[Federal Register: October 9, 2008 (Volume 73, Number 197)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 59491-59493]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr09oc08-5]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION (DOT)
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2008-1067; Directorate Identifier 2008-CE-052-AD;
Amendment 39-15688; AD 2008-21-04]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Hawker Beechcraft Corporation 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 Hawker Beechcraft Corporation Model 390 airplanes. This AD
requires you to modify the cabin barometric pressure switch and cabin
altitude high switch installations and perform a functional test of the
switches and related systems. This AD results from the possibility of
barometric pressure switch electrical connections being incorrectly
connected or inadvertently disconnected. We are issuing this AD to
modify the cabin barometric pressure switch and cabin altitude high
switch to prevent them from becoming incorrectly connected or
inadvertently disconnected, which may result in no CABIN ALT HI
annunciation in the cockpit and no automatic deployment of the cabin
oxygen masks. This failure could lead to incapacitation of the crew due
to hypoxia with possible inability to control the airplane.
DATES: This AD becomes effective on October 20, 2008.
On October 20, 2008, the Director of the Federal Register approved
the incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in this
AD.
We must receive any comments on this AD by December 8, 2008.
ADDRESSES: Use one of the following addresses to comment on this AD.
Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to http://
www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
Fax: (202) 493-2251.
Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New
Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590.
Hand Delivery: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New
Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.,
Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
To get the service information identified in this AD, contact
Hawker Beechcraft Corporation, P.O. Box 85, Wichita, Kansas 67201-0085;
telephone: (800) 429-5372 or (316) 676-3140; http://
pubs.hawkerbeechcraft.com.
To view the comments to this AD, go to http://www.regulations.gov.
The docket number is FAA-2008-1067; Directorate Identifier 2008-CE-052-
AD.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Erik Brown, Aerospace Engineer,
Wichita Aircraft Certification Office, 1801 Airport Road, Room 100,
Wichita, Kansas 67209; telephone: (316) 946-4132; fax: (316) 946-4107.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Discussion
We received reports of three occurrences of incorrectly connected
barometric pressure switches on Hawker Beechcraft Corporation Model 390
airplanes. This issue was discovered when an unannunciated cabin
altitude high event occurred on one of the affected airplanes. Because
the electrical connections of the barometric switches are identical,
they have the potential of being incorrectly connected. Also, the wire
cannot be positively secured to the switch, and it may become
inadvertently disconnected. Either condition could cause loss of
ability to annunciate a cabin altitude high condition.
This condition, if not corrected, could result in no CABIN ALT HI
annunciation in the cockpit and no automatic deployment of the cabin
oxygen masks. This failure could lead to incapacitation of the crew due
to hypoxia with possible inability to control the airplane.
Relevant Service Information
We reviewed Hawker Beechcraft Mandatory Service Bulletin SB 21-
3899, issued: May 2008. The service information describes procedures
for modifying the cabin barometric pressure switch and cabin altitude
high switch installations and performing a functional test of the
switches and related systems.
FAA's Determination and Requirements of this AD
We are issuing this AD because we evaluated all the 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
you to modify the cabin barometric pressure switch and cabin altitude
high switch installations and perform a functional test of the switches
and related systems.
FAA's Determination of the Effective Date
An unsafe condition exists that requires the immediate adoption of
this AD. The FAA has found that the risk to the flying public justifies
waiving notice and comment prior to adoption of this rule because
occurrences of incorrectly connected barometric switches have been
reported. Also, the terminal used on the switches may be inadvertently
dislodged while performing airplane maintenance in the pedestal area. A
potential consequence of an incorrectly connected or dislodged
barometric switch is no CABIN ALT HI annunciation in the cockpit and no
automatic deployment of the cabin oxygen masks. This failure could lead
to incapacitation of the crew due to hypoxia with possible inability to
control the airplane. Therefore, 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-2008-1067;
Directorate Identifier 2008-CE-052-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://
www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. We
will also post a report summarizing each
[[Page 59492]]
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.
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://www.regulations.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) 647-5527)
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 amends 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):
2008-21-04 Hawker Beechcraft Corporation: Amendment 39-15688; Docket
No. FAA-2008-1067; Directorate Identifier 2008-CE-052-AD.
Effective Date
(a) This AD becomes effective on October 20, 2008.
Affected ADs
(b) None.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to Model 390 airplanes, serial numbers RB-1
and RB-4 through RB-238, that are certificated in any category.
Unsafe Condition
(d) This AD is the result of reported occurrences of incorrectly
connected barometric switches. Also, the terminal used on the
switches may be inadvertently dislodged while performing airplane
maintenance in the pedestal area. We are issuing this AD to modify
the cabin barometric pressure switch and cabin altitude high switch
to prevent them from becoming incorrectly connected or inadvertently
disconnected, which may result in no CABIN ALT HI annunciation in
the cockpit and no automatic deployment of the cabin oxygen masks.
This failure could lead to incapacitation of the crew due to hypoxia
with possible inability to control the airplane.
Compliance
(e) To address this problem, you must do the following, unless
already done:
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Action Compliance Procedures
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(1) Modify the cabin barometric Within 25 hours Follow Hawker
pressure switch and cabin time-in-service Beechcraft
altitude high switch (TIS) after Mandatory Service
installations. October 20, 2008 Bulletin SB 21-
(the effective 3899, original
date of this AD) issue, dated May
or within 30 days 2008.
after October 20,
2008 (the
effective date of
this AD),
whichever occurs
first.
(2) Perform a functional test of Before further Following Part I--
the switches and related flight after the Ground Test
systems: modification of Method paragraph
(i) If, before the effective the cabin 3, Accomplishment
date of this AD, you did the barometric Instructions of
flight test method in Part II pressure switch Hawker Beechcraft
of the Accomplishment and cabin Mandatory Service
Instructions of the service altitude high Bulletin SB 21-
bulletin referenced in the switch 3899 original
Procedures column of this installations issue, dated May
paragraph, then the action of specified in 2008.
paragraph (e)(2) of this AD is paragraph (e)(1)
not required provided it was of this AD.
done after the modification
required in paragraph (e)(1) of
this AD.
(ii) After the effective date of
this AD, the flight test method
described in paragraph
(e)(2)(i) of this AD is
prohibited.
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[[Page 59493]]
Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(f) The Manager, Wichita Aircraft Certification Office (ACO),
FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested
using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. Send information to
ATTN: Erik Brown, Aerospace Engineer, Wichita ACO, 1801 Airport
Road, Room 100, Wichita, Kansas 67209; telephone: (316) 946-4132;
fax: (316) 946-4107. Before using any approved AMOC on any airplane
to which the AMOC applies, notify your appropriate principal
inspector (PI) in the FAA Flight Standards District Office (FSDO),
or lacking a PI, your local FSDO.
Material Incorporated by Reference
(g) You must use Hawker Beechcraft Mandatory Service Bulletin SB
21-3899, original issue, dated May 2008, 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
Hawker Beechcraft Corporation, P.O. Box 85, Wichita, Kansas 67201-
0085; telephone: (800) 429-5372 or (316) 676-3140; http://
pubs.hawkerbeechcraft.com.
(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.
Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on September 30, 2008.
John Colomy,
Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. E8-23643 Filed 10-8-08; 8:45 am]
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