Airworthiness Directives; Beech (Raytheon) Model BAe 125 Series 800A and 1000A, and Model Hawker 800 and 1000 Airplanes

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 95-NM-43-AD; Amendment 39-9660; AD 96-12-17]

RIN 2120-AA64

Airworthiness Directives; Beech (Raytheon) Model BAe 125 Series

800A and 1000A, and Model Hawker 800 and 1000 Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD),

applicable to certain Beech (Raytheon) Model BAe 125 series 800A and

1000A, and Model Hawker 800 and 1000 airplanes, that requires an

inspection to determine if the diode soldered connections are clean and

functionally sound. This amendment also requires remake of the soldered

connection and replacement of the diode with a new diode, if necessary.

This amendment is prompted by reports of imperfect soldered connections

in the engine starting and battery emergency control circuit. The

actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent incorrect fault

displays in the cockpit and intermittent fault symptoms in the engine

starting and battery emergency control circuits, as a result of

imperfect soldered connections.

DATES: Effective July 15, 1996.

The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in

the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as

of July 15, 1996.

ADDRESSES: The service information referenced in this AD may be

obtained from Raytheon Aircraft Company, Manager Service Engineering,

Hawker Customer Support 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 Office of the

Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington,

DC.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Tim Backman, Aerospace Engineer,

Standardization Branch, ANM-113, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate,

1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056; telephone (206)

227-2797; fax (206) 227-1149.

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 certain Beech (Raytheon) Model BAe

125 series 800A and 1000A, and Model Hawker 800 and 1000 airplanes was

published in the Federal Register on September 15, 1995 (60 FR 47903).

That action proposed to require an inspection to determine if the diode

soldered connections are clean and functionally sound. That action also

proposed to require remake of the soldered connection or replacement of

the diode with a new diode, if necessary.

Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate

in the making of this amendment. Due consideration has been given to

the comments received.

Requests to Revise the Applicability of the AD

Two commenters request that the applicability of the proposed rule

be revised to include all the airplane serial numbers listed in Hawker

Service Bulletin SB 24-317, and that the letter ``A'' (i.e., U.S.-type

certificated) designation for Model BAe 125 series 800 and 1000

airplanes be deleted. One of these commenters states that the

effectivity listing contained in Hawker Service Bulletin SB 24-317

(which was referenced in the proposal as the appropriate source of

service information) does not specify either the model suffix ``A'' or

the model suffix ``B'' (i.e., CAA type certificated) for any of the

affected airplanes.

Therefore, the commenter points out that the effectivity listing of

the service bulletin covers the worldwide fleet, not just U.S.-

registered airplanes.

The other commenter, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), which is

the airworthiness authority for the United Kingdom, also asserts that

the applicability of the proposal is incorrect since it does not cover

the worldwide fleet. This commenter adds that, as of August 1, 1995,

the type certificate (TC) responsibilities for Model BAe 125 series 800

and 1000, and Model Hawker 800 and 1000 airplanes have been transferred

from the CAA to the FAA. This commenter adds that it is important to

note that, since this transfer, AD's issued by the FAA must cover all

of these airplane models, as appropriate, and not just those on the

U.S. Register.

This commenter also notes that the proposed applicability would

result in confusion among operators and will not fulfill the obligation

of the FAA with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).

This commenter asserts that the current Type Certificate Data Sheet

(TCDS), A3EU (Revision 24, dated August 1, 1995), indicates that the

FAA accepted the responsibility for the promulgation of all

airworthiness information relevant to the subject airplanes in

accordance with ICAO Annex 8. The commenter contends that, since the

FAA is now responsible for the continued airworthiness of all airplanes

listed in TCDS A3EU (which includes Model BAe 125 series 800A, 800B,

1000A, and 1000B, and Model Hawker 800 and 1000 airplanes), the

applicability of the proposal should include all of the Model BAe 125

series 800 and 1000 airplanes, not just those airplanes having a letter

designation of ``A.''

The FAA does not agree with the commenters' specific request to

revise the applicability of the final rule, but recognizes that some

clarification is necessary. The airplane models that are the subject of

this AD were originally designed and manufactured in the United

Kingdom. The CAA issued Type and Airworthiness Certificates for these

affected airplanes. Therefore, under ICAO Annex 8, the United Kingdom

was the State of Design and had the responsibility for providing other

states with continuing airworthiness information regarding these

models.

However, as of August 1, 1995, the responsibility of design,

continued airworthiness, design data, and manufacturing (i.e., TC

responsibilities) for all Model DH/HS/BH/BAe 125 and Model Hawker 800

and 1000 airplanes, has been transferred from Raytheon Corporate Jets,

Inc., Hatfield, United Kingdom, to Beech Aircraft Corporation

(Raytheon), Wichita, Kansas, U.S.A. As a result of this transfer,

Revision 24 of TCDS A3EU was issued, as discussed by one of the

commenters.

The FAA has reexamined TCDS A3EU and finds that the text of the

TCDS correctly reflects U.S. type-certificated airplanes (i.e., models

having the letter

[[Page 29270]]

designation ``A''); however, the letter designation ``A'' was

erroneously left off certain U.S. type-certificated models in the

applicability block of the TCDS. Therefore, operators could

misinterpret the applicability block to mean that all Model BAe 125

series 800 and 1000, including those models with letter designation

``B'' (i.e., non-U.S. type-certificated airplanes), are type

certificated for operation in the U.S. In light of this, the FAA is

considering revising TCDS A3EU to add the letter designation ``A'' for

U.S. type-certificated airplanes in order to clarify that only those

models are type certificated for operation in the U.S.

The FAA only has responsibilities under ICAO Annex 8, such as the

promulgation of all airworthiness information, with respect to models

that have been type certificated in the U.S.; the FAA cannot assume

such responsibilities for airplane models that have not been type

certificated in the U.S. Nevertheless, the FAA recognizes that Model

BAe 125 series 800B and BAe 125 series 1000B 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. Therefore, the FAA has included a new NOTE in the final

rule that will advise the airworthiness authorities of countries in

which the Model BAe 125 series 800B and BAe 125 series 1000B airplanes

are approved for operation that those countries should consider

adopting corrective action, applicable to those models, that is similar

to the corrective action required by this AD.

Additionally, the FAA has reviewed Hawker Service Bulletin SB 24-

317 and acknowledges that its effectivity listing does not specify a

suffix of ``A'' or ``B'' for the affected airplanes. However, the FAA

finds that, under parts 39 (``Airworthiness Directives'') and 91

(``General Operating and Flight Rules'') of the Federal Aviation

Regulations (14 CFR parts 39 and 91), it is the responsibility of the

owner/operator to review the applicability of the AD to determine if

its airplane is affected. The FAA points out that the applicability of

an AD only includes affected airplane models that are currently U.S.

type certificated, even though the effectivity listing of the service

bulletin may include airplane models that are not U.S. type

certificated. Therefore, the FAA points out that only U.S.-registered

airplanes are required to comply with the requirements of this AD.

Request to Revise Name and Address of Type Certificate Holder

One commenter requests that the name ``Raytheon Corporate Jets'' be

revised throughout the proposed rule to the current type certificate

holder, ``Beech Aircraft Corporation.'' The commenter also requests

that the address for obtaining service information be revised to

``Raytheon Aircraft Company, Manager Service Engineering, Hawker

Customer Support Department, P.O. Box 85, Wichita, Kansas 67201-0085.''

The FAA concurs and, accordingly, has revised the name of the type

certificate holder and the address for service information throughout

this final rule.

Correction of Designation of Affected Airplanes

The FAA has revised the final rule to correctly designate the

affected airplane models as ``Beech (Raytheon) Model BAe 125 series

800A and 1000A, and Model Hawker 800 and 1000 airplanes.''

Conclusion

After careful review of the available data, including the comments

noted above, the FAA has determined that air safety and the public

interest require the adoption of the rule with the changes previously

described. The FAA has determined that these changes will neither

increase the economic burden on any operator nor increase the scope of

the AD.

Cost Impact

The FAA estimates that 19 airplanes of U.S. registry will be

affected by this AD, that it will take approximately 1 work hour 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 $1,140, or $60 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.

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:

96-12-17 Beech Aircraft Corporation (Formerly DeHavilland; Hawker

Siddeley; British Aerospace, PLC; Raytheon Corporate Jets, Inc.):

Amendment 39-9660. Docket 95-NM-43-AD.

Applicability: Model BAe 125 series 800A and 1000A, and Model

Hawker 800 and 1000 airplanes; as listed in Raytheon Corporate Jets

Hawker Service Bulletin SB 24-317, dated December 22, 1994;

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 (b) 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

[[Page 29271]]

been eliminated, the request should include specific proposed

actions to address it.

Note 2: Beech (Raytheon) Model BAe 125 series 800B and BAe 125

series 1000B 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 BAe 125 series 800B and

BAe 125 series 1000B 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 prevent incorrect fault displays in the cockpit and

intermittent fault symptoms in the engine starting and battery

emergency control circuits, as a result of imperfect soldered

connections, accomplish the following:

(a) Within 6 months after the effective date of this AD, perform

an inspection to determine if each diode soldered connection is

clean and functionally sound, in accordance with Hawker Service

Bulletin SB 24-317, dated December 22, 1994. If any diode soldered

connection is not clean or not functionally sound, prior to further

flight, remake the soldered connection or replace the diode with a

new diode, in accordance with the service bulletin.

(b) 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, Standardization Branch, ANM-113,

FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate. Operators shall submit their

requests through an appropriate FAA Principal Maintenance Inspector,

who may add comments and then send it to the Manager,

Standardization Branch, ANM-113.

Note 3: Information concerning the existence of approved

alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be

obtained from the Standardization Branch, ANM-113.

(c) 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.

(d) The inspection, remake, and replacement shall be done in

accordance with Hawker Service Bulletin SB 24-317, dated December

22, 1994. 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 Corporate

Jets, Inc., Customer Support Department, Adams Field, P.O. Box 3356,

Little Rock, Arkansas 72203. Copies may be inspected at the FAA,

Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton,

Washington; or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North

Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC.

(e) This amendment becomes effective on July 15, 1996.

Issued in Renton, Washington, on May 31, 1996.

Darrell M. Pederson,

Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification

Service.

[FR Doc. 96-14226 Filed 6-7-96; 8:45 am]

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