[Federal Register: July 22, 2004 (Volume 69, Number 140)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 43732-43734]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr22jy04-2]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2004-18580; Directorate Identifier 2004-CE-12-AD;
Amendment 39-13735; AD 2004-15-01]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Raytheon Aircraft Company Model 390
Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.
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SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for
certain Raytheon Aircraft Company (Raytheon) Model 390 airplanes. This
AD requires you to inspect the hydraulic tube/hose assemblies, the
engine fuel feed tube assemblies, and the engine wire harnesses for
proper clearance and damage (as applicable). If improper clearance or
damage is found on any assembly, you must replace and/or modify the
affected assembly. This AD is the result of reports of loss of the
hydraulic system functions during different operations caused by
improper clearance between certain components. This resulted in damage
to the tubing in the hydraulic system assemblies. Analysis shows a
similar condition on the engine fuel feed assemblies. We are issuing
this AD to detect, correct, and prevent such damage or improper
clearance in the affected areas, which could result in failure of one
or more of these systems. These failures could lead to loss of
hydraulic system operations, engine shutdown, and false readings for
fuel pressure, oil pressure, and other oil indications. These
conditions could consequently result in reduced or loss of control of
the airplane.
DATES: This AD becomes effective on August 23, 2004.
As of August 23, 2004, the Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference of certain publications listed
in the regulation.
We must receive any comments on this AD by October 4, 2004.
ADDRESSES: Use one of the following to submit comments on this 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 20590-0001.
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.
You may get the service information identified in this AD from
Raytheon Aircraft Company, 9709 E. Central, Wichita, Kansas 67201-0085;
telephone: (800) 429-5372 or (316) 676-3140.
[[Page 43733]]
You may view the comments to this AD in the AD docket on the
Internet at http://dms.dot.gov.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: James P. Galstad, Aerospace Engineer,
Wichita Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), FAA, 1801 Airport Road,
Wichita, Kansas 67209; telephone: (316) 946-4135; facsimile: (316) 946-
4107.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
What events have caused this AD? Raytheon received reports of loss
of hydraulic pressure on two Model 390 airplanes. One of the affected
airplanes experienced a complete loss of normal hydraulic system
pressure during flight. The other affected airplane experienced a loss
of hydraulic pressure during ground operations.
Inspections of these airplanes revealed improper clearance between
the hydraulic tube/hose assemblies and the engine inlet heat exhaust
duct. Improper clearance between these two components resulted in
chafing of the hydraulic tube assemblies. The chafing created a hole in
the engine hydraulic tube and allowed hydraulic fluid to leak out. Loss
of hydraulic fluid pressure resulted in the consequent loss of normal
brake function, spoiler system, and normal landing gear operation.
Further inspections also revealed the following:
--Improper clearance between the left-hand (LH) and the right-hand (RH)
engine fuel feed tube assemblies and the Hydro Mechanical Unit/
Electronic Control Unit (HMU/ECU) interface electrical connectors; and
--Improper clearance between the engine wire harness and the engine
lube oil cooler.
The analysis shows that the bend dimension of the LH engine fuel
feed tube assembly was improperly defined during the production of some
airplanes. This improperly-defined bend dimension allows for
interference with the HMU/ECU interface electrical connectors. In
addition, torquing the RH engine fuel feed tube assembly could cause
interference with the HMU/ECU interface electrical connectors.
Redesigned LH and RH tube assemblies are available for those airplanes
found to have the improper clearance between the two components.
What is the potential impact if FAA took no action? These
conditions, if not detected, corrected, and prevented, could cause the
hydraulic tube/hose assemblies, the engine fuel feed tube assemblies,
and the engine wire harnesses assembly to fail. These failures could
eventually lead to reduced or loss of control of the airplane.
Is there service information that applies to this subject? Raytheon
has issued the following:
--Mandatory Service Bulletin Premier SB 71-3648, Issued: November,
2003, which includes procedures for inspecting the hydraulic tube/hose
assemblies and all adjacent components for proper clearance and damage
and replacing any damaged parts and doing modifications if improper
clearance is found; and
--Mandatory Service Bulletin Beechcraft SB 71-3659, Rev. 1, Revised:
May, 2004, which includes procedures for inspecting the engine fuel
feed tube assemblies for proper clearance and damage and replacing any
damaged parts and doing modifications if improper clearance is found.
FAA's Determination and Requirements of the 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.
Since the unsafe condition described previously is likely to exist
or develop on other Raytheon Model 390 airplanes of the same type
design, we are issuing this AD to detect, correct, and prevent damage
to the tubing in the hydraulic system assembly, the engine fuel feed
tube assemblies, and the engine wire harness, caused by improper
clearance and chafing, which could result in failure of these systems.
These failures could lead to loss of hydraulic system operations,
engine shutdown, nacelle fire, and false readings for fuel pressure,
oil pressure, and other oil indications. These conditions could
consequently lead to reduced or loss of control of the airplane.
What does this AD require? This AD requires you to incorporate the
actions in the previously-referenced service bulletins.
In preparing this rule, we contacted type clubs and aircraft
operators to get technical information and information on operational
and economic impacts. We did not receive any information through these
contacts. If received, we would have included a discussion of any
information that may have influenced this action in the rulemaking
docket.
How does the revision to 14 CFR part 39 affect this 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.
Comments Invited
Will I have the opportunity to comment before you issue the rule?
This AD is a final rule that involves requirements affecting flight
safety and was not preceded by notice and an opportunity for public
comment; however, we invite you to submit any written relevant data,
views, or arguments regarding this AD. Send your comments to an address
listed under ADDRESSES. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2004-18580;
Directorate Identifier 2004-CE-12-AD'' in the subject line of your
comments. If you want us to acknowledge receipt of your mailed
comments, send us a self-addressed, stamped postcard with the docket
number written on it; we will date-stamp your postcard and mail it back
to you. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory,
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the rule that might
suggest a need to modify it. If a person contacts us through a
nonwritten communication, and that contact relates to a substantive
part of this 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 the AD in light of those comments.
Regulatory Findings
Will this AD impact various entities? We have determined that 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.
Will this AD involve a significant rule or regulatory action? 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 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 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.
[[Page 43734]]
Include ``Docket FAA-2004-18580; Directorate Identifier 2004-CE-12-AD''
in your request.
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]
1. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new
airworthiness directive (AD):
2004-15-01 Raytheon Aircraft Company: Amendment 39-13735; Docket No.
FAA-2004-18580; Directorate Identifier 2004-CE-12-AD.
When Does This AD Become Effective?
(a) This AD becomes effective on August 23, 2004.
Are Any Other ADs Affected by This Action?
(b) None.
What Airplanes Are Affected by This AD?
(c) This AD affects Model 390 airplanes, serial numbers RB-1,
RB-4 through RB-84, RB-87, RB-89, RB-90, RB-93 through RB-96, RB-99
through RB-101, and RB-103; that are certificated in any category:
What Is the Unsafe Condition Presented in This AD?
(d) This AD is the result of reports of loss of the hydraulic
system functions during different operations caused by improper
clearance between certain components. This resulted in damage to the
tubing in the hydraulic system assemblies. Analysis shows a similar
condition on the engine fuel feed assemblies. We are issuing this AD
to detect, correct, and prevent improper clearance in and damage to
the components in the hydraulic system assembly, the engine fuel
feed tube assemblies, and the engine wire harness. Improper
clearance of damaged components could result in failure of one or
more of these systems. These failures could lead to loss of
hydraulic system operations, engine shutdown, nacelle fire, and
false readings for fuel pressure, oil pressure, and other oil
indications. These conditions could consequently result in reduced
or loss of control of the airplane.
What Must I Do To Address This Problem?
(e) To address this problem, you must do the following:
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Actions Compliance Procedures
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(1) For serial numbers RB-1, RB- Inspect within the Follow the
4 through RB-15, RB-17 through next 25 hours procedures in
RB-80, RB-82, and RB-84, do the time-in-service Raytheon Aircraft
following: (i) Inspect the (TIS) after Company Mandatory
hydraulic tube/hose assemblies August 23, 2004 Service Bulletin
and all adjacent components for (the effective Premier SB 71-
proper clearance and damage; date of this AD), 3648, dated
(ii) Inspect the engine fuel unless already November, 2003;
feed tube assemblies and all done. Replace and Raytheon
adjacent components for proper prior to further Aircraft Company
clearance and damage; and (iii) flight after the Mandatory Service
If improper clearance or damage inspection where Bulletin
is found during either of the improper Beechcraft SB 71-
inspections listed in clearance or 3659, Rev. 1,
paragraphs (e)(1)(i) and damage is found. dated May, 2004.
(e)(1)(ii) of this AD, replace
the affected hydraulic tube/
hose assembly or fuel feed tube
assembly.
(2) For serial numbers RB-16, RB- Inspect within the Follow the
81, RB-83, RB-87, RB-89, RB-90, next 25 hours procedures in
RB-93 through RB-96, RB-99 time-in-service Raytheon Aircraft
through RB-101, and RB-103, do (TIS) after Company Mandatory
the following: (i) Inspect the August 23, 2004 Service Bulletin
engine fuel feed tube (the effective Beechcraft SB 71-
assemblies and all adjacent date of this AD), 3659, Rev. 1,
components for proper clearance unless already dated May, 2004.
and damage; and (ii) If done. Replace
improper clearance or damage is prior to further
found during the inspection flight after the
listed in paragraph (e)(2)(i) inspection where
of this AD, replace the improper
affected fuel feed tube clearance or
assembly. damage is found.
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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 James P.
Galstad, Aerospace Engineer, Wichita ACO, FAA, 1801 Airport Road,
Wichita, Kansas 67209; telephone: (316) 946-4135; facsimile: (316)
946-4107.
Does This AD Incorporate Any Material by Reference?
(g) You must do the actions required by this AD following the
instructions in Raytheon Aircraft Company Mandatory Service Bulletin
Premier SB 71-3648, dated November, 2003; and Raytheon Aircraft
Company Mandatory Service Bulletin Beechcraft SB 71-3659, Rev. 1,
dated May, 2004. The Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference of this service bulletin in accordance
with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. You may get a copy from
Raytheon Aircraft Company, 9709 E. Central, Wichita, Kansas 67201-
0085; telephone: (800) 429-5372 or (316) 676-3140. You may review
copies 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/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html
.
You may view the AD docket at the Docket Management Facility;
U.S. Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Nassif
Building, Room PL-401, Washington, DC 20590-0001.
Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on July 13, 2004.
Scott L. Sedgwick,
Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 04-16416 Filed 7-21-04; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P