[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 209 (Friday, October 29, 1999)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 58359-58362]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 99-28416]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 98-CE-88-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Bob Fields Aerocessories Inflatable 
Door Seals

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: This document proposes to revise Airworthiness Directive (AD) 
98-21-21, which currently requires de-activating the electric door seal 
inflation system for all aircraft equipped with Bob Fields 
Aerocessories inflatable door seals. Since issuance of that AD, the 
manufacturer has developed a modification that would allow these 
electric door seal inflation systems to remain in service, and the 
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has approved this modification. 
The proposed AD would incorporate this modification as a method of 
complying with the current AD, and would exclude those airplanes with 
manual door seal inflation systems from the AD requirements of de-
activating the system. The actions specified by the proposed AD are 
intended to prevent smoke and a possible fire in the cockpit caused by 
overheating of the electric door seal inflation systems, which could 
result in passenger injury.

DATES: Comments must be received on or before December 23, 1999.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the FAA, Central Region, 
Office of the Regional Counsel, Attention: Rules Docket No. 98-CE-88-
AD, Room 506, 901 Locust, Kansas City, Missouri 64106. Comments may be 
inspected at this location between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through 
Friday, holidays excepted.
    Service information that applies to the proposed AD may be obtained 
from Bob Fields Aerocessories, 340 East Santa Maria St., Santa Paula, 
California 93060; telephone: (805) 525-6236; facsimile: (805) 525-5286. 
This information also may be examined at the Rules Docket at the 
address above.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: George Y. Mabuni, Aerospace Engineer, 
FAA, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office, 3960 Paramount 
Boulevard, Lakewood, California 90712; telephone: (562) 627-5341; 
facsimile: (562) 627-5210.

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 should 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.
    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 that summarizes 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 No. 98-CE-88-AD.'' The postcard will be date stamped and 
returned to the commenter.

[[Page 58360]]

Availability of NPRMs

    Any person may obtain a copy of this NPRM by submitting a request 
to the FAA, Central Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, Attention: 
Rules Docket No. 98-CE-88-AD, Room 506, 901 Locust, Kansas City, 
Missouri 64106.

Discussion

    AD 98-21-21, Amendment 39-10844 (63 FR 55321, October 15, 1998), 
currently requires the following on aircraft equipped with Bob Fields 
Aerocessories inflatable door seals installed in accordance with either 
the applicable supplemental type certificate (STC) or through field 
approval:

--De-activating the electric door seal inflation system, fabricating 
and installing a placard specifying that the system is inoperative, and 
inserting a copy of the AD into the Limitations Section of the airplane 
flight manual (AFM).

    The AD only applies to those aircraft equipped with the Bob Fields 
Aerocessories inflatable door seals. With this in mind, the owner/
operator also has the option of removing all provisions of the Bob 
Fields Aerocessories inflatable door seals installation, and installing 
original equipment manufacturer door seals or an FAA-approved 
equivalent that is of different design than the referenced Bob Fields 
Aerocessories inflatable door seals.
    AD 98-21-21 resulted from occurrences of overheated components 
associated with the electric door seal inflation system on aircraft 
equipped with the affected inflatable door seals. The actions specified 
by AD 98-21-21 are intended to prevent smoke and a possible fire in the 
cockpit caused by overheating of the electric door seal inflation 
systems, which could result in passenger injury.

Actions Since Issuance of Previous Rule

    Since AD 98-21-21 has become effective, the FAA has determined that 
the requirements of de-activating the door seal inflation system should 
only affect those airplanes with an electric door seal inflation 
system. Those airplanes incorporating a manual door seal inflation 
system should not be affected by these actions. In addition, Bob Fields 
Aerocessories has developed modifications that would allow these 
electric door seal inflation systems to remain in service. These 
modifications are:

--Option 1: Converting all previous inflatable door seal systems into a 
manual system by connecting a new bulb and hose assembly to the 3814-6 
hose that was attached to the electric pump and inflating the door 
seals manually. Complete removal of the inflatable door system is not 
required for this option; and
--Option 2: Converting all previous inflatable door seal systems into 
an electrical system, which includes replacing the existing pump with a 
new compressor pump.

    Bob Fields Aerocessories Service Bulletin No. BFA-001, Dated: 
November 3, 1998, contains the procedures for accomplishing these 
modifications.

The FAA's Determination

    After examining the circumstances and reviewing all available 
information related to this subject, including the above-referenced 
service information, the FAA has determined that:

--The requirements of de-activating the electric door seal inflation 
system contained in AD 98-21-21 should only affect those airplanes with 
an electric system, and those airplanes incorporating a manual door 
seal inflation system should be excluded from these requirements;
--Accomplishing one of the modifications referenced in Bob Fields 
Aerocessories Service Bulletin No. BFA-001, Date: November 3, 1998, 
should be considered as an alternative method of compliance with the 
system de-activation requirements of AD 98-21-21; and
--AD action should be taken to incorporate this information into the 
current AD and to continue to prevent smoke and a possible fire in the 
cockpit caused by overheating of the electric door seal inflation 
systems, which could result in passenger injury.

Explanation of the Provisions of the Proposed AD

    Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to 
exist or develop in other aircraft equipped with Bob Fields 
Aerocessories inflatable door seals that are installed in accordance 
with either the applicable STC or through field approval, the FAA is 
proposing AD action to revise AD 98-21-21. The proposed AD would retain 
the requirements of the existing AD, would exclude those airplanes 
incorporating a manual inflatable door seal system from the system de-
activation requirements, and would provide the option of incorporating 
one of the modifications referenced in Bob Fields Aerocessories Service 
Bulletin No. BFA-001, Date: November 3, 1998, as a method of 
accomplishing the AD.
    Like AD 98-21-21, the proposed AD would only apply to those 
aircraft equipped with the Bob Fields Aerocessories inflatable door 
seals. With this in mind, the owner/operator also has the option of 
removing all provisions of the Bob Fields Aerocessories inflatable door 
seals installation, and installing original equipment manufacturer door 
seals or an FAA-approved equivalent that is of a different design than 
the referenced Bob Fields Aerocessories inflatable door seals.

Cost Impact

    The FAA does not know the number of aircraft that have the affected 
electric door seal inflation systems installed. The manufacturer is 
presently compiling a distribution list of all aircraft owners and 
aircraft dealers the electric door seal inflation system kits have been 
sold to under the existing STC's and field approvals.
    The FAA estimates that it would take approximately 3 workhours per 
airplane to accomplish the optional modifications that would allow 
these systems to be put back in service, at an average labor rate of 
approximately $60 an hour. Based on these figures, the total cost 
impact of the optional modification proposed in this document on U.S. 
operators is estimated to be $180 per airplane aircraft equipped with 
Bob Fields Aerocessories inflatable door seals.

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 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) 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 has been placed in the Rules Docket. A copy of 
it may be obtained by contacting the Rules Docket at the

[[Page 58361]]

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 removing Airworthiness Directive 
(AD) 98-21-21, Amendment 39-10844, and adding a new AD to read as 
follows:

Bob Fields Aerocessories: Docket No. 98-CE-88-AD; Revises AD 98-21-
21, Amendment 39-10844.

    Applicability: Electric inflatable door seals, installed either 
in accordance with the applicable supplemental type certificate 
(STC) or through field approval, that are installed on, but not 
limited to, the following aircraft:

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              Affected STC                                   Make and model aircraft affected
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SA3735NM...............................  Cessna Models 170, 170A, and 170B Airplanes.
SA4136WE...............................  Cessna Models 310, 310A, 310B, 310C, 310D, 310E, 310F, 310G, 310H,
                                          310I, 310J, 310K, 310L, 310N, 310P, 310Q, 310R, T310P, T310Q, and
                                          T310R Airplanes.
SA2226NM...............................  Cessna Models P210N and P210R Airplanes.
SA3736NM...............................  Cessna Models 185, 185A, 185B, 185C, 185D, A185E, and A185F Airplanes.
SA4177WE...............................  Cessna Models 175, 175A, 175B, and 175C Airplanes.
SA4212WE...............................  Cessna Models 210, 210A, 210B, 210C, 210D, 210E, 210F, 210G, 210H,
                                          210J, 210K, 210L, 210M, 210N, T210F, T210G, T210H, T210J, T210K,
                                          T210L, T210M, T210N, 210-5 (205), and 210-5A (205A) Airplanes.
SA4283WE...............................  Cessna Models 172, 172A, 172B, 172C, 172D, 172E, 172F, 172G, 172H,
                                          172I, 172K, 172L, 172M, and 172N Airplanes.
SA4284WE...............................  Cessna Models 180, 180A, 180B, 180C, 180D, 180E, 180F, 180G, 180H,
                                          180J, and 180K Airplanes.
SA4285WE...............................  Cessna Models 182, 182A, 182B, 182C, 182D, 182E, 182F, 182G, 182H,
                                          182J, 182K, 182L, 182M, 182N, 182P, 182Q, R182, and TR182 Airplanes.
SA4286WE...............................  Cessna Models 206, P206, P206A, P206B, P206C, P206D, P206E, TP206A,
                                          TP206B, TP206C, TP206D, TP206E, U206, U206A, U206B, U206C, U206D,
                                          U206E, U206F, U206G, TU206A, TU206B, TU206C, TU206D, TU206E, TU206F,
                                          and TU206G Airplanes.
SA4287WE...............................  Cessna Models 320, 320A, 320B, 320C, 320D, 320E, 320F, and 320-1
                                          Airplanes.
SA4180WE...............................  Raytheon (Beech) Models H35, J35, K35, M35, N35, P35, S35, V35, V35A,
                                          V35B, 35-33, 35-A33, 35-B33, 35-C33, 35-C33A, E33, E33A, E33C, F33,
                                          F33A, F33C, G33, 36, A36, A36TC, and B36TC Airplanes.
SA4184WE...............................  Raytheon (Beech) Models 95, B95, B95A, E95, 95-55, 95-A55, 95-B55, 95-
                                          B55A, 95-B55B, 95-C55, D55, E55, 56TC, 58, and 58A Airplanes.
SA4239WE...............................  Raytheon (Beech) Models 58P, 58PA, 58TC, and 58TCA Airplanes.
SA4240WE...............................  Raytheon (Beech) Models 50, B50, C50, D50, D50A, D50B, D50C, D50E, D50E-
                                          5990, E50, F50, G50, H50, and J50 Airplanes.
SA4282WE...............................  Raytheon (Beech) Models 35, A35, B35, C35, D35, E35, F35, G35, and 35R
                                          Airplanes.
SA4178WE...............................  Mooney Models M20, M20A, M20C, M20D, M20E, M20F, M20G, M20J, and M20K
                                          Airplanes.
SA4234WE...............................  The New Piper Aircraft, Inc. (Piper) Models PA-34-200, PA-34-200T, and
                                          PA-34-220T Airplanes.
SA4179WE...............................  Piper Models PA-24, PA-24-250, PA-24-260, and PA-24-400 Airplanes.
SA4235WE...............................  Piper Models PA-44-180 and PA-44-180T Airplanes.
SA4236WE...............................  Piper Models PA-28-140, PA-28-150, PA-28-160, PA-28-180, PA-28-235, PA-
                                          28-151, PA-28-181, PA-28-161, PA-28-236, PA-28-201T, PA-28S-160, PA-
                                          28S-180, PA-28R-180, PA-28R-200, PA-28R-201, PA-28R-201T, PA-28RT-201,
                                          and PA-28RT-201T Airplanes.
SA4237WE...............................  Piper Models PA-23, PA-23-160, PA-23-235, PA-23-250, and PA-E23-250
                                          Airplanes.
SA4238WE...............................  Piper Models PA-30, PA-39, and PA-40 Airplanes.
SA4385WP...............................  Piper Models PA-31, PA-31-300, PA-31-325, and PA-31-350 Airplanes.
SA4288WE...............................  Piper Models PA-32-260, PA-32-300, PA-32S-300, PA-32-301, PA-32-301T,
                                          PA-32R-300, PA-32R-301, PA-32R-301T, PA-32RT-300, and PA-32RT-300T
                                          Airplanes.
SA2511NM...............................  Bellanca Models 17-30, 17-31, and 17-31TC Airplanes.
SA2510NM...............................  Bellanca Models 17-30A, 17-31A, and 17-31ATC Airplanes.
SA4316WE...............................  Wing Aircraft Company Model D-1 Airplanes.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Note 1: This AD applies to each aircraft identified in the 
preceding applicability provision that has the affected inflatable 
door seals installed, regardless of whether it has been modified, 
altered, or repaired in the area subject to the requirements of this 
AD. For aircraft 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 (f) 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 in the body of this AD, unless 
already accomplished.
    To prevent smoke and a possible fire in the cockpit caused by 
overheating of the electric door seal inflation systems, which could 
result in passenger injury, accomplish the following:
    (a) Prior to further flight after October 30, 1998 (the 
effective date of AD 98-21-21), deactivate the electric door seal 
inflation system by accomplishing the following:
    (1) Disconnect the battery.
    (2) Locate the air pump and identify the power wire to the air 
pump.
    (3) Trace the power wire to its connection to the airplane's 
original electrical power system. Disconnect the power wire at its 
attachment to the airplane's electrical power system and stow the 
wire end.
    (4) For non-pressurized airplanes, fabricate a placard that 
incorporates the following words utilizing letters that are at least 
0.10-inch in height, and install this placard on the instrument 
panel within the pilot's clear view:

``ELECTRIC DOOR SEAL INFLATION SYSTEM INOPERATIVE''

    (5) For pressurized airplanes or for airplanes that do not have 
an operating manual door seal inflation system, fabricate a placard 
that incorporates the following

[[Page 58362]]

words utilizing letters that are at least 0.10-inch in height, and 
install this placard on the instrument panel within the pilot's 
clear view:

``ELECTRIC DOOR SEAL INFLATION SYSTEM INOPERATIVE. THIS AIRPLANE CAN 
ONLY BE OPERATED IN UNPRESSURIZED FLIGHT''

    (6) Reconnect the battery before returning to service.
    (b) Prior to further flight after October 30, 1998 (the 
effective date of AD 98-21-21), insert a copy of this AD into the 
Limitations Section of the airplane flight manual (AFM).

    Note 2: The prior to further flight compliance time of 
paragraphs (a) and (b) of this AD is being retained from AD 98-21-
21. The only substantive difference between this AD and AD 98-21-21 
is the addition of the alternative method of compliance referenced 
in paragraph (c) of this AD.

    Note 3: This AD only applies to those aircraft equipped with the 
Bob Fields Aerocessories inflatable door seals. With this in mind, 
the owner/operator also has the option of removing all provisions of 
the Bob Fields Aerocessories inflatable door seals installation, and 
installing original equipment manufacturer door seals or an FAA-
approved equivalent that is of a different design than the 
referenced Bob Fields Aerocessories inflatable door seals.

    (c) One of the following actions may be accomplished as an 
alternative method of compliance to the requirements of paragraphs 
(a) and (b) of this AD. No further action is required by this AD as 
long as one of these configurations remains incorporated on the 
aircraft.
    (1) Modify the electric door seal inflation system in accordance 
with the procedures in Bob Fields Aerocessories Service Bulletin No. 
BFA-001, Date: November 3, 1998; or
    (2) Install a manual door seal inflation system instead of an 
electric system. Aircraft with existing manual systems as of the 
effective date of this AD are excluded from the requirements of 
paragraphs (a) and (b) of this AD.
    (d) As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install, 
on any aircraft, a Bob Fields Aerocessories electric door seal 
inflation system unless the actions specified in Bob Fields 
Aerocessories Service Bulletin No. BFA-001, Date: November 3, 1998, 
are incorporated.
    (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.
    (f) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the 
compliance times that provides an equivalent level of safety may be 
approved by the Manager, FAA, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification 
Office (ACO), 3960 Paramount Blvd., Lakewood, California 90712.
    (1) The request shall be forwarded through an appropriate FAA 
Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send it to the 
Manager, Los Angeles ACO.
    (2) Alternative methods of compliance approved in accordance 
with AD 98-21-21 are considered approved as alternative methods of 
compliance for this AD.

    Note 4: Information concerning the existence of approved 
alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be 
obtained from the Los Angeles ACO.

    (g) All persons affected by this directive may obtain copies of 
the document referred to herein upon request to Bob Fields 
Aerocessories, 340 East Santa Maria St., Santa Paula, California 
93060; or may examine this document(s) at the FAA, Central Region, 
Office of the Regional Counsel, Room 506, 901 Locust, Kansas City, 
Missouri 64106.
    (h) This amendment revises AD 98-21-21, Amendment 39-10844.

    Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on October 22, 1999.
Marvin R. Nuss,
Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 99-28416 Filed 10-28-99; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U