[Federal Register Volume 69, Number 32 (Wednesday, February 18, 2004)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 7555-7556]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 04-3203]



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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2002-NM-225-AD; Amendment 39-13479; AD 2004-03-35]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Raytheon Model Beech 400A and 400T 
Series Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), 
applicable to certain Raytheon Model Beech 400A and 400T series 
airplanes, that requires an inspection to determine the part number of 
the A194 roll trim printed circuit board (PCB), and replacement of 
certain PCBs with improved parts. This action is necessary to prevent 
intermittent sticking of the relays on the PCB in either the open or 
closed position, which could result in an out-of-trim condition that 
could require using considerable control wheel force to keep the wings 
level, and consequent reduced controllability of the airplane. This 
action is intended to address the identified unsafe condition.

DATES: Effective March 24, 2004.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of March 24, 2004.

ADDRESSES: The service information referenced in this AD may be 
obtained from Raytheon Aircraft Company, Department 62, P.O. Box 85, 
Wichita, Kansas 67201-0085. This information may be examined at the 
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, 
Rules Docket, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or at the FAA, 
Wichita Aircraft Certification Office, 1801 Airport Road, Room 100, 
Mid-Continent Airport, Wichita, Kansas; or at the Office of the Federal 
Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., Suite 700, Washington, DC.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Philip Petty, Aerospace Engineer, 
Systems and Propulsion Branch, ACE-116W, FAA, Wichita Aircraft 
Certification Office, 1801 Airport Road, Room 100, Mid-Continent 
Airport, Wichita, Kansas 67209; telephone (316) 946-4139; fax (316) 
946-4407.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: A proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal 
Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) to include an airworthiness 
directive (AD) that is applicable to certain Raytheon Model Beech 400A 
and 400T series airplanes was published in the Federal Register on 
November 4, 2003 (68 FR 62415). That action proposed to require an 
inspection to determine the part number of the A194 roll trim printed 
circuit board (PCB), and replacement of certain PCBs with improved 
parts.

Comments

    We provided the public the opportunity to participate in the 
development of this AD. No comments have been submitted on the proposed 
AD or on the determination of the cost to the public.

Conclusion

    We have carefully reviewed the available data and determined that 
air safety and the public interest require adopting the AD as proposed.

Cost Impact

    There are approximately 467 airplanes of the affected design in the 
worldwide fleet. The FAA estimates that 430 airplanes of U.S. registry 
will be affected by this AD, that it will take approximately 1 work 
hour per airplane to accomplish the required actions, and that the 
average labor rate is $65 per work hour. Based on these figures, the 
cost impact of the AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be $27,950, or 
$65 per airplane.
    The cost impact figure discussed above is based on assumptions that 
no operator has yet accomplished any of the requirements of this AD 
action, and that no operator would accomplish those actions in the 
future if this 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.

Regulatory Impact

    The regulations adopted herein will 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 final rule does not have federalism 
implications under Executive Order 13132.
    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 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 
from the Rules Docket at the location provided under the caption 
ADDRESSES.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by 
reference, 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 the following new airworthiness 
directive:

2004-03-35 Raytheon Aircraft Company (Formerly Beech): Amendment 39-
13479. Docket 2002-NM-225-AD.

    Applicability: Model Beech 400A series airplanes having serial 
numbers RK-45, and RK-49 through RK-322 inclusive; and Model 400T 
series airplanes having serial numbers TT-1 through TT-180 
inclusive, and TX-1 through TX-12 inclusive; certificated in any 
category.
    Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished 
previously.
    To prevent intermittent sticking of the relays on the roll trim 
printed circuit board (PCB) in either the open or closed position, 
which could result in an out-of-trim condition that could require 
using considerable control wheel force to keep the wings level, and 
consequent reduced controllability of the airplane, accomplish the 
following:

Inspection and Replacement, if Necessary

    (a) Within 200 flight hours or 6 months after the effective date 
of this AD, whichever occurs first, perform an inspection to 
determine the part number of the A194 roll trim PCB, in accordance 
with Raytheon Service Bulletin SB 27-3464, dated December 2001.
    (1) If the A194 roll trim PCB has a part number of 128-364122-7 
or higher (i.e., 128-364122-9, -11, etc.): No further action is 
required by this paragraph.

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    (2) If the A194 roll trim PCB does not have a part number of 
128-364122-7 or higher: Before further flight, replace the A194 roll 
trim PCB with a PCB having a part number of 128-364122-7 or higher, 
in accordance with the service bulletin.

Parts Installation

    (b) As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install 
on any airplane an A194 roll trim PCB having part number 128-364122-
1 or 128-364122-5.

Alternative Methods of Compliance

    (c) In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, the Manager, Wichita 
Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, is authorized to approve 
alternative methods of compliance for this AD.

Incorporation by Reference

    (d) The actions must be done in accordance with Raytheon Service 
Bulletin SB 27-3464, dated December 2001. This incorporation by 
reference was approved by the Director of the Federal Register in 
accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. Copies may be 
obtained from Raytheon Aircraft Company, Department 62, P.O. Box 85, 
Wichita, Kansas 67201-0085. Copies may be inspected 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; 
or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, 
NW., Suite 700, Washington, DC.

Effective Date

    (e) This amendment becomes effective on March 24, 2004.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on February 5, 2004.
Kevin M. Mullin,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 04-3203 Filed 2-17-04; 8:45 am]
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