[Federal Register Volume 65, Number 99 (Monday, May 22, 2000)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 32013-32015]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 00-11951]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2000-NM-42-AD; Amendment 39-11728; AD 2000-10-04]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Israel Aircraft Industries, Ltd., Model 
1124 and 1124A Westwind Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

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SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) that 
is applicable to certain Israel Aircraft Industries, Ltd., Model 1124 
and 1124A Westwind airplanes. This action requires a one-time X-ray 
inspection to detect missing rivets at the rib-to-spar connection of 
the aileron ribs, and corrective actions, if necessary. This action is 
necessary to prevent cracking of the aileron skin due to missing 
rivets, which could result in reduced structural integrity of the 
aileron and consequent reduced controllability of the airplane. This 
action is intended to address the identified unsafe condition.

DATES: Effective June 6, 2000.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of June 6, 2000.
    Comments for inclusion in the Rules Docket must be received on or 
before June 21, 2000.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114, 
Attention: Rules Docket No. 2000-NM-42-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. Comments may also be sent via the Internet using the 
following address: [email protected]. Comments sent via the 
Internet must contain ``Docket No. 2000-NM-42-AD'' in the subject line 
and need not be submitted in triplicate.
    The service information referenced in this AD may be obtained from 
Galaxy Aerospace Corporation, One Galaxy Way, Fort Worth Alliance 
Airport, Fort Worth, Texas 76177. This information may be examined at 
the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, 
Washington; or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol 
Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Norman B. Martenson, Manager, 
International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 
Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056; telephone (425) 227-
2110; fax (425) 227-1149.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Civil Aviation Administration of Israel 
(CAAI), notified the FAA that an unsafe condition may exist on certain 
Israel Aircraft Industries, Ltd., Model 1124 and 1124A Westwind 
airplanes. The CAAI advises that rivets in the aileron structure have 
been reported missing. On one airplane, 5 of the 13 aileron ribs were 
missing rivets. Investigation revealed certain rivets may not have been 
installed during production. This condition, if not corrected, could 
result in reduced structural integrity of the aileron and consequent 
reduced controllability of the airplane.

Explanation of Relevant Service Information

    The manufacturer has issued Israel Aircraft Industries 1124 
Westwind Alert Service Bulletin No. 1124-27A-145, dated March 24, 2000, 
which describes procedures for a one-time X-ray inspection to detect 
missing rivets at the rib to spar connection of the aileron ribs, left 
and right sides, at work stations (WS) 158.00 through WS 246.00. The 
CAAI classified this alert service bulletin as mandatory and previously 
issued Israeli airworthiness directive 57-00-02-06, dated February 24, 
2000, in order to assure the continued airworthiness of these airplanes 
in Israel.

FAA's Conclusions

    These airplane models are manufactured in Israel and are type 
certificated for operation in the United States under the provisions of 
section 21.29 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.29) and 
the applicable bilateral airworthiness agreement. Pursuant to this 
bilateral airworthiness agreement, the CAAI has kept the FAA informed 
of the situation described above. The FAA has examined the findings of 
the CAAI, reviewed all available information, and determined that AD 
action is necessary for products of this type design that are 
certificated for operation in the United States.

Explanation of Requirements of Rule

    Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to 
exist or

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develop on other airplanes of the same type design registered in the 
United States, this AD is being issued to prevent cracking of the 
aileron skin due to missing rivets, which could result in reduced 
structural integrity of the aileron and consequent reduced 
controllability of the airplane. This AD requires a one-time X-ray 
inspection to detect missing rivets at the rib to spar connection of 
the aileron ribs, and corrective actions, if necessary. The actions are 
required to be accomplished in accordance with the alert service 
bulletin described previously, except as discussed below.

Differences Between AD and Alert Service Bulletin

    Operators should note that, although the alert service bulletin 
specifies that the Customer Support Group at Galaxy Aerospace Company 
may be contacted for disposition of certain conditions, this amendment 
would require the repair of those conditions to be accomplished in 
accordance with a method approved by either the FAA or the CAAI (or its 
delegated agent). In light of the type of repair that would be required 
to address the identified unsafe condition, and in consonance with 
existing bilateral airworthiness agreements, the FAA has determined 
that, for this AD, a repair approved by either the FAA or the CAAI 
would be acceptable for compliance with this AD.

Determination of Rule's Effective Date

    Since a situation exists that requires the immediate adoption of 
this regulation, it is found that notice and opportunity for prior 
public comment hereon are impracticable, and that good cause exists for 
making this amendment effective in less than 30 days.

Comments Invited

    Although this action is in the form of a final rule that involves 
requirements affecting flight safety and, thus, was not preceded by 
notice and an opportunity for public comment, comments are invited on 
this rule. Interested persons are invited to comment on this 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 under the caption ADDRESSES. All 
communications received on or before the closing date for comments will 
be considered, and this rule may be amended in light of the comments 
received. Factual information that supports the commenter's ideas and 
suggestions is extremely helpful in evaluating the effectiveness of the 
AD action and determining whether additional rulemaking action would be 
needed.
    Submit comments using the following format:
     Organize comments issue-by-issue. For example, discuss a 
request to change the compliance time and a request to change the 
service bulletin reference as two separate issues.
     For each issue, state what specific change to the AD is 
being requested.
     Include justification (e.g., reasons or data) for each 
request.
    Comments are specifically invited on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the rule that might 
suggest a need to modify the 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 
AD will be filed in the Rules Docket.
    Commenters wishing the FAA to acknowledge receipt of their comments 
submitted in response to this rule must submit a self-addressed, 
stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: ``Comments 
to Docket Number 2000-NM-42-AD.'' The postcard will be date stamped and 
returned to the commenter.

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.
    The FAA has determined that this regulation is an emergency 
regulation that must be issued immediately to correct an unsafe 
condition in aircraft, and that it is not a ``significant regulatory 
action'' under Executive Order 12866. It has been determined further 
that this action involves an emergency regulation under DOT Regulatory 
Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979). If it is 
determined that this emergency regulation otherwise would be 
significant under DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures, a final 
regulatory evaluation will be prepared and placed in the Rules Docket. 
A copy of it, if filed, 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:

2000-10-04  Israel Aircraft Industries, Ltd.: Amendment 39-11728. 
Docket 2000-NM-42-AD.

    Applicability: Model 1124 and 1124A Westwind airplanes having 
serial numbers (S/N) 297, 304, and 400 through 410 inclusive; 
certificated in any category.

    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 (b) 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 cracking of the aileron skin due to missing rivets, 
which could result in reduced structural integrity of the aileron 
and consequent reduced controllability of the airplane, accomplish 
the following:

X-Ray Inspection

    (a) Within 200 flight hours after the effective date of this AD, 
perform a one-time X-ray inspection to detect missing rivets at the 
rib-to-spar connection of the aileron ribs, left and right sides, at 
work stations (WS) 158.00 to WS 246.00, in accordance with Israel 
1124 Westwind Alert Service Bulletin No. 1124-27A-145, dated March 
24, 2000.
    (1) If all rivets are installed, no further action is required 
by this AD.
    (2) If any rivet is missing, prior to further flight, replace 
the aileron with a new or serviceable aileron, in accordance with 
Israel Aircraft Industries 1124/1124A Westwind Maintenance Manual, 
or repair the aileron in accordance with a method approved by

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either the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport 
Airplane Directorate; or the Civil Aviation Administration of Israel 
(CAAI) (or its delegated agent). For a repair method to be approved 
by the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, as required by this 
paragraph, the Manager's approval letter must specifically reference 
this AD.

Alternative Methods of Compliance

    (b) 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, International Branch, ANM-116. 
Operators shall submit their requests through an appropriate FAA 
Principal Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send 
it to the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116.

    Note 2: Information concerning the existence of approved 
alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be 
obtained from the International Branch, ANM-116.

Special Flight Permits

    (c) 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

    (d) The inspection shall be done in accordance with 1124 
Westwind (Israel Aircraft Industries) Alert Service Bulletin No. 
1124-27A-145, dated March 24, 2000. 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 
Galaxy Aerospace Corporation, One Galaxy Way, Fort Worth Alliance 
Airport, Fort Worth, Texas 76177. Copies may be inspected at the 
FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, 
Washington; or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North 
Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC.

    Note 3: The subject of this AD is addressed in Israeli 
airworthiness directive 57-00-02-06, dated February 24, 2000.

    (e) This amendment becomes effective on June 6, 2000.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on May 8, 2000.
Vi L. Lipski,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 00-11951 Filed 5-19-00; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P