[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 161 (Tuesday, August 20, 2013)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 51053-51055]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-20098]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2012-1180; Directorate Identifier 2012-CE-032-AD;
Amendment 39-17539; AD 2013-16-01]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Beechcraft Corporation and Hawker
Beechcraft Corporation
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain
Beechcraft Corporation (type certificate previously held by Hawker
Beechcraft Corporation) Models 58, 95-C55, E55, and 56TC airplanes; and
Hawker Beechcraft Corporation Models 58P and 58TC airplanes (both type
certificates previously held by Raytheon Aircraft Company). This AD was
prompted by reports of elevator balance weights becoming loose or
failing because the balance weight material was under strength and did
not meet material specifications. This AD requires inspections of
elevator balance weights and replacement of defective elevator balance
weights. We are issuing this AD to correct the unsafe condition on
these products.
DATES: This AD is effective September 24, 2013.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in the AD as of September 24,
2013.
ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this AD, contact
Beechcraft Corporation, B091-A04, 10511 E. Central Ave., Wichita,
Kansas 67206; telephone: 1 (800) 429-5372 or (316) 676-3140; fax: (316)
676-8027; email: [email protected]; or Internet: http://www.beechcraft.com/customer_support/technical_and_field_support.
You may review copies of the referenced service information at the FAA,
Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Kansas City, Missouri 64106.
For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call
(816) 329-4148.
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 AD, the regulatory evaluation,
any comments received, and other information. The address for the
Docket Office (phone: 800-647-5527) is Document Management Facility,
U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West
Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE.,
Washington, DC 20590.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: T. N. Baktha, Senior Aerospace
Engineer, FAA, Wichita ACO, 1801 Airport Road, Room 100, Wichita,
Kansas 67209; telephone: (316) 946-4155; fax: (316) 946-4107; email:
[email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Discussion
We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR
Part 39 to include an airworthiness directive (AD) that would apply to
the specified products. The NPRM (77 FR 66566, November 6, 2012)
proposed to require inspections of elevator balance weights and
replacement of defective elevator balance weights. We followed the NPRM
with a supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking (SNPRM) that
published in the Federal Register on May 15, 2013 (78 FR 28540). The
SNPRM proposed to prohibit the installation of designated spare parts
and to clarify applicability.
Comments
We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing
this AD. We received no comments on the SNPRM (78 FR 28540, May 15,
2013) or on the determination of the cost to the public.
Conclusion
We reviewed the relevant data and determined that air safety and
the public interest require adopting this AD as proposed except for
minor editorial changes. We have determined that these minor changes:
Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the
SNPRM (78 FR 28540, May 15, 2013) for correcting the unsafe condition;
and
Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was
already proposed in the SNPRM.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this AD affects 1,326 airplanes of U.S. registry.
We estimate the following costs to comply with this AD:
[[Page 51054]]
Estimated Costs
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Cost per Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost product operators
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Inspection of the elevator .5 work-hour x $85 per Not applicable.... $42.50 $56,355
balance weight. hour = $42.50.
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We estimate the following costs to do any necessary replacements
that would be required based on the results of the 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 of elevator balance weight.... 1 work-hour x $85 per hour = $85.. $300 $385
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According to the manufacturer, some of the costs of this AD may be
covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost impact on affected
individuals. We do not control warranty coverage for affected
individuals. As a result, we have included all costs in our cost
estimate.
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
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),
(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.
Adoption of the Amendment
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): 2013-16-01 Beechcraft Corporation and Hawker Beechcraft
Corporation: Amendment 39-17539; Docket No. FAA-2012-1180;
Directorate Identifier 2012-CE-032-AD.
(a) Effective Date
This AD is effective September 24, 2013.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Beechcraft Corporation (type certificate
previously held by Hawker Beechcraft Corporation) Models 58, 95-C55,
E55, and 56TC airplanes; and Hawker Beechcraft Corporation Models
58P and 58TC airplanes, all serial numbers, certificated in any
category. Both type certificates previously held by Raytheon
Aircraft Company.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC)/Air Transport Association
(ATA) of America Code 2730: Elevator Balance Weight.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by reports of elevator balance weights
becoming loose or failing because the balance weight material was
under strength and did not meet material specifications. We are
issuing this AD to correct this unsafe condition, which could result
in reduced flutter speed and lead to loss of control.
(f) Compliance
Comply with paragraphs (g) through (i), including all
subparagraphs, of this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Inspect Maintenance Records
(1) For Model 58 airplanes, serial numbers TH-1768 through TH-
2110, before further flight after September 24, 2013 (the effective
date of this AD), review the airplane maintenance records to
determine if either of the elevator balance weights have ever been
replaced. An owner/operator (pilot) holding at least a private pilot
certificate is allowed to do this action.
(i) If, as a result of the maintenance records check, you
positively identify that one or both of the elevator balance weights
have never been replaced, then complete all of the actions in
paragraph (h) and (i), all subparagraphs, as applicable in this AD.
(ii) If, as a result of the maintenance records check, you
identify both balance weights have been replaced and you can
positively identify by means of an Airworthiness Approval Tag (FAA
Form 8130-3) or other positive form of parts identification such as
a shipping ticket, invoice, or direct ship authority letter, that
the purchase date from Hawker Beechcraft Corporation (also known as
Raytheon Aircraft Company or Beechcraft Corporation)
[[Page 51055]]
on both balance weights is outside the date range of January 1,
1996, and December 31, 2005, then no further action is required for
this AD.
(iii) For a replaced balance weight, if you cannot positively
identify the date of purchase of a balance weight from Hawker
Beechcraft Corporation (also known as Raytheon Aircraft Company or
Beechcraft Corporation), then you must complete all of the actions
in paragraph (h) and (i), all subparagraphs, as applicable in this
AD.
(2) For Model 58 airplanes, all serial numbers (except TH-1768
through TH-2110), and Models 58TC, 58P, 95-C55, E55, and 56TC
airplanes, all serial numbers, before further flight after September
24, 2013 (the effective date of this AD) review the airplane
maintenance records to determine if the elevator balance weights
have ever been replaced. An owner/operator (pilot) holding at least
a private pilot certificate is allowed to do this action.
(i) If, as a result of the maintenance records check, you
positively identify that both of the elevator balance weights have
never been replaced, then no further action is required for this AD.
An owner/operator (pilot) holding at least a private pilot
certificate is allowed to do this action.
(ii) If, as a result of the maintenance records check, you
identify that one or both of the balance weights have been replaced
and you can positively identify by means of an Airworthiness
Approval Tag (FAA Form 8130-3) or other positive form of parts
identification such as a shipping ticket, invoice, or direct ship
authority letter, that the purchase date from Hawker Beechcraft
Corporation (also known as Raytheon Aircraft Company or Beechcraft
Corporation) is outside the date range of January 1, 1996, and
December 31, 2005, then no further action is required for this AD.
(iii) If you cannot positively identify the date of purchase of
an aircraft balance weight from Hawker Beechcraft Corporation (also
known as Raytheon Aircraft Company or Beechcraft Corporation), then
you must perform all of the actions in paragraph (h) and (i), all
subparagraphs, as applicable in this AD.
(h) Inspection of Elevator Balance Weight
Before further flight after September 24, 2013 (the effective
date of this AD) and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 100 hours
time-in-service (TIS) until the replacement required by this AD is
done, inspect the elevator balance weights for looseness, failure,
and/or working (smoking) fasteners and inserts following the
Accomplishment Instructions paragraph 3.A in Hawker Beechcraft
Mandatory Service Bulletin SB 55-4089, Revision 1, dated February,
2012.
(i) Replacement of Elevator Balance Weight
(1) Replace the defective elevator balance weight with an
airworthy balance weight as specified in the Accomplishment
Instructions paragraph 3.A in Hawker Beechcraft Mandatory Service
Bulletin SB 55-4089, Revision 1, dated February, 2012, at either
paragraph (i)(1)(i) or (i)(1)(ii) of this AD, whichever occurs
first:
(i) Before further flight after any inspection required by
paragraph (h) of this AD where any looseness, failure, and/or
working (smoking) fasteners and inserts are found; or
(ii) Within the next 200 hours TIS after September 24, 2013 (the
effective date of this AD).
(2) Replacement of elevator balance weights with airworthy
elevator balance weights terminates the 100-hour inspection
requirement in paragraph (h) of this AD.
(3) As of September 24, 2013 (the effective date of this AD), do
not install P/N 96-610022, P/N 96-61022-5, P/N 96-610022-7, and P/N
96-610022-9 elevator balance weight assemblies, if originally
purchased from Hawker Beechcraft Corporation (also known as Raytheon
Aircraft Company or Beechcraft Corporation) between January 1, 1996,
and December 31, 2005, on any airplane.
(j) Special Flight Permit
Special flight is permitted with the following limitations:
Maximum structural cruising speed (Vno) = Design Speed
for maximum gust intensity (Vb) = 195 Knots Calibrated
Airspeed (KCAS), or Vno=Vb=195KCAS. This
special flight is not allowed into known turbulence, and the
duration of this flight should not be more than a total of 10 hours
TIS.
(k) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(1) 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. 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.
(l) Related Information
For more information about this AD, contact T. N. Baktha, Senior
Aerospace Engineer, FAA, Wichita ACO, 1801 Airport Road, Room 100,
Wichita, Kansas 67209; telephone: (316) 946-4155; fax: (316) 946-
4107; email: [email protected].
(m) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference (IBR) of the service information listed
in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
(2) You must use this service information as applicable to do
the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
(i) Hawker Beechcraft Mandatory Service Bulletin SB 55-4089,
Revision 1, dated February, 2012.
(ii) Reserved.
(3) For Beechcraft Corporation and Hawker Beechcraft Corporation
service information identified in this AD, contact Beechcraft
Corporation, B091-A04, 10511 E. Central Ave., Wichita, Kansas 67206;
telephone: 1 (800) 429-5372 or (316) 676-3140; fax: (316) 676-8027;
email: [email protected]; or Internet: http://www.beechcraft.com/customer_support/technical_and_field_support/.
(4) You may view this service information at FAA, Small Airplane
Directorate, 901 Locust, Kansas City, Missouri 64106. For
information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call
(816) 329-4148.
(5) You may view this service information that is incorporated
by reference 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/cfr/ibr-locations.html.
Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on July 25, 2013.
Earl Lawrence,
Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2013-20098 Filed 8-19-13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P