Airworthiness Directives; Israel Aircraft Industries, Ltd., Model Astra SPX Series Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 66, Number 151 (Monday, August 6, 2001)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 40872-40874]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 01-19255]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2001-NM-235-AD; Amendment 39-12361; AD 2001-15-26]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Israel Aircraft Industries, Ltd., Model 
Astra SPX Series Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

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SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) that 
is applicable to certain Israel Aircraft Industries, Ltd., Model Astra 
SPX series airplanes. This action requires a one-time inspection to 
detect insufficient clearance on the electrical wire bundles routed 
next to the pilot and copilot air data reference and reversionary 
switching panels; and corrective action, if necessary. This action is 
necessary to prevent chafing of the electrical wire bundles, which 
could result in loss of flight-critical displays or system functions, 
and potential fire. This action is intended to address the identified 
unsafe condition.

DATES: Effective August 21, 2001.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of August 21, 2001.
    Comments for inclusion in the Rules Docket must be received on or 
before September 5, 2001.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114, 
Attention: Rules Docket No. 2001-NM-235-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., 
Renton, Washington 98055-4056. Comments may be inspected at this 
location between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, except 
Federal holidays. Comments may be submitted via fax to (425) 227-1232. 
Comments may also be sent via the Internet using the following address: 
[email protected]. Comments sent via fax or the Internet must 
contain ``Docket No. 2001-NM-235-AD'' in the subject line and need not 
be submitted in triplicate. Comments sent via the Internet as attached 
electronic files must be formatted in Microsoft Word 97 for Windows or 
ASCII text.
    The service information referenced in this AD may be obtained from 
Galaxy Aerospace Corporation, One Galaxy Way, Fort Worth Alliance 
Airport, Fort Worth, Texas 76177. This information may be examined at 
the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, 
Washington; or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol 
Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Tamra Elkins, Aerospace Engineer, 
International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056; telephone (425) 
227-2669; fax (425) 227-1149.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Civil Aviation Administration of Israel 
(CAAI), which is the airworthiness authority for Israel, notified the 
FAA that an unsafe condition may exist on certain Israel Aircraft 
Industries, Ltd., Model Astra SPX series airplanes. The CAAI advises 
that inspection of some affected airplanes revealed insufficient 
clearance on the left and right electrical wire bundles routed next to 
the pilot and copilot air data reference and reversionary switching 
panels. This location is subject to frequent handling by mechanics. 
During ground inspection of an affected airplane, a chafed wine

[[Page 40873]]

bundle was discovered. Such chafing, if not corrected, could result in 
loss of flight-critical displays or system functions, and potential 
fire.

Explanation of Relevant Service Information

    Israel Aircraft Industries, Ltd., has issued Astra Alert Service 
Bulletin 1125-31A-236, dated April 16, 2001, which describes procedures 
for a one-time inspection to detect insufficient clearance on the left 
and right electrical bundles routed next to the pilot and copilot air 
data reference and reversionary switching panels. The alert service 
bulletin also describes procedures for installing additional clamping 
to electrical bundles that have insufficient clearance. Accomplishment 
of the actions specified in the alert service bulletin is intended to 
adequately address the identified unsafe condition. The CAAI classified 
this service bulletin as mandatory and issued Israeli airworthiness 
directive 31-01-04-10, dated May 8, 2001, to ensure the continued 
airworthiness of these airplanes in Israel.

FAA's Conclusions

    This airplane model is manufactured in Israel and is type 
certificated for operation in the United States under the provisions of 
Sec. 21.29 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.29) and the 
applicable bilateral airworthiness agreement. Pursuant to this 
bilateral airworthiness agreement, the CAAI has kept the FAA informed 
of the situation described above. The FAA has examined the findings of 
the CAAI, reviewed all available information, and determined that AD 
action is necessary for products of this type design that are 
certificated for operation in the United States.

Explanation of Requirements of Rule

    Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to 
exist or develop on other airplanes of the same type design registered 
in the United States, this AD is being issued to prevent chafing of the 
electrical wire bundles, which could result in loss of flight-critical 
displays or system functions, and potential fire. This AD requires 
accomplishment of the actions specified in the service bulletin 
described previously.

Determination of Rule's Effective Date

    Since a situation exists that requires the immediate adoption of 
this regulation, it is found that notice and opportunity for prior 
public comment hereon are impracticable, and that good cause exists for 
making this amendment effective in less than 30 days.

Comments Invited

    Although this action is in the form of a final rule that involves 
requirements affecting flight safety and, thus, was not preceded by 
notice and an opportunity for public comment, comments are invited on 
this rule. Interested persons are invited to comment on this rule by 
submitting such written data, views, or arguments as they may desire. 
Communications shall identify the Rules Docket number and be submitted 
in triplicate to the address specified under the caption ADDRESSES. All 
communications received on or before the closing date for comments will 
be considered, and this rule may be amended in light of the comments 
received. Factual information that supports the commenter's ideas and 
suggestions is extremely helpful in evaluating the effectiveness of the 
AD action and determining whether additional rulemaking action would be 
needed.
    Submit comments using the following format:
    <bullet> Organize comments issue-by-issue. For example, discuss a 
request to change the compliance time and a request to change the 
service bulletin reference as two separate issues.
    <bullet> For each issue, state what specific change to the AD is 
being requested.
    <bullet> Include justification (e.g., reasons or data) for each 
request.
    Comments are specifically invited on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the rule that might 
suggest a need to modify the rule. All comments submitted will be 
available, both before and after the closing date for comments, in the 
Rules Docket for examination by interested persons. A report that 
summarizes each FAA-public contact concerned with the substance of this 
AD will be filed in the Rules Docket.
    Commenters wishing the FAA to acknowledge receipt of their comments 
submitted in response to this rule must submit a self-addressed, 
stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: ``Comments 
to Docket 2001-NM-235-AD.'' The postcard will be date stamped and 
returned to the commenter.

Regulatory Impact

    The regulations adopted herein 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. Therefore, it 
is determined that this final rule does not have federalism 
implications under Executive Order 13132.
    The FAA has determined that this regulation is an emergency 
regulation that must be issued immediately to correct an unsafe 
condition in aircraft, and that it is not a ``significant regulatory 
action'' under Executive Order 12866. It has been determined further 
that this action involves an emergency regulation under DOT Regulatory 
Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979). If it is 
determined that this emergency regulation otherwise would be 
significant under DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures, a final 
regulatory evaluation will be prepared and placed in the Rules Docket. 
A copy of it, if filed, may be obtained from the Rules Docket at the 
location provided under the caption ADDRESSES.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by 
reference, Safety.

Adoption of the Amendment

    Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration amends part 39 of 
the Federal Aviation Regulations (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. Section 39.13 is amended by adding the following new 
airworthiness directive:

2001-15-26  Israel Aircraft Industries, Ltd: Amendment 39-12361. 
Docket 2001-NM-235-AD.

    Applicability: Model Astra SPX series airplanes, certificated in 
any category, serial numbers 073, 079 through 125 inclusive, and 
127.

    Note 1: This AD applies to each airplane identified in the 
preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been 
modified, altered, or repaired in the area subject to the 
requirements of this AD. For airplanes that have been modified, 
altered, or repaired so that the performance of the requirements of 
this AD is affected, the owner/operator must request approval for an 
alternative method of compliance in accordance with paragraph (b) of 
this AD. The request should include an assessment of the effect of 
the modification, alteration, or repair on the unsafe condition 
addressed by this AD; and, if the unsafe condition has not

[[Page 40874]]

been eliminated, the request should include specific proposed 
actions to address it.

    Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished 
previously.
    To prevent chafing of the electrical wire bundles, which could 
result in loss of flight-critical displays or system functions, and 
potential fire, accomplish the following:

Inspection

    (a) Within 25 flight hours after the effective date of this AD, 
inspect the clearance between the electrical bundles and air data 
reference and reversionary switching panels, in accordance with 
Astra (Israel Aircraft Industries, Ltd.) Alert Service Bulletin 
1125-31A-236, dated April 16, 2001. If any clearance is less than 
0.25 inch (6.35 mm): Prior to further flight, install additional 
clamping to the electrical wire bundles in accordance with the alert 
service bulletin.

Alternative Methods of Compliance

    (b) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the 
compliance time that provides an acceptable level of safety may be 
used if approved by the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, 
Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA. Operators shall submit their 
requests through an appropriate FAA Principal Maintenance Inspector, 
who may add comments and then send it to the Manager, International 
Branch, ANM-116.

    Note 2: Information concerning the existence of approved 
alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be 
obtained from the International Branch, ANM-116.

Special Flight Permits

    (c) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with 
Secs. 21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 
21.197 and 21.199) to operate the airplane to a location where the 
requirements of this AD can be accomplished.

Incorporation by Reference

    (d) The actions shall be done in accordance with Astra (Israel 
Aircraft Industries, Ltd.) Alert Service Bulletin 1125-31A-236, 
dated April 16, 2001. This incorporation by reference was approved 
by the Director of the Federal Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 
552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. Copies may be obtained from Galaxy 
Aerospace Corporation, One Galaxy Way, Fort Worth Alliance Airport, 
Fort Worth, Texas 76177. Copies may be inspected at the FAA, 
Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, 
Washington; or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North 
Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC.

    Note 3: The subject of this AD is addressed in Israeli 
airworthiness directive 31-01-04-10, dated May 8, 2001.

Effective Date

    (e) This amendment becomes effective on August 21, 2001.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on July 26, 2001.
Vi L. Lipski,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 01-19255 Filed 8-3-01; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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