Discussion
What Events Have Caused This AD?
Raytheon has identified several instances of rivets not being installed and/or the wrong size or type installed during the manufacturing process on the nacelles and spar assembly of the Model C90A airplanes. This conclusion is the result of a quality control problem.
At least 20 airplanes have been found with this condition. The number and location of the missing rivets and incorrectly installed rivets may vary from airplane to airplane.
What Is the Potential Impact if FAA Took No Action?
This condition, if not detected and corrected, could result in reduced structural integrity. This could lead to critical structural failure with consequent loss of airplane control.
Has FAA Taken Any Action to This Point?
We issued a proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) to include an AD that would apply to certain Raytheon Beech Model C90 airplanes. Thisproposal was published in the Federal Register as a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) on November 26, 2001 (66 FR 58983). The NPRM proposed to require you to inspect the left-hand (LH) and right-hand (RH) nacelle and spar assembly for the existence of rivets and would require you to install rivets if they do not exist or are the wrong size or type.
Was the Public Invited To Comment?
The FAA encouraged interested persons to participate in the making of this amendment. We did not receive any comments on the proposed rule or on our determination of the cost to the public.
FAA's Determination
What Is FAA's Final Determination on This Issue?
After careful review of all available information related to the subject presented above, we have determined that air safety and the public interest require the adoption of the rule as proposed except for minor editorial corrections. We have determined that these minor corrections:
-Provide the intent that was proposed in the NPRM for correcting the unsafe condition; and
-Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was already proposed in the NPRM.
Cost Impact
How Many Airplanes Does This AD Impact?
We estimate that this AD affects 381 airplanes in the U.S. registry.
What Is the Cost Impact of This AD on Owners/Operators of the Affected Airplanes?
We estimate the following costs to accomplish the inspection:
Labor cost
Parts cost
Total cost per airplane
Total cost on U.S. operators
35 workhours x $60 per hour = $2,100.
No parts required for the inspection.
$2,100
$2,100 x 381 = $800,100
We estimate the following costs to accomplish any necessary replacements that will be required based on the results of the inspection. We have no way of determining the number of airplanes that may need such replacements:
Labor cost
Parts cost
Total cost per airplane
40 workhours x $60 per hour = $2,400
$50
$2,400 + $50 = $2,450
The manufacturer will provide warranty credit for labor and parts to the extent noted under MANPOWER and MATERIAL in Raytheon Mandatory Service Bulletin SB 54-3308, Issued: October, 2000.
Compliance Time of This AD
Why Is the Compliance Time of This AD Presented in Both Hours Time-in-Service (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 12 months or more to accumulate 50 hours TIS. For this reason, the FAA has determined that the compliance time of this 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 undetected over time.
Regulatory Impact
Does This AD Impact Various Entities?
The regulations adopted herein 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. Therefore, it is determined that this final rule does not have federalism implications under Executive Order 13132.
Does This AD Involve a Significant Rule or Regulatory Action?
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 copy of the final 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, Incorporation by reference, Safety.
Adoption of the Amendment
Accordingly, under 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. FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding a new AD to read as follows: