[Federal Register Volume 65, Number 174 (Thursday, September 7, 2000)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 54140-54143]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 00-22427]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2000-CE-53-AD; Amendment 39-11887; AD 2000-18-02]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Raytheon Aircraft Company Models A65, 
A65-8200, 65-B80, 70, 95-A55, 95-B55, 95-C55, D55, E55, 56TC, A56TC, 
58, 58P, 58TC, and 95-B55B (T42A) 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 
applies to certain Raytheon Aircraft Company (Raytheon) Models A65, 
A65-8200, 65-B80, 70, 95-A55, 95-B55, 95-C55, D55, E55, 56TC, A56TC, 
58, 58P, 58TC, 95-B55B (T42A) airplanes. This AD requires replacement 
of certain elevator skin assemblies that Raytheon shipped from January 
1, 1999, through December 31, 1999, and prevents the future 
installation of these elevator skin assemblies. This AD authorizes the 
pilot to check the logbooks to determine whether one of these elevator 
skin assemblies is installed. This AD is the result of reports that 
certain elevator skin assemblies did not receive a 250-degree 
Fahrenheit bake operation after corrosion treatment, thus making the 
skin susceptible to separation from the elevator assembly. The actions 
specified by this AD are intended to detect and correct potential 
elevator skin separation, which would lead to a reduction in static 
strength capability with continued operation. This could then result in 
potential airplane flutter with consequent loss of control of the 
airplane.

DATES: This AD becomes effective on September 22, 2000.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in the regulation as of 
September 22, 2000.
    The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) must receive any comments 
on this rule on or before October 27, 2000.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to FAA, Central Region, Office 
of the Regional Counsel, Attention: Rules Docket No. 2000-CE-53-AD, 901 
Locust, Room 506, Kansas City, Missouri 64106.
    You may get the service information referenced in this AD from the 
Raytheon Aircraft Company, P.O. Box 85, Wichita, Kansas 67201-0085; 
telephone: (800) 429-5372 or (316) 676-3140. You may examine this 
information at FAA, Central Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, 
Attention: Rules Docket No. 2000-CE-53-AD, 901 Locust, Room 506, Kansas 
City, Missouri 64106; or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 
North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Gary D. Park, Aerospace Engineer, FAA, 
Wichita Aircraft Certification Office, 1801 Airport Road, Mid-Continent 
Airport, Wichita, Kansas 67209; telephone: (314) 946-4123; facsimile: 
(314) 946-4407.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Discussion

    What events have caused this AD? The FAA has received a report that 
certain Raytheon elevator assemblies did not receive a 250-degree 
Fahrenheit bake operation after corrosion treatment as defined in the 
manufacturing specification. The elevator assemblies in question were 
manufactured between January 1, 1999, and December 31, 1999, and could 
be installed on the following Raytheon Model Beech airplanes:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
            Model                             Serial Nos.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
A65..........................  LC-265 through LC-272 and LC-325 through
                                LC-335.
A65-8200.....................  LC-273 through LC-324.
65-B80.......................  LD-349 through LD-511.
70...........................  LB-1 through LB-35.
95-A55.......................  TC-191 through TC-349, TC-351 through TC-
                                370, and TC-372 through TC-501.
95-B55.......................  TC-371 and TC-502 through TC-2406.
95-C55.......................  TC-350, TE-1 through TE-49, and TE-51
                                through TE-451.
D55..........................  TE-452 through TE-767.
E55..........................  TE-768 through TE-1201.
56TC.........................  TG-2 through TG-83.
A56TC........................  TG-84 through TG-94.
58...........................  TH-1 through TH-1930.
58P..........................  TJ-3 through TJ-435 and TJ-437. through
                                TJ-443.
58TC.........................  TK-1 through TK-150.
95-B55B (T42-A)..............  TF-1 through TF-70.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The omission of this bake operation affects the strength of the 
adhesive bond. This could cause the skin to separate from the elevator 
assembly.
    What are the consequences if the condition is not corrected? 
Continued airplane operation after elevator skin separation would 
result in reduced static strength capability. This could then result in 
potential airplane flutter with consequent loss of control of the 
airplane.

Relevant Service Information

    Is there service information that applies to this subject? Raytheon 
has issued Mandatory Service Bulletin SB 27-3396, Rev. 1, Revised: 
June, 2000.
    What are the provisions of this service bulletin? This service 
bulletin includes procedures for:
     Determining whether one of the affected elevator 
assemblies is installed;
     Accomplishing a tap test to determine the elevator skin 
bond integrity; and
     Replacing any elevator assembly that Raytheon delivered 
between January 1, 1999, and December 31, 1999.

The FAA's Determination and an Explanation of the Provisions of the 
AD

    What has FAA decided? After examining the circumstances and 
reviewing all available information related to the incidents described 
above, including the relevant service information, FAA has determined 
that:

[[Page 54141]]

     An unsafe condition exists or could develop on certain 
Raytheon Models A65, A65-8200, 65-B80, 70, 95-A55, 95-B55, 95-C55, D55, 
E55, 56TC, A56TC, 58, 58P, 58TC, and 95-B55B (T42A) airplanes of the 
same type design;
     The actions and procedures in the previously referenced 
service bulletin should be incorporated on these airplanes; and
     AD action should be taken in order to detect and correct 
potential elevator skin separation, which would lead to a reduction in 
static strength capability with continued operation. This could then 
result in potential airplane flutter with consequent loss of control of 
the airplane.
    What does this AD require? This AD requires replacement of certain 
elevator skin assemblies that Raytheon shipped from January 1, 1999, 
through December 31, 1999, and prevents the future installation of 
these elevator skin assemblies. This AD authorizes the pilot to check 
the logbooks to determine whether one of these elevator skin assemblies 
is installed.
    Will I have the opportunity to comment prior to the issuance of the 
rule? Because the unsafe condition described in this document could 
result in airplane flutter with consequent loss of control of the 
airplane, FAA finds that notice and opportunity for public prior 
comment are impracticable. Therefore, good cause exists for making this 
amendment effective in less than 30 days.

Comments Invited

    How do I comment on this AD? Although this action is in the form of 
a final rule and was not preceded by notice and opportunity for public 
comment, we invite your comments on the 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. We will consider all 
comments received on or before the closing date specified above. We may 
amend this rule in light of comments received. Factual information that 
supports your ideas and suggestions is extremely helpful in evaluating 
the effectiveness of the AD action and determining whether we need to 
take additional rulemaking action.
    Are there any specific portions of the AD I should pay attention 
to? The FAA specifically invites comments on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the 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 this 
AD.
    The FAA is reviewing 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.
    How can I be sure FAA receives my comment? 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. 2000-CE-53-AD.'' We will date stamp and mail the postcard 
back to you.

Regulatory Impact

    Does this AD impact relations between Federal and State 
governments? 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, FAA 
has determined that this final rule does not have federalism 
implications under Executive Order 13132.
    Does this AD involve a significant rule or regulatory action? The 
FAA has determined that this regulation is an emergency regulation that 
must be issued immediately to correct an unsafe condition in aircraft, 
and 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 (otherwise, an evaluation is not required). A copy 
of it, if filed, may be obtained from the Rules Docket.

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 a new airworthiness directive 
(AD) to read as follows:

2000-18-02  Raytheon Aircraft Company: Amendment 39-11887; Docket 
No. 2000-CE-53-AD.

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

------------------------------------------------------------------------
            Model                             Serial Nos.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
A65..........................  LC-265 through LC-272 and LC-325 through
                                LC-335.
A65-8200.....................  LC-273 through LC-324.
65-B80.......................  LD-349 through LD-511.
70...........................  LB-1 through LB-35.
95-A55.......................  TC-191 through TC-349, TC-351 through TC-
                                370, and TC-372 through TC-501.
95-B55.......................  TC-371 and TC-502 through TC-2406.
95-C55.......................  TC-350, TE-1 through TE-49, and TE-51
                                through TE-451.
D55..........................  TE-452 through TE-767.
E55..........................  TE-768 through TE-1201.
56TC.........................  TG-2 through TG-83.
A56TC........................  TG-84 through TG-94.

[[Page 54142]]

 
58...........................  TH-1 through TH-1930.
58P..........................  TJ-3 through TJ-435 and TJ-437 through TJ-
                                443.
58TC.........................  TK-1 through TK-150.
95-B55B (T42-A)..............  TF-1 through TF-70.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (b) Who must comply with this AD? Anyone who wishes to operate 
any of the above airplanes on the U.S. Register must comply with 
this AD.
    (c) What problem does this AD address? The actions required by 
this AD are intended to detect and correct potential elevator skin 
separation, which would lead to a reduction in static strength 
capability with continued operation. This could then result in 
potential airplane flutter with consequent loss of control of the 
airplane.
    (d) What must I do to address this problem? To address this 
problem, you must accomplish the following actions:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
           Action                Compliance time         Procedures
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) Maintenance Records
 Check:
    (i) The owner/operator    Required within 1     No special
     holding at least a        month after           procedures required
     private pilot             September 22, 2000    to check the
     certificate as            (the effective date   logbook. Raytheon
     authorized by section     of this AD).          Mandatory Service
     43.7 of the Federal                             Bulletin SB 27-
     Aviation Regulations                            3396, Rev. 1,
     (14 CFR 43.7) may check                         Issued: May, 2000;
     the maintenance records                         Revised: June,
     to determine whether                            2000, references
     one of the affected                             this maintenance
     elevator skin                                   records check.
     assemblies (particular
     part numbers referenced
     in the applicable
     service information)
     was installed after
     December 31, 1998.
    (ii) If, by checking the
     maintenance records,
     the pilot can
     positively show that
     one of the elevator
     skin assemblies
     (particular part
     numbers referenced in
     the applicable service
     information), is not
     installed or was
     installed prior to
     January 1, 1999, then
     the replacement
     requirement of
     paragraph (d)(2) of
     this AD does not apply.
     You must make an entry
     into the aircraft
     records that shows
     compliance with this
     portion of the AD, in
     accordance with section
     43.9 of the Federal
     Aviation Regulations
     (14 CFR 43.9).
(2) Replacement: Replace any  Within 1 month after  Accomplish this
 elevator skin assembly        September 22, 2000    replacement in
 (particular part numbers      (the effective date   accordance with the
 referenced in the             of this AD).          ACCOMPLISHMENT
 applicable service                                  INSTRUCTIONS
 information) that Raytheon                          section of Raytheon
 shipped anytime from                                Mandatory Service
 January 1, 1999, through                            Bulletin SB 27-
 December 31, 1999.                                  3396, Rev. 1,
 Paragraphs (d)(1)(i) and                            Issued: May, 2000;
 (d)(1)(ii) of this AD                               Revised: June,
 provide procedures for                              2000.
 checking the maintenance
 records to determine if one
 of the affected elevator
 skin assemblies is
 installed.
(3) Installation              As of September 22,   Not Applicable.
 Prohibition: You may not      2000 (the effective
 install any elevator skin     date of this AD).
 assembly (particular part
 numbers, referenced in the
 applicable service
 information) that Raytheon
 shipped anytime from
 January 1, 1999, through
 December 31, 1999, in any
 of the affected airplanes.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (e) Can I comply with this AD in any other way? You may use an 
alternative method of compliance or adjust the compliance time if:
    (1) Your alternative method of compliance provides an equivalent 
level of safety; and
    (2) The Manager, Wichita (ACO), approves your alternative. 
Submit your request through an FAA Principal Maintenance Inspector, 
who may add comments and then send it to the Manager, Wichita ACO.

    Note: This AD applies to each airplane identified in paragraph 
(a) of this AD, 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 (e) 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.

    (f) Where can I get information about any already-approved 
alternative methods of compliance? Contact Gary D. Park, Aerospace 
Engineer, FAA, Wichita Aircraft Certification Office, 1801 Airport 
Road, Mid-Continent Airport, Wichita, Kansas 67209; telephone: (314) 
946-4123; facsimile: (314) 946-4407.
    (g) 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, provided that the 
following is complied with:
    (1) Pass the tap test inspection specified in Raytheon Mandatory 
Service Bulletin SB 27-3396, Rev. 1, Revised: June, 2000; and
    (2) Restrict airspeed to maneuvering speed.

[[Page 54143]]

    (h) Are any service bulletins incorporated into this AD by 
reference? You must accomplish the replacement required by this AD 
in accordance with Raytheon Mandatory Service Bulletin SB 27-3396, 
Rev. 1, Revised: June, 2000. The Director of the Federal Register 
approved this incorporation by reference under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 
CFR part 51. You can get copies from Raytheon Aircraft Company, P.O. 
Box 85, Wichita, Kansas 67201. You can look at copies at FAA, 
Central Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, 901 Locust, Room 
506, Kansas City, Missouri, or at the Office of the Federal 
Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW, suite 700, Washington, DC.
    (i) When does this amendment become effective? This amendment 
becomes effective on September 22, 2000.

    Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on August 24, 2000.
Michael Gallagher,
Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 00-22427 Filed 9-6-00; 8:45 am]
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