[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 156 (Tuesday, August 13, 2013)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 49232-49235]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-19524]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2013-0691; Directorate Identifier 2012-NM-170-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Learjet Inc. Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
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SUMMARY: We propose to supersede an existing airworthiness directive
(AD) that applies to certain Learjet Inc. Model 60 airplanes. The
existing AD currently requires determining if a certain fuel crossflow
tube is installed; and follow-on/corrective actions, as applicable.
Since we issued that AD, we have received a report that airplanes
produced since 2003 might also be subject to the unsafe condition; and
that the minimum allowable clearance is not established in the airplane
maintenance information, and therefore, must be addressed by this
proposed AD. This proposed AD would retain all actions in the previous
AD, and would require determining if a certain fuel crossflow tube is
installed, performing repetitive measurements of the fuel crossflow
tube and surrounding valves and cables, and doing corrective actions if
applicable. In addition, this proposed AD expands the applicability of
the existing AD. We are proposing this AD to prevent chafing and
consequent failure of the fuel crossflow tube due to inadequate
clearance between the tube and the flight control cables, which could
result in loss of fuel from one fuel tank during normal operating
conditions or loss of fuel from both main fuel tanks during fuel cross-
feeding operations.
DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by September 27,
2013.
ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods:
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: Deliver to Mail address above between 9
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
For service information identified in this AD, contact Learjet,
Inc., One Learjet Way, Wichita, KS 67209-2942; telephone 316-946-2000;
fax 316-946-2220; email [email protected]; Internet http://www.bombardier.com. You may review copies of the referenced service
information at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind
Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For information on the availability of this
material at the FAA, call 425-227-1221.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket 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 AD docket contains this proposed AD, the regulatory
evaluation, any comments received, and other information. The street
address for the Docket Office (phone: 800-647-5527) is in the ADDRESSES
section. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after
receipt.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jeff Janusz, Aerospace Engineer,
Propulsion Branch, ACE-116W, FAA, Wichita Aircraft Certification Office
(ACO), 1801 Airport Road, Room 100, Wichita, Kansas 67209; phone: 316-
946-4148; fax: 316-946-4107; email: [email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or
arguments about this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address
listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2013-0691;
Directorate Identifier 2012-NM-170-AD'' at the beginning of your
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory,
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this proposed AD. We
will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend
this proposed AD because 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 about this proposed AD.
Discussion
On September 16, 2003, we issued AD 2003-19-11, Amendment 39-13314
(68 FR 55812, September 29, 2003), for certain Learjet Inc. Model 60
airplanes. That AD requires a review of airplane maintenance records or
an inspection to determine if a fuel crossflow tube having a certain
part number is installed; and follow-on/corrective actions, as
applicable. That AD resulted from reports of chafing of the fuel
crossflow tube by flight control cables. We issued that AD to prevent
chafing and consequent failure of the fuel crossflow tube due to
inadequate clearance between the tube and the flight control cables,
which could result in loss of fuel from one fuel tank during normal
operating conditions or loss of fuel from both main fuel tanks during
fuel cross-feeding operations.
Actions Since Existing AD 2003-19-11, Amendment 39-13314 (68 FR 55812,
September 29, 2003) Was Issued
Since we issued AD 2003-19-11, Amendment 39-13314 (68 FR 55812,
September 29, 2003), we have received a report that airplanes produced
since 2003 might be subject to the unsafe condition; and that the
minimum allowable clearance is not established in the airplane
maintenance information, and therefore, must be addressed by this
proposed AD.
FAA's Determination
We are proposing this AD because we evaluated all the relevant
information and determined the unsafe condition described previously is
likely to exist or develop in other products of the same type design.
Proposed AD Requirements
This proposed AD would retain all requirements of AD 2003-19-11,
Amendment 39-13314 (68 FR 55812, September 29, 2003). This proposed AD
would retain all actions in the previous AD, and would require
determining if a certain fuel crossflow tube is installed, performing
repetitive measurements of the fuel crossflow tube and surrounding
valve and cables, and doing corrective actions if applicable.
[[Page 49233]]
Differences Between the AD and the Service Information
Although Bombardier Alert Service Bulletin A60-28-3, Revision 2,
dated October 26, 1998, applies to Learjet Inc. Model 60 airplanes,
serial numbers 60-001 through 60-145 inclusive, this AD applies to
Learjet Inc. Model 60 airplanes, serial numbers 60-001 through 60-409
inclusive. Airplanes having serial numbers 60-001 through 60-409 are
subject to the unsafe condition. In addition, the minimum allowable
clearance is not established in the airplane maintenance information,
and therefore, a repetitive measurement is necessary. This difference
has been coordinated with Learjet Inc.
Change to Existing AD 2003-19-11, Amendment 39-13314 (68 FR 55812,
September 29, 2003)
This proposed AD would retain all requirements of AD 2003-19-11,
Amendment 39-13314 (68 FR 55812, September 29, 2003). Since AD 2003-19-
11 was issued, the AD format has been revised, and certain paragraphs
have been rearranged. As a result, the corresponding paragraph
identifiers have changed in this proposed AD, as listed in the
following table:
Revised Paragraph Identifiers
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Requirement in AD 2003-19-11,
Amendment 39-13314 (68 FR 55812, Corresponding requirement in this
September 29, 2003) proposed AD
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paragraph (a) paragraph (g)
paragraph (b) paragraph (h)
paragraph (c) paragraph (i)
paragraph (d) paragraph (j)
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Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this proposed AD affects 264 airplanes of U.S.
registry.
We estimate the following costs to comply with this proposed AD:
Estimated Costs
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Cost per Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost product operators
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Inspection [retained actions from AD 2 work-hours x $85 per $2 $172 $45,408
2003-19-11, Amendment 39-13314 (68 hour = $170.
FR 55812, September 29, 2003)].
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We estimate the following costs to do any necessary replacement
that would be required based on the results of the proposed inspection.
We have no way of determining the number of aircraft that might need
this replacement:
On-condition Costs
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Cost per
Action Labor cost Parts cost product
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Replacement.................................. 4 work-hours x $85 per hour = $20 $360
$340.
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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 proposed 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),
(3) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
(4) 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.
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
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 removing airworthiness directive (AD)
2003-19-11, Amendment 39-13314 (68 FR 55812, September 29, 2003), and
adding the following new AD:
Learjet Inc.: Docket No. FAA-2013-0691; Directorate Identifier 2012-
NM-170-AD.
(a) Comments Due Date
The FAA must receive comments on this AD action by September 27,
2013.
(b) Affected ADs
This AD supersedes AD 2003-19-11, Amendment 39-13314 (68 FR
55812, September 29, 2003).
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Learjet Inc. Model 60 airplanes, certificated
in any category, serial numbers 60-001 through 60-409 inclusive.
[[Page 49234]]
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC)/Air Transport Association
(ATA) of America Code 28, Fuel.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by reports of chafing of the fuel crossflow
tube by flight control cables. We are issuing this AD to prevent
chafing and consequent failure of the fuel crossflow tube due to
inadequate clearance between the tube and the flight control cables,
which could result in loss of fuel from one fuel tank during normal
operating conditions or loss of fuel from both main fuel tanks
during fuel cross-feeding operations.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Retained Part Identification
This paragraph restates the part identification required by
paragraph (a) of AD 2003-19-11, Amendment 39-13314 (68 FR 55812,
September 29, 2003). For serial numbers 60-001 through 60-145
inclusive: Within 25 flight hours after November 3, 2003 (the
effective date of AD 2003-19-11), inspect the fuel crossflow tube to
determine whether part number (P/N) 6026020-005 is installed.
Instead of inspecting the tube, a review of airplane maintenance
records is acceptable if the P/N of the tube can be positively
determined from that review.
(h) Retained Clearance Measurement and Corrective Action for Airplanes
Having Serial Numbers 60-001 Through 60-145, With Revised Repair
Language
This paragraph restates the clearance measurement and corrective
action required by paragraph (b) of AD 2003-19-11, Amendment 39-
13314 (68 FR 55812, September 29, 2003), with revised repair
language. For Learjet Inc. Model 60 airplanes, serial numbers 60-001
through 60-145 inclusive: If P/N 6026020-005 is found installed
during the review or inspection required by paragraph (g) of this
AD, before further flight, measure the clearance between the fuel
crossflow tube and the flight control cables to determine if it is
at least 0.35 inch, per paragraph 2.B.(8) of the Accomplishment
Instructions of Bombardier Alert Service Bulletin A60-28-3, Revision
2, dated October 26, 1998.
(1) If the clearance is 0.35 inch or more, no further action is
required by this paragraph.
(2) If the clearance is less than 0.35 inch, before further
flight, repair in accordance with a method approved by the Manager,
Wichita Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), FAA. For a repair
method to be approved by the Manager, Wichita ACO, as required by
this paragraph, the Manager's approval letter must specifically
refer to this AD.
(i) Retained Part Replacement, Measurement, and Repair for Airplanes
Having Serial Numbers 60-001 Through 60-055, With Revised Repair
Language
This paragraph restates the clearance measurement and corrective
action required by paragraph (c) of AD 2003-19-11, Amendment 39-
13314 (68 FR 55812, September 29, 2003), with revised repair
language. For airplanes having serial numbers 60-001 through 60-055:
If P/N 6026020-005 is not found installed during the review or
inspection required by paragraph (g) of this AD, within 90 days
after accomplishing the review or inspection, replace the existing
fuel crossflow tube with a new fuel crossflow tube having P/N
6026020-005, and measure the clearance between the newly installed
fuel crossflow tube and the flight control cables, per paragraph
2.A. of the Accomplishment Instructions of Bombardier Service
Bulletin 60-28-4, Revision 2, dated August 22, 2001.
(1) If the clearance is 0.35 inch or more, no further action is
required by this paragraph.
(2) If the clearance is less than 0.35 inch, before further
flight, repair in accordance with a method approved by the Manager,
Wichita ACO, FAA. For a repair method to be approved by the Manager,
Wichita ACO, as required by this paragraph, the Manager's approval
letter must specifically refer to this AD.
(j) Retained Part Replacement, Measurement, and Repair for Airplanes
Having Serial Numbers 60-056 Through 60-145, With Revised Repair
Language
This paragraph restates the clearance measurement and corrective
action required by paragraph (d) of AD 2003-19-11, Amendment 39-
13314 (68 FR55812, September 29, 2003), with revised repair
language. For airplanes having serial numbers 60-056 through 60-145:
If P/N 6026020-005 is not found installed during the review or
inspection required by paragraph (g) of this AD, within 90 days
after accomplishing the review or inspection, replace the existing
fuel crossflow tube with a new fuel crossflow tube having P/N
6026020-005, and measure the clearance between the newly installed
fuel crossflow tube and the flight control cables to determine if
the clearance is at least 0.35 inch, per paragraph 2.B. of the
Accomplishment Instructions of Bombardier Alert Service Bulletin
A60-28-3, Revision 2, dated October 26, 1998.
(1) If the clearance is 0.35 inch or more, no further action is
required by this paragraph.
(2) If the clearance is less than 0.35 inch, before further
flight, repair in accordance with a method approved by the Manager,
Wichita ACO, FAA. For a repair method to be approved by the Manager,
Wichita ACO, as required by this paragraph, the Manager's approval
letter must specifically refer to this AD.
Note 1 to paragraphs (h) and (j) of this AD: Bombardier Alert
Service Bulletin A60-28-3, Revision 2, dated October 26, 1998,
Figure 1, Detail D, incorrectly identifies the fuel crossflow tube
to be installed as P/N 6026020-001. The manufacturer is aware of
this error and stated it plans to correct the part number in the
next revision of the service information.
(k) New Part Identification
For airplanes having serial numbers 60-001 through 60-409
inclusive: Within 25 flight hours after the effective date of this
AD, inspect the fuel crossflow tube to determine whether P/N
6026020-005 is installed. In lieu of inspecting the tube, a review
of airplane maintenance records is acceptable if the P/N of the tube
can be positively determined from that review.
(l) New Clearance Measurement
If P/N 6026020-005 is found installed during the inspection
required by paragraph (k) of this AD, before further flight, measure
the clearance between the fuel crossflow tube and both elevator
control cables to determine if it is 0.35 inches or more, in
accordance with paragraph 2.A.(9) of the Accomplishment Instructions
of Bombardier Optional Spares Service Bulletin 60-28-4, Revision 2,
dated August 22, 2001.
(1) If the clearance is 0.35 inch or more, no further action is
required by this paragraph.
(2) If the clearance is less than 0.35 inch, before further
flight, adjust the fit of the P/N 6026020-005 tube to provide 0.35
inch or more clearance to both elevator control cables, in
accordance with paragraph 2.A.(9) of the Accomplishment Instructions
of Bombardier Optional Spares Service Bulletin 60-28-4, Revision 2,
dated August 22, 2001. If the tube shows any indication of chafing
from the control cables, before further flight, replace the fuel
cross flow tube with a new fuel cross flow tube, in accordance with
paragraph 2.A.(9) of the Accomplishment Instructions of Bombardier
Optional Spares Service Bulletin 60-28-4, Revision 2, dated August
22, 2001.
(m) New Repetitive Measurements
For all airplanes: As of the effective date of this AD and after
accomplishing the inspection required by paragraph (g) or (k) of
this AD, as applicable: Before further flight after removal,
replacement, or adjustment of any crossflow tube, fuel cross flow
drain valve, fuel cross flow valve or related plumbing and fittings,
and elevator control cable, measure the clearance between the fuel
crossflow tube and the flight control cables, in accordance with
paragraph 2.A.(9) of the Accomplishment Instructions of Bombardier
Optional Spares Service Bulletin 60-28-4, Revision 2, dated August
22, 2001.
(1) If the clearance is 0.35 inch or more, no further action is
required by this paragraph.
(2) If the clearance is less than 0.35 inch, before further
flight, adjust the fit of the P/N 6026020-005 tube to provide 0.35
inch or more clearance to both elevator control cables, in
accordance with paragraph 2.A.(9) of the Accomplishment Instructions
of Bombardier Optional Spares Service Bulletin 60-28-4, Revision 2,
dated August 22, 2001.
(n) Reporting Requirement
Submit a report of the findings of the initial measurement
required by paragraph (l) of this AD to the Wichita Manufacturing
Inspection District Office, 2204 S. Tyler Rd, Wichita, KS, 67209-
3001, at the applicable time specified in paragraph (n)(1) or (n)(2)
of this AD. The report must include the airplane registration,
serial number, the total time in service, and the measured clearance
found between the fuel crossflow tube and the elevator control
cables after the initial inspection. Under the provisions of the
[[Page 49235]]
Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.), the Office of
Management and Budget (OMB) has approved the information collection
requirements contained in this AD and has assigned OMB Control
Number 2120 0056.
(1) If the inspection was done on or after the effective date of
this AD: Submit the report within 30 days after the inspection.
(2) If the inspection was done before the effective date of this
AD: Submit the report within 30 days after the effective date of
this AD.
(o) Part Installation Limitation
As of the effective date of AD, only fuel crossflow tubes having
P/N 6026020-005 may be installed on any airplane.
(p) Paperwork Reduction Act Burden Statement
A federal agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not
required to respond to, nor shall a person be subject to a penalty
for failure to comply with a collection of information subject to
the requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act unless that
collection of information displays a current valid OMB Control
Number. The OMB Control Number for this information collection is
2120-0056. Public reporting for this collection of information is
estimated to be approximately 5 minutes per response, including the
time for reviewing instructions, completing and reviewing the
collection of information. All responses to this collection of
information are mandatory. Comments concerning the accuracy of this
burden and suggestions for reducing the burden should be directed to
the FAA at: 800 Independence Ave. SW., Washington, DC 20591, Attn:
Information Collection Clearance Officer, AES-200.
(q) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, Wichita ACO, FAA, has the authority to approve
AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR
39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, send your request to your
principal inspector or local Flight Standards District Office, as
appropriate. If sending information directly to the manager of the
ACO, send it to the attention of the person identified in the
Related Information section of this AD.
(2) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate
principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager
of the local flight standards district office/certificate holding
district office.
(r) Related Information
(1) For more information about this AD, contact Jeff Janusz,
Aerospace Engineer, Propulsion Branch, ACE-116W, FAA, Wichita
Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), 1801 Airport Road, Room 100,
Wichita, Kansas 67209; phone: 316-946-4148; fax: 316-946-4107;
email: [email protected].
(2) For service information identified in this AD, contact
Learjet, Inc., One Learjet Way, Wichita, KS 67209-2942; telephone
316-946-2000; fax 316-946-2220; email [email protected];
Internet http://www.bombardier.com. You may review copies of the
referenced service information at the FAA, Transport Airplane
Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For information on
the availability of this material at the FAA, call 425-227-1221.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on August 2, 2013.
Ross Landes,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2013-19524 Filed 8-12-13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P