[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 158 (Tuesday, August 17, 1999)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 44650-44652]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 99-20878]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 99-NM-204-AD; Amendment 39-11254; AD 99-17-05]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Israel Aircraft Industries, Ltd., Model 
Astra SPX Series 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

[[Page 44651]]

applicable to certain Israel Aircraft Industries Model Astra SPX series 
airplanes. This action requires repetitive inspections to detect 
cracking of the main fuel tube assemblies of the left and right 
engines, and corrective action, if necessary. This amendment is 
prompted by issuance of mandatory continuing airworthiness information 
by a foreign civil airworthiness authority. The actions specified in 
this AD are intended to detect and correct fuel line fractures, which 
could result in in-flight engine shutdowns or an increased risk of 
engine nacelle fires.

DATES: Effective September 1, 1999.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of September 1, 1999.
    Comments for inclusion in the Rules Docket must be received on or 
before September 16, 1999.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114, 
Attention: Rules Docket No. 99-NM-204-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., 
Renton, Washington 98055-4056.
    The service information referenced in this AD may be obtained from 
Galaxy Aerospace Corporation, 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; 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 98055-4056; telephone (425) 
227-2110; fax (425) 227-1149.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Civil Aviation Administration of Israel 
(CAAI), which is the airworthiness authority for Israel, recently 
notified the FAA that an unsafe condition may exist on certain Israel 
Aircraft Industries Model Astra SPX series airplanes. The CAAI advises 
that cracking of the main fuel tube assembly on the left engine was 
found at the base of the ``T'' joint weld (fuel pressure switch boss), 
which resulted in fuel leakage on one occasion. Such cracking may be 
caused by excessive vibration of the tube-mounted fuel pressure switch. 
This condition, if not corrected, could result in fuel line fractures 
and consequent in-flight engine shutdowns or an increased risk of 
engine nacelle fires.

Explanation of Relevant Service Information

    Israel Aircraft Industries has issued Astra Alert Service Bulletin 
1125-73A-191, dated April 2, 1999, which describes procedures for a 
repetitive fluorescent penetrant inspection to detect cracking of the 
main fuel tube assemblies of the left and right engines, and corrective 
action, if necessary. The CAAI classified this alert service bulletin 
as mandatory and issued Israeli airworthiness directive 73-99-07-05, 
dated July 11, 1999, in order to assure the continued airworthiness of 
these airplanes in Israel.

FAA's Conclusions

    This airplane model is manufactured in Israel and is 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 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 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, this AD is being issued to detect cracking of the 
main fuel tube assemblies of the left and right engines, which could 
result in fuel line fractures and consequent inflight engine shutdowns 
or an increased risk of engine nacelle fires. This AD requires 
accomplishment of the actions specified in the alert service bulletin 
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.

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 99-NM-204-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

[[Page 44652]]

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.


Sec. 39.13  [Amended]

    2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding the following new 
airworthiness directive:

99-17-05  Israel Aircraft Industries, Ltd.: Amendment 39-11254. 
Docket 99-NM-204-AD.

    Applicability: Model Astra SPX series airplanes, serial numbers 
089 through 115 inclusive; 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 detect and correct cracking of the main fuel tube assemblies 
of the left and right engines, which could result in fuel line 
fractures and consequent in-flight engine shutdowns or an increased 
risk of engine nacelle fires, accomplish the following:

Repetitive Inspections and Corrective Action

    (a) Within 5 hours time-in-service after the effective date of 
this AD: Perform a fluorescent penetrant inspection to detect 
cracking of the main fuel tube assemblies of the left and right 
engines around the bases of the ``T'' joint welds of the pressure 
transmitter tubes, in accordance with Astra Alert Service Bulletin 
1125-73A-191, dated April 2, 1999. Repeat the inspection thereafter 
at intervals not to exceed 25 hours time-in-service. If any crack is 
detected during any inspection required by this paragraph, prior to 
further flight, replace the fuel tube assembly with a new or 
serviceable part, in accordance with the alert service bulletin.

Alternative Methods of Compliance

    (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, 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.

Special Flight Permits

    (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.

Incorporation by Reference

    (d) The actions shall be done in accordance with Astra Alert 
Service Bulletin 1125-73A-191, dated April 2, 1999. 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 from Galaxy Aerospace Corporation, 
One Galaxy Way, Fort Worth Alliance Airport, Fort Worth, Texas 
76177. 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 Israeli 
airworthiness directive 73-99-07-05, dated July 11, 1999.

    (e) This amendment becomes effective on September 1, 1999.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on August 6, 1999.
D. L. Riggin,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 99-20878 Filed 8-16-99; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U