[Federal Register Volume 69, Number 140 (Thursday, July 22, 2004)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 43732-43734]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 04-16416]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2004-18580; Directorate Identifier 2004-CE-12-AD; 
Amendment 39-13735; AD 2004-15-01]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Raytheon Aircraft Company Model 390 
Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

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SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
certain Raytheon Aircraft Company (Raytheon) Model 390 airplanes. This 
AD requires you to inspect the hydraulic tube/hose assemblies, the 
engine fuel feed tube assemblies, and the engine wire harnesses for 
proper clearance and damage (as applicable). If improper clearance or 
damage is found on any assembly, you must replace and/or modify the 
affected assembly. This AD is the result of reports of loss of the 
hydraulic system functions during different operations caused by 
improper clearance between certain components. This resulted in damage 
to the tubing in the hydraulic system assemblies. Analysis shows a 
similar condition on the engine fuel feed assemblies. We are issuing 
this AD to detect, correct, and prevent such damage or improper 
clearance in the affected areas, which could result in failure of one 
or more of these systems. These failures could lead to loss of 
hydraulic system operations, engine shutdown, and false readings for 
fuel pressure, oil pressure, and other oil indications. These 
conditions could consequently result in reduced or loss of control of 
the airplane.

DATES: This AD becomes effective on August 23, 2004.
    As of August 23, 2004, the Director of the Federal Register 
approved the incorporation by reference of certain publications listed 
in the regulation.
    We must receive any comments on this AD by October 4, 2004.

ADDRESSES: Use one of the following to submit comments on this AD:
     DOT Docket Web site: Go to http://dms.dot.gov and follow 
the instructions for sending your comments electronically.
     Government-wide rulemaking Web site: Go to http://www.regulations.gov and follow the instructions for sending your 
comments electronically.
     Mail: Docket Management Facility; U.S. Department of 
Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Nassif Building, Room PL-401, 
Washington, DC 20590-0001.
     Fax: 1-202-493-2251.
     Hand Delivery: Room PL-401 on the plaza level of the 
Nassif Building, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC, between 9 
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    You may get the service information identified in this AD from 
Raytheon Aircraft Company, 9709 E. Central, Wichita, Kansas 67201-0085; 
telephone: (800) 429-5372 or (316) 676-3140.

[[Page 43733]]

    You may view the comments to this AD in the AD docket on the 
Internet at http://dms.dot.gov.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: James P. Galstad, Aerospace Engineer, 
Wichita Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), FAA, 1801 Airport Road, 
Wichita, Kansas 67209; telephone: (316) 946-4135; facsimile: (316) 946-
4107.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
    What events have caused this AD? Raytheon received reports of loss 
of hydraulic pressure on two Model 390 airplanes. One of the affected 
airplanes experienced a complete loss of normal hydraulic system 
pressure during flight. The other affected airplane experienced a loss 
of hydraulic pressure during ground operations.
    Inspections of these airplanes revealed improper clearance between 
the hydraulic tube/hose assemblies and the engine inlet heat exhaust 
duct. Improper clearance between these two components resulted in 
chafing of the hydraulic tube assemblies. The chafing created a hole in 
the engine hydraulic tube and allowed hydraulic fluid to leak out. Loss 
of hydraulic fluid pressure resulted in the consequent loss of normal 
brake function, spoiler system, and normal landing gear operation.
    Further inspections also revealed the following:

--Improper clearance between the left-hand (LH) and the right-hand (RH) 
engine fuel feed tube assemblies and the Hydro Mechanical Unit/
Electronic Control Unit (HMU/ECU) interface electrical connectors; and
--Improper clearance between the engine wire harness and the engine 
lube oil cooler.

    The analysis shows that the bend dimension of the LH engine fuel 
feed tube assembly was improperly defined during the production of some 
airplanes. This improperly-defined bend dimension allows for 
interference with the HMU/ECU interface electrical connectors. In 
addition, torquing the RH engine fuel feed tube assembly could cause 
interference with the HMU/ECU interface electrical connectors. 
Redesigned LH and RH tube assemblies are available for those airplanes 
found to have the improper clearance between the two components.
    What is the potential impact if FAA took no action? These 
conditions, if not detected, corrected, and prevented, could cause the 
hydraulic tube/hose assemblies, the engine fuel feed tube assemblies, 
and the engine wire harnesses assembly to fail. These failures could 
eventually lead to reduced or loss of control of the airplane.
    Is there service information that applies to this subject? Raytheon 
has issued the following:

--Mandatory Service Bulletin Premier SB 71-3648, Issued: November, 
2003, which includes procedures for inspecting the hydraulic tube/hose 
assemblies and all adjacent components for proper clearance and damage 
and replacing any damaged parts and doing modifications if improper 
clearance is found; and
--Mandatory Service Bulletin Beechcraft SB 71-3659, Rev. 1, Revised: 
May, 2004, which includes procedures for inspecting the engine fuel 
feed tube assemblies for proper clearance and damage and replacing any 
damaged parts and doing modifications if improper clearance is found.

FAA's Determination and Requirements of the AD

    What has FAA decided? We have evaluated all pertinent information 
and identified an unsafe condition that is likely to exist or develop 
on other products of this same type design.
    Since the unsafe condition described previously is likely to exist 
or develop on other Raytheon Model 390 airplanes of the same type 
design, we are issuing this AD to detect, correct, and prevent damage 
to the tubing in the hydraulic system assembly, the engine fuel feed 
tube assemblies, and the engine wire harness, caused by improper 
clearance and chafing, which could result in failure of these systems. 
These failures could lead to loss of hydraulic system operations, 
engine shutdown, nacelle fire, and false readings for fuel pressure, 
oil pressure, and other oil indications. These conditions could 
consequently lead to reduced or loss of control of the airplane.
    What does this AD require? This AD requires you to incorporate the 
actions in the previously-referenced service bulletins.
    In preparing this rule, we contacted type clubs and aircraft 
operators to get technical information and information on operational 
and economic impacts. We did not receive any information through these 
contacts. If received, we would have included a discussion of any 
information that may have influenced this action in the rulemaking 
docket.
    How does the revision to 14 CFR part 39 affect this AD? On July 10, 
2002, we 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 altered products, special flight permits, and 
alternative methods of compliance. 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.

Comments Invited

    Will I have the opportunity to comment before you issue the rule? 
This AD is a final rule that involves requirements affecting flight 
safety and was not preceded by notice and an opportunity for public 
comment; however, we invite you to submit any written relevant data, 
views, or arguments regarding this AD. Send your comments to an address 
listed under ADDRESSES. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2004-18580; 
Directorate Identifier 2004-CE-12-AD'' in the subject line of your 
comments. If you want us to acknowledge receipt of your mailed 
comments, send us a self-addressed, stamped postcard with the docket 
number written on it; we will date-stamp your postcard and mail it back 
to you. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the rule that might 
suggest a need to modify it. If a person contacts us through a 
nonwritten communication, and that contact relates to a substantive 
part of this AD, we will summarize the contact and place the summary in 
the docket. We will consider all comments received by the closing date 
and may amend the AD in light of those comments.

Regulatory Findings

    Will this AD impact various entities? We have determined that this 
AD will not have federalism implications under Executive Order 13132. 
This AD 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.
    Will this AD involve a significant rule or regulatory action? For 
the reasons discussed above, I certify that this AD:
    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.
    We prepared a summary of the costs to comply with this AD and 
placed it in the AD Docket. You may get a copy of this summary by 
sending a request to us at the address listed under ADDRESSES.

[[Page 43734]]

Include ``Docket FAA-2004-18580; Directorate Identifier 2004-CE-12-AD'' 
in your request.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by 
reference, Safety.

Adoption of the Amendment

0
Accordingly, under 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]

    1. The FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by adding the following new 
airworthiness directive (AD):

2004-15-01 Raytheon Aircraft Company: Amendment 39-13735; Docket No. 
FAA-2004-18580; Directorate Identifier 2004-CE-12-AD.

When Does This AD Become Effective?

    (a) This AD becomes effective on August 23, 2004.

Are Any Other ADs Affected by This Action?

    (b) None.

What Airplanes Are Affected by This AD?

    (c) This AD affects Model 390 airplanes, serial numbers RB-1, 
RB-4 through RB-84, RB-87, RB-89, RB-90, RB-93 through RB-96, RB-99 
through RB-101, and RB-103; that are certificated in any category:

What Is the Unsafe Condition Presented in This AD?

    (d) This AD is the result of reports of loss of the hydraulic 
system functions during different operations caused by improper 
clearance between certain components. This resulted in damage to the 
tubing in the hydraulic system assemblies. Analysis shows a similar 
condition on the engine fuel feed assemblies. We are issuing this AD 
to detect, correct, and prevent improper clearance in and damage to 
the components in the hydraulic system assembly, the engine fuel 
feed tube assemblies, and the engine wire harness. Improper 
clearance of damaged components could result in failure of one or 
more of these systems. These failures could lead to loss of 
hydraulic system operations, engine shutdown, nacelle fire, and 
false readings for fuel pressure, oil pressure, and other oil 
indications. These conditions could consequently result in reduced 
or loss of control of the airplane.

What Must I Do To Address This Problem?

    (e) To address this problem, you must do the following:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
             Actions                  Compliance          Procedures
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(1) For serial numbers RB-1, RB-  Inspect within the  Follow the
 4 through RB-15, RB-17 through    next 25 hours       procedures in
 RB-80, RB-82, and RB-84, do the   time-in-service     Raytheon Aircraft
 following: (i) Inspect the        (TIS) after         Company Mandatory
 hydraulic tube/hose assemblies    August 23, 2004     Service Bulletin
 and all adjacent components for   (the effective      Premier SB 71-
 proper clearance and damage;      date of this AD),   3648, dated
 (ii) Inspect the engine fuel      unless already      November, 2003;
 feed tube assemblies and all      done. Replace       and Raytheon
 adjacent components for proper    prior to further    Aircraft Company
 clearance and damage; and (iii)   flight after the    Mandatory Service
 If improper clearance or damage   inspection where    Bulletin
 is found during either of the     improper            Beechcraft SB 71-
 inspections listed in             clearance or        3659, Rev. 1,
 paragraphs (e)(1)(i) and          damage is found.    dated May, 2004.
 (e)(1)(ii) of this AD, replace
 the affected hydraulic tube/
 hose assembly or fuel feed tube
 assembly.
(2) For serial numbers RB-16, RB- Inspect within the  Follow the
 81, RB-83, RB-87, RB-89, RB-90,   next 25 hours       procedures in
 RB-93 through RB-96, RB-99        time-in-service     Raytheon Aircraft
 through RB-101, and RB-103, do    (TIS) after         Company Mandatory
 the following: (i) Inspect the    August 23, 2004     Service Bulletin
 engine fuel feed tube             (the effective      Beechcraft SB 71-
 assemblies and all adjacent       date of this AD),   3659, Rev. 1,
 components for proper clearance   unless already      dated May, 2004.
 and damage; and (ii) If           done. Replace
 improper clearance or damage is   prior to further
 found during the inspection       flight after the
 listed in paragraph (e)(2)(i)     inspection where
 of this AD, replace the           improper
 affected fuel feed tube           clearance or
 assembly.                         damage is found.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

May I Request an Alternative Method of Compliance?

    (f) You may request a different method of compliance or a 
different compliance time for this AD by following the procedures in 
14 CFR 39.19. Unless FAA authorizes otherwise, send your request to 
your principal inspector. The principal inspector may add comments 
and will send your request to the Manager, Wichita Aircraft 
Certification Office (ACO), FAA. For information on any already 
approved alternative methods of compliance, contact James P. 
Galstad, Aerospace Engineer, Wichita ACO, FAA, 1801 Airport Road, 
Wichita, Kansas 67209; telephone: (316) 946-4135; facsimile: (316) 
946-4107.

Does This AD Incorporate Any Material by Reference?

    (g) You must do the actions required by this AD following the 
instructions in Raytheon Aircraft Company Mandatory Service Bulletin 
Premier SB 71-3648, dated November, 2003; and Raytheon Aircraft 
Company Mandatory Service Bulletin Beechcraft SB 71-3659, Rev. 1, 
dated May, 2004. The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference of this service bulletin in accordance 
with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. You may get a copy from 
Raytheon Aircraft Company, 9709 E. Central, Wichita, Kansas 67201-
0085; telephone: (800) 429-5372 or (316) 676-3140. You may review 
copies at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). 
For information on the availability of this material at NARA, call 
(202) 741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html.
    You may view the AD docket at the Docket Management Facility; 
U.S. Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Nassif 
Building, Room PL-401, Washington, DC 20590-0001.

    Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on July 13, 2004.
Scott L. Sedgwick,
Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 04-16416 Filed 7-21-04; 8:45 am]
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