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[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 161 (Tuesday, August 20, 2013)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 51053-51055]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-20098]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2012-1180; Directorate Identifier 2012-CE-032-AD; 
Amendment 39-17539; AD 2013-16-01]
RIN 2120-AA64

Airworthiness Directives; Beechcraft Corporation and Hawker 
Beechcraft Corporation

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain 
Beechcraft Corporation (type certificate previously held by Hawker 
Beechcraft Corporation) Models 58, 95-C55, E55, and 56TC airplanes; and 
Hawker Beechcraft Corporation Models 58P and 58TC airplanes (both type 
certificates previously held by Raytheon Aircraft Company). This AD was 
prompted by reports of elevator balance weights becoming loose or 
failing because the balance weight material was under strength and did 
not meet material specifications. This AD requires inspections of 
elevator balance weights and replacement of defective elevator balance 
weights. We are issuing this AD to correct the unsafe condition on 
these products.

DATES: This AD is effective September 24, 2013.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in the AD as of September 24, 
2013.

ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Beechcraft Corporation, B091-A04, 10511 E. Central Ave., Wichita, 
Kansas 67206; telephone: 1 (800) 429-5372 or (316) 676-3140; fax: (316) 
676-8027; email: tmdc@beechcraft.com; or Internet: http://www.beechcraft.com/customer_support/technical_and_field_support. 
You may review copies of the referenced service information at the FAA, 
Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Kansas City, Missouri 64106. 
For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 
(816) 329-4148.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov; or in person at the Docket Management Facility 
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal 
holidays. The AD docket contains this AD, the regulatory evaluation, 
any comments received, and other information. The address for the 
Docket Office (phone: 800-647-5527) is Document Management Facility, 
U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West 
Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., 
Washington, DC 20590.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: T. N. Baktha, Senior Aerospace 
Engineer, FAA, Wichita ACO, 1801 Airport Road, Room 100, Wichita, 
Kansas 67209; telephone: (316) 946-4155; fax: (316) 946-4107; email: 
t.n.baktha@faa.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Discussion

    We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR 
Part 39 to include an airworthiness directive (AD) that would apply to 
the specified products. The NPRM (77 FR 66566, November 6, 2012) 
proposed to require inspections of elevator balance weights and 
replacement of defective elevator balance weights. We followed the NPRM 
with a supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking (SNPRM) that 
published in the Federal Register on May 15, 2013 (78 FR 28540). The 
SNPRM proposed to prohibit the installation of designated spare parts 
and to clarify applicability.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this AD. We received no comments on the SNPRM (78 FR 28540, May 15, 
2013) or on the determination of the cost to the public.

Conclusion

    We reviewed the relevant data and determined that air safety and 
the public interest require adopting this AD as proposed except for 
minor editorial changes. We have determined that these minor changes:
     Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the 
SNPRM (78 FR 28540, May 15, 2013) for correcting the unsafe condition; 
and
     Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was 
already proposed in the SNPRM.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD affects 1,326 airplanes of U.S. registry.
    We estimate the following costs to comply with this AD:

[[Page 51054]]

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                    Cost per       Cost on U.S.
             Action                      Labor cost             Parts cost          product         operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inspection of the elevator        .5 work-hour x $85 per    Not applicable....          $42.50          $56,355
 balance weight.                   hour = $42.50.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    We estimate the following costs to do any necessary replacements 
that would be required based on the results of the inspection. We have 
no way of determining the number of aircraft that might need this 
replacement:

                                               On-Condition Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Cost per
                  Action                                Labor cost                 Parts cost        product
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Replacement of elevator balance weight....  1 work-hour x $85 per hour = $85..            $300             $385
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    According to the manufacturer, some of the costs of this AD may be 
covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost impact on affected 
individuals. We do not control warranty coverage for affected 
individuals. As a result, we have included all costs in our cost 
estimate.

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

    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),
    (3) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
    (4) 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.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

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

Adoption of the Amendment

    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 FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness 
directive

(AD): 2013-16-01 Beechcraft Corporation and Hawker Beechcraft 
Corporation: Amendment 39-17539; Docket No. FAA-2012-1180; 
Directorate Identifier 2012-CE-032-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD is effective September 24, 2013.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Beechcraft Corporation (type certificate 
previously held by Hawker Beechcraft Corporation) Models 58, 95-C55, 
E55, and 56TC airplanes; and Hawker Beechcraft Corporation Models 
58P and 58TC airplanes, all serial numbers, certificated in any 
category. Both type certificates previously held by Raytheon 
Aircraft Company.

 (d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC)/Air Transport Association 
(ATA) of America Code 2730: Elevator Balance Weight.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by reports of elevator balance weights 
becoming loose or failing because the balance weight material was 
under strength and did not meet material specifications. We are 
issuing this AD to correct this unsafe condition, which could result 
in reduced flutter speed and lead to loss of control.

(f) Compliance

    Comply with paragraphs (g) through (i), including all 
subparagraphs, of this AD within the compliance times specified, 
unless already done.

(g) Inspect Maintenance Records

    (1) For Model 58 airplanes, serial numbers TH-1768 through TH-
2110, before further flight after September 24, 2013 (the effective 
date of this AD), review the airplane maintenance records to 
determine if either of the elevator balance weights have ever been 
replaced. An owner/operator (pilot) holding at least a private pilot 
certificate is allowed to do this action.
    (i) If, as a result of the maintenance records check, you 
positively identify that one or both of the elevator balance weights 
have never been replaced, then complete all of the actions in 
paragraph (h) and (i), all subparagraphs, as applicable in this AD.
    (ii) If, as a result of the maintenance records check, you 
identify both balance weights have been replaced and you can 
positively identify by means of an Airworthiness Approval Tag (FAA 
Form 8130-3) or other positive form of parts identification such as 
a shipping ticket, invoice, or direct ship authority letter, that 
the purchase date from Hawker Beechcraft Corporation (also known as 
Raytheon Aircraft Company or Beechcraft Corporation)

[[Page 51055]]

on both balance weights is outside the date range of January 1, 
1996, and December 31, 2005, then no further action is required for 
this AD.
    (iii) For a replaced balance weight, if you cannot positively 
identify the date of purchase of a balance weight from Hawker 
Beechcraft Corporation (also known as Raytheon Aircraft Company or 
Beechcraft Corporation), then you must complete all of the actions 
in paragraph (h) and (i), all subparagraphs, as applicable in this 
AD.
    (2) For Model 58 airplanes, all serial numbers (except TH-1768 
through TH-2110), and Models 58TC, 58P, 95-C55, E55, and 56TC 
airplanes, all serial numbers, before further flight after September 
24, 2013 (the effective date of this AD) review the airplane 
maintenance records to determine if the elevator balance weights 
have ever been replaced. An owner/operator (pilot) holding at least 
a private pilot certificate is allowed to do this action.
    (i) If, as a result of the maintenance records check, you 
positively identify that both of the elevator balance weights have 
never been replaced, then no further action is required for this AD. 
An owner/operator (pilot) holding at least a private pilot 
certificate is allowed to do this action.
    (ii) If, as a result of the maintenance records check, you 
identify that one or both of the balance weights have been replaced 
and you can positively identify by means of an Airworthiness 
Approval Tag (FAA Form 8130-3) or other positive form of parts 
identification such as a shipping ticket, invoice, or direct ship 
authority letter, that the purchase date from Hawker Beechcraft 
Corporation (also known as Raytheon Aircraft Company or Beechcraft 
Corporation) is outside the date range of January 1, 1996, and 
December 31, 2005, then no further action is required for this AD.
    (iii) If you cannot positively identify the date of purchase of 
an aircraft balance weight from Hawker Beechcraft Corporation (also 
known as Raytheon Aircraft Company or Beechcraft Corporation), then 
you must perform all of the actions in paragraph (h) and (i), all 
subparagraphs, as applicable in this AD.

(h) Inspection of Elevator Balance Weight

    Before further flight after September 24, 2013 (the effective 
date of this AD) and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 100 hours 
time-in-service (TIS) until the replacement required by this AD is 
done, inspect the elevator balance weights for looseness, failure, 
and/or working (smoking) fasteners and inserts following the 
Accomplishment Instructions paragraph 3.A in Hawker Beechcraft 
Mandatory Service Bulletin SB 55-4089, Revision 1, dated February, 
2012.

(i) Replacement of Elevator Balance Weight

    (1) Replace the defective elevator balance weight with an 
airworthy balance weight as specified in the Accomplishment 
Instructions paragraph 3.A in Hawker Beechcraft Mandatory Service 
Bulletin SB 55-4089, Revision 1, dated February, 2012, at either 
paragraph (i)(1)(i) or (i)(1)(ii) of this AD, whichever occurs 
first:
    (i) Before further flight after any inspection required by 
paragraph (h) of this AD where any looseness, failure, and/or 
working (smoking) fasteners and inserts are found; or
    (ii) Within the next 200 hours TIS after September 24, 2013 (the 
effective date of this AD).
    (2) Replacement of elevator balance weights with airworthy 
elevator balance weights terminates the 100-hour inspection 
requirement in paragraph (h) of this AD.
    (3) As of September 24, 2013 (the effective date of this AD), do 
not install P/N 96-610022, P/N 96-61022-5, P/N 96-610022-7, and P/N 
96-610022-9 elevator balance weight assemblies, if originally 
purchased from Hawker Beechcraft Corporation (also known as Raytheon 
Aircraft Company or Beechcraft Corporation) between January 1, 1996, 
and December 31, 2005, on any airplane.

(j) Special Flight Permit

    Special flight is permitted with the following limitations: 
Maximum structural cruising speed (Vno) = Design Speed 
for maximum gust intensity (Vb) = 195 Knots Calibrated 
Airspeed (KCAS), or Vno=Vb=195KCAS. This 
special flight is not allowed into known turbulence, and the 
duration of this flight should not be more than a total of 10 hours 
TIS.

(k) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, Wichita Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), 
FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested 
using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 
CFR 39.19, send your request to your principal inspector or local 
Flight Standards District Office, as appropriate. If sending 
information directly to the manager of the ACO, send it to the 
attention of the person identified in the Related Information 
section of this AD.
    (2) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate 
principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager 
of the local flight standards district office/certificate holding 
district office.

(l) Related Information

    For more information about this AD, contact T. N. Baktha, Senior 
Aerospace Engineer, FAA, Wichita ACO, 1801 Airport Road, Room 100, 
Wichita, Kansas 67209; telephone: (316) 946-4155; fax: (316) 946-
4107; email: t.n.baktha@faa.gov.

(m) Material Incorporated by Reference

    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference (IBR) of the service information listed 
in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
    (2) You must use this service information as applicable to do 
the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
    (i) Hawker Beechcraft Mandatory Service Bulletin SB 55-4089, 
Revision 1, dated February, 2012.
    (ii) Reserved.
    (3) For Beechcraft Corporation and Hawker Beechcraft Corporation 
service information identified in this AD, contact Beechcraft 
Corporation, B091-A04, 10511 E. Central Ave., Wichita, Kansas 67206; 
telephone: 1 (800) 429-5372 or (316) 676-3140; fax: (316) 676-8027; 
email: tmdc@beechcraft.com; or Internet: http://www.beechcraft.com/customer_support/technical_and_field_support/.
    (4) You may view this service information at FAA, Small Airplane 
Directorate, 901 Locust, Kansas City, Missouri 64106. For 
information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 
(816) 329-4148.
    (5) You may view this service information that is incorporated 
by reference at the National Archives and Records Administration 
(NARA). For information on the availability of this material at 
NARA, call 202-741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on July 25, 2013.
Earl Lawrence,
Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2013-20098 Filed 8-19-13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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