Document ID: FAA-2014-0254-0001
Agency: faa
Document Type: Proposed Rule
Title: Airworthiness Directives: Beechcraft Corporation (Type Certificate Previously Held by Hawker Beechcraft Corporation; Raytheon Aircraft Company) Airplanes
Posted Date: 2014-04-24T04:00Z

[Federal Register Volume 79, Number 79 (Thursday, April 24, 2014)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 22783-22786]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2014-09311]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2014-0254; Directorate Identifier 2013-NM-047-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64

Airworthiness Directives; Beechcraft Corporation (Type 
Certificate Previously Held by Hawker Beechcraft Corporation; Raytheon 
Aircraft Company) Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

[[Page 22784]]

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
certain Beechcraft Corporation (Type Certificate Previously Held by 
Hawker Beechcraft Corporation; Raytheon Aircraft Company) Model Hawker 
800XP, 850XP, and 900XP airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by a 
design review that revealed there were no instructions to apply sealant 
to structural components in the fuel tank during the winglet 
installation process. This proposed AD would require an inspection for 
the presence of sealant on doubler plate edges, doubler plate rivets, 
and adjacent skin in the fuel vent surge tanks; and corrective actions 
if necessary. We are proposing this AD to detect and correct missing 
sealant, which, during a lightning strike, could result in a potential 
source of ignition in a fuel tank and consequent explosion or fire and 
subsequent in-flight breakup of the airplane.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by June 9, 2014.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR 
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
     Fax: 202-493-2251.
     Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590.
     Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail address above 
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal 
holidays.
    For service information identified in this proposed AD, contact 
Beechcraft Corporation, TMDC, P.O. Box 85, Wichita, KS 67201-0085; 
telephone 316-676-8238; fax 316-671-2540; email tmdc@beechcraft.com; 
Internet http://pubs.beechcraft.com. You may view this referenced 
service information at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 
Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For information on the availability of 
this material at the FAA, call 425-227-1221.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2014-
0254; 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 proposed AD, the regulatory evaluation, any comments 
received, and other information. The street address for the Docket 
Office (phone: 800-647-5527) is in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will 
be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jeffrey Englert, Aerospace Engineer, 
Mechanical Systems and Propulsion Branch, ACE-116W, FAA, Wichita 
Aircraft Certification Office, 1801 Airport Road, Room 100, Mid-
Continent Airport, Wichita, KS 67209; phone: (316) 946-4167; fax: (316) 
946-4107; email: jeffrey.englert@faa.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

    We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or 
arguments about this proposal. Send your comments to an address listed 
under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2014-0254; 
Directorate Identifier 2013-NM-047-AD'' at the beginning of your 
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this proposed AD. We 
will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend 
this proposed AD because of those comments.
    We will post all comments we receive, without change, to http://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. We 
will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact we 
receive about this proposed AD.

Discussion

    We found during a design review that included the winglet kit that 
there were no instructions to apply sealant to structural components in 
the fuel tank during the winglet installation process. The sealant is 
part of the lightning protection design for the fuel tanks. Missing 
sealant, if not detected and corrected, could result in a potential 
source of ignition in a fuel tank during a lightning strike and 
consequent explosion or fire and subsequent in-flight breakup of the 
airplane.

Relevant Service Information

    We reviewed Hawker Beechcraft Mandatory Service Bulletin SB 57-
4112, dated February 2013. The service information describes procedures 
for inspecting for the presence of sealant on doubler plate edges, 
doubler plate rivets, and adjacent skin in the top and bottom of the 
left and right fuel vent surge tanks; and applying sealant if 
necessary.

FAA's Determination

    We are proposing this AD because we evaluated all the relevant 
information and determined the unsafe condition described previously is 
likely to exist or develop in other products of the same type design.

Proposed AD Requirements

    This proposed AD would require accomplishing the actions specified 
in the service information described previously, except as discussed 
under ``Differences Between the Proposed AD and the Service 
Information.''

Differences Between This Proposed AD and the Service Information

    The service information identifies Model 800XP and 850XP airplanes 
equipped with certain kits, but does not specify the serial numbers of 
Model 800XP and 850XP airplanes that are eligible to have those kits 
installed. We have listed those serial numbers in paragraph (g) of this 
proposed AD.
    The service information refers only to an ``inspection'' to 
determine the presence of sealant. We have determined that the 
inspection should be described as a ``general visual inspection.'' We 
have defined this type of inspection in paragraph (h) of this proposed 
AD.
    The service information includes a note in the Accomplishment 
Instructions to inform operators to contact Hawker Beechcraft ``should 
any difficulty be encountered'' in accomplishing the service 
information. We have clarified in paragraph (i) of this proposed AD 
that any deviation from the instructions provided in the service 
information must be approved as an alternative method of compliance 
under the provisions of paragraph (k) of this proposed AD.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD affects 50 airplanes of U.S. 
registry.
    We estimate the following costs to comply with this proposed AD:

[[Page 22785]]

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                     Cost per      Cost on U.S.
              Action                      Labor cost             Parts cost           Product        operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inspection........................  2 work-hours x $85     None.................            $170          $8,500
                                     per hour = $170.
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    We estimate the following costs to do any necessary repairs that 
would be required based on the results of the proposed inspection. We 
have no way of determining the number of aircraft that might need these 
repairs:

                                               On-Condition Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Cost per
                   Action                                Labor cost                Parts cost        product
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sealant application.........................  36 work-hours x $85 per hour =               $32           $3,092
                                               $3,060.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    According to the manufacturer, all of the costs of this proposed 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

    We determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism 
implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would 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 this proposed 
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),
    (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.

The Proposed Amendment

    Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 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):

Beechcraft Corporation (Type Certificate Previously Held by Hawker 
Beechcraft Corporation; Raytheon Aircraft Company): Docket No. FAA-
2014-0254; Directorate Identifier 2013-NM-047-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by June 9, 2014.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Beechcraft Corporation (Type Certificate 
previously held by Hawker Beechcraft Corporation; Raytheon Aircraft 
Company) Model Hawker 800XP, 850XP, and 900XP airplanes, 
certificated in any category, all serial numbers.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 28, Fuel.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by a design review that revealed there were 
no instructions to apply sealant to structural components in the 
fuel tank during the winglet installation process. We are issuing 
this AD to detect and correct missing sealant, which, during a 
lightning strike, could result in a potential source of ignition in 
a fuel tank and consequent explosion or fire and subsequent in-
flight breakup of the airplane.

(f) Compliance

    Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, 
unless already done.

(g) Inspection and Corrective Action

    For airplanes identified in paragraphs (g)(1), (g)(2), and 
(g)(3) of this AD: Within 600 flight hours or 12 months after the 
effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first, do a general 
visual inspection for the presence of sealant on doubler plate 
edges, doubler plate rivets, and adjacent skin in the top and bottom 
of the left and right fuel vent surge tanks, and do all applicable 
corrective actions, in accordance with the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Hawker Beechcraft Mandatory Service Bulletin SB 57-
4112, dated February 2013, except as required by paragraph (i) of 
this AD. Do all applicable corrective actions before further flight.
    (1) Beechcraft Corporation (Type Certificate previously held by 
Hawker Beechcraft Corporation; Raytheon Aircraft Company) Model 
Hawker 800XP airplanes, serial numbers 258324, 258326 through 258332 
inclusive, 258334 through 258340 inclusive, 258342 through 258347 
inclusive, 258349 through 258359 inclusive, 258361 through 258369 
inclusive, 258371 through 258380 inclusive, 258382 through 258406 
inclusive, 258408 through 258426 inclusive, 258428 through 258444 
inclusive, 258446 through 258468 inclusive, 258470 through

[[Page 22786]]

258492 inclusive, 258494 through 258512 inclusive, 258514 through 
258532 inclusive, 258534 through 258540 inclusive, 258542 through 
258555 inclusive, 258557 through 258566 inclusive, 258278, 258541, 
258556, 258567 through 258609 inclusive, 258611 through 258628 
inclusive, 258630 through 258684 inclusive, 258686 through 258734 
inclusive, 258736 through 258788 inclusive, 258795, 258802, 258821, 
258825, 258829, 258834, 258840, and 258847; equipped with a kit 
numbered 140-1701-1, 140-1702-1, 140-1703-1,140-1703-5, 140-1703-7, 
or 140-1704-1 that was purchased from Hawker Beechcraft on or before 
February 13, 2013.
    (2) Beechcraft Corporation (Type Certificate previously held by 
Hawker Beechcraft Corporation; Raytheon Aircraft Company) Model 
Hawker 850XP airplanes having serial numbers 258789 through 258794 
inclusive, 258796, 258798 through 258801 inclusive, 258803 through 
258819 inclusive, 258822, 258823, 258826 through 258828 inclusive, 
258830 through 258833 inclusive, 258835 through 258838 inclusive, 
258841, 258844, 258845, 258848, 258852, 258855, 258856, 258858, 
258859, 258861, 258872, 258874, 258876, 258891, 258893, 258895, 
258900, 258901, 258904, 258907, 258909, 258912, 258915, 258921, 
258959, 258961, 258963, 258977, 258980, 258982, and subsequent 
serial numbers; equipped with a kit numbered 140-1701-1, 140-1702-1, 
140-1703-1, 140-1703-5, 140-1703-7, or 140-1704-1 that was purchased 
on or before February 13, 2013.
    (3) Beechcraft Corporation (Type Certificate previously held by 
Hawker Beechcraft Corporation; Raytheon Aircraft Company) Model 
Hawker 900XP airplanes, having serial numbers HA-0156 and HA-0159.

(h) Definition

    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 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.

(i) Exception to the Service Information

    A note in the Accomplishment Instructions of the Hawker 
Beechcraft Mandatory Service Bulletin SB 57-4112, dated February 
2013, instructs operators to contact Hawker Beechcraft if any 
difficulty is encountered in accomplishing the service information. 
However, this AD requires that any deviation from the instructions 
provided in Hawker Beechcraft Mandatory Service Bulletin SB 57-4112, 
dated February 2013, must be approved as an alternative method of 
compliance (AMOC) under the provisions of paragraph (k) of this AD.

(j) Parts Installation Limitation

    For all airplanes: As of the effective date of this AD, no kit 
having kit number 140-1701-1, 140-1702-1, 140-1703-1, 140-1703-5, 
140-1703-7, or 140-1704-1 that was purchased before February 13, 
2013, may be installed on any airplane unless the installation 
includes sealant on doubler plate edges, doubler plate rivets, and 
adjacent skin in the top and bottom of the left and right fuel vent 
surge tanks, as specified in the Accomplishment Instructions of 
Hawker Beechcraft Mandatory Service Bulletin SB 57-4112, dated 
February 2013.

(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

    (1) For more information about this AD, contact Jeffrey Englert, 
Aerospace Engineer, Mechanical Systems and Propulsion Branch, ACE-
116W, FAA, Wichita Aircraft Certification Office, 1801 Airport Road, 
Room 100, Mid-Continent Airport, Wichita, KS 67209; phone: (316) 
946-4167; fax: (316) 946-4107; email: jeffrey.englert@faa.gov.
    (2) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Beechcraft Corporation, TMDC, P.O. Box 85, Wichita, KS 67201-0085; 
telephone 316-676-8238; fax 316-671-2540; email tmdc@beechcraft.com; 
Internet http://pubs.beechcraft.com. You may view this referenced 
service information at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 
Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For information on the availability of 
this material at the FAA, call 425-227-1221.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on April 17, 2014.
Jeffrey E. Duven,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2014-09311 Filed 4-23-14; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P