[Federal Register Volume 65, Number 25 (Monday, February 7, 2000)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 5749-5751]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 00-2410]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 99-NM-160-AD; Amendment 39-11553; AD 2000-02-35]
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:  Final rule.

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SUMMARY:  This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), 
applicable to certain Raytheon Model Hawker 800 and 1000 airplanes and 
Model DH.125, HS.125, BH.125, and BAe.125 series airplanes, that 
requires 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 amendment 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 this 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:  Effective March 13, 2000.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of March 13, 2000.

ADDRESSES:  The service information referenced in this AD 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 Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane 
Directorate, Rules Docket, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; 
or
The Small Airplane Directorate, Wichita Aircraft Certification Office, 
1801 Airport Road, Room 100, Mid-Continent Airport, Wichita, Kansas; or
The Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., 
suite 700, Washington, DC.

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:  A proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal 
Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) to include an 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.12 series 
airplanes was published in the Federal Register on November 16, 1999 
(64 FR 62129). That action proposed to 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.

Comments

    Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate 
in the making of this amendment. No comments were submitted in response 
to the proposal or the FAA's determination of the cost to the public.

Conclusion

    The FAA has determined that air safety and the public interest 
require the adoption of the rule as proposed.

Cost Impact

    There are approximately 724 airplanes of the affected design in the

[[Page 5750]]

worldwide fleet. The FAA estimates that 481 airplanes of U.S. registry 
will be affected by this 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 will take approximately 7 work hours per airplane to 
accomplish the required actions, at an average labor rate of $60 per 
work hour. Required parts will cost approximately between $28 and $79 
per airplane. Based on these figures, the cost impact of the 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 will take approximately 3 work hours per airplane to 
accomplish the required actions, at an average labor rate of $60 per 
work hour. Required parts will cost approximately $61 per airplane. 
Based on these figures, the cost impact of the 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 will take 
approximately 10 work hours per airplane to accomplish the required 
actions, at an average labor rate of $60 per work hour. Required parts 
will cost approximately between $16 and $22 per airplane. Based on 
these figures, the cost impact of the 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 will take 
approximately 6 work hours per airplane to accomplish the required 
actions, at an average labor rate of $60 per work hour. Required parts 
will cost approximately between $66 and $122 per airplane. Based on 
these figures, the cost impact of the 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 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 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 adopted herein will not have a substantial direct 
effect 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, it 
is determined that this final rule does not have federalism 
implications under Executive Order 13132.
    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) 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 final evaluation has been prepared for this action 
and it is contained in the Rules Docket. A copy of it 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:

2000-02-35  Raytheon Aircraft Company (Formerly Beech): Amendment 
39-11553. 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 1A,  SB 35-3169........  September 1998.
 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 SB   September 1998.
 airplanes, and Hawker 800          35-3170.
 airplanes.
BAe.125 series 1000A and 1000B     SB 35-3167 and SB   September 1998.
 airplanes, and Hawker 1000         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 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

[[Page 5751]]

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 SB 35-3034 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. 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 
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

    (h) Except as provided by paragraph (e) of this AD, the actions 
shall be done in accordance with Raytheon Service Bulletin SB 35-
3169, dated September 1998; Raytheon Service Bulletin SB 35-3171, 
dated September 1998; Raytheon Service Bulletin SB 35-3034, dated 
September 1998; Raytheon Service Bulletin SB 35-3170, dated 
September 1998; Raytheon Service Bulletin SB 35-3167, dated 
September 1998; or Raytheon Service Bulletin SB 35-3168, dated 
September 1998; as applicable. 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 
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.
    (i) This amendment becomes effective on March 13, 2000.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on January 28, 2000.
Donald L. Riggin,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 00-2410 Filed 2-4-00; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P