[Federal Register: March 4, 2003 (Volume 68, Number 42)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 10149-10152]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr04mr03-4]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 2002-CE-32-AD; Amendment 39-13075; AD 2003-04-26]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Raytheon Aircraft Company Model 1900D
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 certain Raytheon Aircraft Company (Raytheon) Model 1900D
airplanes. This AD requires you to inspect the alternating current (AC)
inverter and modify the AC inverter and inverter sync wire shield. This
AD is the result of reports that electrical noise causes the inverter
to shut down in flight with loss of AC-powered flight instruments. The
actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent electrical noise
causing the inverter to shut down, which could result in failure of key
aircraft electrical systems. Such failure could lead to loss of flight
instruments during flight.
DATES: This AD becomes effective on April 21, 2003.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of certain publications listed in the regulations as of April
21, 2003.
ADDRESSES: You may get the service information referenced in this AD
from Raytheon Aircraft Company, 9709 E. Central, Wichita, Kansas 67201-
0085; telephone: (800) 429-5372 or (316) 676-3140. You may view this
information at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Central
Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, Attention: Rules Docket No.
2002-CE-32-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: Todd Dixon, Aerospace Engineer, FAA,
Wichita Aircraft Certification Office, 1801 Airport Road, Room 100,
Wichita, Kansas 67209; telephone: (316) 946-4152; facsimile: (316) 946-
4407.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Discussion
What events have caused this AD? The FAA has received nine reports
of electrical noise causing the alternating current (AC) inverter to
shutdown on certain airplanes. These airplanes are equipped with KGS
Electronics AC Inverter part number (P/N) SPC-10(PW), Mod 2, serial
numbers 306 to 803. The shutdown of the inverter resulted in the loss
of the electronic flight information system (EFIS), Radio Magnetic
Indicator (RMI), and related AC-powered systems. Some airplanes
experienced the loss of engine torque indication.
What is the potential impact if FAA took no action? Such failure of
the inverter could lead to loss of flight instruments during a critical
phase of flight.
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 certain Raytheon Model 1900D
airplanes. This proposal was published in the Federal Register as a
notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) on October 25, 2002 (67 FR 65519).
The NPRM proposed to require you to inspect the alternating current
(AC) inverter and modify the AC inverter and inverter sync wire shield.
Was the public invited to comment? The FAA encouraged interested
persons to participate in the making of this amendment. We did not
receive any comments on the proposed rule or on our determination of
the cost to the public.
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 minor editorial
corrections. We have determined that these 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.
Cost Impact
How many airplanes does this AD impact? We estimate that this AD
affects 232 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
AC inverter inspection:
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total cost per
Labor cost Parts cost airplane Total cost on U.S. operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2 workhours x $60 = $120 for each No cost for parts..... $240 232 x $240 = $55,680
inverter.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
We estimate the following costs to accomplish any necessary AC
inverter modification that would be required based on the results of
the inspection. We have no way of determining the number of airplanes
that may need such modification:
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Labor cost Parts cost Total cost per airplane
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2 workhours x $60 = $120 for each inverter $310 $550 for each airplane.
($240 per aircraft).
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
We estimate the following costs to accomplish any necessary AC
inverter sync wire shield modification that would be required based on
the results of the inspection. We have no way of determining the number
of airplanes that may need such modification:
[[Page 10150]]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total cost per
Labor cost Parts cost airplane
------------------------------------------------------------------------
8 workhours x $60 = $480.............. $6.00 $486
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Compliance Time of This AD
What would be the compliance time of this AD? The compliance time
of this AD is within 6 months after the effective date of the AD.
Why is the compliance time presented in calendar time instead of
hours time-in-service (TIS)? Failure of the aircraft AC inverters is
only unsafe during airplane operation. However, this unsafe condition
is not a result of the number of times the airplane is operated. The
chance of this situation occurring is the same for an airplane with 50
hours time-in-service (TIS) as it is for an airplane with 1,000 hours
TIS.
For this reason, the FAA has determined that a compliance based on
calendar time will be utilized in this AD in order to assure that the
unsafe condition is addressed on all airplanes in a reasonable time
period.
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
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
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. FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding a new AD to read as follows:
2003-04-26 Raytheon Aircraft Company: Amendment 39-13075; Docket No.
2002-CE-32-AD.
(a) What airplanes are affected by this AD? This AD affects the
following airplane models and serial numbers that are certificated
in any category:
(1) Group 1 Airplanes: Model 1900D, serial numbers UE-1 through
UE-265.
(2) Group 2 Airplanes: Model 1900D, serial numbers UE-266
through UE-388.
(3) Group 3 Airplanes: Model 1900D, serial numbers UE-389
through UE-410.
(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 electrical noise causing the
alternating current (AC) inverter to shut down, which could result
in failure of key aircraft electrical systems. Such failure could
lead to loss of flight instruments during a critical phase of
flight.
Note 1: Refer to paragraph (a) to determine if your airplane is
assigned to Group 1, Group 2, or Group 3. If your airplane is
assigned to Group 1, Group 2, or Group 3, you only have to
accomplish the requirements of either paragraph (d), (e), or (f),
respectively.
(d) What actions must I accomplish to address this problem if I
have a Group 1 airplane? To address this problem, you must
accomplish the following:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Actions Compliance Procedures
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) Inspect the AC inverter Within 6 months In accordance with
to determine if the KGS after April 21, the ACCOMPLISHMENT
Electronics AC Inverter 2003 (the effective INSTRUCTIONS
part number (P/N) SPC- date of this AD). section of Raytheon
10(PW), with a serial Aircraft Service
number in the range of 306 Bulletin SB 24-
through 803, is installed 3215, Rev. 1, June
and is identified as Mod 2001.
2DD.
(i) This may be accomplished
by checking the logbook and
positively showing that a
Mod 2DD inverter is
installed. A person holding
a pilot's certificate may
accomplish this check..
(ii) If, by checking the
airplane logbook or by
visual inspection, it can
be positively shown that a
Mod 2DD inverter is
installed, then the
requirements of paragraph
(d)(2) of this AD do not
apply. You must make an
entry into the aircraft
records that shows
compliance with this
portion of the AD, in
accordance with section
43.9 of the Federal
Aviation Regulations (14
CFR 43.9)..
-----------------------------
(2) If during the inspection Before further In accordance with
required in paragraph flight after the the ACCOMPLISHMENT
(d)(1), it is found that paragraph (d)(1) INSTRUCTIONS
the Mod 2DD inverter is not inspection of this section of Raytheon
installed, accomplish the AD. Aircraft Service
AC inverter modification. Bulletin SB 24-
3215, Rev. 1, June
2001, and the Model
1900D Airliner
Maintenance Manual.
-----------------------------
[[Page 10151]]
(3) Inspect the AC inverter Within 6 months In accordance with
to determine if STC SA00245WI-D is installed. 2003 (the effective INSTRUCTIONS
(i) This may be accomplished date of this AD). section of Raytheon
by checking the logbook and Aircraft Service
positively showing that STC Bulletin SB 24-
SA00245WI-D has 3215, Rev. 1, June
never been installed. A 2001.
person holding a pilot's
certificate may accomplish
this check..
(ii) If, by checking the
logbook or visual
inspection, it can be
positively shown that STC
SA00245WI-D has
never been installed, then
the requirements of
paragraph (d)(4) of this AD
do not apply. You must make
an entry into the aircraft
records that shows
compliance with this
portion of the AD, in
accordance with section
43.9 of the Federal
Aviation Regulations (14
CFR 43.9)..
-----------------------------
(4) If during the inspection Before further In accordance with
required in paragraph flight after the the ACCOMPLISHMENT
(d)(3), STC SA00245WI-D is found inspection of this section of Raytheon
installed, accomplish the AD. Aircraft Service
AC inverter sync wire Bulletin SB 24-
shield modification. 3215, Rev. 1, June
2001, and the Model
1900D Airliner
Maintenance Manual.
-----------------------------
(5) Do not install, on any As of April 21, 2003 Not Applicable.
affected airplane, any KGS (the effective date
Electronics AC inverter of this AD).
with a S/N between 306
through 803 not identified
as Mod 2DD.
-----------------------------
(6) Do not install STC As of April 21, 2003 In accordance with
SA00245WI-D on any (the effective date the ACCOMPLISHMENT
airplane unless the AC of this AD). INSTRUCTIONS
inverter modification section of Raytheon
required in paragraph Aircraft Service
(d)(4) of this AD is Bulletin SB 24-
accomplished. 3215, Rev. 1, June
2001, and the Model
1900D Airliner
Maintenance Manual.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(e) What actions must I accomplish to address this problem if I
have a Group 2 airplane? To address this problem, you must
accomplish the following:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Actions Compliance Procedures
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) Inspect the AC inverter Within 6 months In accordance with
to determine if the KGS after April 21, the ACCOMPLISHMENT
Electronics AC Inverter 2003 (the effective INSTRUCTIONS
part number (P/N) SPC- date of this AD). section of Raytheon
10(PW), with a serial Aircraft Service
number in the range of 306 Bulletin SB 24-
through 803, is installed 3215, Rev. 1, June
and is identified as Mod 2001.
2DD.
(i) This may be accomplished
by checking the logbook and
positively showing that a
Mod 2DD inverter is
installed. A person holding
a pilot's certificate may
accomplish this check..
(ii) If, by checking the
airplane logbook or visual
inspection, it can be
positively shown that a Mod
2DD inverter is installed,
then the requirements of
paragraph (e)(2) of this AD
do not apply. You must make
an entry into the aircraft
records that shows
compliance with this
portion of the AD, in
accordance with section
43.9 of the Federal
Aviation Regulations (14
CFR 43.9)..
-----------------------------
(2) If during the inspection Before further In accordance with
required in paragraph flight after the the ACCOMPLISHMENT
(e)(1), a Mod 2DD inverter paragraph (e)(1) INSTRUCTIONS
is not installed, inspection of this section of Raytheon
accomplish the AC inverter AD. Aircraft Service
modification. Bulletin SB 24-
3215, Rev. 1, June
2001, and the Model
1900D Airliner
Maintenance Manual.
-----------------------------
(3) Accomplish the AC Within 6 months In accordance with
inverter sync wire shield after April 21, the ACCOMPLISHMENT
modification. 2003 (the effective INSTRUCTIONS
date of this AD). section of Raytheon
Aircraft Service
Bulletin SB 24-
3215, Rev. 1, June
2001, and the Model
1900D Airliner
Maintenance Manual.
[[Page 10152]]
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(4) Do not install, on any As of April 21, 2003 Not Applicable.
affected airplane, any KGS (the effective date
Electronics AC inverter of this AD).
with a S/N between 306
through 803 not identified
as Mod 2DD.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(f) What actions must I accomplish to address this problem if I
have a Group 3 airplane? To address this problem, you must
accomplish the following:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Actions Compliance Procedures
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) Inspect the AC inverter Within 6 months In accordance with
to determine if the KGS after April 21, the ACCOMPLISHMENT
Electronics AC Inverter 2003 (the effective INSTRUCTIONS
part number (P/N) SPC- date of this AD). section of Raytheon
10(PW), with a serial Aircraft Service
number in the range of 306 Bulletin SB 24-
through 803, is installed 3215, Rev. 1, June
and is identified as Mod 2001.
2DD.
(i) This may be accomplished
by checking the logbook and
positively showing that a
Mod 2DD inverter is
installed. A person holding
a pilot's certificate may
accomplish this check..
(ii) If, by checking the
airplane logbook or visual
inspection, it can be
positively shown that the
Mod 2DD inverter is
installed, then the
requirements of paragraph
(f)(2) of this AD do not
apply. You must make an
entry into the aircraft
records that shows
compliance with this
portion of the AD, in
accordance with section
43.9 of the Federal
Aviation Regulations (14
CFR 43.9)..
-----------------------------
(2) If during the inspection Before further In accordance with
required in paragraph flight after the the ACCOMPLISHMENT
(f)(1), it is found that paragraph (f)(1) INSTRUCTIONS
the Mod 2DD inverter is not inspection of this section of Raytheon
installed, accomplish the AD. Aircraft Service
AC inverter modification. Bulletin SB 24-
3215, Rev. 1, June
2001, and the Model
1900D Airliner
Maintenance Manual.
-----------------------------
(3) Do not install, on any As of April 21, 2003 Not Applicable.
affected airplane, any KGS the effective date
Electronics AC inverter of this AD).
with serial number in the
range of 306 through 803
not identified as Mod 2DD.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Note 2: An owner/operator of an airplane assigned to a Group may
disregard the above Group paragraphs that do not apply to his/her
airplane.
(g) Can I comply with this AD in any other way? You may use an
alternative method of compliance or adjust the compliance time if:
(1) Your alternative method of compliance provides an equivalent
level of safety; and
(2) The Manager, Wichita Aircraft Certification Office (ACO),
approves your alternative. Submit your request through an FAA
Principal Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send
it to the Manager, Wichita ACO.
Note 3: This AD applies to each airplane identified in paragraph
(a) of this AD, regardless of whether it has been modified, altered,
or repaired in the area subject to the requirements of this AD. For
airplanes that have been modified, altered, or repaired so that the
performance of the requirements of this AD is affected, the owner/
operator must request approval for an alternative method of
compliance in accordance with paragraph (g) of this AD. The request
should include an assessment of the effect of the modification,
alteration, or repair on the unsafe condition addressed by this AD;
and, if you have not eliminated the unsafe condition, specific
actions you propose to address it.
(h) Where can I get information about any already-approved
alternative methods of compliance? Contact Todd Dixon, Aerospace
Engineer, FAA, Wichita Aircraft Certification Office, 1801 Airport
Road, Room 100, Wichita, Kansas 67209; telephone: (316) 946-4152;
facsimile: (316) 946-4407.
(i) What if I need to fly the airplane to another location to
comply with this AD? The FAA can issue a special flight permit under
sections 21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14
CFR 21.197 and 21.199) to operate your airplane to a location where
you can accomplish the requirements of this AD.
(j) Are any service bulletins incorporated into this AD by
reference? Actions required by this AD must be done in accordance
with Raytheon Aircraft Service Bulletin SB 24-3215, Rev. 1, June
2001. 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 Raytheon Aircraft Company, 9709 E. Central,
Wichita, Kansas 67201-0085; telephone: (800) 429-5372 or (316) 676-
3140. 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.
(k) When does this amendment become effective? This amendment
becomes effective on April 21, 2003.
Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on February 21, 2003.
Michael Gallagher,
Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 03-4595 Filed 3-3-03; 8:45 am]
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