[Federal Register Volume 67, Number 199 (Tuesday, October 15, 2002)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 63573-63576]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 02-26053]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2000-CE-45-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


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

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 Fairchild Aircraft, Inc. (Fairchild 
Aircraft) SA226 and SA227 series airplanes. This proposed AD would 
require you to inspect the fuel boost pump wiring for any chafing, 
cracked insulation material, or evidence of bare wire(s) (referred to 
herein as damage), and replace any damaged wiring. This proposed AD 
would also require you to install a protective tubing around the fuel 
boost pump wiring harness. This proposed AD is the result of reports of 
chafed fuel boost pump wiring to either the inboard or outboard boost 
pump wiring. The actions specified by this proposed AD are intended to 
prevent the fuel boost pump wiring from chafing, which could result in 
electrical arcing. This could serve as an ignition source inside the 
fuel tank and result in fire or explosion.

DATES: The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) must receive any 
comments on this proposed rule on or before December 16, 2002.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments to FAA, Central Region, Office of the 
Regional Counsel, Attention: Rules Docket No. 2000-CE-45-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

[[Page 63574]]

``Docket No. 2000-CE-45-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 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: Ingrid Knox, Aerospace Engineer, FAA, 
Airplane Certification Office, 2601 Meacham Boulevard, Fort Worth, 
Texas 76193-0150; telephone: (817) 222-5139; 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 mailed comments, 
you must include a self-addressed, stamped postcard. On the postcard, 
write ``Comments to Docket No. 2000-CE-45-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 indicating problems with 6 Fairchild 
Aircraft SA227-AC airplanes. Evidence of chafing to either the inboard 
or outboard fuel boost pump wiring has been found on all 6 airplanes. 
In one case, evidence of arcing between the chafed wiring and the fuel 
check valve was found.
    All airplane models within the Fairchild Aircraft SA226 and SA227 
series incorporate this fuel boost pump wiring design.

What Are the Consequences If the Condition Is Not Corrected?

    Damage to the fuel boost pump wiring, if not detected and 
corrected, could result in electrical arcing. This could serve as an 
ignition source inside the fuel tank and result in fire or explosion.

Is There Service Information That Applies to This Subject?

    Fairchild Aircraft has issued the following service letters:

--Service Letter 226-SL-023, dated September 6, 2000, which applies to 
model SA226-T, SA226-AT, SA226-T(B), and SA226-TC airplanes;
--Service Letter 227-SL-039, dated September 6, 2000, which applies to 
model SA227-AT, SA227-TT, SA227-AC (C-26A), SA227-PC, and SA227-BC (C-
26A) airplanes; and
--Service Letter CC7-SL-031, dated September 6, 2000, which applies to 
model SA227-CC and SA227-DC (C-26B) airplanes.

What Are the Provisions of This Service Information?

    These service letters:

--Include procedures for inspecting the fuel boost pump wiring;
--Specify replacing any damaged wire(s) in accordance with the 
appropriate wiring manual; and
--Include procedures for installing a protective tubing around the fuel 
boost pump wiring harness.

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 Fairchild Aircraft 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 require you to incorporate the actions in 
the previously-referenced service information.

Cost Impact

How Many Airplanes Would This Proposed AD Impact?

    We estimate that this proposed AD affects 490 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 of the fuel boost pump wiring:

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           Labor cost              Parts cost       Total cost per airplane       Total cost on  U.S. operators
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2 workhours x $60 per hour =              $96   $120 + $96 = $216                $216 x 490 = $105,840
 $120.
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    We estimate the following costs to accomplish the proposed 
installation of the convoluted tubing:

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           Labor cost              Parts cost       Total cost per airplane       Total cost on  U.S. Operators
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1 workhour x $60 per hour = $60.          $48   $60 + $48 =$108                  $108 x 490 = $52,920
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[[Page 63575]]

    The FAA has no method of determining the number of repairs or 
replacements each owner/operator would incur based on the results of 
the proposed inspection. We have no way of determining the number of 
airplanes that may need such repair. The extent of damage may vary on 
each airplane.

Compliance Time of this Proposed AD

What Would Be the Compliance Time of this Proposed AD?

    The compliance time of this proposed AD is whichever of the 
following that occurs first:

--Within the next 3 months after the effective date of this AD; or
--Within the next 600 hours time-in-service (TIS) after the effective 
date of this AD.

Why Is the Compliance Time of This Proposed AD Presented in Both Hours 
TIS and Calendar Time?

    Chafing damage is a direct result of airplane usage. However, 
chafing damage is not necessarily a result of repetitive airplane 
operation. For example, damage could occur on an affected airplane 
within a short period of airplane operation while you could operate 
another affected airplane for a considerable amount of time without 
experiencing wiring damage. Therefore, to assure that any damaged 
wiring is detected and corrected in a timely manner without 
inadvertently grounding any of the affected airplanes, we are utilizing 
a compliance based upon both hours TIS and calendar time.

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, Inc.: Docket No. 2000-CE-45-AD
    (a) What airplanes are affected by this AD? This AD affects the 
following airplane models, all serial numbers, that are certificated 
in any category:

Models
    SA226-T, SA226-AT, SA226-T(B), SA226-TC, SA227-AT, SA227-TT, 
SA227-AC (C-26A), SA227-PC, SA227-BC (C-26A), SA227-CC, and SA227-
DC(C-26B)
    (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 prevent the fuel boost pump wiring from 
chafing, which could result in electrical arcing. This could serve 
as an ignition source inside the fuel tank and result in fire or 
explosion.
    (d) What actions must I accomplish to address this problem? To 
address this problem, you must accomplish the following:

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           Actions                 Compliance            Procedures
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(1) Visually inspect the      Within the next 3     Accomplish the
 left-hand and right-hand      calendar months       inspection in
 main/auxiliary fuel boost     after the effective   accordnace with the
 pump wiring for evidence of   date of this AD or    Accomplishment
 chafing, damage, or exposed   within the next 600   Instructions in
 bare wire(s).                 hours time-in-        Fairchild Service
                               service (TIS) after   Letter 226-SL-023;
                               the effective date    Fairchild Service
                               of this AD,           Letter 227-SL-039,
                               whichever occurs      or Fairchild
                               first.                Service Letter CC7-
                                                     SL-031, all dated
                                                     September 6, 2000,
                                                     as applicable.
(2) Replace any chafed,       Prior to further      Accomplish
 damaged or exposed bare       flight after the      replacement(s) in
 wire(s).                      inspection required   accordance with the
                               in paragraph (d)(1)   applicable wiring
                               of this AD.           manual as specified
                                                     in the applicable
                                                     Fairchild Service
                                                     Letter.
(3) Install HEYCO-FLEX V,     Prior to further      Accomplish the
 Slit Convoluted Tubing,       flight after the      installation in
 part-number (P/N) 1634,       inspection required   accordance with the
 around each fuel boost pump   in paragraph (d)(1)   Accomplishment
 wiring harness.               of this AD.           Instructions in
                                                     Fairchild Service
                                                     Letter 226-SL-023;
                                                     Fairchild Service
                                                     Letter 227-SL-039;
                                                     or Fairchild
                                                     Service Letter CC7-
                                                     SL-031, all dated
                                                     September 6, 2000,
                                                     as applicable.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (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. Submit 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)

[[Page 63576]]

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 Ingrid Knox, Aerospace 
Engineer, FAA, Airplane Certification Office, 2601 Meacham 
Boulevard, Fort Worth, Texas 76193-0150; telephone: (817) 222-5139; 
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, 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.

    Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on October 7, 2002.
Michael Gallagher,
Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 02-26053 Filed 10-11-02; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P