[Federal Register Volume 73, Number 51 (Friday, March 14, 2008)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 13806-13809]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E8-5193]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2008-0313; Directorate Identifier 2007-CE-095-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; M7 Aerospace LP SA226 and SA227 Series 
Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of 
Transportation (DOT).

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
certain M7 Aerospace LP SA226 and SA227 series airplanes. This proposed 
AD would require you to inspect electrical wires/components, hydraulic 
and bleed air tube assemblies at left-hand (LH) and right-hand (RH) 
inboard wing leading edge/battery box areas, LH/RH wing stations 51.167 
to 81.174, and at all feed-through locations into the LH/RH inboard 
keelson. If chafing/arcing is found, this proposed AD would require you 
to reposition, repair, and/or replace all chafed electrical wires, 
components, and hydraulic and bleed air tube assemblies, as required. 
This proposed AD would also require you to reposition the battery lead 
cables, cover four-gauge wires leaving the battery box with 
firesleeving and secure with clamps, and protect the battery power 
cable. This proposed AD results from five reports of chafing between 
the bleed air tube and the electrical starter cables with one incident 
resulting in a fire. We are proposing this AD to detect and correct 
chafing/arcing of electrical wires, components, and bleed air lines. 
This condition could result in arcing of the exposed wires and burn a 
hole in the bleed air line or the nearby hydraulic line, and lead to a 
possible hydraulic fluid leak and fire in the engine nacelle 
compartment.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by May 13, 2008.

ADDRESSES: Use one of the following addresses to comment on this 
proposed AD:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
     Fax: (202) 493-2251.
     Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590.
     Hand Delivery: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., 
Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    For service information identified in this proposed AD, contact M7 
Aerospace Repair Station, P.O. Box 790490, San Antonio, Texas 78279-
0490; telephone: (210) 824-9421; fax: (210) 804-7789.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Werner Koch, Aerospace Engineer, FAA, 
Airplane Certification Office, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas 
76137; telephone: (817) 222-5133; fax: (817) 222-5960.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

    We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or 
arguments regarding this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address 
listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include the docket number, ``FAA-
2008-0313; Directorate Identifier 2007-CE-095-AD'' at the beginning of 
your comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall 
regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the proposed 
AD. We will consider all comments received by the closing date and may 
amend the proposed AD in light of those comments.
    We will post all comments we receive, without change, to http://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. We 
will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact we 
receive concerning this proposed AD.

Discussion

    We have received five reports of chafing between the bleed air tube 
and the electrical starter cables on SA226 and SA227 series airplanes. 
One report also noted the chafing damage resulted in a fire on a Model 
SA226TC airplane. Subsequent review by the FAA of the service 
experience of SA226 and SA227 series airplanes indicates that 
inadequate clearance for electrical wires/components, hydraulic and 
bleed air tube assemblies at LH/RH inboard wing leading edge/battery 
box areas, LH/RH wing stations 51.167 to 81.174, and at all feed-
through locations into the LH/RH inboard keelson caused the chafing/
arcing.
    This condition, if not corrected, could result in arcing of the 
exposed wires and burn a hole in the bleed air line or the nearby 
hydraulic line, and lead to a possible hydraulic fluid leak and fire in 
the engine nacelle compartment.

Relevant Service Information

    We have reviewed the following service bulletins and procedures:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                               Applicable model(s)
      Service Bulletin           of airplane(s)     Procedures described
------------------------------------------------------------------------
M7 Aerospace SA226 Series     SA226-AT, SA226-T,    Inspecting
 Service Bulletin No. 226-24-  and SA226-TC.         electrical wires/
 036, issued: September 19,                          components,
 2007.                                               hydraulic and bleed
                                                     air tube assemblies
                                                     at LH/RH inboard
                                                     wing leading edge/
                                                     battery box areas,
                                                     LH/RH wing stations
                                                     51.167 to 81.174,
                                                     and at all feed-
                                                     through locations
                                                     into the LH/RH
                                                     inboard keelson.

[[Page 13807]]

 
M7 Aerospace SA227 Series     SA227-AC and SA227-
 Service Bulletin No. 227-24-  AT.
 019, issued: September 19,
 2007.
M7 Aerospace SA227 Series     SA227-CC and SA227-
 Commuter Category Service     DC.
 Bulletin No. CC7-24-010,
 issued: September 19, 2007.
Swearingen Aviation           SA226-AT, SA226-T,    Repositioning
 Corporation SA226 Series      and SA226-TC.         battery lead
 Service Bulletin No. SB 24-                         cables.
 001, revised: September 16,
 1975.
Fairchild Aircraft            SA226-AT, SA226-T,    Covering four-gauge
 Corporation SA226 Series      and SA226-TC.         wires leaving
 Service Bulletin No. SB24-                          battery box with
 019, revised: May 17, 1983.                         firesleeving and
                                                     securing with
                                                     clamp.
Fairchild Aircraft            SA227-AC and SA227-
 Corporation SA227 Series      AT.
 Service Bulletin No. SB24-
 001, revised: May 17, 1983.
Fairchild Aircraft            SA226-AT, and SA226-  Protect battery
 Corporation SA226 Series      TC.                   power cable.
 Service Bulletin No. SB24-
 020, revised: February 15,
 1984.
Fairchild Aircraft            SA227-AC and SA227-
 Corporation SA227 Series      AT.
 Service Bulletin No. SB24-
 002, revised: February 15,
 1984.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

FAA's Determination and Requirements of the Proposed AD

    We are proposing this AD because we evaluated all information and 
determined the unsafe condition described previously is likely to exist 
or develop on other products of the same type design. This proposed AD 
would require you to inspect electrical wires/components, hydraulic and 
bleed air tube assemblies at LH and RH inboard wing leading edge/
battery box areas, LH/RH wing stations 51.167 to 81.174, and at all 
feed-through locations into the LH/RH inboard keelson. If chafing/
arcing is found, this proposed AD would require you to reposition, 
repair, and/or replace all chafed electrical wires, components, and 
hydraulic and bleed air tube assemblies, as required. This proposed AD 
would also require you to reposition the battery lead cables, cover 
four-gauge wires leaving battery box with firesleeving and secure with 
clamps, and protect the battery power cable.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD would affect 330 airplanes in the 
U.S. registry.
    We estimate the following costs for all Models SA226, SA227, SA227-
CC, and SA227-DC airplanes to do the proposed inspection required by 
SA226 Series Service Bulletin No. 226-24-036, SA227 Series Service 
Bulletin No. 227-24-019, or SA227 Series Commuter Category Service 
Bulletin No. CC7-24-010:

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                            Total cost per       Total cost on
                Labor cost                           Parts cost                airplane         U.S. operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4 work-hours x $80 per hour = $320........  Not Applicable..............               $320            $105,600
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    We estimate the following costs for certain Models SA226-AT, SA226-
T, and SA226-TC airplanes for the proposed repositioning of battery 
lead cables following SA226 Series Service Bulletin No. SB 24-001:

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                   Number of
                 Labor cost                      Parts cost     Total cost per     airplanes      Total cost on
                                                                   airplane         affected      U.S. operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4 work-hours x $80 per hour = $320..........           $6.80          $326.80                2          $653.60
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    We estimate the following costs for certain Models SA226-AT, SA226-
T, SA226-TC, SA227-AC, and SA227-AT airplanes following SA226 Series 
Service Bulletin No. SB24-019 or SA227 Series Service Bulletin No. 
SB24-001, for the proposed covering of four-gauge wires leaving battery 
box with firesleeving and securing with clamp:

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                   Number of
                 Labor cost                      Parts cost     Total cost per     airplanes      Total cost on
                                                                   airplane         affected      U.S. operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
13 work-hours x $80 per hour = $1,040.......           $6.80        $1,046.80               70          $73,276
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    We estimate the following costs for certain Models SA226-AT, SA226-
TC, SA227-AC, and SA227-AT airplanes following SA226 Series Service 
Bulletin No. SB24-020 or SA227 Series Service Bulletin No. SB24-002, 
for the proposed protection of the battery power cable:

[[Page 13808]]



----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                   Number of
                 Labor cost                      Parts cost     Total cost per     airplanes      Total cost on
                                                                   airplane         affected      U.S. operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
50 work-hours x $80 per hour = $4,000.......          $3,000           $7,000               60         $420,000
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Authority for This Rulemaking

    Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to 
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, Section 106, describes the 
authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII, Aviation Programs, 
describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's authority.
    We are issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in 
Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701, ``General 
requirements.'' Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with 
promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing 
regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator 
finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within 
the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition 
that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this 
rulemaking action.

Regulatory Findings

    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.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify that the proposed 
regulation:
    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 regulatory evaluation of the estimated costs to 
comply with this proposed AD and placed it in the AD docket.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket that contains the proposed AD, the 
regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and other information on 
the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov; or in person at the Docket 
Management Facility between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, 
except Federal holidays. The Docket Office (telephone (800) 647-5527) 
is located at the street address stated in the ADDRESSES section. 
Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt.

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 FAA 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 AD:

M7 Aerospace LP: Docket No. FAA-2008-0313; Directorate Identifier 
2007-CE-095-AD.

Comments Due Date

    (a) We must receive comments on this airworthiness directive 
(AD) action by May 13, 2008.

Affected ADs

    (b) None.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to the following airplane models and serial 
numbers (S/N) that are certificated in any category:
    (1) Group 1: Model SA226-AT Airplanes, All S/N.
    (2) Group 2: Model SA226-T Airplanes, All S/N.
    (3) Group 3: Model SA226-TC Airplanes, All S/N.
    (4) Group 4: Model SA227-AC Airplanes, All S/N.
    (5) Group 5: Model SA227-AT Airplanes, All S/N.
    (6) Group 6: Model SA227-CC Airplanes, All S/N.
    (7) Group 7: Model SA227-DC Airplanes, All S/N.

Unsafe Condition

    (d) This AD results from five reports of chafing between the 
bleed air tube and the electrical starter cables with one incident 
resulting in a fire. We are proposing this AD to detect and correct 
chafing/arcing of electrical wires, components, and bleed air lines. 
This condition could result in arcing of the exposed wires and burn 
a hole in the bleed air line or the nearby hydraulic line, and lead 
to a possible hydraulic fluid leak and fire in the engine nacelle 
compartment.

Compliance

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

------------------------------------------------------------------------
           Actions                 Compliance            Procedures
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) For Group 1, Group 2,     Within 250 hours      Follow M7 Aerospace
 and Group 3 Airplanes:        time-in-service       SA226 Series
(i) Inspect electrical wires/  (TIS) after the       Service Bulletin
 components, hydraulic and     effective date of     No. 226-24-036,
 bleed air tube assemblies     this AD.              issued: September
 at left-hand (LH)/right-      Repetitively          19, 2007;
 hand (RH) inboard wing        thereafter inspect    Swearingen Aviation
 leading edge/battery box      (paragraph            Corporation SA226
 areas, LH/RH wing stations    (e)(1)(i) of this     Series Service
 51.167 to 81.174, and at      AD) at intervals      Bulletin No. SB 24-
 all feed-through locations    not to exceed 12      001, issued: May
 into the LH/RH inboard        months.               18, 1971; revised:
 keelson for any evidence of                         September 16, 1975;
 chafing/arcing. Clear,                              Fairchild Aircraft
 repair, and/or replace all                          Corporation SA226
 chafed electrical wires and                         Series Service
 components, hydraulic, and                          Bulletin No. SB 24-
 bleed air tube assemblies,                          019, issued: June
 and all feed-through                                2, 1982; revised:
 locations, as required.                             May 17, 1983; and
                                                     Fairchild Aircraft
                                                     Corporation SA226
                                                     Series Service
                                                     Bulletin No. SB 24-
                                                     020, issued:
                                                     January 18, 1983;
                                                     revised: February
                                                     15, 1984.

[[Page 13809]]

 
    (ii) Reposition battery
     lead cables, protect
     the battery power
     cable, and cover four-
     gauge wires leaving
     battery box with
     firesleeving and secure
     with clamp.
(2) For Group 4 and Group 5   Within 250 hours TIS  Follow M7 Aerospace
 Airplanes:                    after the effective   SA227 Series
(i) Inspect electrical wires/  date of this AD.      Service Bulletin
 components, hydraulic and     Repetitively          No. 227-24-019,
 bleed air tube assemblies     thereafter inspect    issued: September
 at LH/RH inboard wing         (paragraph            19, 2007; Fairchild
 leading edge/battery box      (e)(2)(i) of this     Aircraft
 areas, LH/RH wing stations    AD) at intervals      Corporation SA227
 51.167 to 81.174, and at      not to exceed 12      Series Service
 all feed-through locations    months.               Bulletin No. SB24-
 into the LH/RH inboard                              001, issued: June
 keelson for any evidence of                         2, 1982; revised:
 chafing/arcing. Clear,                              May 17, 1983; and
 repair, and/or replace all                          Fairchild Aircraft
 chafed electrical wires and                         Corporation SA227
 components, hydraulic, and                          Series Service
 bleed air tube assemblies,                          Bulletin No. SB24-
 and all feed-through                                002, issued:
 locations, as required.                             January 18, 1983;
                                                     revised: February
                                                     15, 1984.
    (ii) Protect the battery
     power cable and cover
     four-gauge wires
     leaving battery box
     with firesleeving and
     secure with clamp.
(3) For Group 6 and Group 7   Within 250 hours TIS  Follow M7 Aerospace
 Airplanes: Inspect            after the effective   SA227 Series
 electrical wires/             date of this AD.      Commuter Category
 components, hydraulic and     Repetitively          Service Bulletin
 bleed air tube assemblies     thereafter inspect    No. CC7-24-010,
 at LH/RH inboard wing         at intervals not to   issued: September
 leading edge/battery box      exceed 12 months.     19, 2007.
 areas, LH/RH wing stations
 51.167 to 81.174, and at
 all feed-through locations
 into the LH/RH inboard
 keelson for any evidence of
 chafing/arcing. Clear,
 repair, and/or replace all
 chafed electrical wires and
 components, hydraulic, and
 bleed air tube assemblies,
 and all feed-through
 locations, as required.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


    Note: Although not a requirement of this AD, you may incorporate 
Swearingen Aviation Corporation SA226 Series Service Bulletin No. 
57-010, Revised: December 5, 1975, on those airplanes that have not 
installed the access panel. Installation of the access panel will 
simplify the incorporation of the service bulletins referenced in 
this AD and future inspections of the areas of concern.

Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (f) The Manager, Fort Worth Airplane Certification Office, FAA, 
has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using 
the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. Send information to ATTN: 
Werner Koch, Aerospace Engineer, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, 
Texas 76137; telephone: (817) 222-5133; fax: (817) 222-5960. Before 
using any approved AMOC on any airplane to which the AMOC applies, 
notify your appropriate principal inspector (PI) in the FAA Flight 
Standards District Office (FSDO), or lacking a PI, your local FSDO.

Related Information

    (g) To get copies of the service information referenced in this 
AD, contact M7 Aerospace Repair Station, P.O. Box 790490, San 
Antonio, Texas 78279-0490; telephone: (210) 824-9421; fax: (210) 
804-7789. To view the AD docket, go to U.S. Department of 
Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, 
Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590, or 
on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov. The docket number is 
Docket No. FAA-2008-0313; Directorate Identifier 2007-CE-095-AD.

    Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on March 7, 2008.
David R. Showers,
Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. E8-5193 Filed 3-13-08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P