FR Doc 05-17890

[Federal Register: September 13, 2005 (Volume 70, Number 176)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 53910-53912]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr13se05-2]

=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2005-22332; Directorate Identifier 2005-CE-46-AD;
Amendment 39-14262; AD 2005-18-21]
RIN 2120-AA64

Airworthiness Directives; Raytheon Aircraft Company Models 1900,
1900C, 1900C (C-12J), and 1900D Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for
certain Raytheon Aircraft Company Models 1900, 1900C, 1900C (C-12J),
and 1900D airplanes. This AD requires you to inspect all elevator hinge
support attachments on both left and right elevators for loose and
missing rivets, replace rivets if loose or missing rivets are found,
inspect the elevator hinge joints for looseness and clearance of each
elevator to its stabilizer, correct looseness and clearance if
incorrect, and report results of the required inspections. This AD
results from a report of excessive movement of the elevator and
elevator trim. The hinge support attachment that attaches the elevator
to the horizontal stabilizer was loose and had loose and missing
rivets. The elevator counterweight horn showed evidence of rubbing
against the horizontal stabilizer, indicating possible incorrect
clearance. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct any looseness
in the elevator hinge support attachments, which could result in
binding of the elevator control system. This elevator binding could
lead to loss of control of the airplane.

DATES: This AD becomes effective September 13, 2005.
As of September 13, 2005, 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 20, 2005.

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 20590-001.
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.
To get the service information identified in this proposed AD,
contact Raytheon Aircraft Company, P.O. Box 85, Wichita, Kansas 67201;
telephone: (800) 625-7043.
To view the comments to this AD, go to http://dms.dot.gov. The

docket number is FAA-2005-22332; Directorate Identifier 2005-CE-46-AD.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Steven E. Potter, Aerospace Engineer,
Airframe and Services Branch, ACE-118W, 1801 Airport Road, Wichita,
Kansas 67209; telephone: (316) 946-4124; facsimile: (316) 946-4107.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
What events have caused this AD? On a recent flight, a Model 1900D
experienced a binding elevator control column during takeoff. The pilot
was able to free the control column. During continuation of the flight
the elevator trim moved slowly nose up and required a one-half unit
trim adjustment every one to two minutes. An inspection found a missing
rivet and other loose rivets on the outboard hinge attachment that
attaches the elevator to the horizontal stabilizer. The elevator
counterweight horn showed evidence of rubbing against the horizontal
stabilizer, indicating possible incorrect clearance. Loose rivets were
found on other airplanes of the same type design.
What is the potential impact if FAA took no action? Looseness in
the elevator hinge support attachments could result in binding of the
elevator control system. This elevator binding could lead to loss of
control of the airplane.
Is there service information that applies to this subject? Raytheon
Aircraft Company has issued Safety Communiqu[eacute] No. 261, dated
August 2005.
What are the provisions of this service information? The service
information specifies inspecting all elevator hinge support attachments
on both left and right elevators.

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 Aircraft Company Models 1900, 1900C, 1900C
(C-12J), and 1900D airplanes of the same type design, we are issuing
this AD to detect and correct any looseness in the elevator hinge
support attachments, which could result in binding of the elevator
control system. This elevator binding could lead to loss of control of
the airplane.
What does this AD require? This AD requires you to inspect all
elevator hinge support attachments on both left and right elevators for
loose and missing rivets, replace rivets if loose or missing rivets are
found, inspect the elevator hinge joints for looseness and clearance of
each elevator to its stabilizer, correct looseness and/or clearance if
incorrect, and report results of the required inspections.
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

[[Page 53911]]

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-2005-22332;
Directorate Identifier 2005-CE-46-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.

Authority for This Rulemaking

What authority does FAA have for issuing this rulemaking action?
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 AD.

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
other information as included in the Regulatory Evaluation) 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. Include ``AD
Docket FAA-2005-22332; Directorate Identifier 2005-CE-46-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]

0
2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness
directive (AD):

2005-18-21 Raytheon Aircraft Company: Amendment 39-14262; Docket No.
FAA-2005-22332; Directorate Identifier 2005-CE-46-AD.

When Does This AD Become Effective?

(a) This AD becomes effective on September 13, 2005.

Are Any Other ADs Affected By This Action?

(b) None.

What Airplanes Are Affected by This AD?

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Models Serial Nos.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) 1900............................ UA-3;
(2) 1900C........................... UB-1 through UB-74 and UC-1
through UC-174;
(3) 1900C (C-12J)................... UD-1 through UD-6; and
(4) 1900D........................... UE-1 through UE-439.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

What Is the Unsafe Condition Presented in This AD?

(d) This AD results from a report of excessive movement of the
elevator and elevator trim. The hinge support bracket that attaches
the elevator to the horizontal stabilizer was loose and had loose
and missing rivets. The elevator counterweight horn showed evidence
of rubbing against the horizontal stabilizer, indicating possible
incorrect clearance. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct
any looseness in the elevator hinge support attachments, which could
result in binding of the elevator control system. This elevator
binding could lead to loss of control of the airplane.

What Must I Do To Address This Problem?

(e) To address this problem, you must do the following:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Actions Compliance Procedures
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) Inspect all elevator Within 50 hours time- As specified in
hinge support attachments in-service (TIS) Raytheon Aircraft
on both left and right after the effective Company Safety
elevators on both left and date of this AD. Communiqu[eacute]
right elevators for loose No. 261, dated
or missing rivets. August 2005,
following the
applicable Raytheon
Aircraft Company
Maintenance Manual,
Chapter 5-20-07 and
Structural Repair
Manual, Chapter 51-
40-02.
(2) If loose or missing Before further As specified in
rivets are found in the flight. Raytheon Aircraft
inspection required in Company Safety
paragraph (e)(1) of this Communiqu[eacute]
AD, replace reviets. No. 261, dated
August 2005,
following the
applicable Raytheon
Aircraft Company
Maintenance Manual,
Chapter 5-20-07 and
Structural Repair
Manual, Chapter 51-
40-02.

[[Page 53912]]

(3) Inspect the elevator Within 50 hours TIS As specified in
hinge joints for looseness after the effective Raytheon Aircraft
and the clearance of each date of this AD. Company Safety
elevator to its stabilizer. Communiqu[eacute]
No. 261, dated
August 2005,
following the
applicable Raytheon
Aircraft Company
Maintenance Manual,
Chapter 5-20-07.
(4) If looseness of the Before further As specified in
elevator hinge joints or flight. Raytheon Aircraft
incorrect clearance between Company Safety
the elevators and their Communiqu[eacute]
stabilizers is found, No. 261, dated
correct the discrepancies. August 2005,
following the
applicable Raytheon
Aircraft Company
Maintenance Manual,
Chapter 5-20-07.
(5) Report the results found Within 7 days after In addition to
in the inspections required the inspections Raytheon Aircraft
in paragraph (e)(1) and required in Company, send a
(e)(3) of this AD. The paragraph (e)(1) completed copy of
Office of Management and and (e)(3) of this the Raytheon
Budget (OMB) approved the AD. Aircraft Company
information collection Elevator Inspection
requirements contained in form, found in
this regulation under the Raytheon Aircraft
provisions of the Paperwork Company Safety
Reduction Act of 1980 (44 Communiqu[eacute]
U.S.C. 3501 and those No. 261, dated
following sections) and August 2005, to
assigned OMB Control Number Steven E. Potter,
2120-0056. FAA, 1801 Airport
Road, Wichita,
Kansas 67209. Also
include in your
report TIS since
elevator
replacement, if
elevator has been
replaced.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

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, FAA. For information on any already approved
alternative methods of compliance, contact Steven E. Potter,
Aerospace Engineer, Airframe and Services Branch, ACE-118W, 1801
Airport Road, Wichita, Kansas 67209; telephone: (316) 946-4124;
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 Safety Communiqu[eacute]
No. 261, dated August 2005. 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. To get a copy of
this service information, contact Raytheon Aircraft Company, P.O.
Box 85, Wichita, Kansas 67201; telephone: (800) 625-7043. To review
copies of this service information, go to the National Archives and
Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability
of this material at NARA, go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html
or call

(202) 741-6030. To view the AD docket, go to the Docket Management
Facility; U.S. Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street,
SW., Nassif Building, Room PL-401, Washington, DC 20590-001 or on
the Internet at http://dms.dot.gov. The docket number is FAA-2005-

22332; Directorate Identifier 2005-CE-46-AD.

Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on September 2, 2005.
Kim Smith,
Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 05-17890 Filed 9-12-05; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 4910-13-P