[Federal Register Volume 67, Number 157 (Wednesday, August 14, 2002)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 52894-52896]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 02-20519]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2002-CE-07-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Raytheon Aircraft Company Beech Models 
36, A36, A36TC, B36TC, 58, and 58A Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: This document proposes to supersede Airworthiness Directive 
(AD) 2000-26-16, which applies to certain Raytheon Aircraft Company 
(Raytheon) Beech Models A36, B36TC, and 58 airplanes. AD 2000-26-16 
currently requires you to inspect for missing rivets on the right hand 
side of the fuselage and, if necessary, install rivets. AD 2000-26-16 
resulted from Raytheon identifying several instances of missing rivets 
on these airplanes. AD 2000-26-16 incorporated an incorrect listing of 
serial numbers for the affected model airplanes and omitted certain 
airplane models from the applicability section of AD 2000-26-16. This 
proposed AD would retain the actions required in AD 2000-26-16 and 
correct the applicability section. The actions specified by this 
proposed AD are intended to detect and correct missing rivets in the 
right hand fuselage panel assembly in the area above the right wing and 
below the cabin door threshold. These rivets must be present for the 
fuselage to carry the ultimate load and prevent critical structural 
failure with loss of airplane control.

DATES: The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) must receive any 
comments on this proposed rule on or before October 18, 2002.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments to FAA, Central Region, Office of the 
Regional Counsel, Attention: Rules Docket No. 2002-CE-07-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 also send comments 
electronically to the following address: [email protected]. 
Comments sent electronically must contain ``Docket No. 2002-CE-07-AD'' 
in the subject line. If you send comments electronically as attached 
electronic files, the files must be formatted in Microsoft Word 97 for 
Windows or ASCII text.
    You may get service information that applies to this proposed AD 
from Raytheon Aircraft Company, 9709 E. Central, Wichita, Kansas 67201-
0085; telephone: (800) 429-5372 or (316) 676-3140. You may also view 
this information at the Rules Docket at the address above.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: T.N. Baktha, Aerospace Engineer, FAA, 
Wichita Aircraft Certification Office, 1801 Airport Road, Mid-Continent 
Airport, Wichita, Kansas 67209; telephone: (316) 946-4155; facsimile: 
(316) 946-4407.

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 mailed comments, 
you must include a self-addressed, stamped

[[Page 52895]]

postcard. On the postcard, write ``Comments to Docket No. 2002-CE-07-
AD.'' We will date stamp and mail the postcard back to you.

Discussion

Has FAA Taken Any Action to This Point?

    Raytheon production and inspection personnel identified several 
instances of missing rivets on Models A36, B36TC, and 58 airplanes. The 
missing rivets are the result of a quality control problem. This 
condition caused us to issue AD 2000-26-16, Amendment 39-12066 (66 FR 
1253, January 8, 2001). AD 2000-26-16 requires you to inspect for 
missing rivets on the right hand fuselage and if necessary, install 
rivets.

What Has Happened Since AD 2000-26-16 To Initiate This Action?

    Raytheon notified FAA that the airplane models and serial numbers 
listed in Raytheon Mandatory Service Bulletin SB 53-3341, Rev. 1, 
Revised: May, 2000, and the applicability section of AD 2000-26-16 are 
incorrect. The serial number designations did not correctly refer to 
the applicable airplane models. We are correcting this in this 
document.

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 Raytheon Beech Models 36, A36, A36TC, B36TC, 58, and 
58A airplanes of the same type design;
--The applicability of AD 2000-26-16 should be changed as discussed 
earlier; 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 2000-26-16 with a new AD that 
would retain the actions required in AD 2000-26-16 and add certain 
airplane models to the applicability section of this proposed AD.

Cost Impact

How Many Airplanes Would This Proposed AD Impact?

    We estimate that this proposed AD affects 3632 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 accomplish the proposed 
inspection:

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                            Total cost on U.S.
              Labor cost                      Parts cost        Total cost per airplane         operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 workhour  x  $60 per hour = $60....  No parts required for    $60 per airplane.......  $60  x  3632 =
                                        the inspection.                                   $217,920.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    We estimate the following costs to accomplish the modification if 
necessary:

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                Labor cost                          Parts cost                   Total cost per airplane
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4 workhours  x  $60 per hour = $240......  $100 per airplane..........  $340 per airplane.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

What Is the Difference Between the Cost Impact of This Proposed AD and 
the Cost Impact of AD 2000-26-16?

    The only difference between this proposed AD and AD 2000-26-16 is 
the correction to the applicability. No additional actions are being 
proposed. The FAA has determined that this proposed AD action does not 
increase the cost impact over that already required by AD 2000-26-16.

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) 
2000-26-16, Amendment 39-12066 (66 FR 1253, January 8, 2001), and by 
adding a new AD to read as follows:

Raytheon Aircraft Company: Docket No. 2002-CE-07AD; Supersedes AD 
2000-26-16, Amendment 39-12066.

    (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.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) Group 1:
    A36................................  E-185 through E-3231 and E-
                                          3233.
    B36TC..............................  EA-242 and EA-273 through EA-
                                          635.
    58.................................  TH-1 through TH-1811 and TH-
                                          1813 through TH-1897.
(2) Group 2:
    36.................................  E-1 through E-184.
    A36TC..............................  EA-1 through EA-241 and EA-243
                                          through EA-272.
    58A................................  TH-1 through TH-1811 and TH-
                                          1813 through TH-1897.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


[[Page 52896]]

    (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.
    (c) What problem does this AD address? The actions specified by 
this AD are intended to detect and correct missing rivets in the 
right hand fuselage panel assembly in the area above the right wing 
and below the cabin door threshold. These rivets must be present for 
the fuselage to carry the ultimate load and prevent critical 
structural failure with loss of control of the airplane.
    (d) What actions must I accomplish to address this problem? To 
address this problem, you must accomplish the following, unless 
already accomplished:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
           Actions                 Compliance            Procedures
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) For Group airplanes:      Within the next 100   In accordance with
 inspect for up to 9 missing   hours time-in-        the ACCOMPLISHMENT
 rivets between fuselage       service (TIS) after   INSTRUCTIONS
 station (F.S.) 83.00 and      February 16, 2001     paragraph of
 F.S. 91.00 at water line      (the effective date   Raytheon Mandatory
 (W.L.) 90.3.                  of AD 200-26-16).     Service Bulletin SB
                                                     53-3341. Revision
                                                     1, Revised: May
                                                     2000, and the
                                                     Bonanza Series
                                                     Maintenance Manual
                                                     or Baron Model 58
                                                     Series Maintenance
                                                     Manual.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(2) For Group 2 airplanes:    Within the next 100   In accordance with
 inspector for up to 9         hours time-in-        the ACCOMPLISHMENT
 missing rivets between        service after the     INSTRUCTIONS
 fuselage station (F.S.)       effective date of     paragraph of
 83.00 and F.S. 91.00 at       this AD.              Raytheon Mandatory
 water line (W.L.) 90.3.                             Service Bulletin SB
                                                     53-3341, Revision
                                                     1, Revised: May
                                                     2000, and the
                                                     Bonanza Series
                                                     Maintenance Manual.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(3) For all affected          Before further        In accordance with
 airplanes: if you find        flight after the      the ACCOMPLISHMENT
 rivets are missing, install   inspection.           INSTRUCTIONS
 these rivets.                                       paragraph of
                                                     Raytheon Mandatory
                                                     Service Bulletin SB
                                                     53-3341l Revision
                                                     1, Revised: May
                                                     200, and the
                                                     Bonanza Series
                                                     Maintenance Manual
                                                     or Baron Model 58
                                                     Series Maintenance
                                                     Manual.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (e) 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, Wichita Aircraft 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, Wichita ACO.
    (2) Alternative methods of compliance approved in accordance 
with AD 2000-26-16, 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 (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 T.N. Baktha, Aerospace 
Engineer, FAA, Wichita Aircraft Certification Office, 1801 Airport 
Road, Mid-Continent Airport, Wichita, Kansas 67209; telephone: (316) 
946-4155; facsimile: (316) 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.
    (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 
Raytheon Aircraft Company, P.O. Box 85, Wichita, Kansas 67201-0085; 
telephone: (800) 429-5372 or (316) 676-3140. You may view these 
documents at FAA, Central Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, 
901 Locust, Room 506, Kansas City, Missouri 64106.
    (i) Does this AD action affect any existing AD actions? This 
amendment supersedes AD 2000-26-16, Amendment 39-12066.

    Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on August 6, 2002.
Michael Gallagher,
Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 02-20519 Filed 8-13-02; 8:45 am]
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