[Federal Register Volume 66, Number 245 (Thursday, December 20, 2001)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 65663-65666]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 01-31298]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2001-CE-17-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Fairchild Aircraft Incorporated SA226 
and SA227 Series Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM); Reopening of 
the comment period.

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SUMMARY: This document proposes to revise an earlier proposed 
airworthiness directive (AD) that would apply to certain Fairchild 
Aircraft Incorporated (Fairchild Aircraft) SA226 and SA227 series 
airplanes equipped with Skidmore-Wilheim Manufacturing Co. (Skidmore-
Wilheim) (formerly Hydromotive) Model V1-15-1000 brake master 
cylinders. The earlier NPRM would have required you replace these brake 
master cylinders with new or overhauled units of the same design. The 
earlier NPRM resulted from reports of dragging brakes during taxi 
operations. Additional airplane models have been identified on which 
the unsafe condition exists or could develop. Since these actions 
impose an additional burden over that proposed in the NPRM, we are 
reopening the comment period to allow the public the chance to comment 
on these additional actions.

DATES: The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) must receive any 
comments on this proposed rule on or before February 22, 2002.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments to FAA, Central Region, Office of the 
Regional Counsel, Attention: Rules Docket No. 2001-CE-17-AD, 901 
Locust, Room 506, Kansas City, Missouri 64106. You may view any 
comments at this location between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through 
Friday, except Federal holidays.
    You may get service information that applies to this proposed AD 
from

[[Page 65664]]

Fairchild Aircraft Incorporated, P.O. Box 790490, San Antonio, Texas 
78279-0490; telephone: (210) 824-9421; facsimile: (210) 820-8609. You 
may also view this information at the Rules Docket at the address 
above.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Werner Koch, Aerospace Engineer, FAA, 
Airplane Certification Office, 2601 Meacham Boulevard, Fort Worth, 
Texas 76193-0150; telephone: (817) 222-5133; facsimile: (817) 222-5960.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

How Do I Comment on This 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 to the 
address specified under the caption ADDRESSES. We will consider all 
comments received on or before the closing date. We may amend this 
proposed rule in light of comments received. Factual information that 
supports your ideas and suggestions is extremely helpful in evaluating 
the effectiveness of this proposed AD action and determining whether we 
need to take additional rulemaking action.

Are There any Specific Portions of This Proposed AD I Should Pay 
Attention to?

    The FAA specifically invites comments on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this proposed rule that 
might suggest a need to modify the rule. You may view all comments we 
receive before and after the closing date of the proposed rule in the 
Rules Docket. We will file a report in the Rules Docket that summarizes 
each contact we have with the public that concerns the substantive 
parts of this proposed AD.

How Can I Be Sure FAA Receives My Comment?

    If you want FAA to acknowledge the receipt of your comments, you 
must include a self-addressed, stamped postcard. On the postcard, write 
``Comments to Docket No. 2001-CE-17-AD.'' We will date stamp and mail 
the postcard back to you.

Discussion

What Events Have Caused This Proposed AD?

    The FAA received several reports of dragging brakes on Fairchild 
SA226 series airplanes when the brake pedals were operated during taxi 
operations. After troubleshooting by maintenance personnel, the problem 
was traced to the master brake cylinder. Disassembly of the 
malfunctioning master cylinders revealed broken check valve spring 
washers that, together with the action of the shuttle valve, prevented 
the release of brake pressure when the brake pedal was released after a 
brake application. Based on observed failures, FAA has determined that 
the brake master cylinders should be replaced at intervals of 15,000 
hours time-in-service.

What Are the Consequences if the Condition is Not Corrected?

    This condition, if not detected or corrected, could cause dragging 
brakes, which can result in overheated brakes and cause an in-flight 
wheelwell fire if the dragging takes place during takeoff and the gear 
is later retracted.

Has FAA Taken Any Action to This Point?

    We issued a proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal Aviation 
Regulations (14 CFR part 39) to include an AD that would apply to 
certain Fairchild Aircraft SA226 series airplanes equipped with 
Skidmore-Wilheim Model V1-15-1000 brake master cylinders. This proposal 
was published in the Federal Register as a notice of proposed 
rulemaking (NPRM) on August 21, 2001 (66 FR 43814). The NPRM proposed 
to require you to replace these brake master cylinders with new or 
overhauled units of the same design.
    You would have to accomplish the proposed actions in accordance 
with the applicable maintenance manual or service bulletin.

Was the Public Invited To Comment?

    The FAA encouraged interested persons to participate in the making 
of this amendment. The following presents the comments received on the 
proposal and FAA's response to each comment:
    Comment Issue No. 1: Expand the applicability.

What Is the Commenter's Concern?

    The NPRM indicates that only series SA226 aircraft are affected by 
this AD. However, the commenter indicates that some SA 227 series 
airplanes are also affected and the unsafe condition referenced in the 
NPRM exists or could also develop on those SA227 series airplanes.

What Is FAA's Response to the Concern?

    The commenter correctly identified additional applicable SA227 
aircraft models. The FAA will include the additional applicable models 
in the proposed rule. Because this change increases the burden upon the 
public, we are reopening the comment period for this action.
    Comment Issue No. 2: Change the manufacturer's reference.

What Is the Commenter's Concern?

    The commenter requests that all references in the NPRM to Fairchild 
Aircraft, Inc. be changed to Fairchild Aircraft Incorporated.

What Is FAA's Response to the Concern?

    The company name Fairchild Aircraft Incorporated is correct on the 
type certificates. The name Fairchild Aircraft Incorporated will be 
used in the NPRM.

The FAA's Determination

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 Fairchild SA226 and SA227 series airplanes of the same 
type design equipped with Skidmore-Wilheim Model V1-15-1000 brake 
master cylinders;
--The NPRM should be expanded to include these actions; and
--AD action should be taken in order to correct this unsafe condition.

The Supplemental NPRM

How Will the Changes to the NPRM Impact the Public?

    Proposing that the NPRM apply to certain Fairchild Aircraft SA226 
and SA227 series airplanes equipped with Skidmore-Wilheim Model V1-15-
1000 brake master cylinders presents actions that go beyond the scope 
of what was already proposed. Therefore, we are issuing a supplemental 
NPRM and reopening the comment period to allow the public additional 
time to comment on the proposed AD.

What Are the Provisions of the Supplemental NPRM?

    The proposed AD would require you to replace or overhaul the brake 
master cylinders. Procedures are in the applicable Fairchild service 
bulletin.

Cost Impact

How Many Airplanes Would This Proposed AD Impact?

    We estimate that this proposed AD affects 140 airplanes in the U.S. 
registry.

What Would be the Cost Impact of This Proposed AD on Owners/Operators 
of the Affected Airplanes?

    We estimate the following costs to do any necessary replacements:

[[Page 65665]]



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                                             New or overhauled parts     Total cost
                Labor cost                    cost (4 parts for each        per           Total cost on U.S.
                                                aircraft required         airplane            operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
8 hours  x  $60 for each hour = $480.....  4 parts  x  $200 = $800.00.       $1,280  140 airplanes  x  $1,280 =
                                                                                      $179,200.
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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 proposed 
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, 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 
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. FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding a new airworthiness directive 
(AD) to read as follows:

Fairchild Aircraft Incorporated: Docket No. 2001-CE-17-AD

    (a) What airplanes are affected by this AD? This AD affects the 
following airplane models and serial numbers that are certificated 
in any category:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                  Model                             Serial Nos.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
SA226-AT.................................  All.
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SA226-T..................................  All.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
SA226-T(B)...............................  All.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
SA226-TC.................................  All.
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SA227-AC, SA227-AT, and SA227-TT.........  420 through 583.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
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    (b) Who must comply with this AD? Anyone who wishes to operate 
any of the above airplanes must comply with this AD.
    (c) What problem does this AD address? The actions specified by 
this AD are intended to correct and prevent future malfunctioning 
brake master cylinders. Malfunctioning brake master cylinders could 
cause dragging brakes, which can result in overheated brakes and a 
wheelwell fire if the dragging takes place during takeoff and the 
gear is later retracted.
    (d) What actions must I accomplish to address this problem? To 
address this problem, you must do the following, unless already 
done:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
            Actions                   Compliance          Procedures
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Replace the Skidmore-Wilheim     Upon the             For SA226 series
 Manufacturing Co. Model V1-15-   accumulation of      airplanes, do
 1000 brake master cylinders      200 hours time in    this action
 with new or overhauled Model     service (TIS)        following the
 V1-15-1000 brake master          after the            procedures in the
 cylinders or FAA-approved        effective date of    applicable
 equivalent part numbers.         this AD or 15,000    maintenance
                                  hours total TIS on   manual. Overhaul
                                  the affected brake   the brake master
                                  master cylinders,    cylinders
                                  whichever occurs     following the
                                  later. Later         procedures in
                                  replacement          Fairchild Service
                                  intervals shall be   Bulletin SB 226-
                                  at 15,000 hours      32-069, issued
                                  TIS                  October 24, 2001.
                                                      For SA227 series
                                                       airplanes, do
                                                       this action
                                                       following the
                                                       procedures in the
                                                       applicable
                                                       maintenance
                                                       manual. Overhaul
                                                       the brake master
                                                       cylinders
                                                       following the
                                                       procedures in
                                                       Fairchild Service
                                                       Bulletin SB 227-
                                                       32-045, issued
                                                       October 24, 2001.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (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, Fort Worth Airplane Certification Office (ACO), 
approves your alternative. Send your request through an FAA 
Principal Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send 
it to the Manager, Fort Worth 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 Werner Koch, Aerospace 
Engineer, FAA, Airplane Certification Office, 2601 Meacham 
Boulevard, Fort Worth, Texas 76193-0150; telephone: (817) 222-5133; 
facsimile: (817) 222-5960.
    (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.
    (h) How do I get copies of the documents referenced in this AD? 
You may get copies of the documents referenced in this AD from 
Fairchild Aircraft Incorporated, P.O. Box 790490, San Antonio, Texas 
78279-0490. You may view these documents at FAA,

[[Page 65666]]

Central Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, 901 Locust, Room 
506, Kansas City, Missouri 64106.

    Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on December 11, 2001.
Michael Gallagher,
Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 01-31298 Filed 12-19-01; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U