Airworthiness Directives; Israel Aircraft Industries, Ltd., Model Galaxy Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 67, Number 10 (Tuesday, January 15, 2002)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 1859-1861]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 02-799]



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Federal Register / Vol. 67, No. 10 / Tuesday, January 15, 2002 / 
Rules and Regulations

[[Page 1859]]



DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2001-NM-388-AD; Amendment 39-12599; AD 2002-01-08]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Israel Aircraft Industries, Ltd., Model 
Galaxy 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 Galaxy 
airplanes. This action requires disabling the baggage compartment 
heating blanket system. This action is necessary to prevent a short 
circuit between the baggage compartment heating blankets and the 
electrical connectors, which could result in fire and smoke in the 
baggage compartment. This action is intended to address the identified 
unsafe condition.

DATES: Effective January 30, 2002.
    Comments for inclusion in the Rules Docket must be received on or 
before February 14, 2002.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114, 
Attention: Rules Docket No. 2001-NM-388-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., 
Renton, Washington 98055-4056. Comments may be inspected at this 
location between 9 a.m. and 3 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-388-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.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dan Rodina, Aerospace Engineer, 
International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056; telephone (425) 
227-2125; fax (425) 227-1149.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Civil Aviation Administration of Israel 
(CAAI), which is the airworthiness authority for Israel, recently 
notified the FAA that an unsafe condition may exist on certain Israel 
Aircraft Industries, Ltd., Model Galaxy airplanes. The CAAI advises 
that the excessive length of the electrical connector backshell 
hardware and the proximity of the connectors to the baggage compartment 
heating blankets could result in chafing. This condition, if not 
corrected, could result in short circuiting between the baggage 
compartment heating blankets and the electrical connectors, and 
consequent fire and smoke in the baggage compartment.

Explanation of Certain Service Information

    The manufacturer has issued Galaxy (Israel Aircraft Industries) 
Alert Service Bulletin GALAXY-25A-109, dated December 18, 2001, which 
describes procedures for disabling the heating blankets by opening five 
circuit breakers and installing tie wrap around their necks, and 
labeling the switch ``INOP.'' The CAAI has approved this alert service 
bulletin and issued Israeli emergency airworthiness directive 25-01-12-
17, dated December 18, 2001, as an interim action to address the 
continued airworthiness of these airplanes in Israel. The actions 
specified by the alert service bulletin parallel the requirements of 
the Israeli airworthiness directive.

FAA's Conclusions

    This airplane model is manufactured in Israel and is type-
certificated for operation in the United States under the provisions of 
section 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 a short 
circuit between the baggage compartment heating blankets and the 
electrical connectors, which could result in fire and smoke in the 
compartment. This AD requires disabling the baggage compartment heating 
blanket system. In addition, as recommended by the CAAI, this AD 
prohibits issuance of a special flight permit to operate the airplane 
to a location where the requirements of this AD can be accomplished.

Difference Between This AD and Israeli Airworthiness Directive/
Service Bulletin

    The Israeli emergency airworthiness directive mandates the 
immediate disabling of the heating blanket system. This AD allows 
operators 3 days to complete the required actions. The FAA recognizes 
the severity of the unsafe condition presented by this situation, but 
finds a 3-day compliance time appropriate in consideration of the 
safety implications, the average utilization rate of the affected 
fleet, and the practical aspects of planning and scheduling maintenance 
to accomplish the required actions on the fleet. The FAA has considered 
all these factors and determined that a 3-day compliance time is 
practicable and will not adversely affect the continued operational 
safety of the fleet.

[[Page 1860]]

Interim Action

    This is considered to be interim action. The manufacturer has 
advised that it is currently developing procedures for inspecting the 
heating blankets and modifying the electrical connectors. These actions 
are intended to enable reactivation of the heating blanket system and 
positively address the unsafe condition addressed by this AD. Once 
these actions are developed, approved, and available, the FAA may 
consider additional rulemaking.

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-388-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, 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:

2002-01-08  Israel Aircraft Industries, Ltd.: Amendment 39-12599. 
Docket 2001-NM-388-AD.

    Applicability: Model Galaxy airplanes, certificated in any 
category, serial numbers 004 through 051 inclusive.

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

    Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished 
previously.
    To prevent a short circuit between the baggage compartment 
heating blankets and the electrical connectors, which could result 
in fire and smoke in the baggage compartment, accomplish the 
following:

Disabling the Baggage Compartment Heating Blanket System

    (a) Within 3 days after the effective date of this AD, disable 
the baggage compartment heating blanket system by performing the 
actions in the remaining subparagraphs of paragraph (a) of this AD.
    (1) Gain access to the left and right aft contactor boxes via 
access panels 151CL on the central fuselage and 162BR on the aft 
fuselage.

    Note 2: The exact location of the access panels is identified in 
the GALAXY Maintenance Manual, Chapter 12-00-00.

    (2) Open circuit breakers 17H and 19H (left box) and 16H, 18H, 
and 372H (right box). Secure the circuit breakers in the open 
position by installing tie wraps around their necks.
    (3) Verify that the HEAT--BAGGAGE COMPRT switch on the right 
side of the overhead panel does not activate the blankets (ammeter 
check).
    (4) Label the switch ``INOP.''

    Note 3: Disabling the baggage compartment heating blanket system 
in accordance with Galaxy (Israel Aircraft Industries) Alert Service 
Bulletin GALAXY-25A-109, dated December 18, 2001, is acceptable for 
compliance with the requirements of this AD.

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 4: Information concerning the existence of approved 
alternative methods of

[[Page 1861]]

compliance with this AD, if any, may be obtained from the 
International Branch, ANM-116.

Special Flight Permit Prohibition

    (c) Special flight permits may NOT be issued in accordance with 
sections 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.

    Note 5: The subject of this AD is addressed in Israeli emergency 
airworthiness directive 25-01-12-17, dated December 18, 2001.

Effective Date

    (d) This amendment becomes effective on January 30, 2002.


    Issued in Renton, Washington, on January 7, 2002.
Vi L. Lipski,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 02-799 Filed 1-14-02; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U

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