[Federal Register Volume 65, Number 202 (Wednesday, October 18, 2000)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 62315-62317]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 00-26712]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 99-CE-63-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Raytheon Aircraft Company Beech Models 
35-C33A, E33A, E33C, F33A, F33C, S35, V35, V35A, V35B, 36, and A36 
Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: This document proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive 
(AD) that would apply to all Raytheon Aircraft Company (Raytheon) Beech 
Models 35-C33A, E33A, E33C, F33A, F33C, S35, V35, V35A, V35B, 36, and 
A36 airplanes that incorporate a certain Teledyne Continental engine 
configuration. The proposed AD would require you to repetitively 
replace the existing Aeroquip V-band exhaust clamp. The actions 
specified by the proposed AD are intended to prevent the exhaust stack 
from detaching from the turbocharger due to failure of the V-band 
exhaust clamp. Clamp failure could result in the release of high 
temperature gases inside the engine compartment with a consequent fire 
in the engine compartment.

DATES: The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) must receive any 
comments on this rule on or before December 11, 2000.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the FAA, Central Region, 
Office of the Regional Counsel, Attention: Rules Docket No. 99-CE-63-
AD, 901 Locust, Room 506, Kansas City, Missouri 64106. Comments may be 
inspected at this location between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through 
Friday, holidays excepted.
    You may get the service information referenced in the proposed AD 
from Tornado Alley Turbo, Inc., 300 Airport Road, Ada, Oklahoma 74820; 
telephone: toll free 1-800-FLY-GAMI, or (580) 332-3510; facsimile: 
(580) 332-4577. You may examine this information at the Rules Docket at 
the address above.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Peter W. Hakala, Aerospace 
Engineer, FAA, Rotorcraft Directorate, Special Certification Office, 
2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas 76193-0190; telephone: (817) 222-
5145; facsimile: (817) 222-5785.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

[[Page 62316]]

Comments Invited

How do I Comment on the Proposed AD?

    The FAA invites comments on this proposed 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. The FAA will 
consider all comments received on or before the closing date. We may 
amend the proposed rule in light of comments received. Factual 
information that supports your ideas and suggestions is extremely 
helpful in evaluating the effectiveness of the proposed 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 proposed 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 the 
proposed AD.
    We are re-examining 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. 99-CE-63-AD.'' We will date stamp and mail the 
postcard back to you.

Discussion

What Events Have Caused This Proposed AD?

    The FAA has received reports of two instances where an Aeroquip V-
band exhaust clamp (Aeroquip part number (P/N) 00624-4404C375-M) failed 
on Raytheon Models Beech A36 airplanes. This V-band exhaust clamp is 
part of the installation configuration of Tornado Alley Turbo, Inc. 
Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) SA5223NM and STC SE5222NM. The 
incorporation of these STC's installs a Teledyne Continental engine 
equipped with a turbonormalizing system on Raytheon Beech Models 35-
C33A, E33A, E33C, F33A, F33C, S35, V35, V35A, V35B, 36, and A36 
airplanes. The V-band exhaust clamp, P/N 00624-4404C375-M, attaches the 
exhaust stack to the turbocharger.

What are the Consequences if the Condition is not Corrected?

    The exhaust stack detaching from the turbocharger could result in 
the release of high temperature gases inside the engine compartment 
with a consequent fire in the engine compartment.

Relevant Service Information

Is There Service Information That Applies to this Subject?

    The STC holder, Tornado Alley Turbo, Inc., has issued Mandatory 
Service Bulletin Number TAT 98-1, dated November 21, 1998.

What are the Provisions of This Service Bulletin?

    The service bulletin includes procedures for inspecting the 
Aeroquip V-band exhaust clamp (Aeroquip P/N 00624-4404C375-M) for 
cracks.
    Replacement instructions are included in the Turbo-Flite\TM\ 520/
550 System Maintenance and Troubleshooting manual.

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

What has FAA Decided?

    After examining the circumstances and reviewing all available 
information related to the incidents described above, we have 
determined that:
--the unsafe condition referenced in this document exists or could 
develop on other Raytheon Beech Models 35-C33A, E33A, E33C, F33A, F33C, 
S35, V35, V35A, V35B, 36, and A36 airplanes of the same type design 
that incorporate STC SA5223NM and STC SE5222NM;
--the affected V-band exhaust clamp should be replaced at each 400 
hours time-in-service (TIS) instead of relying on repetitive 
inspections to detect problems; and
--AD action should be taken in order to correct this unsafe condition.

What Would this Proposed AD Require?

    This proposed AD requires you to repetitively replace the V-band 
exhaust clamp, Aeroquip P/N 00624-4404C375-M.

Could the Affected V-band Clamp be Installed on Other Type Design 
Airplanes?

    Cessna 185 series airplanes could have the subject clamp installed 
through the incorporation of Tornado Alley Turbo, Inc. STC SE00214DE 
and STC SE002215DE. The FAA has determined that the cracks at the weld 
spots in these V-band clamps are occurring because of the specific 
configuration of the affected Raytheon airplanes. We have received no 
reports of service problems with the affected V-band clamps installed 
on Cessna 185 series airplanes.

Cost Impact

How many airplanes would this proposed AD impact?

    We estimate that the proposed AD would affect 180 airplanes in the 
U.S. registry.

What Would be the Cost Impact of Each Proposed Repetitive Replacement 
for the Affected Airplanes on the U.S. Register?

    We estimate that it would take approximately 2 workhours per 
airplane to accomplish each proposed repetitive replacement, at an 
average labor rate of $60 an hour. A replacement clamp costs $50. Based 
on the figures presented above, the total cost impact of each proposed 
repetitive replacement on U.S. operators is estimated to be $30,600, or 
$170 per airplane.

Regulatory Impact

Would this Proposed AD Impact Various Entities?

    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 proposed rule would not have federalism 
implications under Executive Order 13132.

Would this Proposed AD Involve a Significant Rule or Regulatory Action?

    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) if promulgated, 
will not have a significant economic impact, positive or negative,

[[Page 62317]]

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 has been placed 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, under the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration proposes to amend 14 
CFR part 39 of the Federal Aviation Regulations 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.

PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES


Sec. 39.13  [Amended]

    2. FAA amends Section 39.13 by adding a new airworthiness directive 
(AD) to read as follows:

Raytheon Aircraft Company (The Beech Aircraft Corporation previously 
was the holder of Type Certificate 3A15): Docket No. 99-CE-63-AD.
    (a) What airplanes are affected by this AD? Models Beech 35-
C33A, E33A, E33C, F33A, F33C, S35, V35, V35A, V35B, 36, and A36 
airplanes, all serial numbers, that:
    (1) are certificated in any category;
    (2) incorporate a Teledyne Continental engine equipped with a 
turbonormalizing system; and
    (3) have Tornado Alley Turbo, Inc. Supplemental Type Certificate 
(STC) SA5223NM and STC SE5222NM incorporated.

    Note 1: Cessna 185 series airplanes could have the subject clamp 
installed through the incorporation of Tornado Alley Turbo, Inc. STC 
SE00214DE and STC SE002215DE. The FAA has determined that the cracks 
at the weld spots in these V-band clamps are occurring because of 
the specific configuration of the Raytheon airplanes. We have 
received no reports of service problems with the affected V-band 
clamps installed on Cessna 185 series airplanes.

    (b) Who must comply with this AD? Anyone who wishes to operate 
any of the airplanes referenced in paragraph (a) of this AD that are 
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 prevent the exhaust stack from detaching 
from the turbocharger due to failure of the V-band exhaust clamp. 
This could result in the release of high temperature gases inside 
the engine compartment with a consequent fire in the engine 
compartment.
    (d) What must I do to address this problem? To address this 
problem, you must accomplish the following actions:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
            Actions                Compliance times        Procedures
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Repetitively replace the V-     Upon accumulating 400   Use the
 band exhaust clamp, Aeroquip    hours time-in-service   procedures in
 part number 00624-4404C375-M..  (TIS) after             the Turbo-
                                 incorporating Tornado   FliteTM 520/550
                                 Alley Turbo, Inc. STC   System
                                 SA5223NM and STC        Maintenance and
                                 SE5222NM on the         Troubleshooting
                                 airplane or within      manual.
                                 the next 25 hours TIS
                                 after the effective
                                 date of this AD,
                                 whichever occurs
                                 later, and thereafter
                                 at intervals not to
                                 exceed 400 hours TIS..
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    (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, Rotorcraft Directorate, Special Certification 
Office, approves your alternative. Submit your request through an 
FAA Principal Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then 
send it to the Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Special 
Certification Office, 2601 Meacham Boulevard, Fort Worth, Texas 
76193-0190.

    Note 2: 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? You can contact Mr. Peter Hakala, 
Aerospace Engineer, FAA, Rotorcraft Directorate, Special 
Certification Office, 2601 Meacham Boulevard, Fort Worth, Texas 
76193-0190;, telephone: (817) 222-5145; facsimile: (817) 222-5785.
    (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.
    (1) In order for this permit to be granted, the airplane must 
pass the push/pull test specified in Tornado Alley Turbo, Inc., 
Mandatory Service Bulletin Number TAT 98-1, dated November 21, 1998.
    (2) Anyone who holds at least a private pilot certificate, as 
authorized by section 43.7 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 
CFR 43.7), may accomplish the push/pull test referenced in paragraph 
(g)(1) of this. 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).
    (h) How do I get copies of the documents referenced in this AD? 
You may obtain copies of the documents referenced in this AD from 
Tornado Alley Turbo, Inc., 300 Airport Road, Ada, Oklahoma 74820; or 
may examine this document at FAA, Central Region, Office of the 
Regional Counsel, 901 Locust, Room 506, Kansas City, Missouri 64106.

    Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on October 11, 2000.
Marvin R. Nuss,
Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 00-26712 Filed 10-17-00; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P