[Federal Register Volume 79, Number 205 (Thursday, October 23, 2014)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 63311-63313]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2014-24963]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2014-0345; Directorate Identifier 2013-NM-230-AD; 
Amendment 39-17998; AD 2014-21-06]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Beechcraft Corporation (Type 
Certificate Previously Held by Hawker Beechcraft Corporation; Raytheon 
Aircraft Company; Beech Aircraft Corporation) Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain 
Beechcraft Corporation (Type Certificate Previously Held by Hawker 
Beechcraft Corporation; Raytheon Aircraft Company; Beech Aircraft 
Corporation) Model 400, 400A, 400T, and MU-300 airplanes. This AD was 
prompted by a report of a failure of the Acme nut threads in a pitch 
trim actuator (PTA). This AD requires an inspection to determine if 
PTAs having a certain serial number and part number are installed, and 
replacement if they are installed. This AD also requires repetitive 
replacements of PTAs with new PTAs or certain overhauled PTAs. We are 
issuing this AD to prevent failure of the Acme nut threads in the PTA, 
which could lead to loss of control of pitch trim and reduced 
controllability of the airplane.

DATES: This AD is effective November 28, 2014.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of November 28, 
2014.

ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Beechcraft Corporation, TMDC, P.O. Box 85, Wichita, KS 67201-0085; 
telephone 316-676-8238; fax 316-671-2540; email [email protected]; 
Internet http://pubs.beechcraft.com. You may view this referenced 
service information at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 
Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For information on the availability of 
this material at the FAA, call 425-227-1221.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2014-

[[Page 63312]]

0345; or in person at the Docket Management Facility between 9 a.m. and 
5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket 
contains this AD, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and 
other information. The address for the Docket Office (phone: 800-647-
5527) is Docket Management Facility, U.S. Department of Transportation, 
Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 
New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ann Johnson, Aerospace Engineer, 
Systems and Propulsion Branch, ACE-116W, FAA, Wichita Aircraft 
Certification Office (ACO), 1801 Airport Road, Room 100, Mid-Continent 
Airport, Wichita, KS 67209; phone: 316-946-4105; fax: 316-946-4107; 
email: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Discussion

    We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR 
part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to certain Beechcraft 
Corporation (Type Certificate Previously Held by Hawker Beechcraft 
Corporation; Raytheon Aircraft Company; Beech Aircraft Corporation) 
Model 400, 400A, 400T, and MU-300 airplanes. The NPRM published in the 
Federal Register on June 30, 2014 (79 FR 36675). The NPRM was prompted 
by a report of a failure of the Acme nut threads in a PTA. The NPRM 
proposed to require an inspection to determine if PTAs having a certain 
serial number and part number are installed, and replacement if they 
are installed. The NPRM also proposed to require repetitive 
replacements of PTAs with new PTAs or certain overhauled PTAs. We are 
issuing this AD to prevent failure of the Acme nut threads in the PTA, 
which could lead to loss of control of pitch trim and reduced 
controllability of the airplane.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this AD. We received no comments on the NPRM (79 FR 36675, June 30, 
2014) or on the determination of the cost to the public.

Conclusion

    We reviewed the relevant data and determined that air safety and 
the public interest require adopting this AD as proposed except for 
minor editorial changes. We have determined that these minor changes:
     Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the 
NPRM (79 FR 36675, June 30, 2014) for correcting the unsafe condition; 
and
     Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was 
already proposed in the NPRM (79 FR 36675, June 30, 2014).

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD affects 735 airplanes of U.S. registry.
    We estimate the following costs to comply with this AD:

                                                                     Estimated Costs
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                        Labor cost               Parts cost           Cost per product              Cost on U.S. operators
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Identification of serial/part         1 work-hour x $85 per    $0.....................  $85...................  $62,475.
 numbers (735 airplanes).              hour = $85.
Replacement of PTA (26 airplanes)...  10 work-hours x $85 per  $17,334 per replacement  $18,184 per             $472,784 per replacement.
                                       hour = $850 per                                   replacement.
                                       replacement.
Repetitive replacement of jackscrew   10 work-hours x $85 per  $17,334 per replacement  $18,184 per             $13,365,240 per replacement.
 and Acme nut on PTAs (735             hour = $850 per                                   replacement.
 airplanes).                           replacement.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    According to the manufacturer, the costs of this AD associated with 
Hawker Beechcraft Service Bulletin SB 27-4100, dated March 2012, may be 
covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost impact on affected 
owners/operators. We do not control warranty coverage for affected 
individuals. As a result, we have included all costs in our cost 
estimate. The costs of the repetitive replacement are not covered under 
warranty. However, the PTA manufacturer states that it is already 
replacing the Acme nut and jackscrew at every overhaul, so the owners/
operators should not see a cost increase due to this repetitive 
replacement requirement.

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

    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.
    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 DOT Regulatory Policies and 
Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979),
    (3) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
    (4) 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.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

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

Adoption of the Amendment

    Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows:

[[Page 63313]]

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

2014-21-06 Beechcraft Corporation (Type Certificate Previously Held 
by Hawker Beechcraft Corporation; Raytheon Aircraft Company; Beech 
Aircraft Corporation): Amendment 39-17998; Docket No. FAA-2014-0345; 
Directorate Identifier 2013-NM-230-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD is effective November 28, 2014.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to the airplanes identified in paragraphs (c)(1) 
and (c)(2) of this AD, certificated in any category.
    (1) Beechcraft Corporation (Type Certificate Previously Held by 
Hawker Beechcraft Corporation; Raytheon Aircraft Company; Beech 
Aircraft Corporation) airplanes identified in paragraphs (c)(1)(i), 
(c)(1)(ii), and (c)(1)(iii) of this AD.
    (i) Model 400 Beechjet airplanes having serial numbers RJ-1 
through RJ-65, inclusive.
    (ii) Model 400A Beechjet airplanes having serial numbers RK-1 
through RK-604, inclusive.
    (iii) Model 400T Beechjet airplanes having serial numbers TT-1 
through TT-180, inclusive; and TX-1 through TX-13, inclusive.
    (2) Beechcraft Corporation (Type Certificate Previously Held by 
Hawker Beechcraft Corporation; Raytheon Aircraft Company; Mitsubishi 
Heavy Industries, Inc. Ltd.) Model MU-300 airplanes, having serial 
numbers A003SA through A093SA, inclusive.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 27, Flight 
Controls.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by a report of a failure of the Acme nut 
threads in a pitch trim actuator (PTA). We are issuing this AD to 
prevent failure of the Acme nut threads in the PTA, which could lead 
to loss of control of pitch trim and reduced controllability of the 
airplane.

(f) Compliance

    Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, 
unless already done.

(g) Determination of Serial Number and Part Number

    Within 200 flight hours or 6 months after the effective date of 
this AD, whichever occurs first, inspect to determine the serial 
number and part number of the PTA, in accordance with the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Hawker Beechcraft Service Bulletin SB 
27-4100, dated March 2012. A review of manufacturer delivery and 
operator maintenance records is acceptable in lieu of the 
inspection, if the serial number and part number of the PTA can be 
conclusively determined from that review.

(h) Replacement

    If any serial number and part number found during any inspection 
required by paragraph (g) of this AD is one listed in Table 1 or 
Table 2 of Hawker Beechcraft Service Bulletin SB 27-4100, dated 
March 2012: Within 200 flight hours or 6 months after the effective 
date of this AD, whichever occurs first, replace the PTA with a 
serviceable PTA or an overhauled PTA having an Acme nut and 
jackscrew replaced with a new Acme nut and jackscrew, in accordance 
with the Accomplishment Instructions of Hawker Beechcraft Service 
Bulletin SB 27-4100, dated March 2012.

(i) Repetitive Replacements

    Within 1,800 flight hours after the effective date of this AD, 
or at the next PTA overhaul, whichever occurs first, replace the PTA 
with a new PTA or an overhauled PTA having the Acme nut and 
jackscrew replaced with a new Acme nut and jackscrew, in accordance 
with sections 3.A.(2), (3), and (5) through (10) of Hawker 
Beechcraft Service Bulletin SB 27-4100, dated March 2012. Repeat the 
replacement thereafter at intervals not to exceed 1,800 flight 
hours, or at every PTA overhaul, whichever occurs first.

(j) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, Wichita Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), 
FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested 
using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 
CFR 39.19, send your request to your principal inspector or local 
Flight Standards District Office, as appropriate. If sending 
information directly to the manager of the ACO, send it to the 
attention of the person identified in paragraph (k) of this AD.
    (2) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate 
principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager 
of the local flight standards district office/certificate holding 
district office.

(k) Related Information

    For more information about this AD, contact Ann Johnson, 
Aerospace Engineer, Systems and Propulsion Branch, ACE-116W, FAA, 
Wichita Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), 1801 Airport Road, Room 
100, Mid-Continent Airport, Wichita, KS 67209; phone: 316-946-4105; 
fax: 316-946-4107; email: [email protected].

(l) Material Incorporated by Reference

    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference (IBR) of the service information listed 
in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
    (2) You must use this service information as applicable to do 
the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
    (i) Hawker Beechcraft Service Bulletin SB 27-4100, dated March 
2012.
    (ii) Reserved.
    (3) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Beechcraft Corporation, TMDC, P.O. Box 85, Wichita, KS 67201-0085; 
telephone 316-676-8238; fax 316-671-2540; email [email protected]; 
Internet http://pubs.beechcraft.com.
    (4) You may view this service information at FAA, Transport 
Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For 
information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 
425-227-1221.
    (5) You may view this service information that is incorporated 
by reference 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/cfr/ibr-locations.html.


    Issued in Renton, Washington, on October 13, 2014.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2014-24963 Filed 10-22-14; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P