[Federal Register Volume 67, Number 76 (Friday, April 19, 2002)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 19327-19330]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 02-9574]



[[Page 19327]]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2001-CE-47-AD; Amendment 39-12709; AD 2002-08-02]
RIN 2120-AA64


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

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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

SUMMARY: This amendment supersedes Airworthiness Directive (AD) 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. This AD is the result 
of FAA incorrectly referencing Model SA226--T(A) airplanes and 
inadvertently omitting certain serial numbers of Model SA227--AC 
airplanes from the applicability of AD 2001-20-14. This AD retains the 
actions of AD 2001-20-14, corrects the reference of Model SA226--T(A) 
airplanes and adds additional Model SA227--AC airplanes to the 
applicability section of the AD. 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.

DATES: This AD becomes effective on June 6, 2002.
    The Director of the Federal Register previously approved the 
incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in the 
regulations as of November 21, 2001 (66 FR 52020, October 12, 2001).

ADDRESSES: You may get the service information referenced in this AD 
from Fairchild Aircraft, Inc., P.O. Box 790490, San Antonio, Texas 
78279-0490; telephone: (210) 824-9421; facsimile: (210) 820-8609. You 
may view this information at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), 
Central Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, Attention: Rules Docket 
No. 2001-CE-47-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: 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:

Discussion

What Events Have Caused This AD?

    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.

What Is the Potential Impact if FAA Took No Action?

    Original design brake shuttle valves, if not replaced with improved 
design valves, could cause the wheel brakes to drag and overheat. This 
could result in hydraulic or fuel line damage if the overheated brake 
assembly is retracted into the main wheel wells. A consequent fire 
could occur if the hydraulic or fuel lines ruptured.

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 and SA227 series airplanes. This 
proposal was published in the Federal Register as a notice of proposed 
rulemaking (NPRM) on December 27, 2001 (66 FR 66828). The NPRM proposed 
to supersede AD 2001-20-14 with a new AD that would retain the actions 
of AD 2001-20-14, would correct the reference to Model SA226--T(A) 
airplanes, and would include additional Model SA227--AC airplanes in 
the Applicability section of the AD.

Was the Public Invited To Comment?

    The FAA encouraged interested persons to participate in the making 
of this amendment. We did not receive any comments on the proposed rule 
or on our determination of the cost to the public.

FAA's Determination

What Is FAA's Final Determination on This Issue?

    After careful review of all available information related to the 
subject presented above, we have determined that air safety and the 
public interest require the adoption of the rule as proposed except for 
minor editorial corrections. We have determined that these minor 
corrections:

--Provide the intent that was proposed in the NPRM for correcting the 
unsafe condition; and
--Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was already 
proposed in the NPRM.

Cost Impact

How Many Airplanes Does This AD Impact?

    We estimate that this AD affects 186 SA226 Series airplanes and 72 
SA227 Series airplanes in the U.S. registry for total of 258 affected 
airplanes.

What Is the Cost Impact of This AD on Owners/Operators of the Affected 
Airplanes?

    We estimate the following costs to accomplish the replacement and 
installation:

[[Page 19328]]



                                             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 per hour =              $1,369              $4,669  $4,669  x  72 = $336,168
 $3,300.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The only difference between AD 2001-20-14 and this 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 AD will have over that already required 
by AD 2001-20-14 is the burden to the owners/operators of the cost of 
the actions on the additional airplanes.

Compliance Time of This AD

What Will Be the Compliance Time of This AD?

    The compliance time of this 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 This 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 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

Does This AD Impact Various Entities?

    The regulations adopted herein 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, it 
is determined that this final rule does not have federalism 
implications under Executive Order 13132.

Does This 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) 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 final 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, Incorporation by 
reference, Safety.

Adoption of the Amendment

    Accordingly, under 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. 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:

2002-08-02  Fairchild Aircraft, Inc.: Amendment 39-12709; 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 Numbers
------------------------------------------------------------------------
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.
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 Numbers
------------------------------------------------------------------------
SA227-AC.................................  AC600 through AC789
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (b) Who must comply with this AD? Anyone who wishes to operate 
any of the airplanes identified in paragraph (a) of this AD must 
comply with this AD. This AD applies to any airplane identified in 
paragraph (a) of this AD 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

[[Page 19329]]

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 or November     Fairchild Aircraft
 equivalent part number).      21, 2001 (the         Service Bulletin
                               effective date of     No. 227-26-002, as
                               AD 2001-20-14),       applicable.
                               whichever occurs      Effective pages,
                               later, unless         revision levels,
                               already               and dates of the
                               accomplished.         service bulletins
                                                     are specified in
                                                     paragraph (i) of
                                                     number (P/N) this
                                                     AD.
(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,         Effective pages,
                               unless already        revision levels,
                               accomplished.         and dates of the
                                                     service bulletins
                                                     are specified in
                                                     paragraph (i) of
                                                     this AD.
(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-SA226-
                               after November 21,    003. Effective
                               2001 (the effective   pages, revision
                               date of AD 2001-20-   levels, and dates
                               154), whichever       of the service
                               occur later, unless   bulletin is
                               already               specified in
                               accomplished.         paragraph (i) of
                                                     this AD.
(4) Do not install any brake  As of November 21,    Not Applicable.
 shuttle value 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 June 6,   INSTRUCTIONS
 power brake system, replace   2002 (the effective   section of
 each brake shuttle valve      date of this AD) or   Fairchild Aircraft
 with part number (P/N)        within 6 months       Service Bulletin
 MS28767-4 brake shuttle       after June 6, 2002    No. 227-26-002.
 valve (or FAA-approved        (the effective date   Effective pages,
 equivalent part number).      of this AD),          revision levels,
                               whichever occurs      and dates of the
                               later, unless         service bulletin is
                               already               specified in
                               accomplished.         paragraph (i) of
                                                     this AD.
 
(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 June 6,   INSTRUCTIONS
                               2002 (the effective   section of
                               date of this AD) or   Fairchild Aircraft
                               within 6 months       Service Bulletin
                               after June 6, 2002    No. 227-26-002.
                               (the effective date   Effective pages,
                               of this AD),          revision levels,
                               whichever occurs      and dates of the
                               later, unless         service bulletin is
                               already               specified in
                               accomplished.         paragraph (i) of
                                                     this AD.
 
(3) Do not install any brake  As of June 6, 2002    Not Applicable.
 shuttle valve that is not a   (the effective date
 P/N MS28767-4 brake shuttle   of this AD).
 valve (or FAA-approved
 equivalent part number) or
 a fuel hose that is made
 out of rubber.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (f) 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 (f) 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.

    (g) 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.
    (h) What if I need to fly the airplane to another location to 
comply with this AD? The

[[Page 19330]]

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.
    (i) Are any service bulletins incorporated into this AD by 
reference?
    (1) Actions required by this AD must be done in accordance with 
the following:
    (i) Fairchild Service Bulletin No. 226-26-003, which 
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
    (ii) Fairchild Service Bulletin No. 227-26-002, which 
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.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (2) The Director of the Federal Register previously approved 
this incorporation by reference under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 
51 as of November 21, 2001 (66 FR 52020, October 12, 2001).
    (3) You may get copies from Fairchild Aircraft, Inc., P.O. Box 
790490, San Antonio, Texas 78279-0490. You may view copies at the 
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.
    (j) Does this AD action affect any existing AD actions? This 
amendment supersedes AD 2001-20-14, Amendment 39-12462.
    (k) When does this amendment become effective? This amendment 
becomes effective on June 6, 2002.

    Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on April 8, 2002.
James E. Jackson,
Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 02-9574 Filed 4-18-02; 8:45 am]
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