AD 98-05-16

This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to certain Raytheon Model DH 125-1A and -3A series airplanes, that requires repetitive eddy current inspections to detect fatigue cracking of the main entry door/frame pressing, and repair, if necessary. This amendment is prompted by reports of fatigue cracking of the main entry door/frame pressing due to cyclic loading of the door frame. The actions specified by this AD are intended to detect and correct such fatigue cracking, which could lead to the loss of structural integrity of the main entry door, and, consequently, result in decompression of the cabin.

Final rule.

98-05-16 RAYTHEON AIRCRAFT COMPANY (Formerly Beech, Raytheon Corporate Jets, British Aerospace, Hawker Siddeley, et al.): Amendment 39-10377. Docket 96-NM-196-AD.

Applicability: Model DH 125-1A and -3A series airplanes; equipped with a main entry door having part numbers 25FC3559A, 25FC3559A/B, or 25FC3559A/C; and on which Raytheon Modification 251429 has not been accomplished; 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 theunsafe 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 detect and correct fatigue cracking of the main entry door/frame pressing area, which could result in loss of structural integrity of the door and consequent decompression of the cabin, accomplish the following:

(a) Within the next 150 landings or 90 days after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs earlier, perform an eddy current inspection to detect fatigue cracking of the main entry door/frame pressing, in accordance with Raytheon Aircraft Service Bulletin SB.52-48, including Appendix A, dated June 19, 1996.

(1) If no cracking is detected during the inspection, repeat the inspection thereafter at intervals not to exceed 1,000 flight hours.

(2) If any cracking is detected during the inspection, prior to further flight,repair the cracking 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, Wichita Aircraft Certification Office (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 2: Information concerning the existence of approved alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be obtained from the Wichita ACO.

(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 actions shall be done in accordance with Raytheon Aircraft Service Bulletin, SB.52-48, including Appendix A, dated June 19, 1996. 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 Aircraft Company, Technical Services - Beech, Hawker Customer Support Department, P.O. Box 85, Wichita, Kansas 67201-0085. Copies may be inspected at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or at the FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, Wichita Aircraft Certification Office, 1801 Airport Road, Room 100, Mid-Continent Airport, Wichita, Kansas; or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC.

(e) This amendment becomes effective on April 10, 1998.

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 Raytheon Model DH 125-1A and -3A series airplanes was published in the Federal Register on February 26, 1997 (62 FR 8646). That action proposed to require repetitive eddy current inspections to detect fatigue cracking of the main entry door/frame pressing, and repair, if necessary.

Comments
Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate in the making of this amendment. No comments were submitted in response to the proposal or the FAA's determination of the cost to the public.

Conclusion
The FAA has determined that air safety and the public interest require the adoption of the rule as proposed.

Cost Impact
There are approximately 143 Raytheon Model DH 125 series airplanes of the affected design in the worldwide fleet. The FAA estimates that 56 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 inspections, 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 $3,360, or $60 per airplane, per inspection.

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.

39.13 [Amended]
2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding the following new airworthiness directive: