[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 198 (Thursday, October 14, 1999)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 55638-55640]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 99-26869]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 99-NM-80-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Raytheon Model BAe.125 Series 1000A and 
1000B Airplanes and Model Hawker 1000 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 Raytheon Model BAe.125 series 
1000A and 1000B airplanes and Model Hawker 1000 series airplanes. This 
proposal would require an inspection to determine the integrity of the 
duct connection on both ends of the turbine air discharge duct in the 
air conditioning system, an inspection to measure the bead height on 
the ends of the turbine air discharge duct; and corrective actions, if 
necessary. This proposal is prompted by reports indicating that the 
turbine air discharge duct disconnected from the cold air unit (CAU) or 
water separator due to insufficient bead height on the ends of the 
turbine air discharge duct. The actions specified by the proposed AD 
are intended to prevent such disconnection from the CAU or water 
separator, which could result in cabin depressurization.

DATES: Comments must be received by November 29, 1999.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114, 
Attention: Rules Docket No. 99-NM-80-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 Raytheon Aircraft Company, Manager Service 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-ContinentAirport, Wichita, Kansas.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Paul C. DeVore, 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) 
946-4142; fax (316) 946-4407.

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.

[[Page 55639]]

    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 99-NM-80-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. 99-NM-80-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 
98055-4056.

Discussion

    The FAA has received several reports indicating that the turbine 
air discharge duct disconnected from the cold air unit (CAU) or water 
separator in flight on Raytheon Model BAe.125 series 1000A and 1000B 
airplanes and Model Hawker 1000 series airplanes during flight. 
Investigation revealed that the bead height on the ends of the turbine 
air discharge duct was smaller than the design requirement, which could 
allow the rubber connecting sleeves to disconnect. Disconnection of the 
turbine air discharge duct from the CAU or water separator could result 
in loss of normal air supply to maintain cabin pressurization.

Explanation of Relevant Service Information

    The FAA has reviewed and approved Raytheon Aircraft Service 
Bulletin SB 21-3108, dated November 1998, which describes procedures 
for a one-time visual inspection to determine the integrity of the duct 
connection on both ends of the turbine air discharge duct in the air 
conditioning system; a one-time detailed inspection to measure the bead 
height on the ends of the turbine air discharge duct; and corrective 
actions, if necessary. The corrective actions involve adjustment of the 
clamps, and either rework of the duct or replacement of the duct with a 
new duct. Accomplishment of the actions specified in the service 
bulletin is intended to adequately address the identified unsafe 
condition.

Explanation of Requirements of Proposed Rule

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

Cost Impact

    There are approximately 52 airplanes of the affected design in the 
worldwide fleet. The FAA estimates that 35 airplanes of U.S. registry 
would be affected by this proposed AD, that it would take approximately 
9 work hours per airplane to accomplish the proposed actions, and that 
the average labor rate is $60 per work hour. Based on these figures, 
the cost impact of the proposed AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be 
$18,900, or $540 per airplane.
    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:

Raytheon Aircraft Company (Formerly Beech): Docket 99-NM-80-AD. 
Applicability: All Model BAe.125 series 1000A and 1000B airplanes 
and Model Hawker 1000 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 (d) 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 the turbine air discharge duct in the air 
conditioning system from disconnecting from the CAU or water 
separator in flight, which could result in cabin depressurization, 
accomplish the following:

Inspections

    (a) Within 25 flight hours after the effective date of this AD, 
perform a general visual inspection to determine the integrity of 
the duct connections (i.e., ensure that the duct and securing clamps 
are in place, the sleeve is central to the joint gap, and the clamps 
are clear of the duct bead) on both ends of the turbine air 
discharge duct in accordance with Raytheon Service Bulletin SB 21-
3108, dated November 1998. If any discrepancy is detected, prior to 
further flight, adjust the clamps in accordance with the service 
bulletin.

    Note 2: For the purposes of this AD, a general visual inspection 
is defined as: ``A visual examination of an interior or exterior 
area, installation, or assembly to detect obvious damage, failure, 
or irregularity. This level of inspection is made under normally 
available lighting conditions such as daylight, hangar lighting, 
flashlight, or drop-

[[Page 55640]]

light, and may require removal or opening of access panels or doors. 
Stands, ladders, or platforms may be required to gain proximity to 
the area being checked.''

    (b) Within 300 flight hours or 6 months after the effective date 
of this AD, whichever occurs first, perform a one-time detailed 
inspection to measure the bead height on the ends of the turbine air 
discharge duct in accordance with Raytheon Service Bulletin SB 21-
3108, dated November 1998. If the bead height does not conform to 
the dimension shown in the service bulletin, prior to further 
flight, either rework the duct or replace the duct with a new duct, 
in accordance with the service bulletin.

    Note 3: For the purposes of this AD, a detailed inspection is 
defined as: ``An intensive visual examination of a specific 
structural area, system, installation, or assembly to detect damage, 
failure, or irregularity. Available lighting is normally 
supplemented with a direct source of good lighting at intensity 
deemed appropriate by the inspector. Inspection aids such as mirror, 
magnifying lenses, etc., may be used. Surface cleaning and elaborate 
access procedures may be required.''

Spares

    (c) As of the effective date of this AD, no person shall install 
a turbine air discharge duct, part number 25-9VF425-1A, on any 
airplane, unless that duct has been inspected in accordance with 
Part II of Raytheon Service Bulletin SB 21-3108, dated November 
1998.

Alternative Methods of Compliance

    (d) 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 4: Information concerning the existence of approved 
alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be 
obtained from the Wichita ACO.

Special Flight Permits

    (e) 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.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on October 7, 1999.
D.L. Riggin,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 99-26869 Filed 10-13-99; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P