[Federal Register Volume 65, Number 47 (Thursday, March 9, 2000)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 12463-12466]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 00-5732]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 98-CE-88-AD; Amendment 39-11621; AD 98-21-21 R1]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Bob Fields Aerocessories Inflatable 
Door Seals

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This amendment revises Airworthiness Directive (AD) 98-21-21, 
which currently requires deactivating 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

[[Page 12464]]

Aviation Administration (FAA) has approved this modification. This AD 
requires incorporating this modification as a method of complying with 
the current AD, and will exclude those airplanes with manual door seal 
inflation systems from the AD requirements of de-activating the system. 
The actions specified by this 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: Effective May 1, 2000.

ADDRESSES: Service information that relates to this 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 may also be examined at the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), Central Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, 
Attention: Rules Docket No. 98-CE-88-AD, 901 Locust, Room 506, Kansas 
City, Missouri 64106.

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:

Events Leading to the Issuance of This AD

    A proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 
CFR part 39) to include an AD that would apply to all aircraft equipped 
with Bob Fields Aerocessories inflatable door seals that are installed 
in accordance with either the applicable Supplemental Type Certificate 
(STC) or through field approval was published in the Federal Register 
as a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) on October 29, 1999 (64 FR 
58359). The NPRM proposed to revise AD 98-21-21, Amendment 39-10844 (63 
FR 55321, October 15, 1998). AD 98-21-21 currently requires 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).
    AD 98-21-21 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.
    The NPRM proposed to 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.
    The NPRM was the result of the manufacturer developing a 
modification that would allow these electric door seal inflation 
systems to remain in service, and the Federal Aviation Administration 
(FAA) approved this modification.
    Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate 
in the making of this amendment. No comments were received on the 
proposed rule or the FAA's determination of the cost to the public.

The FAA's Determination

    After careful review of all available information related to the 
subject presented above, the FAA has determined that air safety and the 
public interest require the adoption of the rule as proposed except for 
minor editorial corrections. The FAA has determined that these minor 
corrections will not change the meaning of the AD and will not add any 
additional burden upon the public than was already proposed.

Cost Impact

    The FAA does not know the number of aircraft that have the affected 
electric door seal inflation systems installed. The FAA estimates that 
it will take approximately 3 workhours per airplane to accomplish the 
optional modifications that will 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 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

    These regulations 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, the FAA has 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 copy of the final 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.

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 removing Airworthiness Directive 
(AD) 98-21-1, Amendment 3910844 (63 FR 55321, October 15, 1998), and 
adding a new AD to read as follows:

98-21-21 R1 Bob Fields Aerocessories: Amendment 3911621; 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:

[[Page 12465]]



------------------------------------------------------------------------
        Affected STC               Make and model aircraft affected
------------------------------------------------------------------------
SA3735NM...................  Cessna Models 170, 170A, and 170B
                              Airplanes.
SA4136WE...................  Cessna Models 310, 310A, 310B, 310C, 310D,
                              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, PA28-
                              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-32RT300, 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 airplane 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 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 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 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

[[Page 12466]]

    (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 
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.
    (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.
    (i) This amendment becomes effective on May 1, 2000.


    Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on March 2, 2000.
Michael Gallagher,
Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 00-5732 Filed 3-8-00; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U