[Federal Register Volume 68, Number 146 (Wednesday, July 30, 2003)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 44609-44610]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 03-19309]



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  Federal Register / Vol. 68, No. 146 / Wednesday, July 30, 2003 / 
Rules and Regulations  

[[Page 44609]]



DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2002-NE-42-AD; Amendment 39-13250; AD 2003-15-07]
RIN 2120-AA64


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

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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

SUMMARY: This amendment adopts 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 amendment requires 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 amendment 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 AD are 
intended to prevent APU compartment fires and fuel vapor explosion.

DATES: Effective September 3, 2003.

ADDRESSES: Information regarding this action may be examined, by 
appointment, at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), New England 
Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, 12 New England Executive Park, 
Burlington, MA.

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: A proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal 
Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) to include an AD that is 
applicable to Honeywell International Inc. (formerly AlliedSignal) 
Model RE220 (RJ) auxiliary power units was published in the Federal 
Register on January 30, 2003. That action proposed to 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. The FAA also published a related AD, AD 
2002-26-07, in the Federal Register on January 2, 2003, for Bombardier 
model CL-600-2C10 airplanes. That AD limits P/N WE3800770-2 APUs that 
have the old design fuel nozzles to ground operation only, until the 
new fuel nozzles are installed.

Comments

    Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate 
in the making of this amendment. One commenter approves of the proposal 
as-written. No comments were received on the the FAA's determination of 
the cost to the public. The FAA has determined that air safety and the 
public interest require the adoption of the rule as proposed.

Regulatory Analysis

    This final 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 final rule.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this action (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) 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 final evaluation has been prepared for this action 
and it 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.

Adoption of the Amendment

0
Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration amends part 39 of 
the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) as follows:

PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

0
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]

0
2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding a new airworthiness directive to 
read as follows:

2003-15-07 Honeywell International Inc. (formerly AlliedSignal): 
Amendment 39-13250. 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:

[[Page 44610]]

    (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.

Effective Date

    (g) This amendment becomes effective on September 3, 2003.

    Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on July 24, 2003.
Francis A. Favara,
Acting Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 03-19309 Filed 7-29-03; 8:45 am]
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