Airworthiness Directives; Raytheon Aircraft Company Models 1900, 1900C, 1900C (C-12J), and 1900D Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 176 (Tuesday, September 13, 2005)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 53910-53912]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 05-17890]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2005-22332; Directorate Identifier 2005-CE-46-AD; 
Amendment 39-14262; AD 2005-18-21]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Raytheon Aircraft Company Models 1900, 
1900C, 1900C (C-12J), and 1900D Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

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SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
certain Raytheon Aircraft Company Models 1900, 1900C, 1900C (C-12J), 
and 1900D airplanes. This AD requires you to inspect all elevator hinge 
support attachments on both left and right elevators for loose and 
missing rivets, replace rivets if loose or missing rivets are found, 
inspect the elevator hinge joints for looseness and clearance of each 
elevator to its stabilizer, correct looseness and clearance if 
incorrect, and report results of the required inspections. This AD 
results from a report of excessive movement of the elevator and 
elevator trim. The hinge support attachment that attaches the elevator 
to the horizontal stabilizer was loose and had loose and missing 
rivets. The elevator counterweight horn showed evidence of rubbing 
against the horizontal stabilizer, indicating possible incorrect 
clearance. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct any looseness 
in the elevator hinge support attachments, which could result in 
binding of the elevator control system. This elevator binding could 
lead to loss of control of the airplane.

DATES: This AD becomes effective September 13, 2005.
    As of September 13, 2005, the Director of the Federal Register 
approved the incorporation by reference of certain publications listed 
in the regulation.
    We must receive any comments on this AD by October 20, 2005.

ADDRESSES: Use one of the following to submit comments on this AD:
    <bullet> DOT Docket Web site: Go to http://dms.dot.gov and follow 
the instructions for sending your comments electronically.
    <bullet> Government-wide rulemaking Web site: Go to http://www.regulations.gov and follow the instructions for sending your 
comments electronically.
    <bullet> Mail: Docket Management Facility; U.S. Department of 
Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Nassif Building, Room PL-401, 
Washington, DC 20590-001.
    <bullet> Fax: 1-202-493-2251.
    <bullet> Hand Delivery: Room PL-401 on the plaza level of the 
Nassif Building, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC, between 9 
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    To get the service information identified in this proposed AD, 
contact Raytheon Aircraft Company, P.O. Box 85, Wichita, Kansas 67201; 
telephone: (800) 625-7043.
    To view the comments to this AD, go to http://dms.dot.gov. The 
docket number is FAA-2005-22332; Directorate Identifier 2005-CE-46-AD.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Steven E. Potter, Aerospace Engineer, 
Airframe and Services Branch, ACE-118W, 1801 Airport Road, Wichita, 
Kansas 67209; telephone: (316) 946-4124; facsimile: (316) 946-4107.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
    What events have caused this AD? On a recent flight, a Model 1900D 
experienced a binding elevator control column during takeoff. The pilot 
was able to free the control column. During continuation of the flight 
the elevator trim moved slowly nose up and required a one-half unit 
trim adjustment every one to two minutes. An inspection found a missing 
rivet and other loose rivets on the outboard hinge attachment that 
attaches the elevator to the horizontal stabilizer. The elevator 
counterweight horn showed evidence of rubbing against the horizontal 
stabilizer, indicating possible incorrect clearance. Loose rivets were 
found on other airplanes of the same type design.
    What is the potential impact if FAA took no action? Looseness in 
the elevator hinge support attachments could result in binding of the 
elevator control system. This elevator binding could lead to loss of 
control of the airplane.
    Is there service information that applies to this subject? Raytheon 
Aircraft Company has issued Safety Communiqu[eacute] No. 261, dated 
August 2005.
    What are the provisions of this service information? The service 
information specifies inspecting all elevator hinge support attachments 
on both left and right elevators.

FAA's Determination and Requirements of the AD

    What has FAA decided? We have evaluated all pertinent information 
and identified an unsafe condition that is likely to exist or develop 
on other products of this same type design.
    Since the unsafe condition described previously is likely to exist 
or develop on other Raytheon Aircraft Company Models 1900, 1900C, 1900C 
(C-12J), and 1900D airplanes of the same type design, we are issuing 
this AD to detect and correct any looseness in the elevator hinge 
support attachments, which could result in binding of the elevator 
control system. This elevator binding could lead to loss of control of 
the airplane.
    What does this AD require? This AD requires you to inspect all 
elevator hinge support attachments on both left and right elevators for 
loose and missing rivets, replace rivets if loose or missing rivets are 
found, inspect the elevator hinge joints for looseness and clearance of 
each elevator to its stabilizer, correct looseness and/or clearance if 
incorrect, and report results of the required inspections.
    How does the revision to 14 CFR part 39 affect this AD? On July 10, 
2002, we published a new version of 14 CFR part 39 (67 FR 47997, July 
22, 2002), which governs FAA's AD system. This regulation now includes 
material that relates to altered products, special flight permits, and 
alternative methods of compliance. This material previously

[[Page 53911]]

was included in each individual AD. Since this material is included in 
14 CFR part 39, we will not include it in future AD actions.

Comments Invited

    Will I have the opportunity to comment before you issue the rule? 
This AD is a final rule that involves requirements affecting flight 
safety and was not preceded by notice and an opportunity for public 
comment; however, we invite you to submit any written relevant data, 
views, or arguments regarding this AD. Send your comments to an address 
listed under ADDRESSES. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2005-22332; 
Directorate Identifier 2005-CE-46-AD'' in the subject line of your 
comments. If you want us to acknowledge receipt of your mailed 
comments, send us a self-addressed, stamped postcard with the docket 
number written on it; we will date-stamp your postcard and mail it back 
to you. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the rule that might 
suggest a need to modify it. If a person contacts us through a 
nonwritten communication, and that contact relates to a substantive 
part of this AD, we will summarize the contact and place the summary in 
the docket. We will consider all comments received by the closing date 
and may amend the AD in light of those comments.

Authority for This Rulemaking

    What authority does FAA have for issuing this rulemaking action? 
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 AD.

Regulatory Findings

    Will this AD impact various entities? We have determined that 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.
    Will this AD involve a significant rule or regulatory action? 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 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 summary of the costs to comply with this AD (and 
other information as included in the Regulatory Evaluation) and placed 
it in the AD Docket. You may get a copy of this summary by sending a 
request to us at the address listed under ADDRESSES. Include ``AD 
Docket FAA-2005-22332; Directorate Identifier 2005-CE-46-AD'' in your 
request.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

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

Adoption of the Amendment

0
Accordingly, under 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

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):

2005-18-21 Raytheon Aircraft Company: Amendment 39-14262; Docket No. 
FAA-2005-22332; Directorate Identifier 2005-CE-46-AD.

When Does This AD Become Effective?

    (a) This AD becomes effective on September 13, 2005.

Are Any Other ADs Affected By This Action?

    (b) None.

What Airplanes Are Affected by This AD?

    (c) This AD affects the following airplane models and serial 
numbers that are certificated in any category:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Models                             Serial Nos.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) 1900............................  UA-3;
(2) 1900C...........................  UB-1 through UB-74 and UC-1
                                       through UC-174;
(3) 1900C (C-12J)...................  UD-1 through UD-6; and
(4) 1900D...........................  UE-1 through UE-439.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

What Is the Unsafe Condition Presented in This AD?

    (d) This AD results from a report of excessive movement of the 
elevator and elevator trim. The hinge support bracket that attaches 
the elevator to the horizontal stabilizer was loose and had loose 
and missing rivets. The elevator counterweight horn showed evidence 
of rubbing against the horizontal stabilizer, indicating possible 
incorrect clearance. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct 
any looseness in the elevator hinge support attachments, which could 
result in binding of the elevator control system. This elevator 
binding could lead to loss of control of the airplane.

What Must I Do To Address This Problem?

    (e) To address this problem, you must do the following:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
           Actions                 Compliance            Procedures
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) Inspect all elevator      Within 50 hours time- As specified in
 hinge support attachments     in-service (TIS)      Raytheon Aircraft
 on both left and right        after the effective   Company Safety
 elevators on both left and    date of this AD.      Communiqu[eacute]
 right elevators for loose                           No. 261, dated
 or missing rivets.                                  August 2005,
                                                     following the
                                                     applicable Raytheon
                                                     Aircraft Company
                                                     Maintenance Manual,
                                                     Chapter 5-20-07 and
                                                     Structural Repair
                                                     Manual, Chapter 51-
                                                     40-02.
(2) If loose or missing       Before further        As specified in
 rivets are found in the       flight.               Raytheon Aircraft
 inspection required in                              Company Safety
 paragraph (e)(1) of this                            Communiqu[eacute]
 AD, replace reviets.                                No. 261, dated
                                                     August 2005,
                                                     following the
                                                     applicable Raytheon
                                                     Aircraft Company
                                                     Maintenance Manual,
                                                     Chapter 5-20-07 and
                                                     Structural Repair
                                                     Manual, Chapter 51-
                                                     40-02.

[[Page 53912]]

 
(3) Inspect the elevator      Within 50 hours TIS   As specified in
 hinge joints for looseness    after the effective   Raytheon Aircraft
 and the clearance of each     date of this AD.      Company Safety
 elevator to its stabilizer.                         Communiqu[eacute]
                                                     No. 261, dated
                                                     August 2005,
                                                     following the
                                                     applicable Raytheon
                                                     Aircraft Company
                                                     Maintenance Manual,
                                                     Chapter 5-20-07.
(4) If looseness of the       Before further        As specified in
 elevator hinge joints or      flight.               Raytheon Aircraft
 incorrect clearance between                         Company Safety
 the elevators and their                             Communiqu[eacute]
 stabilizers is found,                               No. 261, dated
 correct the discrepancies.                          August 2005,
                                                     following the
                                                     applicable Raytheon
                                                     Aircraft Company
                                                     Maintenance Manual,
                                                     Chapter 5-20-07.
(5) Report the results found  Within 7 days after   In addition to
 in the inspections required   the inspections       Raytheon Aircraft
 in paragraph (e)(1) and       required in           Company, send a
 (e)(3) of this AD. The        paragraph (e)(1)      completed copy of
 Office of Management and      and (e)(3) of this    the Raytheon
 Budget (OMB) approved the     AD.                   Aircraft Company
 information collection                              Elevator Inspection
 requirements contained in                           form, found in
 this regulation under the                           Raytheon Aircraft
 provisions of the Paperwork                         Company Safety
 Reduction Act of 1980 (44                           Communiqu[eacute]
 U.S.C. 3501 and those                               No. 261, dated
 following sections) and                             August 2005, to
 assigned OMB Control Number                         Steven E. Potter,
 2120-0056.                                          FAA, 1801 Airport
                                                     Road, Wichita,
                                                     Kansas 67209. Also
                                                     include in your
                                                     report TIS since
                                                     elevator
                                                     replacement, if
                                                     elevator has been
                                                     replaced.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

May I Request an Alternative Method of Compliance?

    (f) You may request a different method of compliance or a 
different compliance time for this AD by following the procedures in 
14 CFR 39.19. Unless FAA authorizes otherwise, send your request to 
your principal inspector. The principal inspector may add comments 
and will send your request to the Manager, Wichita Aircraft 
Certification Office, FAA. For information on any already approved 
alternative methods of compliance, contact Steven E. Potter, 
Aerospace Engineer, Airframe and Services Branch, ACE-118W, 1801 
Airport Road, Wichita, Kansas 67209; telephone: (316) 946-4124; 
facsimile: (316) 946-4107.

Does This AD Incorporate Any Material by Reference?

    (g) You must do the actions required by this AD following the 
instructions in Raytheon Aircraft Company Safety Communiqu[eacute] 
No. 261, dated August 2005. The Director of the Federal Register 
approved the incorporation by reference of this service bulletin in 
accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. To get a copy of 
this service information, contact Raytheon Aircraft Company, P.O. 
Box 85, Wichita, Kansas 67201; telephone: (800) 625-7043. To review 
copies of this service information, go to the National Archives and 
Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability 
of this material at NARA, go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html or call 
(202) 741-6030. To view the AD docket, go to the Docket Management 
Facility; U.S. Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, 
SW., Nassif Building, Room PL-401, Washington, DC 20590-001 or on 
the Internet at http://dms.dot.gov. The docket number is FAA-2005-
22332; Directorate Identifier 2005-CE-46-AD.


    Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on September 2, 2005.
Kim Smith,
Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 05-17890 Filed 9-12-05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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