[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 220 (Tuesday, November 16, 1999)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 62129-62131]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 99-29828]


 ========================================================================
 Proposed Rules
                                                 Federal Register
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 This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains notices to the public of 
 the proposed issuance of rules and regulations. The purpose of these 
 notices is to give interested persons an opportunity to participate in 
 the rule making prior to the adoption of the final rules.
 
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 

  Federal Register / Vol. 64, No. 220 / Tuesday, November 16, 1999 / 
Proposed Rules  

[[Page 62129]]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 99-NM-160-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Raytheon Model Hawker 800 and 1000 
Airplanes and Model DH.125, HS.125, BH.125, and BAe.125 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 certain Raytheon Model Hawker 800 
and 1000 airplanes and Model DH.125, HS.125, BH.125, and BAe.125 series 
airplanes. This proposal would require replacement of cadmium plated 
fittings and cone caps in the oxygen system plumbing with improved 
fittings and cone caps, a detailed visual inspection of the oxygen 
system plumbing in the area of the replaced parts, and corrective 
actions, if necessary. This proposal is prompted by reports indicating 
that a field survey of the affected parts revealed that a reaction 
process was occurring, which resulted in cadmium flaking. The actions 
specified by the proposed AD are intended to prevent flaking of cadmium 
from certain oxygen system plumbing fittings and cone caps from 
blocking the valves and impairing the function of the oxygen system, 
which could deprive the crew and passengers of necessary oxygen during 
an emergency that requires oxygen.

DATES: Comments must be received by January 3, 2000.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114, 
Attention: Rules Docket No. 99-NM-160-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 Small 
Airplane Directorate, Wichita Aircraft Certification Office, 1801 
Airport Road, Room 100, Mid-Continent Airport, Wichita, Kansas 67209.

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.
    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-160-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-160-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 
98055-4056.

Discussion

    The FAA has received reports indicating that, during a field survey 
of two Raytheon Model DH.125, HS.125, BH.125 series 400A/400B airplanes 
equipped with cadmium plated cone caps, a reaction process occurred, 
which resulted in cadmium flaking. The cause of the flaking has been 
attributed to the cone caps being made of mild steel with cadmium 
plating, which may decompose and flake when exposed to oxygen. Flaking 
of cadmium from oxygen system plumbing fittings and cone caps can block 
valves and impair the function of the oxygen system. This condition, if 
not corrected, could result in depriving the crew and passengers of 
necessary oxygen during an emergency that requires oxygen.
    Cone caps and oxygen system plumbing fittings on Raytheon Model 
Hawker 800 and 1000 airplanes and Model DH.125, HS.125, BH.125, and 
BAe.125 series airplanes are similar to those on the affected Model 
DH.125, HS.125, BH.125 series 400A/400B airplanes. Therefore, all of 
these models may be subject to the same unsafe condition.

Explanation of Relevant Service Information

    The FAA has reviewed and approved Raytheon Service Bulletins SB 35-
3034, SB 35-3167, SB 35-3168, SB 35-3169, SB 35-3171, and SB 35-3170, 
all dated September 1998. These service bulletins describe procedures 
for replacement of cadmium plated fittings and cone caps in the oxygen 
system plumbing with improved fittings and cone caps; and a detailed 
visual inspection of the oxygen system plumbing in the area of the 
replaced parts, and corrective actions, if necessary. The corrective 
actions include cleaning affected areas and performing a flow check of 
the oxygen system. Accomplishment of the actions specified in the 
service bulletins is

[[Page 62130]]

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 bulletins described previously, except as discussed below.

Differences Between Proposed Rule and Service Bulletin

    Operators should note that, although the service bulletin specifies 
that the manufacturer may be contacted for disposition of certain 
repair conditions, this proposal would require the repair of those 
conditions to be accomplished in accordance with a method approved by 
the FAA.

Cost Impact

    There are approximately 724 airplanes of the affected design in the 
worldwide fleet. The FAA estimates that 481 airplanes of U.S. registry 
would be affected by this proposed AD.
    For Model DH.125, HS.125, BH.125 series 1A/1B, 3A/3B, 400A, 400B, 
401B, 403A, 403B, 600A, 600B, 700A, 700B airplanes (236 airplanes of 
U.S. registry), it would take approximately 7 work hours per airplane 
to accomplish the proposed actions, at an average labor rate of $60 per 
work hour. Required parts would cost approximately between $28 and $79 
per airplane. Based on these figures, the cost impact of the proposed 
AD on U.S. operators of these airplanes is estimated to be between 
$105,728, and $117,764, or between $448 and $499 per airplane.
    For Model BAe.125 series 800A (C-29A) airplanes (6 airplanes of 
U.S. registry), it would take approximately 3 work hours per airplane 
to accomplish the proposed actions, at an average labor rate of $60 per 
work hour. Required parts would cost approximately $61 per airplane. 
Based on these figures, the cost impact of the proposed AD on U.S. 
operators of these airplanes is estimated to be $1,446, or $241 per 
airplane.
    For Model BAe.125 series 800A, and 800B airplanes, and Model Hawker 
800 airplanes (202 airplanes of U.S. registry), it would take 
approximately 10 work hours per airplane to accomplish the proposed 
actions, at an average labor rate of $60 per work hour. Required parts 
would cost approximately between $16 and $22 per airplane. Based on 
these figures, the cost impact of the proposed AD on U.S. operators of 
these airplanes is estimated to be between $124,432 and $125,644, or 
between $616 and $622 per airplane.
    For Model BAe.125 series 1000A and 1000B airplanes, and Model 
Hawker 1000 airplanes (37 airplanes of U.S. registry), it would take 
approximately 6 work hours per airplane to accomplish the proposed 
actions, at an average labor rate of $60 per work hour. Required parts 
would cost approximately between $66 and $122 per airplane. Based on 
these figures, the cost impact of the proposed AD on U.S. operators of 
these airplanes is estimated to be between $15,762 and $17,834, or 
between $426 and $482 per airplane.
    The cost impact figures discussed above are 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. However, the FAA has been 
advised that manufacturer warranty remedies are available for some 
labor costs associated with accomplishing the actions required by this 
proposed AD. Therefore, the future economic cost impact of this rule on 
U.S. operators may be less than the cost impact figures indicated 
above.

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-160-AD.

    Applicability: Models and series of airplanes as listed in the 
applicable service bulletin(s) specified in Table 1 of this AD, 
certificated in any category:

                                 Table 1
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                Raytheon service      Date of service
       Model of airplane            bulletin             bulletin
------------------------------------------------------------------------
DH.125, HS.125, BH.125 series   SB 35-3169......  September 1998.
 1A, 1B, 3A, 3B, 400A, 400B,
 401B, 403A, 403B, 600A, 600B,
 700A, and 700B airplanes.
BAe.125 series 800A (C-29A)     SB 35-3171......  September 1998.
 airplanes.
BAe.125 series 800A and 800B    SB 35-3034 and    September 1998
 airplanes, and Hawker 800       SB35-3170.
 airplanes.
BAe.125 series 1000A and 1000B  SB 35-3167 and    September 1998.
 airplanes, and Hawker 1000      SB 35-3168.
 airplanes..
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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

[[Page 62131]]

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, unless accomplished 
previously.
    To prevent flaking of cadmium from certain oxygen system 
plumbing fittings and cone caps from blocking the valves and 
impairing the function of the oxygen system, which could deprive the 
crew and passengers of necessary oxygen during an emergency that 
requires oxygen, accomplish the following:
    (a) For Model DH.125, HS.125, BH.125 series 1A, 1B, 3A, 3B, 
400A, 400B, 401B, 403A, 403B, 600A, 600B, 700A and 700B airplanes: 
Within 6 months after the effective date of this AD, replace the 
cadmium plated cone caps in the oxygen system plumbing with improved 
cone caps, and perform a detailed visual inspection of the removed 
cone caps, tee-piece and sleeve for evidence of flaking or 
corrosion; in accordance with Raytheon Service Bulletin SB 35-3169, 
dated September 1998. If any flaking or corrosion is detected, prior 
to further flight, clean the tee-piece and sleeve, and perform an 
oxygen system flow check in accordance with the service bulletin. If 
any discrepancy is found during the flow check, prior to further 
flight, repair the oxygen system in accordance with the service 
bulletin, except as required by paragraph (e) of this AD.

    Note 2: For the purposes of this AD, a detailed visual 
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.''

    (b) For Model BAe.125 series 800A (C-29A) airplanes: Within 6 
months after the effective date of this AD, replace the cadmium 
plated cone caps in the oxygen system plumbing with improved cone 
caps, and perform a detailed visual inspection of the removed cone 
caps, tee-piece and sleeve for evidence of flaking or corrosion; in 
accordance with Raytheon Service Bulletin SB 35-3171, dated 
September 1998. If any flaking or corrosion is detected, prior to 
further flight, clean the tee-piece and sleeve, and perform an 
oxygen system flow check in accordance with the service bulletin. If 
any discrepancy is found during the flow check, prior to further 
flight, repair the oxygen system in accordance with the service 
bulletin, except as required by paragraph (e) of this AD.
    (c) For Model BAe.125 series 800A and 800B airplanes and Model 
Hawker 800 airplanes: Within 6 months after the effective date of 
this AD, replace the cadmium plated cone caps in the oxygen system 
plumbing with improved cone caps, and perform a detailed visual 
inspection of the removed cone caps, tee-piece and sleeve for 
evidence of flaking or corrosion; in accordance with Raytheon 
Service Bulletins SB35-3034 or SB 35-3170, both dated September 
1998, as applicable. If any flaking or corrosion is detected, prior 
to further flight, clean the tee-piece and sleeve, and perform an 
oxygen system flow check in accordance with the service bulletin. If 
any discrepancy is found during the flow check, prior to further 
flight, repair the oxygen system in accordance with the service 
bulletin, except as required by paragraph (e) of this AD.
    (d) For Model BAe.125 series 1000A and 1000B airplanes and Model 
Hawker 1000 series airplanes: Within 6 months after the effective 
date of this AD, replace the cadmium plated fittings in the oxygen 
system plumbing with improved fittings, and perform a detailed 
visual inspection of the removed fittings and the pipe connections 
for evidence of flaking or corrosion; in accordance with Raytheon 
Service Bulletin SB 35-3167 or SB 35-3168, both dated September 
1998, as applicable. If any flaking or corrosion is detected, prior 
to further flight, clean the pipe connections, and perform an oxygen 
system flow check in accordance with the service bulletin. If any 
discrepancy is found during the flow check, prior to further flight, 
repair the oxygen system in accordance with the service bulletin, 
except as required by paragraph (e) of this AD.
    (e) If any discrepancy is found during a flow check required by 
paragraph (a), (b), (c), or (d) of this AD and the applicable 
service bulletin specifies to contact the manufacturer for a repair 
disposition, prior to further flight, repair the oxygen system in 
accordance with a method approved by the Manager, Wichita Aircraft 
Certification Office (ACO), FAA, Small Airplane Directorate.

Alternative Methods of Compliance

    (f) 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 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 3: 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

    (g) 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.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on November 9, 1999.
D.L. Riggin,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 99-29828 Filed 11-15-99; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U