[Federal Register: December 4, 2006 (Volume 71, Number 232)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 70297-70300]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr04de06-6]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2006-26258; Directorate Identifier 2006-CE-67-AD;
Amendment 39-14840; AD 2006-24-11]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Raytheon Aircraft Company Models 1900,
1900C, and 1900D Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.
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[[Page 70298]]
SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for
certain Raytheon Aircraft Company (RAC) Models 1900, 1900C, and 1900D
airplanes. This AD requires you to repetitively inspect the forward,
vertical, and aft flanges of both the left and right wing rear spar
lower caps for cracks, repair any cracks found, and report the
inspection results to RAC. This AD results from additional fatigue
cracks found in this area since inspections were performed to comply
with Emergency AD 2006-18-51, which required immediate visual
inspections of this area. We are issuing this AD for the purpose of
performing a more rigorous inspection requiring cleaning and paint
stripping of this section of the wing rear spar to detect and correct
cracking in the wing spar lower caps of the affected airplanes before
the cracks lead to failure. These wing rear spar cracks may result in
wing failure which could result in the wing separating from the
airplane with consequent loss of control.
DATES: This AD becomes effective on December 11, 2006.
As of December 11, 2006, 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 February 2, 2007.
ADDRESSES: Use one of the following addresses to comment 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: (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 AD, contact
Raytheon Aircraft Company (RAC), Post Office Box 85, Wichita, Kansas
67201-0085, Phone 1-800-429-5372 or 1-316-676-2000, Fax: 1-316-676-
8745.
To view the comments to this AD, go to http://dms.dot.gov. The
docket number is FAA-2006-26258; Directorate Identifier 2006-CE-67-AD.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Steven E. Potter, FAA, 1801 Airport
Road, Wichita, Kansas 67209; telephone: (316) 946-4124; fax: (316) 946-
4107.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Discussion
Due to significant cracks found in the wing rear spar of RAC Model
1900D airplanes, we issued Emergency AD 2006-18-51 on August 31, 2006.
AD 2006-18-51 required an immediate visual inspection of both the left
and right wing rear spars near the outboard edge of the engine nacelle.
This AD was then published in the Federal Register as Amendment 39-
14757 (71 FR 52983, September 8, 2006).
Additional fatigue cracks in the affected area of the wing rear
spar have been found since the AD 2006-18-51 inspections were
performed. One of the airplanes had accumulated 168 hours time-in-
service (TIS) since the visual inspections required by AD 2006-18-51
were done.
The FAA has determined a more rigorous and detailed inspection is
necessary to find such fatigue cracks.
Cracking in the wing rear spar lower caps and adjacent structure,
if not corrected, could result in wing failure. Such a wing failure
could result in the wing separating from the airplane with consequent
loss of control.
Relevant Service Information
We reviewed Raytheon Aircraft Company Service Bulletin No. 57-3815,
Issued: October, 2006. The service information describes procedures for
the left and right rear wing spar lower cap inspection.
FAA's Determination and Requirements of This AD
We are issuing this AD because we have evaluated all known and
available information and determined the unsafe condition described
previously is likely to exist or develop on other products of the same
type design. This AD requires a rigorous and detailed inspection of the
wing rear spar lower caps to find the fatigue cracks. The preparation
and procedural requirements for these inspections are included in RAC
Mandatory Service Bulletin 57-3815.
RAC is developing a modification that, if approved by the FAA,
would terminate the repetitive inspection requirement of this AD. The
FAA may take future rulemaking action on this subject.
FAA's Determination of the Effective Date
Since an unsafe condition exists that requires the immediate
adoption of this AD, we determined that notice and opportunity for
public comment before issuing this AD are impracticable, and that good
cause exists for making this amendment effective in fewer than 30 days.
Comments Invited
This AD is a final rule that involves requirements affecting flight
safety, and we did not precede it by notice and an opportunity for
public comment. We invite you to send any written relevant data, views,
or arguments regarding this AD. Send your comments to an address listed
under the ADDRESSES section. Include the docket number ``FAA-2006-
26258; Directorate Identifier 2006-CE-67-AD'' at the beginning of your
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory,
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the AD. We will consider
all comments received by the closing date and may amend the 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 we
receive concerning this AD.
Authority for This Rulemaking
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
rulemaking action.
Regulatory Findings
We 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.
[[Page 70299]]
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 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 AD and placed it in the AD docket.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket that contains the AD, the regulatory
evaluation, any comments received, and other information on the
Internet at http://dms.dot.gov; or in person at the Docket Management
Facility between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except
Federal holidays. The Docket Office (telephone (800) 647-5227) is
located at the street address stated in the ADDRESSES section. Comments
will be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt.
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 FAA proposes to amend 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):
2006-24-11 Raytheon Aircraft Company (RAC): Amendment 39-14840;
Docket No. FAA-2006-26258; Directorate Identifier 2006-CE-67-AD.
Effective Date
(a) This AD becomes effective on December 11, 2006.
Affected ADs
(b) AD 2006-18-51, Amendment 39-14757 (71 FR 52983, September 8,
2006), relates to the subject of this AD. However, this AD does not
supersede or revise that AD. Both ADs are necessary to address the
unsafe condition.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to the following airplane models and serial
numbers that are certificated in any category:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Models Serial numbers
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) 1900................................. UA-3.
(2) 1900C (C-12J)........................ UB-1 through UB-74, UC-1
through UC-174, and UD-1
through UD-6.
(3) 1900D................................ UE-1 through UE-439.
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Unsafe Condition
(d) This AD is the result of additional fatigue cracks found in
the wing rear spar lower caps on a Raytheon Model 1900 airplane
shortly after complying with AD 2006-18-51. We are issuing this AD
to require a more rigorous and detailed inspection to find the
fatigue cracks which are the unsafe condition. Failure to detect
cracking in the wing rear spar lower caps of the affected airplanes
could result in a wing failure. Such a wing failure could result in
the wing separating from the airplane with consequent loss of
control.
Compliance
(e) To address this problem, you must do the following, unless
already done:
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Actions Compliance Procedures
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(1) Repetitively inspect both Initially inspect Follow the
the left and right wing rear within 100 hours procedures in
spar lower caps for cracks and time-in-service Raytheon
other damage such as loose or (TIS) or 30 days Mandatory Service
missing fasteners. after December Bulletin 57-3815,
11, 2006 (the dated Issued:
effective date of October, 2006.
this AD),
whichever occurs
first.
Repetitively
inspect
thereafter at
intervals not to
exceed 200 hours
TIS.
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(2) If cracks are found repair Before further Contact RAC at
all cracks by obtaining and flight after any Post Office Box
incorporating an FAA-approved inspection 85, Wichita,
repair scheme from RAC. required by Kansas 67201-
paragraph (e)(1) 0085; phone: 316-
of this AD where 676-8366; fax:
cracks are found. (316) 676-8745; e-
mail: tom--
peay@rac.ray.com.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(3) Report the inspection Report the initial Follow the
results to Raytheon Aircraft inspection within procedures in
Company using the instructions 10 days after the Raytheon
and forms in the service inspection or 10 Mandatory Service
bulletin. Complete all sections days after the Bulletin 57-3815,
of the required forms. effective date of dated Issued:
Reporting requirements have this AD, October, 2006.
been approved by the Office of whichever occurs
Management and Budget (OMB) and later. Report the
assigned OMB control number repetitive
2120-0056. inspections
within 30 days
after the
inspection.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(f) The Manager, Wichita Aircraft Certification Office, FAA,
ATTN: Steven E. Potter, FAA, 1801 Airport Road, Wichita, Kansas
67209; telephone: (316) 946-4124; fax: (316) 946-4107, has the
authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the
procedures in 14 CFR 39.
Material Incorporated by Reference
(g) You must use Raytheon Mandatory Service Bulletin 57-3815,
Issued: October, 2006, to do the actions required by this AD, unless
the AD specifies otherwise.
(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference of this service information under 5
U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
(2) For service information identified in this AD, contact
Raytheon Aircraft Company (RAC), Post Office Box 85, Wichita, Kansas
67201-0085, Phone 1-800-429-5372 or 1-316-676-2000, Fax: 1-316-676-
8745.
(3) You may review copies at the FAA, Central Region, Office of
the Regional Counsel, 901 Locust, Kansas City, Missouri 64106; or 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
.
[[Page 70300]]
Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on November 24, 2006.
Sandra J. Campbell,
Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. E6-20326 Filed 12-1-06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P