Airworthiness Directives; Raytheon Model Hawker 800 and 1000 Airplanes and Model DH.125, HS.125, BH.125, and BAe.125 Series Airplanes

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 99-NM-160-AD]

RIN 2120-AA64

Airworthiness Directives; Raytheon Model Hawker 800 and 1000

Airplanes and Model DH.125, HS.125, BH.125, and BAe.125 Series

Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: This document proposes the adoption of a new airworthiness

directive (AD) that is applicable to certain Raytheon Model Hawker 800

and 1000 airplanes and Model DH.125, HS.125, BH.125, and BAe.125 series

airplanes. This proposal would require replacement of cadmium plated

fittings and cone caps in the oxygen system plumbing with improved

fittings and cone caps, a detailed visual inspection of the oxygen

system plumbing in the area of the replaced parts, and corrective

actions, if necessary. This proposal is prompted by reports indicating

that a field survey of the affected parts revealed that a reaction

process was occurring, which resulted in cadmium flaking. The actions

specified by the proposed AD are intended to prevent flaking of cadmium

from certain oxygen system plumbing fittings and cone caps from

blocking the valves and impairing the function of the oxygen system,

which could deprive the crew and passengers of necessary oxygen during

an emergency that requires oxygen.

DATES: Comments must be received by January 3, 2000.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation

Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114,

Attention: Rules Docket No. 99-NM-160-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW.,

Renton, Washington 98055-4056. Comments may be inspected at this

location between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, except

Federal holidays.

The service information referenced in the proposed rule 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 FAA, Transport Airplane

Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or at the Small

Airplane Directorate, Wichita Aircraft Certification Office, 1801

Airport Road, Room 100, Mid-Continent Airport, Wichita, Kansas 67209.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Paul C. DeVore, Aerospace Engineer,

Systems and Propulsion Branch, ACE-116W, FAA, Small Airplane

Directorate, Wichita Aircraft Certification Office, 1801 Airport Road,

Room 100, Mid-Continent Airport, Wichita, Kansas 67209; telephone (316)

946-4142; fax (316) 946-4407.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

Interested persons are invited to participate in the making of the

proposed rule by submitting such written data, views, or arguments as

they may desire. Communications shall identify the Rules Docket number

and be submitted in triplicate to the address specified above. All

communications received on or before the closing date for comments,

specified above, will be considered before taking action on the

proposed rule. The proposals contained in this notice may be changed in

light of the comments received.

Comments are specifically invited on the overall regulatory,

economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the proposed rule. All

comments submitted will be available, both before and after the closing

date for comments, in the Rules Docket for examination by interested

persons. A report summarizing each FAA-public contact concerned with

the substance of this proposal will be filed in the Rules Docket.

Commenters wishing the FAA to acknowledge receipt of their comments

submitted in response to this notice must submit a self-addressed,

stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: ``Comments

to Docket Number 99-NM-160-AD.'' The postcard will be date stamped and

returned to the commenter.

Availability of NPRMs

Any person may obtain a copy of this NPRM by submitting a request

to the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114, Attention: Rules

Docket No. 99-NM-160-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington

98055-4056.

Discussion

The FAA has received reports indicating that, during a field survey

of two Raytheon Model DH.125, HS.125, BH.125 series 400A/400B airplanes

equipped with cadmium plated cone caps, a reaction process occurred,

which resulted in cadmium flaking. The cause of the flaking has been

attributed to the cone caps being made of mild steel with cadmium

plating, which may decompose and flake when exposed to oxygen. Flaking

of cadmium from oxygen system plumbing fittings and cone caps can block

valves and impair the function of the oxygen system. This condition, if

not corrected, could result in depriving the crew and passengers of

necessary oxygen during an emergency that requires oxygen.

Cone caps and oxygen system plumbing fittings on Raytheon Model

Hawker 800 and 1000 airplanes and Model DH.125, HS.125, BH.125, and

BAe.125 series airplanes are similar to those on the affected Model

DH.125, HS.125, BH.125 series 400A/400B airplanes. Therefore, all of

these models may be subject to the same unsafe condition.

Explanation of Relevant Service Information

The FAA has reviewed and approved Raytheon Service Bulletins SB 35-

3034, SB 35-3167, SB 35-3168, SB 35-3169, SB 35-3171, and SB 35-3170,

all dated September 1998. These service bulletins describe procedures

for replacement of cadmium plated fittings and cone caps in the oxygen

system plumbing with improved fittings and cone caps; and a detailed

visual inspection of the oxygen system plumbing in the area of the

replaced parts, and corrective actions, if necessary. The corrective

actions include cleaning affected areas and performing a flow check of

the oxygen system. Accomplishment of the actions specified in the

service bulletins is

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intended to adequately address the identified unsafe condition.

Explanation of Requirements of Proposed Rule

Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to

exist or develop on other products of this same type design, the

proposed AD would require accomplishment of the actions specified in

the service bulletins described previously, except as discussed below.

Differences Between Proposed Rule and Service Bulletin

Operators should note that, although the service bulletin specifies

that the manufacturer may be contacted for disposition of certain

repair conditions, this proposal would require the repair of those

conditions to be accomplished in accordance with a method approved by

the FAA.

Cost Impact

There are approximately 724 airplanes of the affected design in the

worldwide fleet. The FAA estimates that 481 airplanes of U.S. registry

would be affected by this proposed AD.

For Model DH.125, HS.125, BH.125 series 1A/1B, 3A/3B, 400A, 400B,

401B, 403A, 403B, 600A, 600B, 700A, 700B airplanes (236 airplanes of

U.S. registry), it would take approximately 7 work hours per airplane

to accomplish the proposed actions, at an average labor rate of $60 per

work hour. Required parts would cost approximately between $28 and $79

per airplane. Based on these figures, the cost impact of the proposed

AD on U.S. operators of these airplanes is estimated to be between

$105,728, and $117,764, or between $448 and $499 per airplane.

For Model BAe.125 series 800A (C-29A) airplanes (6 airplanes of

U.S. registry), it would take approximately 3 work hours per airplane

to accomplish the proposed actions, at an average labor rate of $60 per

work hour. Required parts would cost approximately $61 per airplane.

Based on these figures, the cost impact of the proposed AD on U.S.

operators of these airplanes is estimated to be $1,446, or $241 per

airplane.

For Model BAe.125 series 800A, and 800B airplanes, and Model Hawker

800 airplanes (202 airplanes of U.S. registry), it would take

approximately 10 work hours per airplane to accomplish the proposed

actions, at an average labor rate of $60 per work hour. Required parts

would cost approximately between $16 and $22 per airplane. Based on

these figures, the cost impact of the proposed AD on U.S. operators of

these airplanes is estimated to be between $124,432 and $125,644, or

between $616 and $622 per airplane.

For Model BAe.125 series 1000A and 1000B airplanes, and Model

Hawker 1000 airplanes (37 airplanes of U.S. registry), it would take

approximately 6 work hours per airplane to accomplish the proposed

actions, at an average labor rate of $60 per work hour. Required parts

would cost approximately between $66 and $122 per airplane. Based on

these figures, the cost impact of the proposed AD on U.S. operators of

these airplanes is estimated to be between $15,762 and $17,834, or

between $426 and $482 per airplane.

The cost impact figures discussed above are based on assumptions

that no operator has yet accomplished any of the proposed requirements

of this AD action, and that no operator would accomplish those actions

in the future if this AD were not adopted. However, the FAA has been

advised that manufacturer warranty remedies are available for some

labor costs associated with accomplishing the actions required by this

proposed AD. Therefore, the future economic cost impact of this rule on

U.S. operators may be less than the cost impact figures indicated

above.

Regulatory Impact

The regulations proposed herein would 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

proposal would not have sufficient federalism implications to warrant

the preparation of a Federalism Assessment.

For the reasons discussed above, I certify that 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);

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 is contained 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, pursuant to 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. Section 39.13 is amended by adding the following new

airworthiness directive:

Raytheon Aircraft Company (Formerly Beech): Docket 99-NM-160-AD.

Applicability: Models and series of airplanes as listed in the

applicable service bulletin(s) specified in Table 1 of this AD,

certificated in any category:

Table 1

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Raytheon service Date of service

Model of airplane bulletin bulletin

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DH.125, HS.125, BH.125 series SB 35-3169...... September 1998.

1A, 1B, 3A, 3B, 400A, 400B,

401B, 403A, 403B, 600A, 600B,

700A, and 700B airplanes.

BAe.125 series 800A (C-29A) SB 35-3171...... September 1998.

airplanes.

BAe.125 series 800A and 800B SB 35-3034 and September 1998

airplanes, and Hawker 800 SB35-3170.

airplanes.

BAe.125 series 1000A and 1000B SB 35-3167 and September 1998.

airplanes, and Hawker 1000 SB 35-3168.

airplanes..

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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

[[Page 62131]]

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 (f) 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.

Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished

previously.

To prevent flaking of cadmium from certain oxygen system

plumbing fittings and cone caps from blocking the valves and

impairing the function of the oxygen system, which could deprive the

crew and passengers of necessary oxygen during an emergency that

requires oxygen, accomplish the following:

(a) For Model DH.125, HS.125, BH.125 series 1A, 1B, 3A, 3B,

400A, 400B, 401B, 403A, 403B, 600A, 600B, 700A and 700B airplanes:

Within 6 months after the effective date of this AD, replace the

cadmium plated cone caps in the oxygen system plumbing with improved

cone caps, and perform a detailed visual inspection of the removed

cone caps, tee-piece and sleeve for evidence of flaking or

corrosion; in accordance with Raytheon Service Bulletin SB 35-3169,

dated September 1998. If any flaking or corrosion is detected, prior

to further flight, clean the tee-piece and sleeve, and perform an

oxygen system flow check in accordance with the service bulletin. If

any discrepancy is found during the flow check, prior to further

flight, repair the oxygen system in accordance with the service

bulletin, except as required by paragraph (e) of this AD.

Note 2: For the purposes of this AD, a detailed visual

inspection is defined as: ``An intensive visual examination of a

specific structural area, system, installation, or assembly to

detect damage, failure, or irregularity. Available lighting is

normally supplemented with a direct source of good lighting at

intensity deemed appropriate by the inspector. Inspection aids such

as mirror, magnifying lenses, etc., may be used. Surface cleaning

and elaborate access procedures may be required.''

(b) For Model BAe.125 series 800A (C-29A) airplanes: Within 6

months after the effective date of this AD, replace the cadmium

plated cone caps in the oxygen system plumbing with improved cone

caps, and perform a detailed visual inspection of the removed cone

caps, tee-piece and sleeve for evidence of flaking or corrosion; in

accordance with Raytheon Service Bulletin SB 35-3171, dated

September 1998. If any flaking or corrosion is detected, prior to

further flight, clean the tee-piece and sleeve, and perform an

oxygen system flow check in accordance with the service bulletin. If

any discrepancy is found during the flow check, prior to further

flight, repair the oxygen system in accordance with the service

bulletin, except as required by paragraph (e) of this AD.

(c) For Model BAe.125 series 800A and 800B airplanes and Model

Hawker 800 airplanes: Within 6 months after the effective date of

this AD, replace the cadmium plated cone caps in the oxygen system

plumbing with improved cone caps, and perform a detailed visual

inspection of the removed cone caps, tee-piece and sleeve for

evidence of flaking or corrosion; in accordance with Raytheon

Service Bulletins SB35-3034 or SB 35-3170, both dated September

1998, as applicable. If any flaking or corrosion is detected, prior

to further flight, clean the tee-piece and sleeve, and perform an

oxygen system flow check in accordance with the service bulletin. If

any discrepancy is found during the flow check, prior to further

flight, repair the oxygen system in accordance with the service

bulletin, except as required by paragraph (e) of this AD.

(d) For Model BAe.125 series 1000A and 1000B airplanes and Model

Hawker 1000 series airplanes: Within 6 months after the effective

date of this AD, replace the cadmium plated fittings in the oxygen

system plumbing with improved fittings, and perform a detailed

visual inspection of the removed fittings and the pipe connections

for evidence of flaking or corrosion; in accordance with Raytheon

Service Bulletin SB 35-3167 or SB 35-3168, both dated September

1998, as applicable. If any flaking or corrosion is detected, prior

to further flight, clean the pipe connections, and perform an oxygen

system flow check in accordance with the service bulletin. If any

discrepancy is found during the flow check, prior to further flight,

repair the oxygen system in accordance with the service bulletin,

except as required by paragraph (e) of this AD.

(e) If any discrepancy is found during a flow check required by

paragraph (a), (b), (c), or (d) of this AD and the applicable

service bulletin specifies to contact the manufacturer for a repair

disposition, prior to further flight, repair the oxygen system in

accordance with a method approved by the Manager, Wichita Aircraft

Certification Office (ACO), FAA, Small Airplane Directorate.

Alternative Methods of Compliance

(f) 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, FAA, Small 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, 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.

Special Flight Permits

(g) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with

Secs. 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.

Issued in Renton, Washington, on November 9, 1999.

D.L. Riggin,

Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification

Service.

[FR Doc. 99-29828 Filed 11-15-99; 8:45 am]

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