PROPOSED AD
Raytheon Aircraft Company:
Docket No. 2000-CE-80-AD
(a) What airplanes are affected by this AD? This AD affects the following airplane models and serial numbers that are certificated in any category; --------------------------------------------------------------------- Model Serial Nos. --------------------------------------------------------------------- (1) 65-90, 65-A90, B90, C90, and C90A.. LJ-1 through LJ-1530. (2) 65-A90-1 (U-21A)................... LM-1 through LM-125. (3) 65-A90-1 (U-21G)................... LM-126 through LM-141. (4) 65-A90-2 (RU-21B).................. LS-1 through LS-3. (5) 65-A90-3 (RU-21C).................. LT-1 and LT-2. (6) 65-A90-4 (RU-21E).................. LU-1 through LU-16. (7) E90................................ LW-1 through LW-347. (8) F90................................ LA-2 through LA-236. (9) H90 (T-44A)........................ LL-1 through LL-61. (10) 99, 99A, A99A, B99, and C99....... U-1 through U-239. (11) 100 and A100...................... B-1 through B-94 and B-100 through B-247. (12) A100 (U-21F)...................... B95 through B-99. (13) A100-1 (U-21J).................... BB-3 through BB-5. (14) A200 (C-12A) and (C-12C).......... BC-1 through BC-75 and BD-1 through BD-30. (15) A200C (UC-12B).................... BJ-1 through BJ-66. (16) A200CT (C-12D).................... BP-1, BP-22, and BP-24 through BP-51. (17) A200CT (C-12F).................... BP-52 through BP-63. (18) A200CT (FWC-12D).................. BP-7 through BP-11. (19) A200CT (RC-12D)................... GR-1 through GR-12. (20) A200CT (RC-12G)................... FC-1 through FC-3. (21) A200CT (RC-12H)................... GR-14 through GR-19. (22) A200CT (RC-12K)................... FE-1 through FE-9. (23) A200CT (RC-12P)................... FE-25 through FE-31, FE-33, and FE-35. (24) A200CT (RC-12Q)................... FE-32, FE-34, and FE-36. (25) B100.............................. BE-1 through BE-137. (26) B200 and 200...................... BB-2, BB-6 through BB-1313, BB- 1315 through BB-1384, and BB- 1389 through BB-1662. (27) B200C and 200C.................... BL-1 through BL-72, and BL-124 through BL-140. (28) B200C (C-12F)..................... BL-73 through BL-112, BL-118 through BL-123, and BP-64 through BP-71. (29) B200C (C-12R)..................... BW-1 through BW-29. (30) B200C (UC-12F).................... BU-1 through BU-10. (31) B200C (UC-12M).................... BV-1 through BV-10. (32) B200CT and 200CT.................. BN-1 through BN-4. (33) B200T and 200T.................... BT-1 through BT-38, and BB- 1314. (34) 300............................... FA-1 through FA-230, and FF-1 through FF-19. (35) B300.............................. FL-1 through FL-252. (36) B300C............................. FM-1 through FM-9, and FN-1. (37) 2000.............................. NC-4 through NC-53. --------------------------------------------------------------------- (b) Who must comply with this AD? Anyone who wishes to operate any of the airplanes identified in paragraph (a) of this AD must comply with this AD. (c) What problem does this AD address? The actions specified by this AD are intended to assure that clear and complete operating instructions are visible for opening the airstair door and emergency exits. If not visible or understandable, this could result in the inability to open the airstair door or emergency exits during an emergency situation. (d) What actions must I accomplish to address this problem? To address this problem, you must accomplish the following: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Actions Compliance Procedures ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Modify the exterior door Within the next 200 In accordance with operating procedures by hours time-in- the applicable kit incorporating the kit as service (TIS) after instructions as specified in the service the effective date specified in the bulletin. of this AD or Accomplishment within the next 12 Instructions calendar months section in Raytheon after the effective Mandatory Service date of this AD, Bulletin SB 52- whichever occurs 3096, Rev. 1, first. Revised: June, 2002. Use Paragraph (7) of the Accomplishment Instructions section in Raytheon Mandatory Service Bulletin SB 52- 3096, Rev. 1, Revised: June, 2002, to accomplish this action on the Model 2000 airplanes. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ (e) Can I comply with this AD in any other way? You may use an alternative method of compliance or adjust the compliance time if: (1) Your alternative method of compliance provides an equivalent level of safety; and (2) The Manager, Wichita Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), approves your alternative. Submit your request through an FAA Principal Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send it to the Manager, Wichita ACO. Note: This AD applies to each airplane identified in paragraph (a) of this AD, 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 (e) 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 you have not eliminated the unsafe condition, specific actions you propose to address it. (f) Where can I get information about any already-approved alternative methods of compliance? Contact Mr. Steven E. Potter, Aerospace Engineer, Wichita Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, 1801 Airport Road, Mid-Continent Airport, Wichita, Kansas 67209; telephone: (316) 946-4124; facsimile: (316) 946-4407. (g) What if I need to fly the airplane to another location to comply with this AD? The FAA can issue a special flight permit under sections 21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.197 and 21.199) to operate your airplane to a location where you can accomplish the requirements of this AD. (h) How do I get copies of the documents referenced in this AD? You may get copies of the documents referenced in this AD from Raytheon Aircraft Company, 9709 E. Central, Wichita, Kansas 67201- 0085; telephone: (800) 429-5372 or (316) 676-3140. You may view these documents at FAA, Central Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, 901 Locust, Room 506, Kansas City, Missouri 64106. Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on August 2, 2002. Dorenda D. Baker, Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 02-20135 Filed 8-8-02; 8:45 am] DATES: The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) must receive any comments on this proposed rule on or before October 15, 2002.
PREAMBLE TO THIS AD *************************************************
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 2000-CE-80-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Raytheon Aircraft Company 65, 90, 99,
100, 200, and 300 Series, and Model 2000 Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
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SUMMARY: This document proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive
(AD) that would apply to certain Raytheon Aircraft Company (Raytheon)
65, 90, 99, 100, 200, and 300 series, and Model 2000 airplanes. The
proposed AD would require you to install new exterior operating
instruction placards for the airstair door and emergency exits. The
proposed AD is the result of Raytheon improving the visibility and
understandability of the door operating instruction placards. This was
done as a result of difficulty opening the emergency exits of a similar
type design airplane. The actions specified by the proposed AD are
intended to assure that clear and complete operating instructions are
visible for opening the airstair door and emergency exits. If not
visible or understandable, this could result in the inability to open
the airstair door or emergency exits during an emergency situation.
DATES: The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) must receive any
comments on this proposed rule on or before October 15, 2002.
ADDRESSES: Submit comments to FAA, Central Region, Office of the
Regional Counsel, Attention: Rules Docket No. 2000-CE-80-AD, 901
Locust, Room 506, Kansas City, Missouri 64106. You may view any
comments at this location between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through
Friday, except Federal holidays. You may also send comments
electronically to the following address: 9-ACE-7-Docket@faa.gov.
Comments sent electronically must contain ``Docket No. 2000-CE-80-AD''
in the subject line. If you send comments electronically as attached
electronic files, the files must be formatted in Microsoft Word 97 for
Windows or ASCII text.
You may get service information that applies to this proposed AD
from Raytheon Aircraft Company, 9709 E. Central, Wichita, Kansas 67201-
0085; telephone: (800) 429-5372 or (316) 676-3140. You may also view
this information at the Rules Docket at the address above.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Steven E. Potter, Aerospace
Engineer, Wichita Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, 1801 Airport
Road, Mid-Continent Airport, Wichita, Kansas 67209; telephone: (316)
946-4124; facsimile: (316) 946-4407.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
How Do I Comment on This Proposed AD?
The FAA invites comments on this proposed rule. You may submit
whatever written data, views, or arguments you choose. You need to
include the rule's docket number and submit your comments to the
address specified under the caption ADDRESSES. We will consider all
comments received on or before the closing date. We may amend this
proposed rule in light of comments received. Factual information that
supports your ideas and suggestions is extremely helpful in evaluating
the effectiveness of this proposed AD action and determining whether we
need to take additional rulemaking action.
Are There Any Specific Portions of This Proposed AD I Should Pay
Attention To?
The FAA specifically invites comments on the overall regulatory,
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this proposed rule that
might suggest a need to modify the rule.
You may view all comments we receive before and after the closing
date of the rule in the Rules Docket. We will file a report in the
Rules Docket that summarizes each contact we have with the public that
concerns the substantive parts of this proposed AD.
How Can I Be Sure FAA Receives My Comment?
If you want FAA to acknowledge the receipt of your mailed comments,
you must include a self-addressed, stamped postcard. On the postcard,
write ``Comments to Docket No. 2000-CE-80-AD.'' We will date stamp and
mail the postcard back to you.
Discussion
What Events Have Caused This Proposed AD?
FAA believes that the instructions for opening the airstair door
and emergency exits are either not visible or not easy to understand on
Raytheon 65, 90, 99, 100, 200, and 300 series, and Model 2000
airplanes. This is based on an accident that resulted in the issuance
of AD 97-04-02. AD 97-04-02 was later superseded by AD 98-21-20 to
incorporate more visible and understandable instructions.
What Are the Consequences If the Condition is Not Corrected?
If the exterior door operating instruction placards are not visible
or understandable, this could result in the inability to open the
airstair door or emergency exits during an emergency situation.
Is There Service Information That Applies to This Subject?
Raytheon has issued Mandatory Service Bulletin SB 52-3096, Rev. 1,
Revised: June, 2002.
What Are the Provisions of This Service Information?
The service bulletin includes procedures for installing new
exterior placards with improved operating instructions for the airstair
door and emergency exits on the affected airplanes.
The FAA's Determination and an Explanation of the Provisions of
this Proposed AD
What Has FAA decided?
After examining the circumstances and reviewing all available
information related to the incidents described above, we have
determined that:
--The unsafe condition referenced in this document exists or could
develop on other Raytheon 65, 90, 99, 100, 200, and 300 series, and
Model 2000 airplanes of the same type design;
--The actions specified in the previously-referenced service
information should be accomplished on the affected airplanes; and
--AD action should be taken in order to correct this unsafe condition.
What Would This Proposed AD Require?
This proposed AD would require you to install new exterior
operating instruction placards for the airstair door and emergency
exits.
Cost Impact
How Many Airplanes Would the Proposed AD Impact?
We estimate that the proposed AD would affect 3,587 airplanes in
the U.S. registry.
What Would Be the Cost Impact of This Proposed AD on Owners/Operators
of the Affected Airplanes?
We estimate the following costs to accomplish the proposed
modification:
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Labor cost Parts cost Total cost per airplane Total cost on U.S. operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2 workhours x $60 per hour = Approximately $120 + $190 = $310 $310 x 3,587 = $1,111,970
$120. $190 per
airplane.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The manufacturer will provide warranty credit for labor and parts
to the extent noted under MANPOWER and MATERIAL in Raytheon Mandatory
Service Bulletin SB 52-3096, Rev. 1, Revised: June, 2002.
Compliance Time of This Proposed AD
What Would Be the Compliance Time of This Proposed AD?
The compliance time of this proposed AD is ``within the next 200
hours time-in-service (TIS) after the effective date of this AD or
within the next 12 calendar months after the effective date of this AD,
whichever occurs first.''
Why Is the Compliance Time of This Proposed AD Presented in Both Hours
TIS and Calendar Time?
The unsafe condition on these airplanes is not a result of the
number of times the airplane is operated. Airplane operation varies
among operators. For example, one operator may operate the airplane 50
hours TIS in 3 months while it may take another operator 12 months or
more to accumulate 50 hours TIS. For this reason, the FAA has
determined that the compliance time of the proposed AD should be
specified in both hours time-in-service (TIS) and calendar time in
order to assure this condition is not allowed to go uncorrected over
time.
Regulatory Impact
Would This Proposed AD Impact Various Entities?
The regulations proposed herein 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. Therefore, it
is determined that this proposed rule would not have federalism
implications under Executive Order 13132.
Would This Proposed AD Involve a Significant Rule or Regulatory Action?
For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this proposed
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) if
promulgated, 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 copy of the draft regulatory
evaluation prepared for this action has been placed in the Rules
Docket. A copy of it may be obtained by contacting the Rules Docket at
the location provided under the caption ADDRESSES.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Safety.
The Proposed Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration proposes to amend
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. FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding a new airworthiness directive
(AD) to read as follows: