[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 8 (Tuesday, January 13, 1998)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 1930-1932]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-712]


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 Proposed Rules
                                                 Federal Register
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 This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains notices to the public of 
 the proposed issuance of rules and regulations. The purpose of these 
 notices is to give interested persons an opportunity to participate in 
 the rule making prior to the adoption of the final rules.
 
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 

  Federal Register / Vol. 63, No. 8 / Tuesday, January 13, 1998 / 
Proposed Rules  

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 97-NM-169-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Israel Aircraft Industries, Ltd., Model 
1121, 1121A, 1121B, 1123, 1124, 1124A, 1125 Westwind Astra, and Astra 
SPX Series Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: This document proposes the adoption of a new airworthiness 
directive (AD) that is applicable to all Israel Aircraft Industries, 
Ltd., Model 1121, 1121A, 1121B, 1123, 1124, 1124A, 1125 Westwind Astra, 
and Astra SPX series airplanes. This proposal would require repetitive 
functional tests for proper operation of hydraulic fuses installed in 
the brake system and emergency hydraulic indicating system; and 
replacement of any discrepant hydraulic fuse with a new, improved unit. 
This proposal is prompted by the issuance of mandatory continuing 
airworthiness information by a foreign civil airworthiness authority. 
The actions specified by the proposed AD are intended to prevent 
failure of the hydraulic fuse to operate properly, due to internal 
corrosion, in the event of an external leak downstream of the fuse, 
which could result in loss of hydraulic systems.

DATES: Comments must be received by February 12, 1998.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114, 
Attention: Rules Docket No. 97-NM-169-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., 
Renton, Washington 98055-4056. Comments may be inspected at this 
location between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, except 
Federal holidays.
    The service information referenced in the proposed rule may be 
obtained from Galaxy Aerospace Corp., One Galaxy Way, Fort Worth 
Alliance Airport, Fort Worth, Texas 76177. This information may be 
examined at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, 
SW., Renton, Washington.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, 
Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, 
Washington 98055-4056; telephone (425) 227-2110; fax (425) 227-1149.

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 shall 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 summarizing 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 Number 97-NM-169-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, Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114, Attention: Rules 
Docket No. 97-NM-169-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 
98055-4056.

Discussion

    The Civil Aviation Administration of Israel (CAAI), which is the 
airworthiness authority for Israel, notified the FAA that an unsafe 
condition may exist on all Israel Aircraft Industries, Ltd., Model 
1121, 1121A, 1121B, 1123, 1124, 1124A, 1125 Westwind Astra, and Astra 
SPX series airplanes. The CAAI advises that corrosion has occurred on 
the magnesium piston in the hydraulic fuses installed in the brake 
system and emergency hydraulic indicating system of these airplanes 
(except 1125 Westwind Astra series airplanes), which prevented proper 
operation of the fuse (i.e., closure of the fuse in the event of a 
downstream leak). This condition, if not detected and corrected in a 
timely manner, could result in loss of hydraulic systems.

Explanation of Relevant Service Information

    The manufacturer has issued Commodore Jet Service Bulletin 1121-29-
022 (for Model 1121, 1121A, and 1121B series airplanes), Westwind 
Service Bulletin 1123-29-045 (for Model 1123 series airplanes), 
Westwind Service Bulletin 1124-29-132 (for Model 1124 and 1124A series 
airplanes), and Astra Service Bulletin 1125-32-154 (for Model 1125 
Westwind Astra and Astra SPX series airplanes); all dated September 11, 
1996. These service bulletins describe procedures for repetitive 
functional tests for proper operation of the hydraulic fuses installed 
in the emergency hydraulic indicating system (except Model 1125 
Westwind Astra and Astra SPX series airplanes) and the brake system, 
and replacement of any discrepant hydraulic fuse, with a new, improved 
unit. The CAAI classified these service bulletins as mandatory and 
issued Israeli airworthiness directive 29-97-03-10, dated March 27, 
1997, in order to assure the continued airworthiness of these airplanes 
in Israel.

FAA's Conclusions

    These airplane models are manufactured in Israel and are type 
certificated for operation in the United States under the provisions of 
section 21.29 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.29) and 
the applicable bilateral airworthiness agreement. Pursuant to this 
bilateral

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airworthiness agreement, the CAAI has kept the FAA informed of the 
situation described above. The FAA has examined the findings of the 
CAAI, reviewed all available information, and determined that AD action 
is necessary for products of this type design that are certificated for 
operation in the United States.

Explanation of Requirements of Proposed Rule

    Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to 
exist or develop on other airplanes of the same type design registered 
in the United States, the proposed AD would require accomplishment of 
the actions specified in the service bulletins described previously.

Interim Action

    This is considered to be interim action until final action is 
identified, at which time the FAA may consider further rulemaking.

Cost Impact

    The FAA estimates that 359 airplanes of U.S. registry would be 
affected by this proposed AD. It would take approximately 2 work hours 
per airplane to accomplish the proposed functional test at an average 
labor rate of $60 per work hour. Based on these figures, the cost 
impact of the proposed AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be a total 
of $43,080, or $120 per airplane, per functional test.
    The cost impact figure discussed above is based on assumptions that 
no operator has yet accomplished any of the proposed 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 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 proposed 
regulation (1) is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under 
Executive Order 12866; (2) is not a ``significant rule'' under the 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 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, 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 the following new 
airworthiness directive:

Israel Aircraft Industries Ltd.: Docket 97-NM-169-AD.

    Applicability: All Model 1121, 1121A, 1121B, 1123, 1124, 1124A, 
1125 Westwind Astra, and Astra SPX 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 
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 (e) 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 failure of the hydraulic fuse to operate properly in 
the event of an external leak downstream of the fuse, which could 
result in loss of hydraulic systems, accomplish the following:
    (a) For Model 1121, 1121A, 1123, 1124, and 1124A series 
airplanes: Perform a functional test (by measuring fluid loss) for 
proper operation of the hydraulic fuses installed in the brake 
system and emergency hydraulic indicating system in accordance with 
Commodore Jet Service Bulletin 1121-29-022 (for Model 1121, 1121A, 
and 1121B series airplanes), Westwind 1123-29-045 (for Model 1123 
series airplanes), or Westwind 1124-29-132 (for Model 1124 and 1124A 
series airplanes); all dated September 11, 1996, as applicable; at 
the later of the times specified in paragraphs (a)(1) and (a)(2) of 
this AD. Thereafter, repeat the inspections at intervals not to 
exceed 1,200 flight hours or 3 years, whichever occurs first.
    (1) Within 250 flight hours or 1 year after the effective date 
of this AD, whichever occurs first. Or,
    (2) Prior to accumulation of 1,200 total flight hours, or within 
3 years since the date of manufacture, whichever occurs first.
    (b) For Model 1125 Westwind Astra and Astra SPX series 
airplanes: Perform a functional test (by measuring fluid loss) for 
proper operation of the hydraulic fuses installed in the brake 
system, in accordance with Astra Service Bulletin 1125-32-154, dated 
September 11, 1996, at the later of the times specified in 
paragraphs (b)(1) and (b)(2) of this AD. Thereafter, repeat the 
inspections at intervals not to exceed 1,000 flight hours or 3 
years, whichever occurs first.
    (1) Within 250 total flight hours or 1 year after the effective 
date of this AD, whichever occurs first. Or,
    (2) Prior to the accumulation of 1,000 total flight hours, or 
within 3 years since the date of manufacture, whichever occurs 
first.
    (c) If, during any inspection required by paragraph (a) or (b) 
of this AD, any discrepancy is found, prior to further flight, 
replace the fuse with a new, improved fuse (part number 713047 with 
suffix ``A'' after the serial number), in accordance with Commodore 
Jet Service Bulletin 1121-29-022 (for Model 1121, 1121A, and 1121B 
series airplanes), Westwind 1123-29-045 (for Model 1123 series 
airplanes), Westwind 1124-29-132 (for Model 1124 and 1124A series 
airplanes), or Astra 1125-32-154 (for Model 1125 Westwind Astra and 
Astra SPX series airplanes); all dated September 11, 1996; as 
applicable.

    Note 2: Replacement of the fuse in accordance with paragraph (c) 
of this AD does not constitute terminating action for the repetitive 
functional tests required by paragraphs (a) and (b) of this AD.

    (d) As of the effective date of this AD, no person shall install 
on any airplane a hydraulic fuse having part number 713047, unless 
it has a suffix ``A'' after the serial number.
    (e) 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, International Branch, ANM-116, 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, International 
Branch, ANM-116.

    Note 3: Information concerning the existence of approved 
alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be 
obtained from the International Branch, ANM-116.

    (f) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with 
sections 21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 
CFR

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21.197 and 21.199) to operate the airplane to a location where the 
requirements of this AD can be accomplished.

    Note 4: The subject of this AD is addressed in Israeli 
airworthiness directive 29-97-03-10, dated March 27, 1997.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on January 6, 1998.
Darrell M. Pederson,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 98-712 Filed 1-12-98; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U