[Federal Register Volume 65, Number 127 (Friday, June 30, 2000)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 40551-40553]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 00-16645]


-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2000-NM-10-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Israel Aircraft Industries, Ltd., Model 
Astra SPX and 1125 Westwind Astra Series Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: This document proposes the adoption of a new airworthiness 
directive
    (AD) that is applicable to certain Israel Aircraft Industries, 
Ltd., Model Astra SPX and 1125 Westwind Astra series airplanes. This 
proposal would require a one-time inspection of the position of the 
aileron autopilot servo and attachment arm; follow-on actions; and 
corrective actions, if necessary; and installation of a stopper angle 
on the servo bracket. This action is necessary to prevent the control 
link of the aileron autopilot servo from being driven overcenter, which 
could result in roll oscillations when the autopilot is engaged. This 
action is intended to address the identified unsafe condition.

DATES: Comments must be received by July 31, 2000.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114, 
Attention: Rules Docket No. 2000-NM-10-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., 
Renton, Washington 98055-4056. Comments may be inspected at this 
location between 9 a.m. and 3 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-10-AD'' in the subject line 
and need not be submitted in triplicate. Comments sent via the Internet 
as attached electronic files must be formatted in Microsoft Word 97 for 
Windows or ASCII text.
    The service information referenced in the proposed rule 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.

[[Page 40552]]


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

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.
     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 proposed 
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 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 2000-NM-10-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. 2000-NM-10-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 
98055-4056.

Discussion

    The Civil Aviation Administration of Israel (CAAI), which is the 
airworthiness authority for Israel, notified the FAA that an unsafe 
condition may exist on certain Israel Aircraft Industries, Ltd., Model 
Astra SPX and 1125 Westwind Astra series airplanes. The CAAI advises 
that a too-short attachment arm on an aileron autopilot servo actuator 
can allow the servo control link to be driven overcenter. This 
condition, if not corrected, could result in roll oscillations when the 
autopilot is engaged.

Explanation of Relevant Service Information

    The manufacturer has issued Astra (Israel Aircraft Industries) 
Alert Service Bulletin 1125-27A-157, dated September 14, 1999. The 
service bulletin describes procedures for a one-time inspection of the 
aileron autopilot servo and attaching linkage to determine whether the 
attachment arm on the autopilot servo is in the correct position. For 
any attachment arm that is not in the correct position, the service 
bulletin describes procedures for a one-time inspection to detect 
damage (including gouges and scratches) of the bellcrank arm, control 
link, and servo attachment arm; follow-on actions; and corrective 
actions, if necessary. The follow-on and corrective actions include 
repositioning the servo attachment arm to the correct position, and 
repairing or replacing damaged parts with new parts depending on the 
extent of damage found. The service bulletin also describes procedures 
for installing a stopper angle on the servo bracket.
    Accomplishment of the actions specified in the service bulletin is 
intended to adequately address the identified unsafe condition. The 
CAAI classified this service bulletin as mandatory and issued Israeli 
airworthiness directive 27-99-10-06R1, dated November 17, 1999, 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 Proposed Rule

    Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to 
exist or develop on other airplanes of the same type design registered 
in the United States, the proposed AD would require accomplishment of 
the actions specified in the service bulletin described previously.

Cost Impact

    The FAA estimates that 38 airplanes of U.S. registry would be 
affected by this proposed AD, that it would take approximately 2 work 
hours per airplane to accomplish the proposed actions, and that the 
average labor rate is $60 per work hour. Required parts would cost 
approximately $100 per airplane. Based on these figures, the cost 
impact of the proposed AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be $8,360, 
or $220 per airplane.
    The cost impact figure discussed above is 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.

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 proposal would not have federalism implications 
under Executive Order 13132.
    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.

[[Page 40553]]

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:

Israel Aircraft Industries, Ltd.: Docket 2000-NM-10-AD

    Applicability: Model Astra SPX and 1125 Westwind Astra series 
airplanes; certificated in any category; serial numbers 030, and 042 
through 086 inclusive.

    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 the control link of the aileron autopilot servo from 
being driven overcenter, which could result in roll oscillations 
when the autopilot is engaged, accomplish the following:

Inspection and Corrective Actions

    (a) Within 50 flight hours after the effective date of this AD, 
perform a one-time general visual inspection of the aileron 
autopilot servo and attaching linkage to determine whether the 
attachment arm on the servo is in the correct position, in 
accordance with Astra (Israel Aircraft Industries) Alert Service 
Bulletin 1125-27A-157, dated September 14, 1999.
    (1) If the attachment arm is in the correct position, prior to 
further flight, install a stopper angle on the servo bracket in 
accordance with the alert service bulletin.
    (2) If the attachment arm is in the incorrect position, prior to 
further flight, perform a general visual inspection to detect damage 
of the bellcrank arm, control link, and attachment arm, in 
accordance with the alert service bulletin. Prior to further flight 
after accomplishment of all applicable corrective actions specified 
by this paragraph, install a stopper angle on the servo bracket in 
accordance with the alert service bulletin.
    (i) If no damage is detected, prior to further flight, 
reposition the attachment arm in accordance with the alert service 
bulletin.
    (ii) If any damage is detected and the damage is within the 
limits specified by the alert service bulletin, prior to further 
flight, repair the damaged part in accordance with the alert service 
bulletin.
    (iii) If any damage is detected and the damage exceeds the 
limits specified by the alert service bulletin, prior to further 
flight, replace the damaged part with a new part in accordance with 
the alert service bulletin.

    Note 2: For the purposes of this AD, a general visual inspection 
is defined as: ``A visual examination of an interior or exterior 
area, installation, or assembly to detect obvious damage, failure, 
or irregularity. This level of inspection is made under normally 
available lighting conditions such as daylight, hangar lighting, 
flashlight, or drop-light, and may require removal or opening of 
access panels or doors. Stands, ladders, or platforms may be 
required to gain proximity to the area being checked.''

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, FAA, 
Transport 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, International 
Branch, ANM-116.

    Note 3: 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.

    Note 4: The subject of this AD is addressed in Israeli 
airworthiness directive 27-99-10-06R1, dated November 17, 1999.



    Issued in Renton, Washington, on June 26, 2000.
Donald L. Riggin,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 00-16645 Filed 6-29-00; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U