[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 99 (Friday, May 22, 1998)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 28218-28220]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-13684]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 98-NM-165-AD; Amendment 39-10540; AD 98-11-13]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Raytheon Model Hawker 800XP Series
Airplanes, and Hawker 800 (U-125A Military Derivative) Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.
ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.
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SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) that
is applicable to certain Raytheon Model Hawker 800XP series airplanes
and Hawker 800 (U-125A military derivative) airplanes. This action
requires removal of the sealant from the firewall mounting flanges and
mounting points of the fire extinguisher assemblies; removal of sealant
obstructing the discharge tubes of the fire extinguisher assemblies;
cleaning and flushing of the mounting flanges, mounting points, and
discharge tubes with solvent; and installation of new gaskets on the
firewall mounting flanges and mounting points. This amendment is
prompted by reports of excessive sealant applied during manufacture of
the firewall mounting flanges and mounting points of the fire
extinguisher assemblies, which subsequently entered and obstructed the
discharge tubes. The actions specified in this AD are intended to
prevent obstructions of the discharge tubes of the fire extinguisher
assemblies, which could result in improper distribution of the fire
extinguishing agent within the nacelle in the event of a fire.
DATES: Effective June 8, 1998.
The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as
of June 8, 1998.
Comments for inclusion in the Rules Docket must be received on or
before July 21, 1998.
ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114,
Attention: Rules Docket No. 98-NM-165-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW.,
Renton, Washington 98055-4056.
The service information referenced in this AD may be obtained from
Raytheon Aircraft Company, Manager Service
[[Page 28219]]
Engineering, Hawker Customer Support Department, P.O. Box 85, Wichita,
Kansas 67201-0085. This information may be examined at the FAA,
Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton,
Washington; or at the FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, Wichita Aircraft
Certification Office, 1801 Airport Road, Room 100, Mid-Continent
Airport, Wichita, Kansas; or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800
North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Randy Griffith, Aerospace Engineer,
Systems and Propulsion Branch, ACE-116W, FAA, Small Airplane
Directorate, Wichita Aircraft Certification Office, 1801 Airport Road,
Room 100, Mid-Continent Airport, Wichita, Kansas 67209; telephone (316)
946-4145; fax (316) 946-4407.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The FAA has received a report indicating
that, during manufacture testing of the fire suppression system on a
Raytheon Model Hawker 800XP series airplane, the system failed to
operate properly. Investigation has revealed that the discharge tubes
of the fire extinguisher assemblies were obstructed. Testing of other
Model Hawker 800XP series airplanes and a Hawker 800 (U-125A military
derivative) airplane revealed similar obstructions of the discharge
tubes of the fire extinguisher assemblies. The cause of the
obstructions has been attributed to excessive sealant applied during
manufacture of the firewall mounting flanges and mounting points of the
fire extinguisher assemblies, which subsequently entered and obstructed
the discharge tubes. This condition, if not corrected, could result in
improper distribution of the fire extinguishing agent within the
nacelle in the event of a fire.
Explanation of Relevant Service Information
The FAA has reviewed and approved Raytheon Service Bulletin SB.26-
3197, dated April 1998, which describes procedures for removal of the
sealant from the firewall mounting flanges and mounting points of the
fire extinguisher assemblies; removal of sealant obstructing the
discharge tubes of the fire extinguisher assemblies; cleaning and
flushing of the mounting flanges, mounting points, and discharge tubes
with solvent; and installation of new gaskets on the firewall mounting
flanges and mounting points. Accomplishment of the actions specified in
the service bulletin is intended to adequately address the identified
unsafe condition.
Explanation of the Requirements of the Rule
Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to
exist or develop on other airplanes of the same type design, this AD is
being issued to prevent obstructions of the discharge tubes of the fire
extinguisher assemblies, which could result in improper distribution of
the fire extinguishing agent within the nacelle in the event of a fire.
This AD requires removal of the sealant from the firewall mounting
flanges and mounting points of the fire extinguisher assemblies;
removal of sealant obstructing the discharge tubes of the fire
extinguisher assemblies; cleaning and flushing of the mounting flanges,
mounting points, and discharge tubes with solvent; and installation of
new gaskets on the firewall mounting flanges and mounting points.
Determination of Rule's Effective Date
Since a situation exists that requires the immediate adoption of
this regulation, it is found that notice and opportunity for prior
public comment hereon are impracticable, and that good cause exists for
making this amendment effective in less than 30 days.
Comments Invited
Although this action is in the form of a final rule that involves
requirements affecting flight safety and, thus, was not preceded by
notice and an opportunity for public 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 shall identify the Rules Docket number and be submitted
in triplicate to the address specified under the caption ADDRESSES. 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 Number 98-NM-165-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, 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 that it 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.
A copy of it, if filed, 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.
[[Page 28220]]
Sec. 39.13 [Amended]
2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding the following new
airworthiness directive:
98-11-13 Raytheon Aircraft Company (Formerly Beech): Amendment 39-
10540. Docket 98-NM-165-AD.
Applicability: Model Hawker 800XP series airplanes and Hawker
800 (U-125A military derivative) airplanes, as listed in Raytheon
Service Bulletin SB.26-3197, dated April 1998; 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 (b) 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 obstructions of the discharge tubes of the fire
extinguisher assemblies, which could result in improper distribution
of the fire extinguishing agent within the nacelle in the event of a
fire, accomplish the following:
(a) Within 25 days after the effective date of this AD,
accomplish paragraphs (a)(1), (a)(2), (a)(3), and (a)(4) of this AD,
in accordance with Raytheon Service Bulletin SB.26-3197, dated April
1998.
(1) Remove the sealant from the firewall mounting flanges and
mounting points of the fire extinguisher assemblies;
(2) Remove all sealant obstructing the discharge tubes of the
fire extinguisher assemblies;
(3) Clean and flush the mounting flanges, mounting points, and
discharge tubes with solvent; and
(4) Install new gaskets on the firewall mounting flanges and
mounting points.
(b) 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, Wichita 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, 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.
(c) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with
Secs. 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) The actions shall be done in accordance with Raytheon
Service Bulletin SB.26-3197, dated April 1998. 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 Raytheon Aircraft Company, Manager Service
Engineering, Hawker Customer Support Department, P.O. Box 85,
Wichita, Kansas 67201-0085. Copies may be inspected at the FAA,
Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton,
Washington; or at the FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, Wichita
Aircraft Certification Office, 1801 Airport Road, Room 100, Mid-
Continent Airport, Wichita, Kansas; or at the Office of the Federal
Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC.
(e) This amendment becomes effective on June 8, 1998.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on May 15, 1998.
John J. Hickey,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 98-13684 Filed 5-21-98; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U