[Federal Register: February 12, 2009 (Volume 74, Number 28)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Page 7006-7010]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr12fe09-14]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2009-0119; Directorate Identifier 2008-CE-068-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; M7 Aerospace LP Models SA226-AT, SA226-
T, SA226-TC, SA227-AC (C-26A), SA227-AT, SA227-BC (C-26A), SA227-CC,
and SA227-DC (C-26B) Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
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SUMMARY: We propose to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2008-12-
16, which applies to certain M7 Aerospace LP SA226 and SA227 series
airplanes. AD 2008-12-16 currently requires you to inspect wires and
tube assemblies for chafing, arcing, or insufficient clearance between
components. If chafing, arcing, or insufficient clearance between
components is found, AD 2008-12-16 requires you to clear, repair, and/
or replace all chafed wires, components, and tube assemblies. AD 2008-
12-16 also requires you to cover the four-gauge wires leaving the
battery box with firesleeving and secure them with a clamp. Since we
issued AD 2008-12-16, M7 Aerospace LP has notified us that Model SA227-
BC (C-26A) was inadvertently left out of the Applicability section of
the AD and they updated some of the service information due to parts
availability. Operators have also identified issues with model
applicability that needed clarification. Consequently, this proposed AD
would retain the actions of AD 2008-12-16, add Model SA227-BC (C-26A)
to the Applicability section, and regroup the models for clarification.
We are proposing this AD to detect and correct chafing of electrical
wires, components, and tube assemblies. This condition could result in
arcing of exposed wires with consequent burning of a hole in a
hydraulic line or the bleed air line. This failure could lead to a
hydraulic fluid leak and a possible fire in the engine nacelle
compartment.
DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by April 13, 2009.
ADDRESSES: Use one of the following addresses to comment on this
proposed 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.
For service information identified in this proposed AD, contact M7
Aerospace Repair Station, 10823 NE Entrance Road, San Antonio, Texas
78216; telephone: (210) 824-9421; fax: (210) 804-7766; Internet: http:/
/www.m7aerospace.com.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Werner Koch, Aerospace Engineer, ASW-
150, Fort Worth Airplane Certification Office, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort
Worth, Texas 76137; telephone: (817) 222-5133; fax: (817) 222-5960.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or
arguments regarding this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address
listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include the docket number, ``FAA-
2009-0119; Directorate Identifier 2008-CE-068-AD'' at the beginning 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 received 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://
www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. We
will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact we
receive concerning this proposed AD.
Discussion
Five reports of chafing between the bleed air tube assembly and the
electrical starter cables on M7 Aerospace LP SA226 and SA227 series
airplanes, with one incident resulting in a fire, caused us to issue AD
2008-12-16, Amendment 39-15560 (73 FR 34615, June 18, 2008). AD 2008-
12-16 currently requires the following on M7 Aerospace LP SA226 and
SA227 series airplanes:
Inspect electrical wires and components, hydraulic tube
assemblies, and bleed air tube assemblies, for sufficient clearance
between components or any evidence of chafing or arcing;
[[Page 7007]]
Clear, repair, and/or replace all chafed electrical wires
and components, chafed hydraulic tube assemblies, and chafed bleed air
tube assemblies; and
Cover the four-gauge wires leaving the battery box with
firesleeving and secure them with a clamp.
Since we issued AD 2008-12-16, M7 Aerospace LP has notified us that
Model SA227-BC (C-26A) was inadvertently left out of the Applicability
section of the AD and they updated some of the service information due
to parts availability. Operators have also identified issues with the
model applicability that needed clarification. Consequently, this
proposed AD would retain the actions of AD 2008-12-16, add the Model
SA227-BC (C-26A) to the Applicability section, and regroup the models
for clarification. We are proposing this AD to detect and correct
chafing of electrical wires, components, and tube assemblies.
This condition could result in arcing of the exposed wires with
consequent burning of a hole in a hydraulic line or the bleed air line.
This failure could lead to a hydraulic fluid leak and a possible fire
in the engine nacelle compartment.
Relevant Service Information
We have reviewed the following service bulletins and procedures:
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Service bulletin Applicable models Procedures described
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Fairchild Aircraft Corporation SA226 Series SA226-AT, SA226-T, and SA226-TC. Inspecting the battery cables
Service Bulletin 226-24-019, revised: and covering the four-gauge
November 21, 2008. wires leaving the battery box
with firesleeving and securing
them with a clamp.
Fairchild Aircraft Corporation SA227 Series SA227-AC, SA227-AT, and SA227-BC
Service Bulletin No. SB227-24-001, revised: (C-26A).
November 21, 2008.
M7 Aerospace SA226 Series Service Bulletin SA226-AT and SA226-TC........... Rerouting the hydraulic tube
No. 226-24-020, revised: August 4, 2008. assemblies in the right wing
leading edge, rerouting the
battery cables and 22-gauge
wire bundle, and installing a
new access panel forward of
the battery box.
M7 Aerospace SA227 Series Service Bulletin SA227-AC and SA227-AT...........
No. 227-24-002, revised: November 21, 2008.
M7 Aerospace SA226 Series Service Bulletin SA226AT, SA226-T, and SA226TC... Inspecting electrical wires and
No. 226-24-036, revised: November 21, 2008. components, hydraulic tube
assemblies, and bleed air tube
assemblies at the inboard wing
leading edge/battery box
areas, wing stations 51.167 to
81.174, and the feed-through
locations into the inboard
keelson.
M7 Aerospace SA227 Series Service Bulletin SA227-AC (C-26A), SA227-BC (C-
No. 227-24-019, revised: November 21, 2008. 26A), and SA227-AT.
M7 Aerospace SA227 Series Commuter Category SA227-CC and SA227-DC (C-26B)...
Service Bulletin No. CC7-24-010, revised:
November 21, 2008.
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FAA's Determination and Requirements of the Proposed AD
We are proposing this AD because we evaluated all information and
determined the unsafe condition described previously is likely to exist
or develop on other products of the same type design. This proposed AD
would supersede AD 2008-12-16 with a new AD that would retain the
actions of AD 2008-12-16, add Model SA227-BC (C26A) to the
Applicability section, and regroup the models for clarification. We are
proposing this AD to detect and correct chafing of electrical wires,
components, and tube assemblies. This proposed AD would require you to
use the service information described previously to perform these
actions.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this proposed AD would affect 268 airplanes in the
U.S. registry.
We estimate the following costs to do the proposed inspection:
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Total cost per Total cost on
Labor cost Parts cost airplane U.S. operators
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4 work-hours x $80 per hour = $320......... Not Applicable............... $320 $85,760
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We estimate the following costs to do any necessary modifications
for certain Models SA226-AT, SA226-T, SA226-TC, SA227-AC, and SA227-AT
airplanes referenced in M7 Aerospace SA226 Series Service Bulletin 226-
24-019, revised: November 21, 2008; or M7 Aerospace SA227 Series
Service Bulletin 227-24-001, revised: November 21, 2008. We estimate 88
airplanes may need this modification:
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Total cost per Total cost on
Labor cost Parts cost airplane U.S. operators
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13 work-hours x $80 per hour = $1,040.................. $7 $1,047 $92,136
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[[Page 7008]]
We estimate the following costs to do any necessary repairs for
certain Models SA226-AT, SA226-TC, SA227-AC, and SA227-AT referenced in
M7 Aerospace SA226 Series Service Bulletin 226-24-020, revised: August
4, 2008; or M7 Aerospace SA227 Series Service Bulletin 227-24-002,
revised: November 21, 2008. We have no way of determining the number of
airplanes that may need this repair:
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Total cost per
Labor cost Parts cost airplane
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50 work-hours x $80 per hour = $3,000 $7,000
$4,000...........................
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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 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 and placed it in the AD docket.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket that contains the proposed 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.
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 removing Airworthiness Directive
(AD) 2008-12-16, Amendment 39-15560 (73 FR 34615, June 18, 2008), and
adding the following new AD:
M7 Aerospace LP: Docket No. FAA-2009-0119; Directorate Identifier
2008-CE-068-AD.
Comments Due Date
(a) We must receive comments on this airworthiness directive
(AD) action by April 13, 2009.
Affected ADs
(b) This AD supersedes AD 2008-12-16, Amendment 39-15560.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to Models SA226-AT, SA226-T, SA226-TC,
SA227-AC (C-26A), SA227-AT, SA227-BC (C-26A), SA227-CC, and SA227-DC
(C-26B) airplanes, all serial numbers, that are certificated in any
category.
Unsafe Condition
(d) This AD results from five reports of chafing between the
bleed air tube assembly and the electrical starter cables on M7
Aerospace LP SA226 and SA227 series airplanes with one incident
resulting in a fire. We are proposing this AD to detect and correct
chafing of electrical wires and components, hydraulic tube
assemblies, and bleed air tube assemblies. This condition could
result in arcing of the exposed wires with consequent burning of a
hole in a hydraulic line or the bleed air line. This failure could
lead to a possible hydraulic fluid leak and fire in the engine
nacelle compartment.
Compliance
(e) To address this problem, you must do the following, unless
already done:
[[Page 7009]]
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Actions Compliance Procedures
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(1) For airplanes with the following Model Within 250 hours time-in-service Use the following service
Numbers (M/N) and Serial Numbers (S/N), (TIS) after July 23, 2008 (the information as applicable:
inspect the main battery leads running effective date of AD 2008-12- (A) For Models SA226-AT, SA226-
forward from the battery compartment for 16). T, and SA226-TC airplanes:
deterioration, cover the four-gauge wires Follow M7 Aerospace SA226
leaving the battery box with firesleeving, Series Service Bulletin No.
and secure them with a clamp: 226-24-019, revised: November
(i) M/N SA226-AT, S/N AT-001 through AT-419; 21, 2008; or Fairchild
(ii) M/N SA226-T, S/N T-201 through T-248; Aircraft Corporation SA226
(iii) M/N SA226-TC, S/N TC-201 through TC- Series Service Bulletin No. SB
419; 24-019, revised: May 17, 1983;
(iv) M/N SA227-AC (C-26A), S/N AC-420 through or
AC-539, AC-541, AC-543, AC-544, AC-547 (B) For Models SA227-AC (C-26A)
through AC-551; and and SA227-AT airplanes: Follow
(v) M/N SA227-AT, S/N AT-423 through AT-551. M7 Aerospace SA227 Series
Service Bulletin No. 227-24-
001, revised: November 21,
2008; or Fairchild Aircraft
Corporation SA227 Series
Service Bulletin No. SB24-001,
revised: May 17, 1983.
(2) For airplanes with the following M/Ns and Before further flight after the Use the following service
S/Ns, reroute the hydraulic tube assemblies modification required in information as applicable:
in the right wing leading edge, reroute the paragraph (e)(1) of this AD and (A) For Models SA226-AT, and
battery cables and 22-gauge wire bundle, and you were not able to obtain a SA226-TC airplanes: Follow M7
install a new access panel forward of the minimum 0.50-inch clearance Aerospace SA226 Series Service
battery box: between the bleed air line and Bulletin No. 226-24-020,
(i) M/N SA226-AT, S/N AT-001 through AT-074; the tubing on the battery revised: August 4, 2008; or
(ii) M/N SA226-TC, S/N TC-201 through TC-419; cables. Fairchild Aircraft Corporation
(iii) M/N SA227-AC (C-26A), S/N AC-420 SA226 Series Service Bulletin
through AC-539, AC-541, AC-543, AC-544, AC- No. SB 24-020, revised:
547 through AC-550; and February 15, 1984; or
(iv) M/N SA227-AT, S/N AT-423 through AT-551. (B) For Models SA227-AC (C-26A)
and SA227-AT, airplanes:
Follow M7 Aerospace SA227
Series Service Bulletin No.
227-24-002, revised: November
21, 2008; or Fairchild
Aircraft Corporation SA227
Series Service Bulletin No.
SB24-002, revised: February
15, 1984.
(3) For airplane Models SA226-AT, SA226-T, Within 250 hours TIS after July Use the following service
SA226-TC, SA227-AC (C-26A), SA227-AT, SA227- 23, 2008 (the effective date of information as applicable:
CC, and SA227-DC (C-26B): Inspect electrical AD 2008-12-16). Repetitively (i) For Models SA226-AT, SA226-
wires and components, hydraulic tube thereafter inspect at intervals T, and SA226-TC airplanes:
assemblies, and bleed air tube assemblies at not to exceed 12 months. Follow M7 Aerospace SA226
the left hand and right hand (LH/RH) inboard Series Service Bulletin No.
wing leading edge/battery box areas, LH/RH 226-24-036, revised November
wing stations 51.167 to 81.174, and at all 21, 2008; or M7 Aerospace
feed-through locations into the LH/RH SA226 Series Service Bulletin
inboard keelson for any evidence of chafing No. 226-24-036, issued:
or arcing. September 19, 2007;
(ii) For Models SA227-AC (C-
26A) and SA227-AT, airplanes:
Follow M7 Aerospace SA227
Series Service Bulletin No.
227-24-019, revised: November
21, 2008; or M7 Aerospace
SA227 Series Service Bulletin
No. 227-24-019, issued:
September 19, 2007; or
(iii) For Models SA227-CC and
SA227-DC (C-26B) airplanes:
Follow SA227 Series Commuter
Category Service Bulletin No.
CC7-24-010, revised November
21, 2008; or SA227 Series
Commuter Category Service
Bulletin No. CC7-24-010,
issued September 19, 2007.
(4) For airplane Model SA227-BC (C-26A): Within 250 hours TIS after the Follow M7 Aerospace SA227
Inspect the main battery leads running effective date of this AD. Series Service Bulletin No.
forward from the battery compartment for any 227-24-001, revised: November
evidence of insulation deterioration. 21, 2008.
(5) For airplane Model SA227-BC (C-26A): Within 250 hours TIS after the Follow M7 Aerospace SA227
Inspect electrical wires and components, effective date of this AD. Series Service Bulletin No.
hydraulic tube assemblies, and bleed air Repetitively thereafter inspect 227-24-019, revised: November
tube assemblies at LH/RH inboard wing at intervals not to exceed 12 21, 2008.
leading edge/battery box areas, LH/RH wing months.
stations 51.167 to 81.174, and at all feed-
through locations into the LH/RH inboard
keelson for any evidence of insulation
deterioration, chafing, or arcing.
[[Page 7010]]
(6) For all airplane Models: Clear, repair, Before further flight after any Use the service information
and/or replace all electrical wires and inspection required in from paragraphs (e)(1),
components, hydraulic tube assemblies, and paragraphs (e)(1), (e)(3), (e)(3), (e)(4), and (e)(5) of
bleed air tube assemblies, in the inspection (e)(4), and (e)(5) of this AD this AD, as applicable.
area and feed-through locations that show where any evidence of
any sign of insulation deterioration, insulation deterioration,
chafing, or arcing, as required. chafing, or arcing was found.
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Note: Although not a requirement of this AD, you may incorporate
Swearingen Aviation Corporation SA226 Series Service Bulletin No.
57-010, revised: December 5, 1975, on those airplanes that have not
installed the access panel. Installation of the access panel will
simplify the incorporation of the service bulletins referenced in
this AD and future inspections of the areas of concern.
Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(f) The Manager, Fort Worth Airplane Certification Office, 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:
Werner Koch, Aerospace Engineer, ASW-150, Fort Worth Airplane
Certification Office, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas 76137;
telephone: (817) 222-5133; fax: (817) 222-5960. 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.
Related Information
(g) To get copies of the service information referenced in this
AD, contact M7 Aerospace Repair Station, 10823 NE Entrance Road, San
Antonio, Texas 78216; telephone: (210) 824-9421; fax: (210) 804-
7766; Internet: http://www.m7aerospace.com. To view the AD docket,
go to U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30,
West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue,
SE., Washington, DC 20590, or on the Internet at http://
www.regulations.gov.
Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on February 6, 2009.
Kim Smith,
Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. E9-3012 Filed 2-11-09; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P