[Federal Register Volume 68, Number 107 (Wednesday, June 4, 2003)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 33420-33423]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 03-13979]


-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2003-CE-16-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Raytheon Aircraft Company Model 1900, 
1900C, and 1900D Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: This document proposes to supersede Airworthiness Directive 
(AD) 97-22-16, which applies to certain Raytheon Model 1900, 1900C, and 
1900D airplanes. AD 97-22-16 currently requires you to replace the 
bearings on the vent blower assemblies with improved design bearings 
and install a thermal protection device for the vent blowers. That AD 
resulted from reports of vent blower assembly bearings seizing and 
locking the blower motor on several of the affected airplanes. This 
proposed AD is the result of reports that vent blower assemblies 
modified in accordance with AD 97-22-16 are still malfunctioning. This 
proposed AD would retain the actions required in AD 97-22-16 for 
certain vent blower assemblies and require you to incorporate further 
product improvement modifications on all affected vent blower 
assemblies. The actions specified by this proposed AD are intended to 
prevent smoke from entering the cockpit and cabin due to the current 
configuration of vent blower assemblies, which could result in the 
pilot becoming incapacitated or impairing her/his judgment. Such a 
condition could lead to the pilot not being able to make critical 
flight safety decisions and result in loss of control of the airplane.

DATES: The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) must receive any 
comments on this proposed rule on or before August 4, 2003.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments to FAA, Central Region, Office of the 
Regional Counsel, Attention: Rules Docket No. 2003-CE-16-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. 2003-CE-16-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: Dan Withers, Aerospace Engineer, 
Wichita Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, 1801 Airport Road, Wichita, 
Kansas 67209; telephone: (316) 946-4196; facsimile: (316) 946-4107.

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 proposed 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

[[Page 33421]]

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. 2003-CE-16-AD.'' We will date stamp and 
mail the postcard back to you.

Discussion

Has FAA Taken Any Action to This Point?

    Reports of the vent blower assembly bearings seizing and locking 
the blower motor on several Raytheon Model 1900, 1900C, and 1900D 
airplanes caused us to issue AD 97-22-16, Amendment 39-10187 (62 FR 
58894, October 31, 1997. AD 97-22-16 currently requires the following 
on certain Raytheon Model 1900, 1900C, and 1900D airplanes:

--Incorporating a modification to replace the bearings in the vent 
blower assemblies with improved design bearings (Electromech 
Technologies Kit No. EM630-201-1 or EM630-201-2 (as appropriate for the 
blower serial number)); and
--Installing a thermal protection for the vent blowers (Electromech 
Technologies Kit No. EM630-201-1 or EM630-201-2 or Advanced Industries 
Kit No. BC80A905 (as appropriate for the blower serial number)).

What Has Happened Since AD 97-22-16 To Initiate This Proposed Action?

    The FAA has received reports that vent blower assemblies modified 
in accordance with AD 97-22-16 are still malfunctioning.

Is There Service Information That Applies to This Subject?

    Raytheon has issued Mandatory Service Bulletin SB 21-3448, Issued: 
October, 2002.

What Are the Provisions of This Service Information?

    This service bulletin includes procedures for incorporating 
Electromech Technologies Modification Kit No. P/N 630-203-1 and 
Advanced Industries Modification Kit No. Kit No. P/N BC80A-901-3.

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 1900, 1900C, and 1900D airplanes of the 
same type design;
--The actions specified in AD 97-22-16 and 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 supersede AD 97-22-16 with a new AD that 
would retain the actions required in AD 97-22-16 for certain vent 
blower assemblies and require you to incorporate further product 
improvement modifications for all affected vent blower assemblies.

How Does the Revision to 14 CFR Part 39 Affect This Proposed AD?

    On July 10, 2002, FAA published a new version of 14 CFR part 39 (67 
FR 47997, July 22, 2002), which governs FAA's AD system. This 
regulation now includes material that relates to special flight 
permits, alternative methods of compliance, and altered products. This 
material previously was included in each individual AD. Since this 
material is included in 14 CFR part 39, we will not include it in 
future AD actions.

Cost Impact

How Many Airplanes Would This Proposed AD Impact?

    We estimate that this proposed AD affects 300 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 this proposed 
modification:

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                Total cost
             Labor cost                      Parts cost             per         Total cost on U.S.  operators
                                                                 airplane
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3 workhours x $60 per hour = $180...  $415 (for both the              $595   $595 x 300 = $178,500
                                       forward and aft
                                       ventilation blower
                                       assemblies).
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

[[Page 33422]]

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) 
97-22-16, Amendment 39-10187 (62 FR 58894, October 31, 1997), and by 
adding a new AD to read as follows:

Raytheon Aircraft Company: Docket No. 2003-CE-16-AD; Supersedes AD 
97-22-16, Amendment 39-10187.

    (a) What airplanes are affected by this AD? This AD affects the 
following airplane models and serial numbers that are:
    (1) Certificated in any category; and
    (2) Equipped with vent blower assembly, part number 114-380028-
1,
    114-380028-3, 114-380028-5, or 114-380028-7.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                Model                             Serial Nos.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1900................................  UA-3.
1900C...............................  UB-1 through UB-74 and UC-1
                                       through UC-174.
1900 (C-12J)........................  UD-1 through UD-6.
1900D...............................  UE-1 through UE-427.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (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 smoke from entering the cockpit and 
cabin due to the current configuration of vent blower assemblies, 
which could result in the pilot becoming incapacitated or impairing 
his/her judgment. Such a condition could lead to the pilot not being 
able to make critical flight safety decisions and result in 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:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
             Actions                  Compliance          Procedures
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) Check the maintenance         Within the next     In accordance
 records to determine if a part    800 hours time-in-  Raytheon Aircraft
 number (P/N)114-380028-1, 114-    with service        Mandatory Service
 380028-3, 114-380028-5, or 114-   (TIS) after the     is Bulletin SB 21-
 380028-7 ventilation blower       effective date of   3448, Issued:
 assembly is installed.            this AD, unless     October, 2002.
                                   already             The owner/
                                   accomplished.       operator holding
                                                       at least a
                                                       private pilot
                                                       certificate as
                                                       authorized by
                                                       section 43.7 of
                                                       the Federal
                                                       Aviation
                                                       Regulations (14
                                                       CFR 43.7) may
                                                       perform this
                                                       check.
---------------------------------
(2) If, by checking the           Prior to further    The owner/operator
 maintenance records, the owner/   flight after the    holding at least
 operator can definitely show      maintenance         a private pilot
 that a P/N 114-380028-1, 114-     records check       certificate as
 380028-3, 114-380028-5, or 114-   required in         authorized by
 380028-7 ventilation blower       paragraph (d)(1)    section 43.7 of
 assembly is not installed, no     of this AD.         the Federal
 further action is required by                         Aviation
 this AD. Make an entry into the                       Regulations (14
 aircraft records showing                              CFR 43.7) may
 compliance with this portion of                       perform this
 the AD in accordance with                             check.
 section 43.9 of the Federal
 Aviation Regulations (14 CFR
 43.9).
---------------------------------
(3) If, by checking the           Accomplish all      In accordance with
 maintenance records, the owner/   modifications       Raytheon Aircraft
 operator can definitely show      prior to further    Mandatory Service
 that a P/N 114-380028-1, 114-     flight after the    Bulletin SB 21-
 380028-3, 114-380028-5, or 114-   maintenance check   3448, Issued:
 380028-7 ventilation blower       required in         October, 2002,
 assembly is installed,            paragraph (d)(1)    and Raytheon
 accomplish the following for      unless already      Service Bulletin
 each P/N:.                        accomplished.       No. 2721, Issued:
(i) P/N 114-380028-1: modify in                        January, 1997.
 accordance with Raytheon
 Service Bulletin No. 2721,
 Issued: January, 1997, prior to
 incorporating Electromechanic
 Technologies Modification Kit
 No. P/N 630-203-01 and changing
 the P/N to 114-380028-11..
(ii) P/N 114-380028-3:
 incorporate Advanced Industries
 Modification Kit No. P/N BC80A-
 901-3 and change the P/N to 114-
 380028-9.
(iii) P/N 114-380028-5 with a
 serial number (S/N) of 2162 or
 above or with a S/N of 2162
 with an ``A'' suffix: no
 modification is required.
 Change the part number to 114-
 380028-11 and 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)..

[[Page 33423]]

 
(iv) P/N 114-380028-5 with a S/N
 prior to 2162 without an ``A''
 suffix: incorporate
 Electromechanic Technologies
 Modification Kit No. P/N 630-
 203-01 and change the P/N to
 114-380028-11.
(v) P/N 114-380028-7:
 incorporate Advanced Industries
 Modification Kit No. P/N BC80A-
 901-3 and change the P/N to 114-
 380028-9..
---------------------------------
(4) If the pilot cannot           Inspect within the  In accordance with
 definitely show that a P/N 114-   next 800 hours      Raytheon Aircraft
 380028-1, 114-380028-3, 114-      TIS after the       Mandatory Service
 380028-5, or 114-380028-7         effective date of   Bulletin SB 21-
 ventilation blower assembly is    this AD. Perform    3448, Issued:
 installed through the             all modifications   October, 2002,
 maintenance records check, an     prior to further    and Raytheon
 appropriately-rated mechanic      flight.             Service Bulletin
 must perform an inspection to                         No. 2721, Issued:
 determine the P/N of the                              January, 1997.
 installed ventilation blower
 assembly and accomplish the
 applicable modification
 required in paragraphs
 (d)(2)(i), (d)(2)(ii),
 (d)(2)(iii), (d)(2)(iv), and
 (d)(2)(v) of this AD.
---------------------------------
(5) Do not install any P/N 114-   As of the           In accordance with
 380028-1, 114-380028-3, 114-      effective date of   Raytheon Aircraft
 380028-5, or 114-380028-7         this AD.            Mandatory Service
 ventilation blower assembly,                          Bulletin SB 21-
 unless it has been modified as                        3448, Issued:
 specified in paragraphs                               October, 2002,
 (d)(2)(i), (d)(2)(ii),                                and Raytheon
 (d)(2)(iii), (d)(2)(iv), and                          Service Bulletin
 (d)(2)(v) of this AD.                                 No. 2721, Issued:
                                                       January, 1997.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (e) Can I comply with this AD in any other way?
    (1) To use an alternative method of compliance or adjust the 
compliance time, follow the procedures in 14 CFR 39.19. Send these 
requests to the Manager, Wichita Aircraft Certification Office 
(ACO). For information on any already approved alternative methods 
of compliance, contact Dan Withers, Aerospace Engineer, Wichita 
Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, 1801 Airport Road, Wichita, 
Kansas 67209; telephone: (316) 946-4196; facsimile: (316) 946-4107.
    (2) Alternative methods of compliance approved in accordance 
with AD 97-22-16, which is superseded by this AD, are not approved 
as alternative methods of compliance with this AD.
    (f) 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.
    (g) Does this AD action affect any existing AD actions? This 
amendment supersedes AD 97-22-16, Amendment 39-10187.

    Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on May 28, 2003.
David R. Showers,
Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 03-13979 Filed 6-3-03; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P