Discussion
The FAA has received information from the Raytheon Aircraft Corporation (Raytheon) of improper machining of the pump housing on landing gear emergency hand pumps, part number 101-388007-3, serial numbers 2702 through 2833; that are installed on certain Raytheon Beech Models C90A, B200, B300, and 1900D airplanes. This resulted in an insufficient groove depth to retain a snap ring, which retains the check valve in its proper position within the housing. These landing gear emergency hand pumps may have been installed at manufacture on airplanes within the following serial number range:
Model
Serial Number
C90A
LJ-1526 through LJ-1550
B200
BB-1628 through BB-1659
B300
FL-213 through FL-237
1900D
UE-346 through UE-356, UE-358, and UE-367
Continuing to utilize these pumps in service could result in the inability to properly lower and lock the landing gear in the event of failure of the primary retraction/extension system.The FAA's Determination
After examining the circumstances and reviewing all available information related to the incidents described above, the FAA has determined that:
- these improperly machined landing gear emergency hand pumps should be removed from service; and
- AD action should be taken to prevent the above-referenced condition from occurring.
Explanation of the Provisions of the AD
Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to exist or develop in other Raytheon Beech Models C90A, B200, B300, and 1900D airplanes of the same type design, the FAA is taking AD action. This AD requires replacing the landing gear hand pump for airplanes that had a pump within a certain serial number range installed at manufacture; and prohibits the future installation of any of these pumps on all of the affected airplanes.
Determination of the Effective Date of the AD
Since a situation exists that requires the immediate adoption of this regulation, it is found that notice and opportunity for public prior comment hereon are impracticable, and that good cause exists for making this amendment effective in less than 30 days.
Comments Invited
Although this action is in the form of a final rule that involves requirements affecting immediate flight safety and, thus, was not preceded by notice and opportunity to comment, comments are invited on this rule. Interested persons are invited to comment on this rule by submitting such written data, views, or arguments as they may desire. Communications should 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 will be considered, and this rule may be amended in light of the comments received. Factual information that supports the commenter's ideas and suggestions is extremely helpful in evaluating the effectiveness of the AD action and determining whether additional rulemaking action would be needed.
Comments are specifically invited on the overall regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the rule that might suggest a need to modify the 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 that summarizes each FAA-public contact concerned with the substance of this AD will be filed in the Rules Docket.
Commenters wishing the FAA to acknowledge receipt of their comments submitted in response to this rule must submit a self-addressed, stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: "Comments to Docket No. 99-CE-56-AD." The postcard will be date stamped and returned to the commenter.
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.
The FAA has determined that this regulation is an emergency regulation that must be issued immediately to correct an unsafe condition in aircraft, and is not a significant regulatory action under Executive Order 12866. It has been determined further that this action involves an emergency regulation under DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979). If it is determined that this emergency regulation otherwise would be significant under DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures, a final regulatory evaluation will be prepared and placed in the Rules Docket (otherwise, an evaluation is not required). A copy of it, if filed, may be obtained from the Rules Docket.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, 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.
39.13 [Amended]
2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding a new airworthiness directive (AD) to read as follows: