Airworthiness Directives; Short Brothers Model SD3 Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 182 (Wednesday, September 21, 2005)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 55242-55245]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 05-18524]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2005-21344; Directorate Identifier 2004-NM-190-AD; 
Amendment 39-14283; AD 2005-19-18]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Short Brothers Model SD3 Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of 
Transportation (DOT).

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: The FAA is superseding an existing airworthiness directive 
(AD), which applies to all Short Brothers Model SD3-30 and SD3-60 
airplanes equipped with certain fire extinguishers. That AD currently 
requires replacement of the covers for fire extinguisher adapter 
assemblies that are installed on certain bulkheads with new covers that 
swivel to lock the extinguishers in place; and replacement of nozzles 
and triggers on these fire extinguishers with better fitting nozzles 
and stronger triggers. The existing AD also currently requires the 
installation of new fire extinguisher point placards and a revision of 
the airplane flight manual (AFM) to instruct the flightcrew in the use 
of the new covers for these adapter assemblies. This new AD also 
requires modification of the fire extinguishing point adapter assembly 
of the forward and aft baggage bays as applicable. This new AD also 
adds airplanes to the applicability. For these new airplanes, this new 
AD requires a revision to the AFM for instructions on using the new 
fire extinguisher adapter. This AD results from reports of individuals 
experiencing fire extinguishant blowback when the extinguishant 
discharges through the fire extinguishing point adapters. We are 
issuing this AD to prevent fire extinguishant blowback, which could 
result in injury to a person using the fire extinguisher in the event 
of a fire.

DATES: Effective October 26, 2005.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in the AD as of October 26, 
2005.
    The Director of the Federal Register previously approved the 
incorporation by reference of certain other publications, as listed in 
the regulations, as of June 8, 1998 (63 FR 24387, May 4, 1998).

ADDRESSES: You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://

[[Page 55243]]

dms.dot.gov or in person at the Docket Management Facility, U.S. 
Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street SW., Nassif Building, 
Room PL-401, Washington, DC.
    Contact Short Brothers, Airworthiness & Engineering Quality, PO Box 
241, Airport Road, Belfast BT3 9DZ, Northern Ireland, for service 
information identified in this AD.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Todd Thompson, Aerospace Engineer, 
International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056; telephone (425) 
227-1175; fax (425) 227-1149.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Examining the Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://dms.dot.gov 
or in person at the Docket Management Facility office between 9 a.m. 
and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The Docket 
Management Facility office (telephone (800) 647-5227) is located on the 
plaza level of the Nassif Building at the street address stated in the 
ADDRESSES section.

Discussion

    The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 
CFR part 39 to include an AD that supersedes AD 98-09-28, amendment 39-
10509 (63 FR 24387, May 4, 1998). The existing AD applies to all Short 
Brothers Model SD3-30 and SD3-60 airplanes equipped with certain fire 
extinguishers. That NPRM was published in the Federal Register on June 
3, 2005 (70 FR 32537). That NPRM proposed to continue to require the 
actions of AD 98-09-28. That NPRM also proposed to require modification 
of the fire extinguishing point adapter assembly of the forward and aft 
baggage bays as applicable. That NPRM also proposed to add airplanes to 
the applicability. For those new airplanes, that NPRM proposed to 
require a revision to the airplane flight manual (AFM) for instructions 
on using the new fire extinguisher adapter.

Comments

    We provided the public the opportunity to participate in the 
development of this AD. No comments have been received on the NPRM or 
on the determination of the cost to the public.

Explanation of Change to Applicability

    We have revised the applicability of this AD to identify model 
designations as published in the most recent type certificate data 
sheet for the affected models.

Conclusion

    We have carefully reviewed the available data and determined that 
air safety and the public interest require adopting the AD with the 
change described previously. We have determined that this change will 
neither increase the economic burden on any operator nor increase the 
scope of the AD.

Costs of Compliance

    This AD affects about 75 airplanes of U.S. registry.
    The actions that are required by AD 98-09-28 and retained in this 
AD take about between 9 and 14 work hours per airplane, depending on 
airplane configuration, at an average labor rate of $65 per work hour. 
Required parts cost between $735 and $776 per airplane, depending on 
airplane configuration. Based on these figures, the estimated cost of 
the currently required actions is between $1,320 and $1,686 per 
airplane.
    The new actions take about 1 work hour per airplane, at an average 
labor rate of $65 per work hour. Based on these figures, the estimated 
cost of the new actions specified in this AD for U.S. operators is 
$4,875, or $65 per airplane.

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

    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.
    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); 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 regulatory evaluation of the estimated costs to 
comply with this AD and placed it in the AD docket. See the ADDRESSES 
section for a location to examine the regulatory evaluation.

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 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 Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) amends Sec.  39.13 by 
removing amendment 39-10509 (63 FR 24387, May 4, 1998) and by adding 
the following new airworthiness directive (AD):

2005-19-18 Short Brothers PLC: Amendment 39-14283. Docket No. FAA-
2005-21344; Directorate Identifier 2004-NM-190-AD.

Effective Date

    (a) This AD becomes effective October 26, 2005.

Affected ADs

    (b) This AD supersedes AD 98-09-28.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to all Shorts Model SD3-60 SHERPA, SD3-
SHERPA, SD3-30, and SD3-60 airplanes, certificated in any category.

Unsafe Condition

    (d) This AD was prompted by reports of individuals experiencing 
fire extinguishant blowback when the extinguishant discharges 
through the fire extinguishing point adapters. We are issuing this 
AD to prevent fire extinguishant blowback, which could result in 
injury to a person using the fire extinguisher in the event of a 
fire.

[[Page 55244]]

Compliance

    (e) You are responsible for having the actions required by this 
AD performed within the compliance times specified, unless the 
actions have already been done.

Requirements of AD 98-09-28

Install New Covers

    (f) For Model SD3-30 and SD3-60 airplanes equipped with Fire 
Fighting Enterprises (U.K.) Ltd. fire extinguishers: Within 6 months 
after June 8, 1998 (the effective date of AD 98-09-28), install a 
new cover on each fire extinguisher adapter assembly on bulkheads 
between the passenger cabin and aft and/or forward baggage bay, in 
accordance with Shorts Service Bulletin SD330-26-14, dated September 
1994 (for Shorts Model SD3-30 airplanes), or Shorts Service Bulletin 
SD360-26-11, dated July 1994 (for Shorts Model SD3-60 airplanes), as 
applicable.

Install Placards and Revise the Airplane Flight Manual (AFM)

    (g) For Model SD3-30 and SD3-60 airplanes equipped with Fire 
Fighting Enterprises (U.K.) Ltd. fire extinguishers: Prior to 
further flight after accomplishing the actions required by paragraph 
(f) of this AD, accomplish both paragraphs (g)(1) and (g)(2) of this 
AD:
    (1) Install new fire extinguisher point placards, in accordance 
with Shorts Service Bulletin SD330-26-14, dated September 1994 (for 
Shorts Model SD3-30 airplanes), or Shorts Service Bulletin SD360-26-
11, dated July 1994 (for Shorts Model SD3-60 airplanes), as 
applicable. And
    (2) Revise the Limitations section of the FAA-approved AFM, in 
accordance with Note 1 of Paragraph 1.C. of Shorts Service Bulletin 
SD330-26-14, dated September 1994 (for Shorts Model SD3-30 
airplanes), or Shorts Service Bulletin SD360-26-11, dated July 1994 
(for Shorts Model SD3-60 airplanes), as applicable.

Corrective Actions for Fire Extinguishers With Certain Part Numbers

    (h) For Model SD3-30 and SD3-60 airplanes equipped with fire 
extinguishers having part number (P/N) BA51012SR-3 or BA51012SR: 
Within 6 months after June 8, 1998, accomplish either paragraph 
(h)(1) or (h)(2) of this AD:
    (1) Install a chamfered nozzle on the discharge head assembly of 
each fire extinguisher and add a new trigger by replacing the 
discharge head assembly with a new discharge head assembly having P/
N BA22988-3, in accordance with Fire Fighting Enterprises (U.K.) 
Ltd. Service Bulletin 26-107, Revision 1, dated November 2, 1992.
Or
    (2) Replace the trigger on the discharge head assembly of each 
fire extinguisher with a new trigger, in accordance with Fire 
Fighting Enterprises (U.K.) Ltd. Service Bulletin 26-108, dated 
September 1992. After replacement, install a chamfered nozzle on the 
discharge head assembly of each fire extinguisher by reworking the 
discharge head assembly in accordance with Fire Fighting Enterprises 
(U.K.) Ltd. Service Bulletin 26-107, Revision 1, dated November 2, 
1992.

New Requirements of This Ad

Modify the Fire Extinguishing Point Adapter Assembly

    (i) For Model SD3 airplanes equipped with Fire Fighting 
Enterprises (U.K.) Ltd. fire extinguishers: Within 3 months after 
the effective date of this AD, modify the fire extinguishing point 
adapter assembly of the forward and aft baggage bays, as applicable, 
by doing all of the actions specified in the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Shorts Service Bulletin SD330-26-15, dated May 29, 
2002 (for Model SD3-30 airplanes); Shorts Service Bulletin SD360-26-
13, dated May 29, 2002 (for Model SD3-60 airplanes); Shorts Service 
Bulletin SD360 Sherpa-26-1, dated May 29, 2002 (for Model SD3-60 
SHERPA airplanes); or Shorts Service Bulletin SD3 Sherpa-26-3, dated 
May 29, 2002 (for Model SD3-SHERPA airplanes); as applicable.

Revise AFM of Certain Airplanes

    (j) For Model SD3-60 SHERPA and SD3-SHERPA airplanes equipped 
with Fire Fighting Enterprises (U.K.) Ltd. fire extinguishers: 
Before further flight after accomplishing the modification required 
by paragraph (i) of this AD, revise the Limitations section of the 
Short Brothers SD3-60 SHERPA AFM, Document No. SB.6.2, by inserting 
into the AFM Short Brothers Document No. SB.6.2, Amendment P/5, 
dated February 6, 2002 (for Model SD3-60 SHERPA airplanes); or of 
the Short Brothers SD3-SHERPA AFM, Document No. SB.5.2, by inserting 
into the AFM Short Brothers Document No. SB.5.2, Amendment P/7, 
dated February 6, 2002 (for Model SD3-SHERPA airplanes); as 
applicable.

Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (k) The Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport 
Airplane Directorate, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for 
this AD, if requested in accordance with the procedures found in 14 
CFR 39.19.

Related Information

    (l) British airworthiness directives 005-05-2002, 006-05-2002, 
007-05-2002, and 008-05-2002 also address the subject of this AD.

Material Incorporated by Reference

    (m) You must use the service information listed in Table 1 of 
this AD to perform the actions that are required by this AD, unless 
the AD specifies otherwise.

                                Table 1.--All Material Incorporated by Reference
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          Service information                     Revision level                           Date
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Amendment P/5 to the Short Brothers SD3- Original.......................  February 6, 2002.
 60 SHERPA Flight Manual, Document No.
 SB.6.2.
Amendment P/7 to the Short Brothers SD3- Original.......................  February 6, 2002.
 SHERPA Flight Manual, Document No.
 SB.5.2.
Fire Fighting Enterprises (U.K.) Ltd.    Revision 1.....................  November 2, 1992.
 Service Bulletin 26-107.
Fire Fighting Enterprises (U.K.) Ltd.    Original.......................  September 1992.
 Service Bulletin 26-108.
Short Brothers Shorts Service Bulletin   Original.......................  September 1994.
 SD330-26-14.
Short Brothers Shorts Service Bulletin   Original.......................  July 1994.
 SD360-26-11.
Shorts Service Bulletin SD3 Sherpa-26-3  Original.......................  May 29, 2002.
Shorts Service Bulletin SD330-26-15....  Original.......................  May 29, 2002.
Shorts Service Bulletin SD360 Sherpa-26- Original.......................  May 29, 2002.
 1.
Shorts Service Bulletin SD360-26-13....  Original.......................  May 29, 2002.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference of the service information listed in 
Table 2 of this AD in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 
51.

            Table 2.--New Material Incorporated by Reference
------------------------------------------------------------------------
        Service information                          Date
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Amendment P/5 to the Short Brothers  February 6, 2002.
 SD3-60 SHERPA Flight Manual,
 Document No. SB.6.2.
Amendment P/7 to the Short Brothers  February 6, 2002.
 SD3-SHERPA Flight Manual, Document
 No. SB.5.2.
Shorts Service Bulletin SD3 Sherpa-  May 29, 2002.
 26-3.
Shorts Service Bulletin SD330-26-15  May 29, 2002.
Shorts Service Bulletin SD360        May 29, 2002.
 Sherpa-26-1.

[[Page 55245]]

 
Shorts Service Bulletin SD360-26-13  May 29, 2002.
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    Short Brothers SD3-60 SHERPA Flight Manual, Document No. SB.6.2 
contains the following current pages:

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                Page No.                   Revision level shown on page             Date shown on page
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
List of current pages 7................  G/1............................  April 24, 1996.
7A, 7B.................................  Basic..........................  April 18, 1996.
Particular Amendment Record Sheet 9....  Basic..........................  April 18, 1996.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

(For Document No. SB.6.2, the Basic Issue date is only located on 
page 1, Section 1; the general amendment date is only located on the 
``General \*\ Amendment Record Sheet;'' and the particular amendment 
dates are only located on the ``Particular \*\ Amendment Record 
Sheet.'')
    Short Brothers SD3-SHERPA Flight Manual, Document No. SB.5.2, 
contains the following current pages:

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                Page No.                   Revision level shown on page             Date shown on page
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
List of current pages 7................  G/3............................  December 1, 1993.
7A.....................................  G/2............................  September 25, 1992.
7B.....................................  Basic..........................  August 30, 1990.
Particular Amendment Record Sheet 9....  Basic..........................  August 30, 1990.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

(For Document No. SB.5.2., the Basic Issue date is only located in 
the CAA approval letter dated August 31, 1990; the general amendment 
dates are located only on the ``General \*\ Amendment Record 
Sheet;'' the particular amendment dates are only located on the 
``Particular \*\ Amendment Record Sheet.'')
    (2) The Director of the Federal Register previously approved the 
incorporation by reference of the service information listed in 
Table 3 of this AD as of June 8, 1998 (63 FR 24387, May 4, 1998).

                             Table 3.--Material Previously Incorporated by Reference
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
            Service Bulletin                      Revision level                           Date
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fire Fighting Enterprises (U.K.) Ltd.    Revision 1.....................  November 2, 1992.
 Service Bulletin 26-107.
Fire Fighting Enterprises (U.K.) Ltd.    Original.......................  September 1992.
 Service Bulletin 26-108.
Short Brothers Shorts Service Bulletin   Original.......................  September 1994.
 SD330-26-14.
Short Brothers Shorts Service Bulletin   Original.......................  July 1994.
 SD360-26-11.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (3) Contact Short Brothers, Airworthiness & Engineering Quality, 
P.O. Box 241, Airport Road, Belfast BT3 9DZ, Northern Ireland, for a 
copy of this service information. You may review copies at the 
Docket Management Facility, U.S. Department of Transportation, 400 
Seventh Street SW., room PL-401, Nassif Building, Washington, DC; on 
the Internet at http://dms.dot.gov; or at the National Archives and 
Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability 
of this material at the NARA, call (202) 741-6030, or go to http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on September 12, 2005.
Kalene C. Yanamura,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 05-18524 Filed 9-20-05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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