Airworthiness Directives; Raytheon Model DH 125-1A, -3A, and - 400A Series Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 85 (Friday, May 2, 1997)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 24013-24014]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 97-11198]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 96-NM-190-AD; Amendment 39-10008; AD 97-09-12]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Raytheon Model DH 125-1A, -3A, and -
400A Series Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), 
applicable to all Raytheon Model DH 125-1A, -3A, and -400A series 
airplanes, that requires a one-time inspection to detect scoring of the 
upper fuselage skin around the periphery of the cockpit canopy blister 
interface, and repair, if necessary. This amendment is prompted by 
reports indicating that scoring of the upper fuselage skin had been 
detected in that area. The actions specified by this AD are intended to 
detect and correct scoring of the upper fuselage skin around the 
periphery of the cockpit canopy blister interface, which could result 
in reduced structural integrity of the fuselage, and consequent cabin 
depressurization.

DATES: Effective June 6, 1997.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of June 6, 1997.

ADDRESSES: The service information referenced in this AD may be 
obtained from Raytheon Aircraft Company, Commercial Service Department, 
P.O. Box 85, Wichita, Kansas 67201-0085. This information may be 
examined at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Transport 
Airplane Directorate, Rules Docket, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, 
Washington; or at the FAA, Wichita Aircraft Certification Office, Small 
Airplane Directorate, 1801 Airport Road, Room 100, Mid-Continent 
Airport, Wichita, Kansas; or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 
North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Larry Engler, Aerospace Engineer, 
Airframe Branch, ACE-120W, FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, Wichita 
Aircraft Certification Office, 1801 Airport Road, Room 100, Mid-
Continent Airport, Wichita, Kansas 67209; telephone (316) 946-4122; fax 
(316) 946-4407.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: A proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal 
Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) to include an airworthiness 
directive (AD) that is applicable to all Raytheon Model DH 125-1A, -3A, 
and -400A series airplanes was published in the Federal Register on 
February 20, 1997 (62 FR 7731). That action proposed to require a one-
time detailed visual inspection to detect scoring of the upper fuselage 
skin around the periphery of the cockpit canopy blister interface, and 
repair, if necessary.
    Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate 
in the making of this amendment. No comments were submitted in response 
to the proposal or the FAA's determination of the cost to the public.

Conclusion

    The FAA has determined that air safety and the public interest 
require the adoption of the rule as proposed.

Cost Impact

    There are approximately 200 Model DH 125-1A, -3A, and -400A series 
airplanes of the affected design in the worldwide fleet. The FAA 
estimates that 115 airplanes of U.S. registry will be affected by this 
AD, that it will take approximately 4 work hours per airplane to 
accomplish the required actions, and that the average labor rate is $60 
per work hour. Based on these figures, the cost impact of the AD on 
U.S. operators is estimated to be $27,600, or $240 per airplane.
    The cost impact figure discussed above is based on assumptions that 
no operator has yet accomplished any of the requirements of this AD 
action, and that no operator would accomplish those actions in the 
future if this AD were not adopted.

[[Page 24014]]

Regulatory Impact

    The regulations adopted herein will not have substantial direct 
effects 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, in 
accordance with Executive Order 12612, it is determined that this final 
rule does not have sufficient federalism implications to warrant the 
preparation of a Federalism Assessment.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this action (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. A final evaluation has been prepared for this action 
and it is contained in the Rules Docket. A copy of it 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:
97-09-12  Raytheon Aircraft Company (Formerly Beech, Raytheon 
Corporate Jets, British Aerospace, Hawker Siddeley, et al.): 
Amendment 39-10008. Docket 96-NM-190-AD.

    Applicability: All Model DH 125-1A, -3A, and -400 series 
airplanes, certificated in any category.

    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 (d) 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.
    Note 2: Raytheon Model DH 125-1B, -3B, and -400B series 
airplanes are similar in design to the airplanes that are subject to 
the requirements of this AD and, therefore, also may be subject to 
the unsafe condition addressed by this AD. However, as of the 
effective date of this AD, those models are not type certificated 
for operation in the United States. Airworthiness authorities of 
countries in which the Model DH 125-1B, -3B, and -400B series 
airplanes are approved for operation should consider adopting 
corrective action, applicable to those models, that is similar to 
the corrective action required by this AD.

    Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished 
previously.
    To detect and correct scoring of the upper fuselage skin around 
the periphery of the cockpit canopy blister interface, which could 
result in reduced structural integrity of the fuselage skin, and 
consequent cabin depressurization; accomplish the following:
    (a) Within 90 days after the effective date of this AD, perform 
a one-time detailed visual inspection to detect scoring of the upper 
fuselage skin around the periphery of the cockpit canopy blister 
interface, in accordance with Raytheon Aircraft Service Bulletin 
SB.53-93, dated May 16, 1996.
    (b) If no scoring is detected during the inspection required by 
paragraph (a) of this AD, no further action is required by this AD.
    (c) If any scoring is detected during the inspection required by 
paragraph (a) of this AD, prior to further flight, determine the 
maximum location and details of each score, including the edge 
distance and material thickness, in accordance with Raytheon 
Aircraft Service Bulletin SB.53-93, dated May 16, 1996.
    (1) If any scoring is found that is within the limits specified 
in the service bulletin, prior to further flight, repair in 
accordance with the service bulletin.
    (2) If any scoring is found that is outside the limits specified 
in the service bulletin, prior to further flight, repair in 
accordance with a method approved by the Manager, Wichita Aircraft 
Certification Office (ACO), FAA, Small Airplane Directorate.
    (d) 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, Wichita ACO. Operators shall submit 
their requests through an appropriate FAA Principal Maintenance 
Inspector, who may add comments and then send it to the Manager, 
Wichita ACO.

    Note 3: Information concerning the existence of approved 
alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be 
obtained from the Wichita ACO.

    (e) Special flight permits may 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.
    (f) The actions shall be done in accordance with Raytheon 
Aircraft Service Bulletin SB.53-93, dated May 16, 1996. 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 Raytheon Aircraft Company, 
Commercial Service Department, P.O. Box 85, Wichita, Kansas 67201-
0085. Copies may be inspected at the FAA, Transport Airplane 
Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or at the 
FAA, Wichita Aircraft Certification Office, Small Airplane 
Directorate, 1801 Airport Road, Room 100, Mid-Continent Airport, 
Wichita, Kansas; or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North 
Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC.
    (g) This amendment becomes effective on June 6, 1997.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on April 24, 1997.
Neil D. Schalekamp,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 97-11198 Filed 5-1-97; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U

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