[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 24 (Thursday, February 5, 1998)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 5876-5878]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-2640]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 97-NM-118-AD; Amendment 39-10305; AD 98-03-13]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Short Brothers Model SD3-60 SHERPA and 
SD3 SHERPA Series Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), 
applicable to all Short Brothers Model

[[Page 5877]]

SD3-60 SHERPA and SD3 SHERPA series airplanes, that requires removing 
the aluminum alloy oxygen pipe assembly and replacing it with a 
stainless steel assembly. This amendment is prompted by the issuance of 
mandatory continuing airworthiness information by a foreign civil 
airworthiness authority. The actions specified by this AD are intended 
to prevent aluminum oxygen tubing from bursting and releasing a high-
pressure oxygen flow into the passenger cabin, which could result in a 
fire hazard during flight.

DATES: Effective March 12, 1998.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of March 12, 1998.

ADDRESSES: The service information referenced in this AD may be 
obtained from Short Brothers, Airworthiness & Engineering Quality, P.O. 
Box 241, Airport Road, Belfast BT3 9DZ, Northern Ireland. This 
information may be examined at the Federal Aviation Administration 
(FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, Rules Docket, 1601 Lind Avenue, 
SW., Renton, Washington; or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 
North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC.

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

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: A proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal 
Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) to include an airworthiness 
directive (AD) that is applicable to all Short Brothers Model SD3-60 
SHERPA and SD3 SHERPA series airplanes was published in the Federal 
Register on November 19, 1997 (62 FR 61703). That action proposed to 
require removing the aluminum alloy oxygen pipe assembly and replacing 
it with a stainless steel assembly.

Comments

    Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate 
in the making of this amendment. Due consideration has been given to 
the single comment received.
    The commenter supports the proposed rule.

Conclusion

    After careful review of the available data, including the comment 
noted above, the FAA has determined that air safety and the public 
interest require the adoption of the rule as proposed.

Cost Impact

    The FAA estimates that 9 Model SD3-60 SHERPA and SD3 SHERPA series 
airplanes of U.S. registry will be affected by this AD, that it will 
take approximately 4 work hours per airplane to accomplish the required 
actions, and that the average labor rate is $60 per work hour. Required 
parts will cost approximately $60 per airplane. Based on these figures, 
the cost impact of the AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be $2,700, 
or $300 per airplane.
    The cost impact figure discussed above is based on assumptions that 
no operator has yet accomplished any of the 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 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 final evaluation has been prepared for this action 
and it is contained in the Rules Docket. A copy of it may be obtained 
from 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 the following new 
airworthiness directive:

98-03-13  Short Brothers, PLC: Amendment 39-10305. Docket 97-NM-118-
AD.

    Applicability: All Model SD3-60 SHERPA and SD3 SHERPA 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 (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 as indicated, unless accomplished 
previously.
    To prevent aluminum oxygen tubing from bursting and releasing a 
high-pressure oxygen flow into the passenger cabin, which could 
result in a fire hazard during flight; accomplish the following:
    (a) Within 90 days after the effective date of this AD, remove 
the aluminum oxygen tubing pipe assembly and replace it with a 
stainless steel tubing pipe assembly in accordance with the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Short Brothers Service Bulletin SD3-
60 SHERPA-35-1 or SD3 SHERPA-35-2, both dated April 8, 1997, as 
applicable.
    (b) As of the effective date of this AD, no person shall install 
an aluminum alloy oxygen tubing pipe assembly, part number SD3-71-
20052-401, on any airplane.
    (c) 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 2: Information concerning the existence of approved 
alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be 
obtained from the International Branch, ANM-116.

    (d) 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

[[Page 5878]]

a location where the requirements of this AD can be accomplished.
    (e) The actions shall be done in accordance with Short Brothers 
Service Bulletin SD3-60 SHERPA-35-1 or SD3 SHERPA-35-2, both dated 
April 8, 1997, as applicable 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 Short 
Brothers, Airworthiness & Engineering Quality, P.O. Box 241, Airport 
Road, Belfast BT3 9DZ, Northern Ireland. Copies may be inspected at 
the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., 
Renton, Washington; or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 
North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC.

    Note 3: The subject of this AD is addressed in British 
airworthiness directives 002-04-97 and 003-04-97.

    (f) This amendment becomes effective on March 12, 1998.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on January 28, 1998.

Darrell M. Pederson,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 98-2640 Filed 2-4-98; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U