[Federal Register Volume 68, Number 20 (Thursday, January 30, 2003)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 4730-4731]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 03-2094]



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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2002-NE-42-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Honeywell International Inc. (formerly 
AlliedSignal) Model RE220 (RJ) Auxiliary Power Units

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) proposes to adopt a 
new airworthiness directive (AD) that is applicable to Honeywell 
International Inc. (formerly AlliedSignal) model RE220 (RJ) auxiliary 
power units (APUs) part number (P/N) WE3800770-2. This proposal would 
require replacing the existing fuel nozzles with new design fuel 
nozzles, making reidentification updates to the APU identification 
plate, and operating the APU to perform a visual inspection for fuel 
leaks. This proposal is prompted by reports received by the FAA of 
cracks occurring in the existing APU fuel nozzles leading to fuel 
leaks. The actions specified by the proposed AD are intended to prevent 
APU compartment fires and fuel vapor explosion.

DATES: Comments must be received by March 31, 2003.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), New England Region, Office of the Regional 
Counsel, Attention: Rules Docket No. 2002-NE-42-AD, 12 New England 
Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803-5299. Comments may be inspected at 
this location, by appointment, between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday 
through Friday, except Federal holidays. Comments may also be sent via 
the Internet using the following address: ``[email protected]''. 
Comments sent via the Internet must contain the docket number in the 
subject line.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Roger Pesuit, Aerospace Engineer, Los 
Angeles Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, Transport Airplane 
Directorate, 3960 Paramount Blvd., Lakewood, CA 90712-4137; telephone 
(562) 627-5251, fax (562) 627-5210.

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 should 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.
    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-NE-42-AD.'' 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, New England Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, 
Attention: Rules Docket No. 2002-NE-42-AD, 12 New England Executive 
Park, Burlington, MA 01803-5299.

Discussion

    In May 2002, the FAA became aware of several reports of fuel leaks, 
occurring in APU compartments of Bombardier model CL-600-2C10 
airplanes. The fuel leaks were determined to be caused by cracks of 
threaded fittings on fuel nozzles, installed in Honeywell International 
Inc. (formerly AlliedSignal) model RE220 (RJ) APUs P/N WE3800770-2. 
This condition, if not corrected, could result in APU compartment fires 
and fuel vapor explosion.

FAA's Determination of an Unsafe Condition and Proposed Actions

    Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to 
exist or develop on other Honeywell International Inc. (formerly 
AlliedSignal) model RE220 (RJ) APUs of the same type design, the 
proposed AD would require replacing the existing fuel nozzles, P/N 
WE3830486-2, with new design fuel nozzles, P/N WE3830513-1, making 
reidentification updates to the APU identification plate, and operating 
the APU to perform a visual inspection for fuel leaks.

Economic Analysis

    There are approximately 95 Honeywell International Inc. (formerly 
AlliedSignal) model RE220 (RJ) APUs of the affected design in the 
worldwide fleet. The FAA estimates that 67 APUs installed on airplanes 
of U.S. registry would be affected by this proposed AD. The FAA also 
estimates that it would take approximately 3.5 work hours per APU to 
perform the proposed actions, and that the average labor rate is $60 
per work hour. Required parts would cost approximately $34,077 per 
engine. Based on these figures, the total cost of the proposed AD to 
U.S. operators is estimated to be $2,297,249. The manufacturer has 
advised the FAA that they may provide fuel nozzles P/N WE3830513-1 at 
no cost to the operator, and 3.5 hours of labor credit, thereby 
substantially reducing the cost of this proposed rule.

Regulatory Analysis

    This proposed rule does not have federalism implications, as 
defined in Executive Order 13132, because it 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. 
Accordingly, the FAA has not consulted with state authorities prior to 
publication of this proposed rule.
    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

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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:

Honeywell International Inc. (formerly AlliedSignal): Docket No. 
2002-NE-42-AD.
    Applicability: This airworthiness directive (AD) is applicable 
to Honeywell International Inc. (formerly AlliedSignal) model RE220 
(RJ) auxiliary power units (APUs) part number (P/N) WE3800770-2. 
These APUs are installed on, but not limited to Bombardier model CL-
600-2C10 airplanes.

    Note 1: This AD applies to each APU 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 APUs 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 the unsafe condition has not been eliminated, the request 
should include specific proposed actions to address it.


    Compliance: Compliance with this AD is required as indicated, 
unless already done.
    To prevent APU compartment fires and fuel vapor explosion, do 
the following:
    (a) Within six months after the effective date of this AD, 
replace APU fuel nozzles, P/N WE3830486-2, with new design fuel 
nozzles, P/N WE3830513-1. Information on fuel nozzle replacement can 
be found in Honeywell International Inc. alert service bulletin 
(ASB) RE220-49-A7714, dated November 4, 2002.
    (b) Reidentify the APU as follows:
    (1) Change the P/N from WE3800770-2 to WE3800770-3 on the 
identification plate, by removing the -2 and vibropeening or hand 
stamping a -3 in its place.
    (2) Vibropeen or hand stamp the letter ``C'' after the serial 
number to show conversion.
    (3) Vibropeen or hand stamp ``Change Number 3'' on the 
identification plate adjacent to the MOD RECORD.
    (c) Start the APU and perform a visual fuel leak check after one 
minute of operation.
    (d) After the effective date of this AD, do not install fuel 
nozzles P/N WE3830486-2 into any APU P/N WE3800770-3.

Alternative Methods of Compliance

    (e) 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, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification 
Office (LAACO). Operators must submit their requests through an 
appropriate FAA Principal Maintenance Inspector, who may add 
comments and then send it to the Manager, LAACO.

    Note 2: Information concerning the existence of approved 
alternative methods of compliance with this airworthiness directive, 
if any, may be obtained from the LAACO.

Special Flight Permits

    (f) 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 done.


    Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on January 21, 2003.
Francis A. Favara,
Acting Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 03-2094 Filed 1-29-03; 8:45 am]
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