Airworthiness Directives; Learjet Model 45 Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 94 (Tuesday, May 16, 2006)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 28259-28261]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 06-4542]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2006-24792; Directorate Identifier 2006-NM-102-AD; 
Amendment 39-14599; AD 2006-10-15]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Learjet Model 45 Airplanes

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

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

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SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
certain Learjet Model 45 airplanes. This AD requires a review of 
airplane maintenance records to determine whether inspections 
identified by certain inspection reference numbers (IRNs) have been 
done. If any IRN has not been done, this AD requires doing an 
inspection of the inside of the wet wing fuel areas and the fuel pump 
screens for tape and adhesive tape residue, cleaning the low pressure 
fuel filter, determining whether tape or adhesive residue is present, 
doing an inspection of the filter for damage before installation, and 
applicable corrective actions if necessary. In addition, this AD 
requires sending the review and inspection results to the FAA. This AD 
results from reports of tape found in the wing fuel tanks. We are 
issuing this AD to prevent blocked fuel passages and fuel pump screens 
and the inability of the flightcrew to transfer fuel from one wing tank 
to the other tank due to tape in the wing fuel tanks, which could 
result in a fuel imbalance and consequent failure of an engine; and to 
prevent contaminated fuel pump screens, engine fuel controls, and fuel 
nozzles, due to tape adhesive dissolving in the fuel, which could 
result in potential erroneous readings of the fuel quantity indication 
system.

DATES: This AD becomes effective May 31, 2006.
    We must receive comments on this AD by July 17, 2006.

ADDRESSES: Use one of the following addresses 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.
    <bullet> Fax: (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.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: James Galstad, Aerospace Engineer, 
Systems and Propulsion Branch, ACE-116W, FAA, Wichita Aircraft 
Certification Office, 1801 Airport Road, Room 100, Mid-Continent 
Airport, Wichita, Kansas 67209; telephone (316) 946-4135; fax (316) 
946-4107.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Discussion

    We have received four reports of tape found in the wing fuel tanks 
on Learjet Model 45 airplanes. In one case, the crew alert system (CAS) 
indication of a fuel filter impending bypass turned on in the cockpit, 
and in three cases, the tape was found during scheduled inspections. 
The cause of such fuel contamination has not been determined. Tape in 
the wing fuel tanks, if not corrected, could block fuel passages and 
fuel pump screens and could result in the inability of the flightcrew 
to transfer fuel from one wing tank to the other tank, which could 
result in a fuel imbalance and consequent failure of an engine. Tape 
adhesive dissolving in the fuel, if not corrected, could contaminate 
fuel pump screens, engine fuel controls, and fuel nozzles, which could 
result in potential erroneous readings of the fuel quantity indication 
system.

FAA's Determination and Requirements of this AD

    The unsafe conditions described previously is likely to exist or 
develop on other airplanes of the same type design. For this reason, we 
are issuing this AD to prevent the identified unsafe conditions 
described previously. This AD requires a review of the airplane 
maintenance records to determine whether inspections identified by 
certain inspection reference numbers (IRNs) have been done. If any IRN 
has not been done, this AD requires doing an inspection of the inside 
of the wet wing fuel areas and the fuel pump screens for tape and 
adhesive tape residue, cleaning the low pressure fuel filter, 
determining whether tape or adhesive residue is present, doing an 
inspection of the filter for damage before installation, and applicable 
corrective actions if necessary. The corrective actions include 
cleaning any debris found in the wing fuel tank, returning any engine 
fuel control subjected to contaminated fuel for serving to the engine 
manufacturer, and repairing/replacing any damaged filter with a new 
filter; as applicable. In addition, this AD requires sending the review 
and inspection results to the FAA.

FAA's Determination of the Effective Date

    Since an unsafe condition exists that requires the immediate 
adoption of this AD, we have found that notice and opportunity for 
public comment before issuing this AD are impracticable, and that good 
cause exists to make this AD effective in less than 30 days.

[[Page 28260]]

Comments Invited

    This AD is a final rule that involves requirements that affect 
flight safety and was not preceded by notice and an opportunity for 
public comment; however, we invite you to submit any relevant written 
data, views, or arguments regarding this AD. Send your comments to an 
address listed in the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2006-
24792; Directorate Identifier 2006-NM-102-AD'' at the beginning of your 
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the AD that might 
suggest a need to modify it.
    We will post all comments we receive, without change, to http://dms.dot.gov, including any personal information you provide. We will 
also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact with FAA 
personnel concerning this AD. Using the search function of that Web 
site, anyone can find and read the comments in any of our dockets, 
including the name of the individual who sent the comment (or signed 
the comment on behalf of an association, business, labor union, etc.). 
You may review the DOT's complete Privacy Act Statement in the Federal 
Register published on April 11, 2000 (65 FR 19477-78), or you may visit 
http://dms.dot.gov.

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 DOT 
street address stated in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be 
available in the AD docket shortly after the Docket Management System 
receives them.

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 the regulation:
    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 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, 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 
adding the following new airworthiness directive (AD):

2006-10-15 Learjet: Amendment 39-14599. Docket No. FAA-2006-24792; 
Directorate Identifier 2006-NM-102-AD.

Effective Date

    (a) This AD becomes effective May 31, 2006.

Affected ADs

    (b) None.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to Learjet Model 45 airplanes, serial 
numbers 45-005 through 45-295 inclusive, and 45-2001 through 45-2044 
inclusive; certificated in any category.

Unsafe Condition

    (d) This AD results from reports of tape found in the wing fuel 
tanks. We are issuing this AD to prevent blocked fuel passages and 
fuel pump screens and the inability of the flightcrew to transfer 
fuel from one wing tank to the other tank due to tape in the wing 
fuel tanks, which could result in a fuel imbalance and consequent 
failure of an engine; and to prevent contaminated fuel pump screens, 
engine fuel controls, and fuel nozzles due to tape adhesive 
dissolving in the fuel, which could result in potential erroneous 
readings of the fuel quantity indication system.

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.

Review of Airplane Maintenance Records

    (f) Within 50 flight hours or 30 days after the effective date 
of this AD, whichever occurs first, review the airplane maintenance 
records to determine whether inspections identified by the 
inspection reference numbers (IRNs) in paragraphs (f)(1) and (f)(2) 
of this AD have been done.
    (1) IRN O2810001, Inspection/Service Requirement, ``Wing Tanks 
`` Perform Visual Inspection. Inspect for corrosion. (Refer to 5-10-
00.),'' of Bombardier Learjet 45 M45 Maintenance Manual.
    (2) IRN O2820000, Inspection/Service Requirement, ``Low Pressure 
Fuel Filter `` Remove and inspect for contamination. Clean if 
necessary. (Refer to 28-20-15.),'' of Bombardier Learjet 45 M45 
Maintenance Manual.

General Visual Inspections and Cleaning

    (g) During the records review required by paragraph (f) of this 
AD, if it cannot be positively determined whether both IRNs have 
been done: Except as provided by paragraph (h) of this AD, within 50 
flight hours or 30 days after the effective date of this AD, 
whichever occurs first, do the actions specified in paragraphs 
(g)(1) and (g)(2) of this AD in accordance with a method approved by 
the Manager, Wichita Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), FAA. 
Chapters 5-10-00 and 28-20-15, as applicable, of the Bombardier 
Learjet 45 M45 Maintenance Manual are approved methods.
    (1) Do a general visual inspection of the inside of the wet wing 
fuel areas and the fuel pump screens for tape or adhesive tape 
residue.
    (2) Clean the low pressure fuel filter, determining whether tape 
or adhesive tape residue is present, and do a general visual 
inspection of the filter for damage before installation.

    Note 1: For the purposes of this AD, a general visual inspection 
is: ``A visual examination of an interior or exterior area, 
installation, or assembly to detect obvious damage, failure, or 
irregularity. This level of

[[Page 28261]]

inspection is made from within touching distance unless otherwise 
specified. A mirror may be necessary to ensure visual access to all 
surfaces in the inspection area. This level of inspection is made 
under normally available lighting conditions such as daylight, 
hangar lighting, flashlight, or droplight and may require removal or 
opening of access panels or doors. Stands, ladders, or platforms may 
be required to gain proximity to the area being checked.''

    (h) As of the effective date of this AD: If a crew alert system 
message of ``L FUEL FILTER, R FUEL FILTER, LR FUEL FILTER, L FUEL 
PRESS LOW, R FUEL PRESS LOW, or LR FUEL PRESS LOW'' occurs during 
flight or on the ground, do the actions required by paragraph (g) of 
this AD before further flight, unless those actions have already 
been done.

Corrective Actions

    (i) If any tape or adhesive tape residue is found during the 
general visual inspection required by paragraph (g)(1) or during the 
cleaning required by paragraph (g)(2) of this AD, before further 
flight, do the actions specified in paragraphs (i)(1) and (i)(2) of 
this AD.
    (1) Clean the wing fuel tank in accordance with a method 
approved by the Manager, Wichita ACO. Chapter 20-71-00 of the 
Bombardier Learjet 45 M45 Maintenance Manual is one approved method.
    (2) Service the affected engine fuel filter and return any 
engine fuel control subjected to contaminated fuel for servicing to 
Honeywell Engines. Coordinate the return of the engine fuel control 
with Honeywell Engines, Systems & Services, Customer Support Center, 
M/S 26-06/2102-323, P.O. Box 29003, Phoenix, Arizona 85038-9003; 
telephone (800) 601-3099 or (602) 365-3099; fax (602) 365-3343.
    (j) If any damage is found during the general visual inspection 
required by paragraph (g)(2) of this AD, before further flight, do 
the applicable action specified in paragraph (j)(1) or (j)(2) of 
this AD in accordance with a method approved by the Manager, Wichita 
ACO. Chapter 28-20-15 of the Bombardier Learjet 45 M45 Maintenance 
Manual is one approved method.
    (1) For damage that is repairable: Repair damaged filter.
    (2) For damage beyond repair: Replace the damaged filter with a 
new filter.

Reporting Requirement

    (k) Within 10 days after accomplishing the review required by 
paragraph (f) of this AD or the general visual inspection required 
by paragraph (g) of this AD if done, whichever occurs later, submit 
a report of the applicable review and inspection results to: James 
Galstad, Aerospace Engineer, Systems and Propulsion Branch, ACE-
116W, FAA, Wichita Aircraft Certification Office, 1801 Airport Road, 
Room 100, Mid-Continent Airport, Wichita, Kansas 67209; e-mail 
[email protected]; telephone (316) 946-4135; fax (316) 946-4107. 
Information collection requirements contained in this AD have been 
approved by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) under the 
provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.) 
and have been assigned OMB Control Number 2120-0056. The report must 
include the following, as applicable:
    (1) The airplane serial number;
    (2) The number of flight hours on the airplane;
    (3) The applicable review and inspection results (both positive 
and negative findings), including a description, pictures, and 
pertinent information for any tape or adhesive tape residue found in 
the wing tank(s); and
    (4) Date of inspection of the wing tank(s).

Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (l)(1) The Manager, Wichita ACO, has the authority to approve 
AMOCs for this AD, if requested in accordance with the procedures 
found in 14 CFR 39.19.
    (2) Before using any AMOC approved in accordance with Sec.  
39.19 on any airplane to which the AMOC applies, notify the 
appropriate principal inspector in the FAA Flight Standards 
Certificate Holding District Office.

Material Incorporated by Reference

    (m) None.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on May 9, 2006.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 06-4542 Filed 5-15-06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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