[Federal Register Volume 69, Number 194 (Thursday, October 7, 2004)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 60104-60106]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 04-22585]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA 2004-19119; Directorate Identifier 2004-CE-26-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Raytheon Aircraft Company, Model 390, 
Premier 1 Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) 
for certain Raytheon Aircraft Company, Model 390, Premier 1 airplanes. 
This proposed AD would require you to inspect the routing and security 
of the left and right main landing gear (MLG) squat switch wire harness 
installations for damage, repair any damage or replace components, and 
reinstall the squat switch wire harness. This proposed AD results from 
reports of damage to the left and/or right MLG wire harness assemblies, 
which resulted in various system failures/anomalies due to erroneous 
air/ground status signals. We are issuing this proposed AD to prevent 
damage to the wire harnesses, which could result in loss of lift dump, 
loss of pressurization, loss of transponder responses to 
interrogations, and failure of other systems utilizing air/ground 
status signals. This failure could lead to loss of control of the 
airplane.

DATES: We must receive any comments on this proposed AD by November 16, 
2004.

ADDRESSES: Use one of the following to submit comments on this proposed 
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 20590-001.
     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.
    To get the service information identified in this proposed AD, 
contact Raytheon Aircraft Company, PO Box 85, Wichita, Kansas 67201-
0085; telephone: (800) 625-7043.
    To view the comments to this proposed AD, go to http://dms.dot.gov. 
The docket number is FAA 2004-19119.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Philip Petty, Aerospace Engineer, ACE-
119W, Wichita Aircraft Certification Office, 1801 Airport Road, Room 
100, Wichita, Kansas 67209; telephone: (316) 946-4139; facsimile: (316) 
946-4107.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

[[Page 60105]]

Comments Invited

    How do I comment on this proposed AD? We invite you to submit any 
written relevant data, views, or arguments regarding this proposal. 
Send your comments to an address listed under ADDRESSES. Include the 
docket number, ``FAA 2004-19119; Directorate Identifier 2004-CE-26-AD'' 
at the beginning of your comments. We will post all comments we 
receive, without change, to http://dms.dot.gov, including any personal 
information you provide. We will also post a report summarizing each 
substantive verbal contact with FAA personnel concerning this proposed 
rulemaking. Using the search function of our docket Web site, anyone 
can find and read the comments received into any of our dockets, 
including the name of the individual who sent the comment (or signed 
the comment on behalf of an association, business, labor union, etc.). 
This is docket number FAA 2004-19119. You may review the DOT's complete 
Privacy Act Statement in the Federal Register published on April 11, 
2000 (65 FR 19477-78) or you may visit http://dms.dot.gov.
    Are there any specific portions of this proposed AD I should pay 
attention to? We specifically invite comments on the overall 
regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this 
proposed AD. If you contact us through a nonwritten communication and 
that contact relates to a substantive part of this proposed 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 this 
proposed AD in light of those comments and contacts.

Docket Information

    Where can I go to view the docket information? You may view the AD 
docket that contains the proposal, any comments received, and any final 
disposition in person at the DMS Docket Offices between 9 a.m. and 5 
p.m. (eastern standard time), Monday through Friday, except Federal 
holidays. The Docket Office (telephone 1-800-647-5227) is located on 
the plaza level of the Department of Transportation NASSIF Building at 
the street address stated in ADDRESSES. You may also view the AD docket 
on the Internet at  http://dms.dot.gov. The comments will be available 
in the AD docket shortly after the DMS receives them.

Discussion

    What events have caused this proposed AD? FAA received reports of 
damage to the left and/or right MLG wire harness assemblies on Raytheon 
Model 390 airplanes. This resulted in various system failures/anomalies 
due to erroneous air/ground status signals. Improper installation of 
Kit 390-8103-0001 may have resulted in the damage to the squat switch 
wire harness assemblies during normal extension and retraction 
operations. A damaged wire harness and/or squat switch installation may 
affect multiple systems on the airplane.
    What is the potential impact if FAA took no action? Damage to the 
wire harnesses could result in loss of lift dump, loss of 
pressurization, loss of transponder responses to interrogations, and 
failure of other systems utilizing air/ground status signals. This 
failure could lead to loss of control of the airplane.
    Is there service information that applies to this subject? Raytheon 
Aircraft Company has issued Service Bulletin SB 32-3678, dated June 
2004.
    What are the provisions of this service information? The service 
bulletin includes procedures for:
--Inspecting the squat switch bracket for corrosion or cracking;
--replacing the squat switch bracket, if damaged;
--inspecting the MLG wiring harness; and
--relocating the MLG wire harness tie straps and the M85052/1-8 
mounting clamp.

FAA's Determination and Requirements of This Proposed 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. For this reason, we are 
proposing AD action.
    What would this proposed AD require? This proposed AD would require 
you to incorporate the actions in the previously-referenced service 
bulletin.
    How does the revision to 14 CFR part 39 affect this proposed 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.

Costs of Compliance

    How many airplanes would this proposed AD impact? We estimate that 
this proposed AD affects 98 airplanes in the U.S. registry.
    What would be the cost impact of this proposed AD on owners/
operators of the affected airplanes? Raytheon Aircraft Company will 
provide warranty credit as specified in the service information.

Regulatory Findings

    Would this proposed AD impact various entities? We have determined 
that this proposed AD would not have federalism implications under 
Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD 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.
    Would this proposed AD involve a significant rule or regulatory 
action? For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this proposed 
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 proposed 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. Include 
``AD Docket FAA 2004-19119; Directorate Identifier 2004-CE-26-AD'' in 
your request.

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

Raytheon Aircraft Company: Docket No. FAA 2004-19119, Directorate 
Identifier 2004-CE-26-AD.

[[Page 60106]]

When is the Last Date I can Submit Comments on this Proposed AD?

    (a) We must receive comments on this proposed airworthiness 
directive (AD) by November 16, 2004.

What Other ADs Are Affected by This Action?

    (b) None.

What Airplanes Are Affected by This AD?

    (c) This AD affects the following airplane model and serial 
numbers that are certificated in any category: Model 390 Premier I, 
Serials RB-1, RB-4 through RB-84, RB-87 through RB-90, RB-92 through 
RB-96, RB-99 through RB-101, and RB-103 through RB-106.

What is the Unsafe Condition Presented in This AD?

    (d) This AD is the result of reports of damage to the left and/
or right main landing gear (MLG) wire harness assemblies, which 
resulted in various system failures/anomalies due to erroneous air/
ground status signals. The actions specified in this AD are intended 
to prevent damage to the wire harnesses, which could result in loss 
of lift dump, loss of pressurization, loss of transponder responses 
to interrogations, and failure of other systems utilizing air/ground 
status signals. This failure could lead to 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
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) For airplanes prior to    Inspect within 30     Follow Raytheon
 serial number RB-100 with     days after the        Aircraft Company
 Kit 390-8103-0001             effective date of     Service Bulletin SB
 installed, and for            this AD. If damage    32-3678, dated June
 airplanes with production     is found, replace     2004.
 installation of the plunger-  the switch bracket
 style squat switch, serial    prior to further
 numbers RB-100, RB-101, and   flight after the
 RB-103 through RB-106,        inspection.
 perform the following
 actions:.
(i) Visually inspect the
 squat switch bracket for
 corrosion or cracking
 (damage).
(ii) If damage is found,
 replace the switch bracket
 with part number 390-810008-
 0003/-0004.
(2) All airplanes affected    Within 30 days after  Follow Raytheon
 by this AD perform the        the effective date    arcart Company
 following actions:.           of this AD.           Service Bulletin SB
(i) Inspect MLG wiring                               32-3678, dated June
 harness service loop for                            2004.
 excessive length in air
 mode (strut extended). The
 radius of the wire harness
 service loop should not
 exceed that of the brake
 hose service loop. The
 radius of the brake hose
 loop should not exceed the
 radius of the tire. If the
 length is excessive in air
 mode, correct in accordance
 with Raytheon Aircraft
 Company Service Bulletin SB
 32-3678, dated June 2004..
(ii) Remove and relocate tie
 straps and M85052/1-8
 mounting clamp.
(iii) Perform the landing
 gear operational test.
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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 Philip Petty, 
Aerospace Engineer, ACE-119W, Wichita Aircraft Certification Office, 
1801 Airport Road, Room 100, Wichita, Kansas 67209; telephone: (316) 
946-4139; facsimile: (316) 946-4107.

May I Get Copies of the Documents Referenced in this AD?

    (g) To get copies of the documents referenced in this AD, 
contact Raytheon Aircraft Company, PO Box 85, Wichita, Kansas 67201-
0085; telephone: (800) 625-7043. To view the AD docket, go to the 
Docket Management Facility; U.S. Department of Transportation, 400 
Seventh Street, SW., Nassif Building, Room PL-401, Washington, DC, 
or on the Internet at http://dms.dot.gov. The docket number is FAA 
2004-19119.

    Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on September 29, 2004.
Dorenda D. Baker,
Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 04-22585 Filed 10-6-04; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P