[Federal Register: July 22, 2004 (Volume 69, Number 140)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Page 43783-43785]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr22jy04-23]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2004-18660; Directorate Identifier 2003-NM-161-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Raytheon (Beech) Model MU-300-10, 400,
400A, and 400T Series Airplanes; and Raytheon (Mitsubishi) Model Beech
MU-300 Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
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SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD)
for certain Raytheon (Beech) Model MU-300-10, 400, 400A, and 400T
series airplanes; and certain Raytheon (Mitsubishi) Model Beech MU-300
airplanes. This proposed AD would require a one-time inspection of
certain panels in the spoiler mixer bay for the presence of drain
holes, and the addition of at least one new drain hole; and a one-time
inspection for discrepancies of the sealant on the relief cutout on the
aft pressure bulkhead, and on certain baffles; and corrective actions
[[Page 43784]]
if necessary. This proposed AD is prompted by a report of fuel leaking
from components in the spoiler mixer bay of several Raytheon (Beech)
Model 400A series airplanes. We are proposing this AD to prevent the
accumulation of fuel and/or fuel vapor in the spoiler mixer bay and/or
the aft fuselage compartment, which could result in a fire in the
airplane.
DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by September 7,
2004.
ADDRESSES: Use one of the following addresses to submit comments on
this proposed 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.
By fax: (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. For service
information identified in this proposed AD, contact Raytheon Aircraft
Company, Department 62, P.O. Box 85, Wichita, Kansas 67201-0085.
You can examine the contents of this AD docket on the Internet at
http://dms.dot.gov, or at the Docket Management Facility, U.S.
Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street SW., room PL-401, on
the plaza level of the Nassif Building, Washington, DC.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jeff Pretz, Aerospace Engineer,
Airframe Branch, ACE-118W, FAA, Wichita Aircraft Certification Office,
1801 Airport Road, Propulsion 100, Mid-Continent Airport, Wichita,
Kansas 67209; telephone (316) 946-4153; fax (316) 946-4107.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Docket Management System (DMS)
The FAA has implemented new procedures for maintaining AD dockets
electronically. As of May 17, 2004, new AD actions are posted on DMS
and assigned a docket number. We track each action and assign a
corresponding directorate identifier. The DMS AD docket number is in
the form ``Docket No. FAA-2004-99999.'' The Transport Airplane
Directorate identifier is in the form ``Directorate Identifier 2004-NM-
999-AD.'' Each DMS AD docket also lists the directorate identifier
(``Old Docket Number'') as a cross-reference for searching purposes.
Comments Invited
We invite you to submit any written relevant data, views, or
arguments regarding this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address
listed under ADDRESSES. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2004-18660;
Directorate Identifier 2003-NM-161-AD'' in the subject line 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 submitted 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://dms.dot.gov
, including any personal information you provide. We will
also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact with FAA
personnel concerning this proposed AD. Using the search function of
that website, anyone can find and read the comments in any of our
dockets, including the name of the individual who sent the comment (or
signed the comment on behalf of an association, business, labor union,
etc.). You can review DOT's complete Privacy Act Statement in the
Federal Register published on April 11, 2000 (65 FR 19477-78), or you
can visit http://dms.dot.gov.
We are reviewing the writing style we currently use in regulatory
documents. We are interested in your comments on whether the style of
this document is clear, and your suggestions to improve the clarity of
our communications that affect you. You can get more information about
plain language at http://www.faa.gov/language and http://www.plainlanguage.gov.Examining
the Docket
You can examine the AD docket in person at the Docket Management
Facility office between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday,
except Federal holidays. The Docket Management Facility office
(telephone (800) 647-5227) is located on the plaza level of the Nassif
Building at the DOT street address stated in the ADDRESSES section.
Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after the DMS
receives them.
Discussion
We have received a report indicating that fuel leaked from
components in the spoiler mixer bay of several Raytheon (Beech) Model
400A series airplanes. On one occasion, fuel migrated into the aft
fuselage, resulting in fuel odor in the aft baggage compartment.
Further investigation by the manufacturer showed that both the left and
right spoiler bay mixer panels of certain Raytheon airplane models
lacked the drain holes required by the type design. If there is a fuel
leak, and the mixer panels do not have the requisite drain holes, fuel
could pool in the spoiler mixer bay. Fuel could also migrate from the
mixer bay into the aft fuselage if the sealant is missing from the
bulkhead between the mixer bay and the aft fuselage compartment. This
condition, if not corrected, could result in the accumulation of fuel
and/or fuel vapor in the spoiler mixer bay and/or the aft fuselage
compartment, which could result in a fire in the airplane.
Raytheon (Beech) Model 400 and 400T series airplanes, and Raytheon
(Beech) Model MU-300 airplanes, are similar in design to the Raytheon
(Beech) Model 400A series airplanes that had the fuel leaks. Therefore,
all of these airplanes could have the same unsafe condition, and all
are subject to the requirements of this proposed AD.
Relevant Service Information
We have reviewed Raytheon Service Bulletin SB 53-3486, dated June
2003. The service bulletin describes procedures for a one-time
inspection of the spoiler mixer bay panels to determine if there are
the correct number of drain holes; and a one-time inspection for
discrepancies of the sealant on the relief cutout on the aft pressure
bulkhead, and the baffles at left butt line (BL) 19.13 and right BL
10.43; and corrective actions, if necessary. Discrepancies include
missing sealant, or inadequate sealant, which is defined as sealant not
adhering properly, flaking, peeling, or having voids, gaps, or
pinholes. The service bulletin also describes procedures for corrective
actions. The corrective actions include drilling at least one new drain
hole, and any additional drain holes needed to make a total of five at
specified places in each mixer bay panel; and applying sealant, if
necessary, to repair discrepancies. We have determined that
accomplishing the actions specified in the service bulletin will
adequately address the unsafe condition.
FAA's Determination and Requirements of the Proposed AD
We have evaluated all pertinent information and identified an
unsafe condition that is likely to exist or develop on other airplanes
of this same type design. Therefore, we are proposing this AD, which
would require a one-time inspection of the spoiler
[[Page 43785]]
mixer bay panels to determine if there are the correct number of drain
holes; and a one-time inspection of the sealant on the relief cutout on
the aft pressure bulkhead, and the baffles at left butt line (BL) 19.13
and right BL 10.43 for discrepancies; and corrective actions, if
necessary. The proposed AD would require you to use the service
information described previously to perform these actions.
Clarification of Inspection Language
Although the service bulletin does not define the type of
inspection required for the drain holes and the sealant, this proposed
AD would classify the inspection as a ``general visual inspection.''
Note 1 of this proposed AD defines this inspection.
Costs of Compliance
This proposed AD would affect about 673 airplanes worldwide. The
following table provides the estimated costs for U.S. operators to
comply with this proposed AD.
Estimated Costs
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Average Number of
Work labor Cost per U.S.-
Action hours rate per Parts airplane registered Fleet cost
hour airplanes
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Inspections.................... 1 $65 None.............. $65 610 $39,650
Drilling one drain hole........ 3 $65 None.............. $195 610 $118,950
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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. See the ADDRESSES section for a location
to examine the regulatory evaluation.
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
airworthiness directive (AD):
Raytheon Aircraft Company (Formerly Beech): Docket No. FAA-2004-
18660; Directorate Identifier 2003-NM-161-AD.
Comments Due Date
(a) The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) must receive
comments on this AD action by September 7, 2004.
Affected ADs
(b) None.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to Raytheon (Beech) Model MU-300-10, 400,
400A, and 400T series airplanes; and Raytheon (Mitsubishi) Model
Beech MU-300 airplanes; certificated in any category; as listed in
Raytheon Service Bulletin SB 53-3486, dated June 2003.
Unsafe Condition
(d) This AD was prompted by a report of fuel leaking from
components in the spoiler mixer bay of several Raytheon (Beech)
Model 400A series airplanes. We are issuing this AD to prevent the
accumulation of fuel and/or fuel vapor in the spoiler mixer bay and/
or the aft fuselage compartment, which could result in a fire in the
airplane.
Compliance
(e) You are responsible for having the actions required by this
AD performed within the compliance times specified, unless the
actions have already been done.
Inspections and Corrective Actions
(f) Within 400 flight hours or 12 months after the effective
date of this AD, whichever occurs first, do the actions in
paragraphs (a)(1) and (a)(2) of this AD. Do all actions in
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Raytheon Service
Bulletin SB 53-3486, dated June 2003.
(1) Do a one-time general visual inspection of the spoiler mixer
bay panels to determine the presence of drain holes. Before further
flight after doing this inspection, drill at least one new drain
hole, and any additional drain holes needed to make a total of five,
at the places in each mixer bay panel specified in the service
bulletin.
(2) Do a one-time general visual inspection for discrepancies of
the sealant on the relief cutout on the aft pressure bulkhead, and
of the small triangular-shaped baffles at left butt line (BL) 19.13
and right BL 10.43. Before further flight after doing this
inspection, do any applicable corrective actions.
Note 1: For the purposes of this AD, a general visual inspection
is: ``A visual examination of an interior or exterior area,
installation, or assembly to detect obvious damage, failure, or
irregularity. This level of inspection is made from within touching
distance unless otherwise specified. A mirror may be necessary to
enhance visual access to all exposed surfaces in the inspection
area. This level of inspection is made under normally available
lighting conditions such as daylight, hangar lighting, flashlight,
or droplight and may require removal or opening of access panels or
doors. Stands, ladders, or platforms may be required to gain
proximity to the area being checked.''
Parts Installation
(g) As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install
on any airplane a spoiler mixer bay panel that has a part number
listed in paragraph 3.B., ``Spares,'' of the Accomplishment
Instructions of Raytheon Service Bulletin SB 53-3486, dated June
2003, unless the panel has been inspected and modified in accordance
with paragraph (f)(1) of this AD.
Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(h) The Manager, Wichita Aircraft Certification Office (ACO),
FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested in
accordance with the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on July 9, 2004.
Kevin M. Mullin,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 04-16684 Filed 7-21-04; 8:45 am]
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