[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 70 (Monday, April 13, 1998)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 17931-17932]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-9587]



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 Rules and Regulations
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  Federal Register / Vol. 63, No. 70 / Monday, April 13, 1998 / Rules 
and Regulations  

[[Page 17931]]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 97-NM-93-AD; Amendment 39-10442; AD 98-07-21]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Lockheed Model 1329-23 and -25 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 certain Lockheed Model 1329-23 and -25 series airplanes, 
that requires replacement of a certain tailpipe V-band coupling with a 
new tailpipe V-band coupling. This amendment is prompted by reports 
indicating that the flight crew received a fire/overheat warning as a 
result of displacement of engine tailpipes, which allowed hot exhaust 
gases into the engine bypass duct. The actions specified by this AD are 
intended to prevent such displacement, which could result in escape of 
the hot exhaust gases from the engine tailpipe, and consequent damage 
to adjacent structure.

EFFECTIVE DATE: May 18, 1998.

ADDRESSES: Information pertaining to this amendment may be obtained 
from or examined at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), 
Transport Airplane Directorate, Rules Docket, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., 
Renton, Washington 98055-4056; or at the FAA, Small Airplane 
Directorate, Atlanta Aircraft Certification Office, One Crown Center, 
1895 Phoenix Boulevard, Suite 450, Atlanta, Georgia 30349.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Thomas Peters, Aerospace Engineer, 
Systems and Flight Test Branch, ACE-116A, FAA, Small Airplane 
Directorate, Atlanta Aircraft Certification Office, One Crown Center, 
1895 Phoenix Boulevard, suite 450, Atlanta, Georgia 30349; telephone 
(770) 703-6063; fax (770) 703-6097.

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 certain Lockheed Model 1329-23 and 
-25 series airplanes was published in the Federal Register on January 
8, 1998 (63 FR 1076). That action proposed to require replacement of a 
certain tailpipe V-band coupling with a new tailpipe V-band coupling.
    The FAA has been informed that a substantial number of airplanes 
already have been equipped with the subject engine tailpipe V-band 
couplings, part number (P/N) NH1003605-10. The FAA finds that, if new 
couplings already have been installed and such installation is 
reflected in airplane service records, independent confirmation is 
unnecessary. Therefore, the body of the AD has been revised to 
incorporate a note that allows this compliance option.

Comments

    Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate 
in the making of this amendment. No comments were submitted in response 
to the proposal or the FAA's determination of the cost to the public.

Conclusion

    The FAA has determined that air safety and the public interest 
require the adoption of the rule, with the changes previously 
described.

Cost Impact

    There are approximately 91 Model 1329-25 and -23 series airplanes 
of the affected design in the worldwide fleet.
    The FAA estimates that 25 Model 1329-25 (JetStar II) series 
airplanes of U.S. registry will be affected by this AD, that it will 
take approximately 60 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 $726 per airplane. Based on 
these figures, the cost impact of the AD on U.S. operators is estimated 
to be $108,150, or $4,326 per airplane.
    The FAA estimates that 35 Model 1329-23 (731 JetStar) series 
airplanes of U.S. registry will be affected by this AD, that it will 
take approximately 60 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 $1,200 per airplane. Based on 
these figures, the cost impact of the AD on U.S. operators of these 
airplanes is estimated to be $168,000, or $4,800 per airplane.
    The cost impact figures discussed above are 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, 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:

[[Page 17932]]

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:

98-07-21  Lockheed Aeronautical Systems Company: Amendment 39-10442. 
Docket 97-NM-93-AD.

    Applicability: Model 1329-25 series airplanes equipped with an 
engine tailpipe V-band coupling, part number (P/N) NH1002299-10; and 
Model 1329-23 series airplanes that have been modified in accordance 
with Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) SA2326SW, equipped with an 
engine tailpipe V-band coupling, P/N NH1002299-10; certificated in 
any category.

    Note 1: This AD applies to each airplane identified in the 
preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been 
otherwise 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 displacement of the engine tailpipes, which could 
result in escape of hot exhaust gases from the engine tailpipe, and 
consequent damage to adjacent structure, accomplish the following:
    (a) Within 12 months after the effective date of this AD, 
replace the tailpipe V-band coupling having P/N NH1002299-10 with a 
new, redesigned coupling having P/N NH1003605-10, in accordance with 
Step 1, Figure 71-1, of Lockheed JetStar II Handbook of Operating 
and Maintenance Instructions, undated (for Model 1329-25 series 
airplanes); or Step 8, Figure 71-1(S), of Garrett Airesearch 
Aviation Company 731 JetStar document, undated (for Model 1329-23 
series airplanes); as applicable.

    Note 2: Installation of P/N NH1003605-10 prior to the effective 
date of this AD is considered acceptable for meeting the replacement 
requirement of paragraph (a) of this AD. Compliance may be 
demonstrated by confirmation that the airplane maintenance records  
reflect  installation  of P/N NH1003605-10 V-band couplings.

    (b) As of 12 months after the effective date of this AD, no 
person shall install a tailpipe V-band coupling, P/N NH1002299-10, 
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, Atlanta Aircraft Certification 
Office (ACO), FAA, Small 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, Atlanta ACO.

    Note 3: Information concerning the existence of approved 
alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be 
obtained from the Atlanta ACO.

    (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 a location where 
the requirements of this AD can be accomplished.
    (e) This amendment becomes effective on May 18, 1998.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on March 25, 1998.
Darrell M. Pederson,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 98-9587 Filed 4-10-98; 8:45 am]
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