilot Servo Actuators, Part Numbers 065-0076-10 
Through 065-0076-15

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 certain AlliedSignal Aerospace Bendix/King 
Model KSA 470 autopilot servo actuators, part numbers 065-0076-10 
through 065-0076-15, that are installed on aircraft. The proposed AD 
would require replacing the autopilot servo actuator with a modified 
actuator. The proposed AD is the result of two reports of the affected 
autopilot servo actuators containing loose roll pins within the servo 
housing. Loose roll pins could fall out, become lodged in the output 
shaft clutch mechanism, and prevent this mechanism from disengaging. 
The actions specified by the proposed AD are intended to prevent such 
an occurrence, which could result in increased effort by the pilot to 
control the aircraft and possible loss of control of the affected 
flight control axis.

DATES: Comments must be received on or before February 19, 1998.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), Central Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, 
Attention: Rules Docket No. 97-CE-74-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 AlliedSignal Aerospace, Commercial Avionics Systems, 400 N. Rogers 
Road, Olathe, Kansas 66062-1212. This information also may be examined 
at the Rules Docket at the address above.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Joel Ligon, Aerospace Engineer, 
Wichita Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, 1801 Airport Road, Mid-
Continent Airport, Wichita, Kansas 67209; telephone (316) 946-4138; 
facsimile (316) 946-4407.

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. 97-CE-74-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 Regional Counsel, Attention: 
Rules Docket No. 97-CE-74-AD, Room 1558, 601 E. 12th Street, Kansas 
City, Missouri 64106.

Discussion

    AlliedSignal Aerospace recently advised the FAA that an unsafe 
condition may exist on certain Bendix/King Model KSA 470 autopilot 
servo actuators, part numbers 065-0076-10 through 065-0076-15, that are 
installed on aircraft. AlliedSignal reports two incidents where the 
roll pins within the servo housing became loose on the affected 
autopilot servo actuators. An analysis of the design of the affected 
servo actuators reveals that the roll pin holes are larger than that 
recommended by the roll pin specification.
    Loose roll pins could fall out and become lodged in the output 
shaft clutch mechanism, which would prevent this mechanism from 
disengaging. This condition, if not

[[Page 66566]]

corrected in a timely manner, could result in increased effort by the 
pilot to control the aircraft and possible loss of control of the 
affected flight control axis.

Relevant Service Information

    AlliedSignal Aerospace has issued Bendix/King Service Bulletin No. 
SB KSA 470-3, dated May 1997. This service bulletin references a 
factory modification (Mod 3) that, when incorporated, corrects the 
servo actuator roll pin condition described above. This service 
bulletin lists the following aircraft that the affected AlliedSignal 
Aerospace Bendix King Model KSA 470 actuators are installed in:

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                          KSA 470 Part                          
                Aircraft Type                       FD/AP System              No.                Location       
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Raytheon 400 series.........................  KFC 400.................      065-0076-11  Yaw axis.              
                                                                            065-0076-15  Roll axis.             
Raytheon 200 series.........................  KFC 400.................      065-0076-11  Yaw axis.              
Raytheon 300 series.........................  KFC 400.................      065-0076-15  Yaw axis.              
Raytheon 350 series.........................  KFC 400.................      065-0076-15  Yaw axis.              
Dassault Falcon 20..........................  KFC 400.................      065-0076-15  Pitch axis.            
                                                                            065-0076-15  Roll axis.             
Fairchild C26A/C26B.........................  KFC400..................      065-0076-11  Yaw axis.              
Fairchild SA227-AC/AT/BC/CC/DC..............  KFC400..................      065-0076-15  Roll axis.             
Learjet 31A.................................  KFC 3100................      065-0076-12  Pitch axis.            
                                                                            065-0076-14  Yaw axis.              
                                                                            065-0076-15  Roll axis.             
Lockheed S-2 Tracker........................  KFC 325.................      065-0076-10  Special.               
Piper 400LS and PA-42-1000..................  KFC 400.................      065-0076-15  Yaw axis.              
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The FAA's Determination

    After examining the circumstances and reviewing all available 
information related to the incidents described above, including the 
service information previously referenced, the FAA has determined that 
AD action should be taken to prevent the servo actuator roll pins from 
becoming loose; falling out; becoming lodged in the output shaft clutch 
mechanism; and preventing this mechanism from disengaging, which could 
result in increased effort by the pilot to control the aircraft and 
possible loss of control of the affected flight control axis.

Explanation of the Provisions of the Proposed AD

    Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to 
exist or develop in AlliedSignal Aerospace Bendix/King Model KSA 470 
autopilot servo actuators, part numbers 065-0076-10 through 065-0076-
15, that are installed on aircraft, the FAA is proposing an AD. The 
proposed AD would require replacing the autopilot servo actuator with 
an actuator incorporating Mod 3. Accomplishment of the proposed 
modifications would be required in accordance with the applicable 
maintenance manual.

Cost Impact

    The FAA estimates that 500 of the affected servo actuators could be 
installed on aircraft in the U.S. registry. The proposed replacement 
would take approximately 2 workhours per airplane to accomplish, at an 
average labor rate of approximately $60 an hour. Servo actuators with 
Mod 3 incorporated cost $2,350. Based on these figures, the total cost 
impact of the proposed AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be 
$1,235,000, or $2,470 per aircraft. These figures are based on the 
presumption that no owner/operator of the affected aircraft has 
accomplished the proposed replacement.
    AlliedSignal has informed the FAA that costs of the required labor 
and modification of the servo actuators on affected aircraft may be 
recovered under an AlliedSignal conditional warranty program. 
Information regarding warranty claims associated with this action can 
be obtained directly from AlliedSignal at the address included in the 
ADDRESSES section of the proposed AD.

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:

    Alliedsignal Aerospace: Docket No. 97-CE-74-AD.

    Applicability: Bendix/King Model KSA 470 Autopilot Servo 
Actuators; part numbers 065-0076-10 through 065-0076-15; serial 
numbers 0001 through 3081; that are installed on, but not limited 
to, the following aircraft, certificated in any category:

    Note 1: This subject is addressed in AlliedSignal Bendix/King 
Service Bulletin No. SB KSA 470-3, dated May 1997. This service 
bulletin references serial number 3082. Regardless of this 
reference, serial number 3082 is not affected by this AD.

[[Page 66567]]



----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                         KSA 470 Part                           
             Aircraft type                       FD/AP system                No.                Location        
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Raytheon 400 Series...................  KFC 400......................      065-0076-11  Yaw axis.               
                                                                           065-0076-15  Roll axis.              
Raytheon 200 Series...................  KFC 400......................      065-0076-11  Yaw axis.               
Raytheon 300 Series...................  KFC 400......................      065-0076-15  Yaw axis.               
Raytheon 350 Series...................  KFC 400......................      065-0076-15  Yaw axis.               
Dassault Falcon 20....................  KFC 400......................      065-0076-15  Pitch axis.             
                                                                           065-0076-15  Roll axis.              
Fairchild C26A/C26B...................  KFC 400......................      065-0076-11  Yaw axis.               
Fairchild SA227-AC/AT/BC/CC/DC........  KFC 400......................      065-0076-15  Roll axis.              
Learjet 31A...........................  KFC 3100.....................      065-0076-12  Pitch axis.             
                                                                           065-0076-14  Yaw axis.               
                                                                           065-0076-15  Roll axis.              
Lockheed S-2 Tracker..................  KFC 325......................      065-0076-10  Special.                
Piper 400LS and PA-42-1000............  KFC 400......................      065-0076-15  Yaw axis.               
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Note 2: This AD applies to each aircraft identified in the 
preceding applicability provision that incorporates one of the 
affected actuators, regardless of whether it has been modified, 
altered, or repaired in the area subject to the requirements of this 
AD. For aircraft 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 (d) 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 100 hours time-in-service 
after the effective date of this AD, unless already accomplished.
    To prevent the servo actuator roll pins from becoming loose; 
falling out; becoming lodged in the output shaft clutch mechanism; 
and preventing this mechanism from disengaging, which could result 
in increased effort by the pilot to control the aircraft and 
possible loss of control of the affected flight control axis, 
accomplish the following:
    (a) Replace the autopilot servo actuator with an actuator that 
incorporates Mod 3 in accordance with the applicable maintenance 
manual. This modification changes the size of the servo actuator 
roll pin holes to assure that the pins do not become loose and fall 
out.
    (b) As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install, 
on aircraft, one of the affected servo actuators that does not 
incorporate Mod 3.
    (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) 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 3: Information concerning the existence of approved 
alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be 
obtained from the Wichita ACO.
    (e) All persons affected by this directive may obtain copies of 
the documents referred to herein upon request to AlliedSignal 
Aerospace, Technical Publications, Department 65-70, P.O. Box 52170, 
Phoenix, Arizona 85072-2170; or may examine these documents at the 
FAA, Central Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, Room 1558, 601 
E. 12th Street, Kansas City, Missouri 64106.

    Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on December 10, 1997.
Michael Gallagher,
Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 97-33146 Filed 12-18-97; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U