[Federal Register Volume 65, Number 153 (Tuesday, August 8, 2000)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 48404-48406]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 00-20002]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2000-NM-46-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Raytheon Model Hawker 800XP and Hawker 
800 (U-125A) Series Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: This document proposes the adoption of a new airworthiness 
directive (AD) that is applicable to certain Model Hawker 800XP and 
Hawker 800 (U-125A) series airplanes. This proposal would require 
inspection of the wire bundle to relay `KT' on panel `JA' for correct 
routing, adequate clearance from the fuel cross-feed valve operating 
lever, and the presence of chafing; this proposal also would require 
corrective action, if necessary. This action is intended to detect and 
correct chafing of the wire bundle exiting panel `JA' due to 
insufficient clearance from the fuel cross-feed valve operating lever. 
Such chafing of the wire bundle could result in a fire in the area of 
the fuel system in a confined space. This action is intended to address 
the identified unsafe condition.

DATES: Comments must be received by September 22, 2000.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114, 
Attention: Rules Docket No. 2000-NM-46-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 be submitted via fax to (425) 227-1232. 
Comments may also be sent via the Internet using the following address: 
[email protected]. Comments sent via fax or the Internet must 
contain ``Docket No. 2000-NM-46-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 Raytheon Aircraft Company, 9709 East Central, Wichita, 
Kansas 67206. This information may be examined at the FAA, Transport 
Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington or at 
the FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, Wichita Aircraft Certification 
Office, 1801 Airport Road, Room 100, Mid-Continent Airport, Wichita, 
Kansas.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Philip Petty, 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) 
946-4139; fax (316) 946-4407.

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.

[[Page 48405]]

    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-46-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-46-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 
98055-4056.

Discussion

    The FAA has received a report indicating that the wire bundle to 
relay `KT' on panel `JA' has been installed too close to the fuel 
cross-feed valve operating lever, due to misinterpretation of 
engineering drawings. Thus, there is inadequate clearance between the 
wire bundle and the fuel cross-feed valve operating lever. If this 
inadequate clearance is not corrected, it could result in chafing of 
the wire bundle exiting panel `JA' which could cause a fire in the area 
of the fuel system in a confined space.

Explanation of Relevant Service Information

    The FAA has reviewed and approved Raytheon Aircraft Service 
Bulletins SB24-3212, dated August 1999, and SB 24-3213, Revision 1, 
dated February 2000, which describe procedures for a one-time 
inspection of the wire bundle to relay `KT' on panel `JA' for correct 
routing, adequate clearance, and signs of chafing, caused by 
interference with the fuel cross-feed valve operating lever. The 
service bulletins also describe procedures for repairing the wire 
bundle, if chafing is detected, and for modifying the routing of the 
wire bundle and ensuring adequate clearance between the wire bundle and 
the fuel cross-feed valve operating lever throughout its range of 
travel. Accomplishment of the actions specified in the applicable 
service bulletin is intended to adequately address the identified 
unsafe condition.

Explanation of Requirements of Proposed Rule

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

Cost Impact

    There are approximately 148 airplanes of the affected design in the 
worldwide fleet. The FAA estimates that 60 airplanes of U.S. registry 
would be affected by this proposed AD, that it would take approximately 
1 work hour per airplane to accomplish the proposed inspection, and 
that the average labor rate is $60 per work hour. Based on these 
figures, the cost impact of the inspection proposed by this AD on U.S. 
operators is estimated to be $3,600, or $60 per airplane.
    No estimate is provided for the cost impact of repairing the wire 
bundle or modifying the routing of the wire bundle or ensuring adequate 
clearance between the wire bundle and the fuel cross-feed valve 
operating lever, because these costs will depend on the extent of the 
repairs or modifications required.
    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 proposed AD were not adopted. The cost impact 
figures discussed in AD rulemaking actions represent only the time 
necessary to perform the specific actions actually required by the AD. 
These figures typically do not include incidental costs, such as the 
time required to gain access and close up, planning time, or time 
necessitated by other administrative actions.

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.

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:

Raytheon Aircraft Company: Docket 2000-NM-46-AD.

    Applicability: Model Hawker 800XP series airplanes, as listed in 
Raytheon Service Bulletin SB24-3212, dated August 1999, and Hawker 
800 (U-125A) series airplanes, as listed in Raytheon Service 
Bulletin SB24-3213, dated February 2000; 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 (d) 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 chafing of the wire bundle to relay `KT' on panel 
`JA' due to insufficient clearance from the fuel cross-feed valve 
operating lever, which could result in a fire in the area of the 
fuel system in a confined space, accomplish the following:

Inspection and Corrective Actions

    (a) Within 50 flight hours or 6 months after the effective date 
of this AD, whichever comes first, conduct a one-time detailed 
visual inspection of the panel ``JA'' wire bundle in accordance with 
the Accomplishment Instructions of Raytheon Aircraft
    Service Bulletin SB 24-3212, dated August 1999 (for Model 800XP 
series airplanes) or SB 24-3213, Revision 1, dated February 2000 
(for Model 800 (U-125A) series airplanes, as applicable.
    (1) Ensure that the wire bundle is routed correctly, in 
accordance with Figure 1 of the applicable service bulletin.

[[Page 48406]]

    (2) Ensure that a minimum clearance of 0.25-inches exists 
between the wire bundle from relay ``KT'' and the fuel cross-feed 
valve operating lever throughout its range of travel.

    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) If the wire bundle is routed correctly and sufficient 
clearance exists, no further action is required by this AD.
    (c) If the wire bundle is not routed correctly or if sufficient 
clearance does not exist, prior to further flight, perform a 
detailed visual inspection of the wire bundle to relay ``KT'' for 
chafing, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of 
Raytheon Aircraft Service Bulletin SB 24-3212, dated August 1999 
(for Model 800XP series airplanes) or SB 24-3213, Revision 1, dated 
February 2000 (for Model 800 (U-125A)series airplanes), as 
applicable.
    (1) If no chafing is detected, prior to further flight, ensure 
that the wire bundle is routed correctly and ensure that a minimum 
clearance of 0.25-inches exists between the wire bundle and the fuel 
cross-feed valve operating valve throughout its range of travel, in 
accordance with the applicable service bulletin.
    (2) If any chafing is detected, prior to further flight, repair 
the chafed wire, ensure that the wire bundle is routed correctly and 
ensure that a minimum clearance of 0.25-inches exists between the 
wire bundle and the fuel cross-feed valve operating valve throughout 
its range of travel, in accordance with the applicable service 
bulletin.

Alternative Methods of Compliance

    (d) 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 Aircraft Certification 
Office (ACO), FAA, Small 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, 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

    (e) 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.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on August 2, 2000.
Donald L. Riggin,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 00-20002 Filed 8-7-00; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P