[Federal Register Volume 65, Number 32 (Wednesday, February 16, 2000)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 7794-7796]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 00-3621]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 99-CE-62-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Fairchild Aircraft, Inc. Models SA226-
T, SA226-AT, SA226-T(B), SA226-TC, SA227-AT, SA-227-TT, and SA-227-AC 
Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: This document proposes to supersede Airworthiness Directive 
(AD) 92-01-02, which currently requires you to accomplish the following 
on certain Fairchild Aircraft SA226 and SA227 series airplanes: modify 
the parking brake system; and inspect (repetitively) certain landing 
gear brake assemblies.
    That AD resulted from wheel brake system malfunctions on several of 
the affected airplanes where regular brake system maintenance had been 
performed. The proposed AD retains the modification and inspection 
requirements of AD 92-01-02 and incorporates the inspection 
requirements for additional landing gear brake assemblies. The actions 
specified by the proposed AD are intended to prevent wheel brake system 
malfunctions that could result in a fire in the brake area.

DATES: The FAA must receive any comments on the proposed rule on or 
before April 10, 2000.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the FAA, Central Region, 
Office of the Regional Counsel, Attention: Rules Docket No. 99-CE-62-
AD, 901 Locust, Room 506, Kansas City, Missouri 64106.
    You may get the service information referenced in the proposed AD 
from Fairchild Aircraft, Inc., P.O. Box 790490, San Antonio, Texas 
78279-0490; telephone: (210) 824-9421; facsimile: (210) 820-8609 and 
B.F. Goodrich Aircraft Wheels and Brakes, P.O. Box 340, Troy, Ohio 
45373. You may examine this information at the Rules Docket at the 
address above.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Werner Koch, Aerospace Engineer, FAA, 
Airplane Certification Office, 2601 Meacham Boulevard, Fort Worth, 
Texas 76193-0150; telephone: (817) 222-5133; facsimile: (817) 222-5960.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

    The FAA invites comments on this proposed rule. You may submit 
whatever written data, views, or arguments you choose. You need to 
include the rule's docket number and submit your comments in triplicate 
to the address specified under the caption ADDRESSES. The FAA will 
consider all comments received on or before the closing date. We may 
amend the proposed rule in light of comments received. Factual 
information that supports your ideas and suggestions is extremely 
helpful in evaluating the effectiveness of the proposed AD action and 
determining whether we need to take additional rulemaking action.
    The FAA is re-examining the writing style we currently use in 
regulatory documents, in response to the Presidential memorandum of 
June 1, 1998. That memorandum requires federal agencies to communicate 
more clearly with the public. We are interested in your comments on 
whether the style of this document is clearer, and any other 
suggestions you might have to improve the clarity of FAA communications 
that affect you. You can get more information about the Presidential 
memorandum and the plain language initiative at http://www.plainlanguage.gov.
    The FAA specifically invites comments on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the proposed rule that 
might suggest a need to modify the rule. You may examine all comments 
we receive before and after the closing date of the rule in the Rules 
Docket. We will file a report in the Rules Docket that summarizes each 
FAA contact with the public that concerns the substantive parts of the 
proposed AD.
    If you want us to acknowledge the receipt of your comments, you 
must include a self-addressed, stamped postcard. On the postcard, write 
``Comments to Docket No. 99-CE-62-AD.'' We will date stamp and mail the 
postcard back to you.

Discussion

    Has the FAA taken any action to this point? Yes. Wheel brake system 
malfunctions on several Fairchild SA226 and SA227 series airplanes 
caused the FAA to issue AD 92-01-02, Amendment 39-39-8125 (56 FR 65824, 
December 19, 1991). This AD currently requires you to accomplish the 
following on certain Fairchild SA226 and SA227 series airplanes:

--modify the parking brake system; and
--inspect (repetitively) certain landing gear brake assemblies.

    You must accomplish the actions of AD 92-01-02 in accordance with 
the instructions in Fairchild Service Bulletin (SB) No. 226-32-049 and 
Fairchild SB No. 227-32-017, both Issued: November 14, 1984; and B.F. 
Goodrich Service Letter No. 1498, dated October 26, 1989.
    What has happened since AD 92-01-02 to initiate this action? The 
inspection requirements of AD 92-01-02 only applied to airplanes 
equipped with B.F. Goodrich landing gear brake assemblies, part number 
2-1203-3. We have received service reports on B.F. Goodrich landing 
gear brake assemblies, part numbers 2-1203 and 2-1203-01, that indicate 
these brake assemblies should also be inspected for wear.

[[Page 7795]]

The FAA's Determination and Followup Action

    What have we decided? After careful review of all available 
information related to the subject presented above, the FAA has 
determined that:

--B.F. Goodrich landing gear brake assemblies, part numbers 2-1203 and 
2-1203-01, that are installed on certain Fairchild SA226 and SA227 
series airplanes should also be inspected for wear and clearance 
limits; and
--AD action should be taken to incorporate the inspection requirements 
for additional landing gear brake assemblies into the existing AD 
action and continue to prevent wheel brake system malfunctions that 
could result in a fire in the brake area.

    What is our next action? Since an unsafe condition has been 
identified that is likely to exist or develop in other Fairchild SA226 
and SA227 series airplanes of the same type design, the FAA is 
proposing AD action to supersede AD 92-01-02. The proposed AD would 
retain the modification and inspection requirements of AD 92-01-02 and 
would incorporate the additional landing gear brake assemblies 
previously referenced.
    Are there differences between the proposed AD and the service 
information? Yes. B.F. Goodrich Service Letter No. 1498, dated October 
26, 1989, specifies maximum clearance brake wear limits of .300-inch 
for the B.F. Goodrich landing gear brake assemblies, part numbers 2-
1203 and 2-1203-01. The proposed AD would establish these limits at 
.250-inch to coincide with the part number 2-1203-03 landing gear brake 
assemblies.

Cost Impact

    How many airplanes does the proposed AD impact? The FAA estimates 
that 330 airplanes in the U.S. registry would be affected by the 
proposed AD.
    What is the cost impact of the initial inspection on owners/
operators of the affected airplanes? We estimate that it would take 
approximately 6 workhours per airplane to accomplish the modification 
and proposed initial inspection, and that the average labor rate is 
approximately $60 an hour. Parts to accomplish the proposed 
modification cost approximately $500 per airplane. Based on these 
figures, the total cost impact of the proposed AD on U.S. operators is 
estimated to be $283,800, or $860 per airplane.
    What about the cost of repetitive inspections?: The figures above 
only take into account the cost of the proposed initial inspection and 
do not take into account the cost of proposed repetitive inspections. 
The FAA has no way of determining how many repetitive inspections each 
owner/operator of the affected airplanes would incur.
    What is the cost if I already accomplished the initial inspection 
and modification as required by AD 92-01-02?: The only impact for those 
airplane owners/operators who already complied with both the initial 
inspection and modification requirements of AD 92-01-02 would be the 
cost of the repetitive inspections. The only difference between the 
proposed AD and AD 92-01-02 is the addition (to the inspection 
requirement) of the B.F. Goodrich landing gear brake assemblies, part 
numbers 2-1203 and 2-1203-01.

Regulatory Impact

    The regulations proposed herein would 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 proposed rule would 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) 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 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 14 
CFR part 39 of the Federal Aviation Regulations 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) 92-01-02, Amendment 398125 (56 FR 65824, December 19, 1991), and 
by adding a new AD to read as follows:

Fairchild Aircraft, Inc.: Docket No. 99-CE-62-AD; Supersedes AD 92-
01-02, Amendment 39-8125.

    (a) What airplanes are affected by this AD? The following 
airplane models and serial numbers, certificated in any category.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                 Model                            Serial Numbers
------------------------------------------------------------------------
SA226-T................................  T201 through T275, and T277
                                          thru T291
SA226-T(B).............................  T(B) 276 and T(B) 292 through
                                          T(B) 417
SA226-AT...............................  AT001 through AT074
SA226-TC...............................  TC201 through TC419
SA227-TT...............................  TT421 through TT555
SA227-AT...............................  AT423 through AT599
SA227-AC...............................  AC406, AC415, AC416, and AC420
                                          through AC599
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (b) Who must comply with this AD? Anyone who wishes to operate 
any of the above airplanes on the U.S. Register.
    (c) What problem does this AD address? The actions specified by 
this AD are intended to prevent brake system malfunctions. This 
could result in a fire in the brake area.
    (d) What actions must I accomplish to address this problem? To 
address this problem, you must accomplish the following:
    (1) For all affected airplanes, modify the parking brake system; 
and (2) For all affected airplanes equipped with at least one B.F. 
Goodrich landing gear brake assembly, part number 2-1203, 2-1203-1, 
or 2-1203-3, inspect and conduct measurements of the brake wear and 
clearance limits. If wear measure exceeds the maximum allowable 
clearance (0.250-inch (6.35 millimeter)), overhaul or replace the 
landing gear brake assembly.
    (e) What are the compliance times of this AD?
    The compliance times for each of the actions of this AD are as 
follows: (1) Modification: Within 90 calendar days after January 16, 
1992 (the effective date of AD 92-01-02, Amendment 39-8125).
    (2) Inspections: At whichever of the following that applies.
    (i) For any installed B.F. Goodrich landing gear brake assembly, 
part number 2-1203-3: Within 100 hours time-in-service (TIS) after 
January 16,

[[Page 7796]]

1992 (the effective date of AD 92-01-02, Amendment 39-8125), and 
thereafter at intervals not to exceed 250 hours TIS.
    (ii) For any installed B.F. Goodrich landing gear brake 
assembly, part number 2-1203 or 2-1203-1: Within 100 hours TIS after 
the effective date of this AD, and thereafter at intervals not to 
exceed 250 hours TIS.
    (3) Overhaul or replacement, as necessary: Prior to further 
flight after the inspection where the wear or the maximum clearance 
limit is exceeded.
    (f) What procedures must I use to accomplish the actions 
required in this AD?
    (1) Modification: The instructions included in either Fairchild 
Service Bulletin (SB) 227-32-017 or Fairchild SB 226-32-049, both 
Issued: November 14, 1984, as applicable.
    (2) Inspections: The instructions included in B.F. Goodrich No. 
1498, Issued: October 26, 1989. The wear and maximum clearance 
limits specified in this AD take precedence over those specified in 
the service information.
    (3) Overhaul or replacement: The instructions included in the 
applicable maintenance manual.
    (g) Can I comply with this AD in any other way? Yes.
    (1) You may use an alternative method of compliance or adjust 
the compliance time if:
    (i) Your alternative method of compliance provides an equivalent 
level of safety; and
    (ii) The Manager, Fort Worth Airplane Certification Office, 
approves your alternative. Submit your request through an FAA 
Principal Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send 
it to the Manager.
    (2) 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 (g)(1) 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 you have not eliminated the unsafe 
condition, specific actions you propose to address it.
    (3) Alternative methods of compliance approved in accordance 
with AD 92-01-02, which is superseded by this AD, are approved as 
alternative methods of compliance with this AD.
    (h) Where can I get information about any already-approved 
alternative methods of compliance? Contact the Fort Worth Airplane 
Certification Office, 2601 Meacham Boulevard, Fort Worth, Texas 
76193-0150; telephone: (817) 222-5133; facsimile: (817) 222-5960.
    (i) What if I need to fly the airplane to another location to 
comply with this AD? The FAA can issue a special flight permit under 
sections 21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 
CFR 21.197 and 21.199) to operate your airplane to a location where 
you can accomplish the requirements of this AD.
    (j) How do I get copies of the documents referenced in this AD? 
You may obtain copies of the documents referenced in this AD from 
Fairchild Aircraft, Inc., P.O. Box 790490, San Antonio, Texas 78279-
0490; and B.F. Goodrich Aircraft Wheels and Brakes, P.O. Box 340, 
Troy, Ohio 45373. You may examine these documents at the FAA, 
Central Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, 901 Locust, Room 
506, Kansas City, Missouri 64106.
    (k) Does this AD action affect any existing AD actions? Yes. 
This amendment supersedes AD 92-01-02, Amendment 39-8125.

    Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on February 8, 2000.
Michael K. Dahl,
Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 00-3621 Filed 2-15-00; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U