AD 96-24-11

This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to all IAI, Ltd., Model 1123, 1124, and 1124A series airplanes, that requires repetitive inspections of the aileron push-pull tubes for excessive wear and the guide rollers for smooth rotation; and repair or replacement of worn parts with serviceable parts. This amendment is prompted by reports of excessive wear on the aileron push-pull tube in the area of the guide rollers. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent such wear, which could result in uneven movement of the control wheel, perforation of the aileron push-pull tube, and consequent reduced roll control of the airplane.

Final rule

96-24-11 ISRAEL AIRCRAFT INDUSTRIES (IAI), LTD.: Amendment 39-9835. Docket 96-NM-173-AD.

Applicability: All IAI, Ltd., Model 1123, 1124, and 1124A series airplanes; certificated in any category.

NOTE 1: This AD applies to each airplane identified in the preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been otherwise 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 been eliminated, the request should include specific proposed actions to address it.

Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished previously.

To prevent excessive wear of the aileron push-pull tube, which could result in uneven movement of the control wheel, perforation of the aileron push-pull tube, and consequent reduced roll control of the airplane; accomplish the following:

(a) Within 50 hours time-in-service after the effective date of this AD, inspect the left and right aileron push-pull tubes for wear and the guide rollers for smoothness of rotation, in accordance with Westwind Service Bulletin SB 1123-27-043, dated June 12, 1995 (for Model 1123 series airplanes); or Service Bulletin SB 1124-27-129, dated June 12, 1995 (for Model 1124 and 1124A series airplanes); as applicable.

(1) If no wear is detected or if wear is within the limits specified in the applicable service bulletin, repeat the inspections thereafter at intervals not to exceed 600 hours time-in- service.

(2) If any wear is detected and that wear is outside the limits specified in the applicable service bulletin, prior to further flight, replace the tube with serviceable parts in accordance with the applicable service bulletin. Thereafter, repeat the inspections at intervals not to exceed 600 hours time-in-service.

(3) If the guide rollers do not rotate smoothly, accomplish either paragraph (a)(3)(i) or (a)(3)(ii) of this AD. Thereafter, repeat the inspections at intervals not to exceed 600 hours time-in- service.

(i) Prior to further flight, repair the guide roller in accordance with the applicable service bulletin. Or

(ii) Prior to further flight, replace the guide roller with serviceable parts in accordance with the applicable 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 2: 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 actions shall be done in accordance with Westwind Service Bulletin SB 1123-27- 043, dated June 12, 1995; or Service Bulletin SB 1124-27-129, dated June 12, 1995; as applicable. 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 Technical Publications, Astra Jet Corporation, 77 McCullough Drive, Suite 11, New Castle, Delaware 19720. Copies maybe 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 January 6, 1997.

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 all IAI, Ltd., Model 1123, 1124, and 1124A series airplanes was published in the Federal Register on September 4, 1996 (61 FR 46576). That action proposed to require repetitive inspections of the left and right aileron push-pull tubes for excessive wear and the guide rollers for smooth rotation; replacement of the push-pull tubes with serviceable parts, if necessary; and repair or replacement of the guide rollers with serviceable parts, if necessary.

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
The FAA estimates that 213 IAI, Ltd., Model 1123, 1124, and 1124A series 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 $12,780, 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 thatthis 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 AviationAdministration 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: