[Federal Register: September 23, 2003 (Volume 68, Number 184)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 55196-55199]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr23se03-3]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 2000-CE-45-AD; Amendment 39-13313; AD 2003-19-10]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Fairchild Aircraft, Inc., SA226 Series
and SA227 Series Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) that
applies to all Fairchild Aircraft, Inc. (Fairchild Aircraft) SA226 and
SA227 series airplanes. This AD requires you to inspect the fuel boost
pump wiring for any chafing, cracked insulation material, or evidence
of bare wire(s) (referred to herein as damage), and replace any damaged
wiring. This AD also requires you to install protective tubing around
the fuel boost pump wiring harness. This AD is the result of reports of
chafed fuel boost pump wiring to either the inboard or outboard boost
pump wiring. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent
the fuel boost pump wiring from chafing, which could result in
electrical arcing. This could serve as an ignition source inside the
fuel tank and result in fire or explosion.
DATES: This AD becomes effective on November 7, 2003.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of certain publications listed in the regulations as of
November 7, 2003.
ADDRESSES: You may get the service information referenced in this AD
from Fairchild Aircraft, Inc., P.O. Box 790490, San Antonio, Texas
78279-0490; telephone: (210) 824-9421; facsimile: (210) 820-8609. You
may view this information at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA),
Central Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, Attention: Rules Docket
No. 2000-CE-45-AD, 901 Locust, Room 506, Kansas City, Missouri 64106;
or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street,
NW., suite 700, Washington, DC.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ingrid Knox, Aerospace Engineer, FAA,
Airplane Certification Office, 2601 Meacham Boulevard, Fort Worth,
Texas 76193-0150; telephone: (817) 222-5139; facsimile: (817) 222-5960.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Discussion
What Events Have Caused This AD?
The FAA has received reports indicating problems with 6 Fairchild
Aircraft SA227-AC airplanes. Evidence of chafing to either the inboard
or outboard fuel boost pump wiring has been found on all 6 airplanes.
In one case, evidence of arcing between the chafed wiring and the fuel
check valve was found.
All airplane models within the Fairchild Aircraft SA226 and SA227
series incorporate this fuel boost pump wiring design.
What Is the Potential Impact if FAA Took No Action?
Damage to the fuel boost pump wiring, if not detected and
corrected, could result in electrical arcing. This could serve as an
ignition source inside the fuel tank and result in fire or explosion.
Has FAA Taken Any Action to This Point?
We issued a proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal Aviation
Regulations (14 CFR part 39) to include an AD that would apply to all
Fairchild Aircraft SA226 and SA227 series airplanes. This proposal was
published in the Federal Register as a notice of proposed rulemaking
(NPRM) on October 15, 2002, 67 FR 63573. The NPRM proposed to require
you to inspect the fuel boost pump wiring for any chafing, cracked
insulation material, or evidence of bare wire(s) (referred to herein as
damage), and replace any damaged wiring. The NPRM also proposed to
require you to install protective tubing around the fuel boost pump
wiring harness.
Was the Public Invited To Comment?
The FAA encouraged interested persons to participate in the making
of this amendment. The following presents the comments received on the
proposal and FAA's response to each comment:
[[Page 55197]]
Comment Issue No. 1: Change the Compliance Times for Performing the
Inspections
What Is the Commenter's Concern?
The commenter states that through a check of in-house maintenance
and inspection personnel data records on the company's fleet of 15
airplanes, no instances of fuel boost pump wire chafing were found. The
airplanes in this fleet have flying times ranging from 13,925 hours
time-in-service (TIS) to 25,815 hours TIS. The commenter suggests that
the unsafe condition is isolated to one location or area where there is
a problem with incorrect installation of the fuel boost pumps. The
commenter also states that the unsafe condition may also be an issue
related to a specific threshold of hours TIS.
The commenter states that because of the high usage time of his
fleet, in conjunction with other scheduled and unscheduled maintenance,
there may be a negative impact on his fleet's flight schedule.
The commenter requests the compliance times be changed from within
the next 3 months or 600 hours TIS, whichever occurs first, to 6 months
or 1,200 hours TIS, whichever occurs first. The commenter justifies
this request by referencing the date of the associated manufacturer's
service letters.
What Is FAA's Response to the Concern?
We do not concur with the commenter. We have determined from
testing and service data obtained from the manufacturer that the unsafe
condition exists in low-time and high-time usage airplanes.
We have determined that 3 months or 600 hours TIS, whichever occurs
first, is sufficient time to work the inspection into the owners/
operators inspection program. As with any AD action, we will consider
compliance time extensions provided they provide an acceptable level of
safety and are submitted through the alternative method of compliance
procedures specified in the AD.
We are not changing the final rule AD action based on this comment.
Comment Issue No. 2: Revise the Cost Impact Section
What Is the Commenter's Concern?
The commenter does not believe that FAA's estimate of the number of
workhours necessary to accomplish the actions proposed in the NPRM is
correct. The commenter does not provide a suggested number of workhours
with substantiating information.
What Is FAA's Response to the Concern?
We do not concur. We have coordinated all costs with Fairchild
Aircraft, Inc.
We are not changing the final rule AD action based on this comment.
Comment Issue No. 3: Give Credit for Previously Accomplishing the
Actions Required in the Associated Manufacturer's Service Letters
What Is the Commenter's Concern?
The commenter states that FAA should make a provision for airplanes
already in compliance with the associated manufacturer's service
letters.
What Is FAA's Response to the Concern?
The FAA agrees and we are changing the final rule AD to provide for
airplanes that already meet the requirements of the service letters.
FAA's Determination
What Is FAA's Final Determination on This Issue?
After careful review of all available information related to the
subject presented above, we have determined that air safety and the
public interest require the adoption of the rule as proposed except for
the change described in the above comment disposition and minor
editorial corrections. We have determined that this change and minor
corrections:
--Provide the intent that was proposed in the NPRM for correcting the
unsafe condition; and
--Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was already
proposed in the NPRM.
How Does the Revision to 14 CFR Part 39 Affect This AD?
On July 10, 2002, FAA 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 special flight
permits, alternative methods of compliance, and altered products. 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.
Cost Impact
How Many Airplanes Does This AD Impact?
We estimate that this AD affects 490 airplanes in the U.S.
registry.
What Is the Cost Impact of This AD on Owners/Operators of the Affected
Airplanes?
We estimate the following costs to accomplish the inspection of the
fuel boost pump wiring:
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Total cost on U.S.
Labor cost Parts cost Total cost per airplane operators
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2 workhours x $60 per hour = $120........ $96 $120 + $96 = $216.......... $216 x 490 = $105,840
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We estimate the following costs to accomplish the installation of
the convoluted tubing:
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Total cost on U.S.
Labor cost Parts cost Total cost per airplane operators
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1 workhour x $60 per hour = $60.......... $48 $60 + $48 = $108........... $108 x 490 = $52,920
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[[Page 55198]]
The FAA has no method of determining the number of repairs or
replacements each owner/operator will incur based on the results of the
inspection. We have no way of determining the number of airplanes that
may need such repair. The extent of damage may vary on each airplane.
Compliance Time of This AD
What Is the Compliance Time of This AD?
The compliance time of this AD is whichever of the following that
occurs first:
--Within the next 3 months after the effective date of this AD; or
--Within the next 600 hours time-in-service (TIS) after the effective
date of this AD.
Why Is the Compliance Time of This AD Presented in Both Hours TIS and
Calendar Time?
Chafing damage is a direct result of airplane usage. However,
chafing damage is not necessarily a result of repetitive airplane
operation. For example, damage could occur on an affected airplane
within a short period of airplane operation while you could operate
another affected airplane for a considerable amount of time without
experiencing wiring damage. Therefore, to assure that any damaged
wiring is detected and corrected in a timely manner without
inadvertently grounding any of the affected airplanes, we are utilizing
a compliance based upon both hours TIS and calendar time.
Regulatory Impact
Does This AD Impact Various Entities?
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.
Does This AD Involve a Significant Rule or Regulatory Action?
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 copy of the final evaluation prepared for this
action is contained in the Rules Docket. A copy of it may be obtained
by contacting 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, 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]
0
2. FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding a new AD to read as follows:
2003-19-10 Fairchild Aircraft, Inc.: Amendment 39-13313; Docket No.
2000-CE-45-AD.
(a) What airplanes are affected by this AD? This AD affects the
following airplane models, all serial numbers, that are certificated
in any category: SA226-AT, SA226-T, SA226-T(B), SA226-TC, SA227-AC
(C-26A), SA227-AT, SA227-BC (C-26A), SA227-CC, SA227-DC(C-26B),
SA227-PC, and SA227-TT.
(b) Who must comply with this AD? Anyone who wishes to operate
any of the airplanes identified in paragraph (a) of this AD must
comply with this AD.
(c) What problem does this AD address? The actions specified by
this AD are intended to prevent the fuel boost pump wiring from
chafing, which could result in electrical arcing. This could serve
as an ignition source inside the fuel tank and result in fire or
explosion.
(d) What actions must I accomplish to address this problem? To
address this problem, you must accomplish the following, unless
already accomplished:
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Actions Compliance Procedures
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(1) Visually inspect the Within the next 3 Accomplish the
left-hand and right-hand months or within inspection in
main/auxiliary fuel boost the next 600 hours accordance with the
pump wiring for evidence of time-in-service Accomplishment
chafing, damage, or exposed (TIS) after Instructions in
bare wire(s). November 7, 2003 Fairchild Service
(the effective date Letter 226-SL-023
of this AD), or Fairchild
whichever occurs Service Letter 227-
first, unless SL-039, both dated
already September 6, 2000;
accomplished. or Fairchild
Service Letter CC7-
SL-031, pages 1 and
3 dated September
6, 2000, and page 2
dated September 25,
2000, as
applicable.
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(2) Replace any chafed, Prior to further Accomplish
damaged or exposed bare flight after the replacement(s) in
wire(s). inspection required accordance with the
in paragraph (d)(1) applicable wiring
of this AD, unless manual as specified
already in the applicable
accomplished. Fairchild Service
Letter.
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(3) Install HEYCO-FLEX V, Prior to further Accomplish the
Slit Convoluted Tubing, flight after the installation in
part-number (P/N) 1634, inspection required accordance with the
around each fuel boost pump in paragraph (d)(1) Accomplishment
wiring harness. of this AD, unless Instructions in
already Fairchild Service
accomplished. Letter 226-SL-023
or Fairchild
Service Letter 227-
SL-039, both dated
September 6, 2000;
or Fairchild
Service Letter CC7-
SL-031, pages 1 and
3 dated September
6, 2000, and page 2
dated September 25,
2000, as
applicable.
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(e) Can I comply with this AD in any other way? To use an
alternative method of compliance or adjust the compliance time, use
the procedures in 14 CFR 39.19. Send these requests to the Manager,
Fort Worth Airplane Certification Office (ACO). For
[[Page 55199]]
information on any already approved alternative methods of
compliance, contact Ingrid Knox, Aerospace Engineer, FAA, Airplane
Certification Office, 2601 Meacham Boulevard, Fort Worth, Texas
76193-0150; telephone: (817) 222-5139; facsimile: (817) 222-5960.
(f) Are any service bulletins incorporated into this AD by
reference? Actions required by this AD must be done in accordance
with Fairchild Service Letter 226-SL-023 or Fairchild Service Letter
227-SL-039, both dated September 6, 2000; or Fairchild Service
Letter CC7-SL-031, pages 1 and 3 dated September 6, 2000, and page 2
dated September 25, 2000. The Director of the Federal Register
approved this incorporation by reference under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1
CFR part 51. You may get copies from Fairchild Aircraft, Inc., P.O.
Box 790490, San Antonio, Texas 78279-0490.
You may view copies at the FAA, Central Region, Office of the
Regional Counsel, 901 Locust, Room 506, Kansas City, Missouri, or at
the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW.,
suite 700, Washington, DC.
(g) When does this amendment become effective? This amendment
becomes effective on November 7, 2003.
Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on September 15, 2003.
Michael Gallagher,
Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 03-23931 Filed 9-22-03; 8:45 am]
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