[Federal Register Volume 68, Number 2 (Friday, January 3, 2003)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 322-324]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 03-49]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2002-NM-268-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Raytheon Model BAe.125 Series 800A, 
800A (C-29A), 800A (U-125), and 800B Airplanes; Model BH.125 Series 
400A Airplanes; Model DH.125 Series Airplanes; Model Hawker 800, 800 
(U-125A), and 800XP Airplanes; and Model HS.125 Series F3B, F3B/RA, 
F400B, F403B, 1B, 1B-522, 1B/R-522, 1B/S-522, 3B, 3B/R, 3B/RA, 3B/RB, 
3B/RC, 400B, 400B/1, 401B, 403A(C), and 403B Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: This document proposes the adoption of a new airworthiness 
directive (AD) that is applicable to certain Raytheon airplanes. This 
proposal would require inspection of the main landing gear (MLG) wheels 
to determine the part numbers of the tie-bolt nuts, and replacement of 
nuts that have the incorrect part number with nuts that have the 
correct part number. This action is necessary to prevent separation of 
an MLG wheel due to loose or missing tie-bolts or tie-bolt nuts, with 
consequent damage to airplane structure or systems, decompression, loss 
of full braking ability, or injury to personnel on the ground. This 
action is intended to address the identified unsafe condition.

DATES: Comments must be received by February 18, 2003.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114, 
Attention: Rules Docket No. 2002-NM-268-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., 
Renton, Washington 98055-4056. Comments may be inspected at this 
location between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m., Monday through Friday, except 
Federal holidays. Comments may be submitted via fax to (425) 7227-1232. 
Comments may also be sent via the Internet using the following address: 
[email protected]. Comments sent via fax or the Internet must 
contain ``Docket No. 2002-NM-268-AD'' in the subject line and need not 
be submitted in triplicate. Comments sent via the Internet as attached 
electronic files must be formatted in Microsoft Word 97 for Windows or 
ASCII text.
    The service information referenced in this proposed rule may be 
obtained from Raytheon Aircraft Company, Department 62, P.O. Box 85, 
Wichita, Kansas 67201-0085. This information may be examined at the 
FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, 
Washington; or at the FAA, Wichita Aircraft Certification Office, 1801 
Airport Road, Room 100, Mid-Continent Airport, Wichita, Kansas.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: David Ostrodka, Aerospace Engineer, 
Airframe Branch, ACE-118W, FAA, Wichita Aircraft Certification Office, 
1801 Airport Road, Room 100, Wichita, Kansas 67209; telephone (316) 
946-4129; fax (316) 946-4407.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

    Interested persons are invited to participate in the making of the 
proposed rule by submitting such written data, views, or arguments as 
they may desire. Communications shall identify the Rules Docket number 
and be submitted in triplicate to the address specified above. All 
communications received on or before the closing date for comments, 
specified above, will be considered before taking action on the 
proposed rule. The proposals contained in this action may be changed in 
light of the comments received.
    Submit comments using the following format:
    [sbull] Organize comments issue-by-issue. For example, discuss a 
request to change the compliance time and a request to change the 
service bulletin reference as two separate issues.
    [sbull] For each issue, state what specific change to the proposed 
AD is being requested.
    [sbull] Include justification (e.g., reasons or data) for each 
request.
    Comments are specifically invited on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the proposed rule. All 
comments submitted will be available, both before and after the closing 
date for comments, in the Rules Docket for examination by interested 
persons. A report summarizing each FAA-public contact concerned with 
the substance of this proposal will be filed in the Rules Docket.
    Commenters wishing the FAA to acknowledge receipt of their comments 
submitted in response to this action must submit a self-addressed, 
stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: ``Comments 
to Docket Number 2002-NM-268-AD.''

[[Page 323]]

The postcard will be date stamped and returned to the commenter.

Availability of NPRMs

    Any person may obtain a copy of this NPRM by submitting a request 
to the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114, Attention: Rules 
Docket No. 2002-NM-268-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 
98055-4056.

Discussion

    The FAA has received a report indicating that two tie-bolt nuts 
were missing from a main landing gear (MLG) wheel, and that the 
remaining nuts were loose on a Raytheon Model Hawker 800XP airplane. 
Investigation revealed that the airplane manufacturer supplied to 
operators tie-bolt nuts with an incorrect part number, which were then 
installed on the MLG wheel tie-bolts. Tie-bolt nuts that have the 
incorrect part number have a lesser locking capability than the correct 
tie-bolt nuts. Installing incorrect tie-bolt nuts could lead to the 
nuts loosening due to the nuts not locking properly, which could result 
in the failure of the tie-bolts on the MLG wheel. This condition, if 
not corrected, could result in separation of an MLG wheel due to loose 
or missing tie-bolts or tie-bolt nuts, with consequent damage to 
airplane structure or systems, decompression, loss of full braking 
ability, or injury to personnel on the ground.
    The tie-bolt nuts installed on the MLG wheels of the Raytheon Model 
BAe.125 series 800A, 800A (C-29A), 800A (U-125), and 800B airplanes; 
Model BH.125 series 400A airplanes; Model DH.125 series airplanes; 
Model Hawker 800, 800 (U-125A), and 800XP airplanes; Model HS.125 
series F3B, F3B/RA, F400B, F403B, 1B, 1B-522, 1B/R-522, 1B/S-522, 3B, 
3B/R, 3B/RA, 3B/RB, 3B/RC, 400B, 400B/1, 401B, 403A(C), and 403B 
airplanes may be identical to those installed on the affected Raytheon 
Model Hawker 800XP airplanes. Therefore, all of these airplane models 
may be subject to the same unsafe condition.

Explanation of Relevant Service Information

    The FAA has reviewed and approved Raytheon Service Bulletin SB 32-
3522, dated September 2002, including Service Bulletin/Kit Drawing 
Report Fax, which describes procedures for inspecting the MLG wheels to 
determine the part numbers of the tie-bolt nuts, and replacing the tie-
bolt nuts with new nuts if necessary. Accomplishment of the actions 
specified in the service bulletin is intended to adequately address the 
identified unsafe condition.

Explanation of Requirements of Proposed Rule

    Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to 
exist or develop on other products of this same type design, the 
proposed AD would require accomplishment of the actions specified in 
the service bulletin described previously, except as discussed below.

Difference Between Proposed Rule and Referenced Service Bulletin

    Operators should note that, although the Accomplishment 
Instructions of the referenced service bulletin describe procedures for 
the completion and submission of a Service Bulletin/Kit Drawing Report 
Fax for reporting the relevant airplane and modification details, this 
proposed AD does not include such a reporting requirement.

Cost Impact

    There are approximately 166 airplanes of the affected design in the 
worldwide fleet. The FAA estimates that 84 airplanes of U.S. registry 
would be affected by this proposed AD, that it would take approximately 
1 work hour per airplane to accomplish the proposed inspection, and 
that the average labor rate is $60 per work hour. Based on these 
figures, the cost impact of the proposed AD on U.S. operators is 
estimated to be $5,040, or $60 per airplane.
    The cost impact figure discussed above is based on assumptions that 
no operator has yet accomplished any of the proposed requirements of 
this AD action, and that no operator would accomplish those actions in 
the future if this proposed AD were not adopted. The cost impact 
figures discussed in AD rulemaking actions represent only the time 
necessary to perform the specific actions actually required by the AD. 
These figures typically do not include incidental costs, such as the 
time required to gain access and close up, planning time, or time 
necessitated by other administrative actions. Manufacturer warranty 
remedies may be available for labor costs associated with this proposed 
AD. As a result, the costs attributable to the proposed AD may be less 
than stated above.

Regulatory Impact

    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 proposal would not have federalism implications 
under Executive Order 13132.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this proposed 
regulation (1) is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under 
Executive Order 12866; (2) is not a ``significant rule'' under the 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 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, Safety.

The Proposed Amendment

    Accordingly, pursuant to 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. Section 39.13 is amended by adding the following new 
airworthiness directive:

Raytheon Aircraft Company: Docket 2002-NM-268-AD.

    Applicability: The following airplanes, certificated in any 
category:

         Table.--Airplane Models, Serial Numbers, and Equipment
------------------------------------------------------------------------
              Model                 Serial numbers      Equipped with--
------------------------------------------------------------------------
BAe.125 series 800A.............  All...............  [Reserved].
BAe.125 series 800A (C-29A).....  All...............  [Reserved].

[[Page 324]]

 
BAe.125 series 800A (U-125).....  All...............  [Reserved].
BAe.125 series 800B.............  All...............  [Reserved].
BH.125 series 400A..............  All...............  [Reserved].
DH.125 series airplanes.........  All...............  [Reserved].
Hawker 800......................  All...............  [Reserved].
Hawker 800 (U-125A).............  Up to and           [Reserved].
                                   including serial
                                   numbers 258493.
Hawker 800XP....................  Up to and           Dunlop wheels part
                                   including serial    numbers AH51909,
                                   numbers 258581.     AH52075, AH52286,
                                                       AH52206, AHA1287,
                                                       AHA1606, or
                                                       AHA1814.
HS.125 series F3B...............  All...............  [Reserved].
HS.125 series F3B/RA............  All...............  [Reserved].
HS.125 series F400B.............  All...............  [Reserved].
HS.125 series F403B.............  All...............  [Reserved].
HS.125 series 1B................  All...............  [Reserved].
HS.125 series 1B-522............  All...............  [Reserved].
HS.125 series 1B/R-522..........  All...............  [Reserved].
HS.125 series 1B/S-522..........  All...............  [Reserved].
HS.125 series 3B................  All...............  [Reserved].
HS.125 series 3B/R..............  All...............  [Reserved].
HS.125 series 3B/RA.............  All...............  [Reserved].
HS.125 series 3B/RB.............  All...............  [Reserved].
HS.125 series 3B/RC.............  All...............  [Reserved].
HS.125 series 400B..............  All...............  [Reserved].
HS.125 series 400B/1............  All...............  [Reserved].
HS.125 series 401B..............  All...............  [Reserved].
HS.125 series 403A(C)...........  All...............  [Reserved].
HS.125 series 403B..............  All...............  [Reserved].
------------------------------------------------------------------------


    Note 1: This AD applies to each airplane identified in the 
preceding applicability provision, 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 (d) 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 the unsafe condition has not been 
eliminated, the request should include specific proposed actions to 
address it.

    Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished 
previously.
    To prevent separation of a main landing gear (MLG) wheel due to 
loose or missing tie-bolts or tie-bolt nuts, with consequent damage 
to airplane structure or systems, decompression, loss of full 
braking ability, or injury to personnel on the ground, accomplish 
the following:

Inspection

    (a) Within 10 landings or 12 days after the effective date of 
this AD, whichever comes first, inspect the MLG wheels to determine 
the part numbers (P/Ns) of the tie-bolt nuts; per Raytheon Service 
Bulletin SB 32-3522, dated September 2002, excluding Service 
Bulletin/Kit Drawing Report Fax.

Replacement

    (b) If any tie-bolt nut having P/N NAS1804 is found installed 
during the inspection required by paragraph (a) of this AD, before 
further flight, replace the tie-bolt nut with a new nut having P/N 
FN22A524, (or with a new tie-bolt nut having a Dunlop P/N H5227C-
5CW, SN407C-054, or LH13318-5, which are P/Ns authorized by 
Raytheon); per Raytheon Service Bulletin SB 32-3522, dated September 
2002, excluding Service Bulletin/Kit Drawing Report Fax.

Parts Installation

    (c) As of the effective date of this AD, no person shall install 
any MLG wheel having a tie-bolt nut with P/N NAS1804, on any 
airplane.

Alternative Methods of Compliance

    (d) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the 
compliance time that provides an acceptable level of safety may be 
used if approved by the Manager, Wichita Aircraft Certification 
Office (ACO), FAA. Operators shall submit their requests through an 
appropriate FAA Principal Maintenance Inspector, who may add 
comments and then send it to the Manager, Wichita ACO.

    Note 2: Information concerning the existence of approved 
alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be 
obtained from the Wichita ACO.

Special Flight Permits

    (e) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with 
Sec. Sec.  21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 
CFR 21.197 and 21.199) to operate the airplane to a location where 
the requirements of this AD can be accomplished.


    Issued in Renton, Washington, on December 27, 2002.
Vi L. Lipski,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 03-49 Filed 1-2-03; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P