[Federal Register Volume 66, Number 248 (Thursday, December 27, 2001)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 66828-66832]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 01-31554]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2001-CE-47-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Fairchild Aircraft, Inc. Models SA226 
and SA227 Series Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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

SUMMARY: This document proposes to supersede Airworthiness Directive 
(AD)

[[Page 66829]]

2001-20-14, which currently requires you to replace the brake shuttle 
valves with parts of improved design and install a shield over the 
hydraulic lines on certain Fairchild Aircraft SA226 and SA227 series 
airplanes. AD 2001-20-14 also requires you to replace the rubber fuel 
hose with a metal device for certain SA226 series airplanes. AD 2001-
20-14 resulted from a report of a wheel brake system malfunction caused 
by a faulty brake shuttle valve. The FAA incorrectly referenced Model 
SA226-T(A) airplanes and inadvertently omitted certain serial numbers 
of Model SA227-AC airplanes from AD 2001-20-14. This proposed AD would 
retain the actions of AD 2001-20-14, correct the reference of Model 
SA226-T(A) airplanes, and would add additional Model SA227-AC airplanes 
to the Applicability section of the AD. The actions specified by this 
proposed AD are intended to correct potential brake shuttle valve 
problems, which could cause the brake assembly to drag and overheat. 
Hydraulic or fuel line damage could then occur if the overheated brake 
assembly is retracted into the main wheel well with a consequent fire 
if the hydraulic or fuel lines ruptured.

DATES: The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) must receive any 
comments on this proposed rule on or before February 19, 2002 .

ADDRESSES: Submit comments to FAA, Central Region, Office of the 
Regional Counsel, Attention: Rules Docket No. 2001-CE-47-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 Fairchild Aircraft, Inc., 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 
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-47-AD.'' We will date stamp and mail the postcard 
back to you.

Discussion

    Has FAA taken any action to this point? The FAA received a report 
of an accident involving a Fairchild Model SA226-TC airplane where the 
flight crew lost control of the airplane at low altitude during the 
final approach for landing. Prior to the accident, the flight crew 
reported a loss of hydraulic pressure and a fire on the left side of 
the airplane. The report of this accident caused us to issue AD 2001-
20-14, Amendment 39-12462 (66 FR 52020, October 12, 2001). This AD 
requires the following on certain Fairchild Aircraft SA226 and SA227 
series airplanes:

--Replace the brake shuttle valves with parts of improved design 
(except on airplanes with an anti-skid/power brake system);
--Install a shield over the hydraulic lines; and
--Replace the rubber fuel hose with a metal device on certain SA226 
series airplanes.

    What has happened since AD 2001-20-14 to initiate this action? The 
FAA incorrectly referenced Model SA226-T(A) airplanes and inadvertently 
omitted certain serial numbers of Model SA227-AC airplanes from the 
applicability of AD 2001-20-14. In particular, we referenced serial 
numbers T(A)249 through T(A)291 as Model SA226-T(A) airplanes. These 
serial numbers should be T249 through T291, except T276, as Model 
SA226-T airplanes. We also restricted the applicability of Model SA227-
AC airplanes to serial numbers AC406, AC415, AC416, and AC420 through 
AC599. Any Model SA227-AC airplane incorporating a serial number from 
AC600 through AC789 should also be affected by the actions of AD 2001-
20-14.
    Accomplishment of the actions as specified in AD 2001-20-14 is 
required in accordance with the following documents:

--Fairchild Aircraft Service Bulletin No. 226-26-003, which applies to 
certain SA226 series airplanes and incorporates the following pages:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                   Pages                                Date
------------------------------------------------------------------------
16........................................  Issued: March 1, 2000.
14, 15....................................  Issued: March 1, 2000,
                                             Revised: June 27, 2000.
17........................................  Issued: March 1, 2000,
                                             Revised: October 2, 2000.
4, 5, 6, 7, 10, 11, 12, and 13............  Issued: March 1, 2000,
                                             Revised: January 19, 2001.
1, 2, 3, 8, and 9.........................  Issued: March 1, 2000,
                                             Revised: August 10, 2001
                                             and
------------------------------------------------------------------------

--Fairchild Aircraft Service Bulletin No. 227-26-002, which applies to 
certain SA227 series airplanes and incorporates the following pages:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                   Pages                                Date
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1, 2, 8, and 9............................  Issued: March 1, 2000.
7.........................................  Issued: March 1, 2000,
                                             Revised: June 27, 2000.
3, 4, 5, and 6............................  Issued: March 1, 2000,
                                             Revised: October 2, 2000.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    What are the provisions of these service bulletins? These service 
bulletins include procedures for:

--Replacing each brake shuttle valve with a part number (P/N) MS28767-4 
brake shuttle valve;
--Replacing the rubber fuel hose with a metal device; and
--Installing a shield over the hydraulic lines.

The FAA's Determination and an Explanation of the Provisions of 
This 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 certain Fairchild Aircraft

[[Page 66830]]

SA226 and SA227 series airplanes of the same type design;
--The actions specified in the previously-referenced service 
information should be accomplished on the affected airplanes; and
--AD action should be taken in order to correct this unsafe condition.

    What would this proposed AD require? This proposed AD would 
supersede AD 2001-20-14 with a new AD that would retain the actions of 
AD 2001-20-14, correct the reference to Model SA226-T(A) airplanes, and 
would include additional Model SA227-AC airplanes in the Applicability 
section of the AD.

Cost Impact

    How many airplanes would this proposed AD impact? We estimate that 
this proposed AD affects 186 SA226 Series airplanes and 72 SA227 Series 
airplanes in the U.S. registry for total of 258 affected airplanes.
    What would be the cost impact of this proposed AD on owners/
operators of the affected airplanes? We estimate the following costs to 
accomplish the proposed replacement and installation:

                                             SA226 Series Airplanes
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                 Total cost per
           Labor cost              Parts cost       airplane               Total cost on U.S. operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
65 workhours  x  $60 per hour =        $3,431           $7,331   $7,331  x  186 = $1,363,566.
 $3,900.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                                                 SA227 Series Airplanes
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                    Total cost per
              Labor cost                               Parts cost                      airplane                 Total cost on U.S. operators
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
55 workhours  x  $60.................  $1,369 per hour = $3,300..................          $4,669   $4,669  x  72 = $336,168.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The only difference between AD 2001-20-14 and this proposed AD is 
the expanded applicability of Model SA227-AC airplanes that we 
inadvertently omitted from the
    ``Applicability'' section of AD 2001-20-14. However, the estimated 
number of total airplanes affected has not changed. The only impact 
this proposed AD would have over that already required by AD 2001-20-14 
is the burden to the owners/operators of the cost of the proposed 
actions on the additional airplanes.

Compliance Time of this Proposed AD

    What would be the compliance time of this proposed AD? The 
compliance time of this proposed AD is at whichever of the following 
that occurs later:
--Within 500 hours time-in-service (TIS) after the effective date of 
this AD or AD 2001-20-14, as applicable; or
--Within 6 months after the effective date of this AD or AD 2001-20-14, 
as applicable.

    Why is the compliance time of the proposed AD presented in both 
hours TIS and calendar time? The affected airplanes are used in both 
general aviation and commuter operations. Those commuter operators may 
accumulate 500 hours TIS on the airplane in less than 2 months and many 
owners have numerous affected airplanes in their fleets. We have 
determined that the dual compliance time:

--gives all owners/operators of the affected airplanes adequate time to 
schedule and accomplish the actions in this proposed AD; and
--assures that the unsafe condition referenced in this AD will be 
corrected within a reasonable time period without inadvertently 
grounding any of the affected airplanes.

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 removing Airworthiness Directive (AD) 
2001-20-14, Amendment 39-12462 (66 FR 52020, October 12, 2001), and by 
adding a new AD to read as follows:

Fairchild Aircraft, Inc.: Docket No. 2001-CE-47-AD; Supersedes AD 
2001-20-14, Amendment 39-12462.

    (a) What airplanes are affected by this AD? This AD affects the 
following airplane models and serial numbers that are certificated 
in any category:
    (1) Group 1: Fairchild Aircraft Inc. airplanes retained from AD 
2001-20-14:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                   Model                             Serial Nos.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
SA226-AT..................................  AT001 through AT074.
SA226-T...................................  T201 through T291, except
                                             T276.
SA226-T(B)................................  T(B) 276 and T(B) 292
                                             through T(B) 417.
SA226-TC..................................  TC201 through TC419.

[[Page 66831]]

 
SA227-AC..................................  AC406, AC415, AC416, and
                                             AC420 through AC599.
SA227-AT..................................  AT421, AT423 through AT631,
                                             and AT695.
SA227-TT..................................  TT421 through TT555.
SA227-TT(300).............................  TT447, TT465, TT471, TT483,
                                             TT512, TT518, TT521, TT527,
                                             TT529, and 536.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (2) Group 2: Fairchild Aircraft, Inc. airplanes added to the 
applicability of this AD (not included in AD 2001-20-14):

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                   Model                             Serial Nos.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
SA227-AC..................................  AC600 through AC789.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (b) Who must comply with this AD? Anyone who wishes to operate 
any of the above airplanes must comply with this AD. The AD applies 
to any airplane with or without an anti-skid/power brake system 
installed.
    (c) What problem does this AD address? The actions specified by 
this AD are intended to correct potential brake shuttle valve 
problems, which could cause the brake assembly to drag and overheat. 
Hydraulic or fuel line damage could then occur if the overheated 
brake assembly is retracted into the main wheel well, with a 
consequent fire if the hydraulic or fuel lines ruptured.
    (d) What actions must I accomplish to address this problem for 
Group 1 airplanes? To address this problem for Group 1 airplanes, 
you must accomplish the following:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
           Actions                 Compliance            Procedures
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) For all affected          Within 500 hours      In accordance with
 airplanes, except those       time-in-service       the ACCOMPLISHMENT
 equipped with an anti-skid/   (TIS) after           INSTRUCTIONS
 power brake system, replace   November 21, 2001     section of
 each brake shuttle valve      (the effective date   Fairchild Aircraft
 with part number (P/N)        of AD 2001-20-14),    Service Bulletin
 MS28767-4 brake shuttle       or within 6 months    No. 226-26-003, or
 valve (or FAA-approved        after November 21,    Fairchild Aircraft
 equivalent part number).      2001 (the effective   Service Bulletin
                               date of AD 2001-20-   No. 227-26-002, as
                               14), whichever        applicable.
                               occurs later.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(2) For all affected          Within 500 hours      In accordance with
 airplanes, install a shield   time-in-service       the ACCOMPLISHMENT
 over the hydraulic lines.     (TIS) after           INSTRUCTIONS
                               November 21, 2001     section of
                               (the effective date   Fairchild Aircraft
                               of AD 2001-20-14),    Service Bulletin
                               or within 6 months    No. 226-26-003, or
                               after November 21,    Fairchild Aircraft
                               2001 (the effective   Service Bulletin
                               date of AD 2001-20-   No. 227-26-002, as
                               14), whichever        applicable.
                               occurs later.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(3) For all airplane models   Within 500 hours      In accordance with
 within the SA226 series       time-in-service       the ACCOMPLISHMENT
 replace the rubber fuel       (TIS) after           INSTRUCTIONS
 hose with a metal device.     November 21, 2001     section of
                               (the effective date   Fairchild Aircraft
                               of AD 2001-20-14),    Service Bulletin
                               or within 6 months    No. 226-26-003.
                               after November 21,
                               2001 (the effective
                               date of AD 2001-20-
                               14), whichever
                               occurs later.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(4) Do not install any brake  As of November 21,    Not Applicable.
 shuttle valve that is not a   2001 (the effective
 P/N MS28767-4 brake shuttle   date of AD 2001-20-
 valve (or FAA-approved        14).
 equivalent part number) or
 a fuel hose that is made
 out of rubber.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (e) What actions must I accomplish to address this problem for 
Group 2 airplanes? To address this problem for Group 2 airplanes, 
you must accomplish the following:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
           Actions                 Compliance            Procedures
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) For all affected          Within 500 hours      In accordance with
 airplanes except those        time-in service       the ACCOMPLISHMENT
 equipped with an anti-skid/   (TIS) after the       INSTRUCTIONS
 power brake system, replace   effective date of     section of
 each brake shuttle valve      this AD or within 6   Fairchild Aircraft
 with part number (P/N)        months after the      Service Bulletin
 MS28767-4 brake shuttle       effective date of     No. 227-26-002.
 valve (or FAA-approved        this AD, whichever
 equivalent part number).      occurs later.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(2) For all affected          Within 500 hours      In accordance with
 airplanes, install a shield   time-in-service       the ACCOMPLISHMENT
 over the hydraulic lines.     (TIS) after the       INSTRUCTIONS
                               effective date of     section of
                               this AD or within 6   Fairchild Aircraft
                               months after the      Service Bulletin
                               effective date of     No. 227-26-002.
                               this AD, whichever
                               occurs later.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(3) Do not install any brake  As of the effective   Not Applicable.
 shuttle valve that is not a   date of this AD.
 P/N MS28767-4 brake shuttle
 valve (or FAA-approved
 equivalent part number) or
 a fuel hose that is made
 out of rubber.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (f) What revision levels do the affected service bulletins 
currently incorporate? The service bulletins required to accomplish 
these actions incorporate the following pages:
    (1) Fairchild Aircraft Service Bulletin No. 226-26-003:

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
            Affected pages                       Revision level                             Date
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
16...................................  Original Issue....................  March 1, 2000.
14, 15...............................  Revision 1........................  June 27, 2000.
17...................................  Revision 2........................  October 2, 2000.
4, 5, 6, 7, 10, 11, 12, and 13.......  Revision 3........................  January 19, 2001.
1, 2, 3, 8, and 9....................  Revision 4........................  August 10, 2001.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (2) Fairchild Aircraft Service Bulletin No. 227-26-002:

[[Page 66832]]



----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
            Affected pages                       Revision Level                             Date
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1, 2, 8, and 9.......................  Original Issue....................  March 1, 2000.
7....................................  Revision 1........................  June 27, 2000.
3, 4, 5, and 6.......................  Revision 2........................  October 2, 2000.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (g) Can I comply with this AD in any other way? (1) You may use 
an alternative method of compliance or adjust the compliance time 
if:
    (i) Your alternative method of compliance provides an equivalent 
level of safety; and
    (ii) The Manager, Fort Worth Airplane Certification Office 
(ACO), approves your alternative. Submit your request through an FAA 
Principal Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send 
it to the Manager, Fort Worth ACO.
    (2) Alternative methods of compliance approved in accordance 
with AD 2001-20-14, which is superseded by this AD, are approved as 
alternative methods of compliance with this AD.

    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 (g) 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.

    (h) 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.
    (i) 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.
    (j) 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, Inc., P.O. Box 790490, San Antonio, Texas 78279-
0490. You may view these documents at FAA, Central Region, Office of 
the Regional Counsel, 901 Locust, Room 506, Kansas City, Missouri 
64106.
    (k) Does this AD action affect any existing AD actions? This 
amendment supersedes AD 2001-20-14, Amendment 39-12462.

    Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on December 14, 2001.
Dorenda D. Baker,
Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 01-31554 Filed 12-26-01; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P