[Federal Register Volume 67, Number 207 (Friday, October 25, 2002)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 65519-65523]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 02-27196]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2002-CE-32-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Raytheon Aircraft Company Model 1900D 
Airplanes

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 certain Raytheon Aircraft Company (Raytheon) 
Model 1900D airplanes. This proposed AD would require you to inspect 
the

[[Page 65520]]

alternating current (AC) inverter and modify the AC inverter and 
inverter sync wire shield. This proposed AD is the result of reports 
that electrical noise causes the inverter to shut down in flight with 
loss of AC-powered flight instruments. The actions specified by this 
proposed AD are intended to prevent electrical noise causing the 
inverter to shut down, which could result in failure of key aircraft 
electrical systems. Such failure could lead to loss of flight 
instruments during flight.

DATES: The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) must receive any 
comments on this proposed rule on or before January 2, 2003.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments to FAA, Central Region, Office of the 
Regional Counsel, Attention: Rules Docket No. 2002-CE-32-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-32-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: Todd Dixon, Aerospace Engineer, FAA, 
Wichita Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), 1801 Airport Road, Room 
100, Wichita, Kansas 67209; telephone: (316) 946-4152; 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 postcard. On the postcard, 
write ``Comments to Docket No. 2002-CE-32-AD.'' We will date stamp and 
mail the postcard back to you.

Discussion

What Events Have Caused This Proposed AD?

    The FAA has received nine reports of electrical noise causing the 
alternating current (AC) inverter to shut down on certain airplanes. 
These airplanes are equipped with KGS Electronics AC Inverter part 
number (P/N) SPC-10(PW), Mod 2, serial numbers 306 to 803. The shut 
down of the inverter resulted in the loss of the electronic flight 
information system (EFIS), Radio Magnetic Indicator (RMI), and related 
AC-powered systems. Some airplanes experienced the loss of engine 
torque indication.

What Are the Consequences if the Condition Is Not Corrected?

    Such failure of the inverter could lead to loss of flight 
instruments during a critical phase of flight.

Is There Service Information That Applies to This Subject?

    Raytheon has issued Mandatory Service Bulletin SB 24-3215, Rev. 1, 
issued February 1999, revised June 2001.

What Are the Provisions of This Service Information?

    The service bulletin includes procedures for:

--AC inverter inspection;
--AC inverter modification; and
--AC inverter sync wire shield modification.

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 Model 1900D 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 bulletin.

Cost Impact

How Many Airplanes Would This Proposed AD Impact?

    We estimate that this proposed AD affects 232 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 AC 
inverter inspection:

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                         Total cost
                Labor cost                          Parts cost              per           Total cost on U.S.
                                                                          airplane            operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2 workhours x $60 = $120 for each          No cost for parts..........         $240  232 x $240 = $55,680.
 inverter.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    We estimate the following costs to accomplish any necessary AC 
inverter modification that would be required based on the results of 
the proposed inspection. We have no way of

[[Page 65521]]

determining the number of airplanes that may need such modification:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                          Total cost per
                Labor cost                   Parts cost      airplane
------------------------------------------------------------------------
2 workhours x $60 = $120 for each inverter         $310    $550 for each
 ($240 per aircraft)......................                     airplane.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    We estimate the following costs to accomplish any necessary AC 
inverter sync wire shield modification that would be required based on 
the results of the proposed inspection. We have no way of determining 
the number of airplanes that may need such modification:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                              Total cost
                  Labor cost                     Parts cost      per
                                                               airplane
------------------------------------------------------------------------
8 workhours x $60 = $480......................           $6         $486
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Compliance Time of This Proposed AD

What Would Be the Compliance Time of This Proposed AD?

    The compliance time of this proposed AD is within 6 months after 
the effective date of the AD.

Why Is the Proposed Compliance Time Presented in Calendar Time Instead 
of Hours Time-in-Service (TIS)?

    Failure of the aircraft AC inverters is only unsafe during airplane 
operation. However, this unsafe condition is not a result of the number 
of times the airplane is operated. The chance of this situation 
occurring is the same for an airplane with 50 hours time-in-service 
(TIS) as it would be for an airplane with 1,000 hours TIS.
    For this reason, the FAA has determined that a compliance based on 
calendar time should be utilized in this proposed AD in order to assure 
that the unsafe condition is addressed on all airplanes in a reasonable 
time period.

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:

Raytheon Aircraft Company: Docket No. 2002-CE-32-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:
    (1) Group 1 Airplanes: Model 1900D, serial numbers UE-1 through 
UE-265.
    (2) Group 2 Airplanes: Model 1900D, serial numbers UE-266 
through UE-388.
    (3) Group 3 Airplanes: Model 1900D, serial numbers UE-389 
through UE-410.
    (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 electrical noise causing the 
alternating current (AC) inverter to shut down, which could result 
in failure of key aircraft electrical systems. Such failure could 
lead to loss of flight instruments during a critical phase of 
flight.

    Note 1: Refer to paragraph (a) to determine if your airplane is 
assigned to Group 1, Group 2, or Group 3. If your airplane is 
assigned to Group 1, Group 2, or Group 3, you only have to 
accomplish the requirements of either paragraph (d), (e), or (f), 
respectively.

    (d) What actions must I accomplish to address this problem if I 
have a Group 1 airplane? To address this problem, you must 
accomplish the following:

[[Page 65522]]



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                                   Actions                                              Compliance                           Procedures
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(1) Inspect the AC inverter to determine if the KGS Electronics AC Inverter    Within 6 months after the    In accordance with the ACCOMPLISHMENT
 part number (P/N) SPC-10(PW), with a serial number in the range of 306         effective date of this AD    INSTRUCTIONS section of Raytheon Aircraft
 through 803, is installed and is identified as Mod 2DD.                                                     Service Bulletin SB 24-3215, Rev. 1, issued
(i) This may be accomplished by checking the logbook and positively showing                                  February 1999, revised June 2001.
 that Mod 2DD inverter is installed. A person holding a pilot's certificate
 may accomplish this check.
(ii) If, by checking the airplane logbook or by visual inspection, it can be
 positively shown that Mod 2DD inverter is installed, then the requirements
 of paragraph (d)(2) of this AD do not apply. You must make an entry into the
 aircraft records that shows compliance with this portion of the AD, in
 accordance with section 43.9 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR
 43.9).
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(2) If during the inspection required in paragraph (d)(1), it is found that    Before further flight after  In accordance with the ACCOMPLISHMENT
 the Mod 2DD inverter is not installed, accomplish the AC inverter              the paragraph (d)(1)         INSTRUCTIONS section of Raytheon Aircraft
 modification                                                                   inspection of this AD        Service Bulletin SB 24-3215, Rev. 1, issued
                                                                                                             February 1999, revised June 2001, and the
                                                                                                             Model 1900D Airliner Maintenance Manual.
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(3) Inspect the AC inverter to determine if STC SA00245WI-D is        Within 6 months after the    In accordance with the ACCOMPLISHMENT
 installed.                                                                     effective date of this AD    INSTRUCTIONS section of Raytheon Aircraft
(i) This may be accomplished by checking the logbook and positively showing                                  Service Bulletin SB 24-3215, Rev. 1, issued
 that STC SA00245WI-D has never been installed. A person holding a                                  February 1999, revised June 2001.
 pilot's certificate may accomplish this check.
(ii) If, by checking the logbook or visual inspection, it can be positively
 shown that STC SA00245WI-D has never been installed, then the
 requirements of paragraph (d)(4) of this AD do not apply. You must make an
 entry into the aircraft records that shows compliance with this portion of
 the AD, in accordance with section 43.9 of the Federal Aviation Regulations
 (14 CFR 43.9).
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(4) If during the inspection required in paragraph (d)(3), STC SA00245WI-D is found installed, accomplish the AC inverter sync wire         the paragraph inspection     INSTRUCTIONS section of Raytheon Aircraft
 shield modification.                                                           of this AD                   Service Bulletin SB 24-3215, Rev. 1, issued
                                                                                                             February 1999, revised June 2001, and the
                                                                                                             Model 1900D Airliner Maintenance Manual.
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(5) Do not install, on any affected airplane, any KGS Electronics AC inverter  As of the effective date of  Not applicable.
 S/N between 306 through 803 not identified as Mod 2DD                          this AD
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(6) Do not install STC SA00245WI-D on any airplane unless the AC      As of the effective date of  In accordance with the ACCOMPLISHMENT
 inverter modification required in paragraph (d)(4) of this AD is               this AD                      INSTRUCTIONS section of Raytheon Aircraft
 accomplished.                                                                                               Service Bulletin SB 24-3215, Rev. 1, issued
                                                                                                             February 1999, revised June 2001, and the
                                                                                                             Model 1900D Airliner Maintenance Manual.
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    (e) What actions must I accomplish to address this problem if I 
have a Group 2 airplane? To address this problem, you must 
accomplish the following:

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                                   Actions                                              Compliance                           Procedures
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) Inspect the AC inverter to determine if the KGS Electronics AC Inverter    Within 6 months after the    In accordance with the ACCOMPLISHMENT
 part number (P/N) SPC-10(PW), with a serial number in the range of 306         effective date of this AD.   INSTRUCTIONS section of Raytheon Aircraft
 through 803, is installed and is identified as Mod 2DD.                                                     Service Bulletin SB 24-3215, Rev.1, issued
(i) This may be accomplished by checking the logbook and positively showing                                  February 1999, revised June 2001.
 that Mod 2DD inverter is installed. A person holding a pilot's certificate
 may accomplish this check.
(ii) If, by checking the airplane logbook or visual inspection, it can be
 positively shown that Mod 2DD inverter is installed, then the requirements
 of paragraphs (e)(2) of this AD do not apply. You must make an entry into
 the aircraft records that shows compliance with this portion of the AD, in
 accordance with section 43.9 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR
 43.9).
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[[Page 65523]]

 
(2) If during the inspection required in paragraph (e)(1), Mod 2DD is not      Before further flight after  In accordance with the ACCOMPLISHMENT
 installed, accomplish the AC inverter modification.                            the paragraph (e)(1)         INSTRUCTIONS section of Raytheon Aircraft
                                                                                inspection of this AD.       Service Bulletin SB 24-3215, Rev.1, issued
                                                                                                             February 1999, revised June 2001, and the
                                                                                                             Model 1900D Airliner Maintenance Manual.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(3) Accomplish the AC inverter sync wire shield modification.                  Within 6 months after the    In accordance with the ACCOMPLISHMENT
                                                                                effective date of this AD.   INSTRUCTIONS section of Raytheon Aircraft
                                                                                                             Service Bulletin SB 24-3215, Rev.1, issued
                                                                                                             February 1999, revised June 2001, and the
                                                                                                             Model 1900D Airliner Maintenance Manual.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(4) Do not install, on any affected airplane, any KGS Electronics AC inverter  As of the effective date of  Not applicable.
 S/N between 306 through 803 not identified as Mod 2DD.                         this AD.
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    (f) What actions must I accomplish to address this problem if I 
have a Group 3 airplane? To address this problem, you must 
accomplish the following:

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                   Actions                                              Compliance                           Procedures
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) Inspect the AC inverter to determine if the KGS Electronics AC Inverter    Within 6 months after the    In accordance with the ACCOMPLISHMENT
 part number (P/N) SPC-10(PW), with a serial number in the range of 306         effective date of this AD.   INSTRUCTIONS section of Raytheon Aircraft
 through 803, is installed and is identified as Mod 2DD.                                                     Service Bulletin SB 24-3215, Rev. 1, issued
(i) This may be accomplished by checking the logbook and positively showing                                  February 1999, revised June 2001.
 that Mod 2DD is installed on the inverter. A person holding a pilot's
 certificate may accomplish this check.
(ii) If, by checking the airplane logbook or visual inspection, it can be
 positively shown that the Mod 2DD inverter is installed, then the
 requirements of paragraph (f)(2) of this AD do not apply. You must make an
 entry into the aircraft records that shows compliance with this portion of
 the AD, in accordance with section 43.9 of the Federal Aviation Regulations
 (14 CFR 43.9)
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(2) If during the inspection required in paragraph (f)(1), it is found that    Before further flight after  In accordance with the ACCOMPLISHMENT
 the Mod 2DD inverter is not installed, accomplish the AC inverter              the paragraph (f)(1)         INSTRUCTIONS section of Raytheon Aircraft
 modification.                                                                  inspection of this AD.       Service Bulletin SB 24-3215, Rev. 1, issued
                                                                                                             February 1999, revised June 2001, and the
                                                                                                             Model 1900D Airliner Maintenance Manual.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(3) Do not install, on any affected airplane, any KGS Electronics AC inverter  As of the effective date of  Not applicable.
 with serial number in the range of 306 through 803 not identified as Mod       this AD.
 2DD.
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    Note 2: An owner/operator of an airplane assigned to a Group may 
disregard the above Group paragraphs that do not apply to his/her 
airplane.

    (g) 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, Wichita Aircraft Certification Office, approves 
your alternative. Submit your request through an FAA Principal 
Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send it to the 
Manager, Wichita Aircraft Certification Office.

    Note 3: 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 Todd Dixon, Aerospace 
Engineer, FAA, Wichita Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), 1801 
Airport Road, Room 100, Wichita, Kansas 67209; telephone: (316) 946-
4152; facsimile: (316) 946-4407.
    (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 
Raytheon Aircraft Company, 9709 E. Central, 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.

    Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on October 18, 2002.
Michael Gallagher,
Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 02-27196 Filed 10-24-02; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P