AD 96-11-10 ACTIVE

This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) that is applicable to certain IAI, Ltd., Model 1125 Westwind Astra series airplanes. This action requires a visual inspection for clearance between the hydraulic lines/vacuum lines and the electrical wire bundles, and repair or replacement of damaged lines or wire bundles with serviceable parts. This AD also requires installation of neoprene hose around the affected hydraulic lines and vacuum lines. This amendment is prompted by a report indicating that chafing was found on a hydraulic line. The actions specified in this AD are intended to prevent such chafing, which could result in leakage of hydraulic fluid and subsequent loss of one of the two hydraulic systems.

Final rule; request for comments

96-11-10 ISRAEL AIRCRAFT INDUSTRIES (IAI), LTD.: Amendment 39-9635. Docket 96-NM-94-AD.

Applicability: Model 1125 Westwind Astra series airplanes, serial numbers 004 through 076 inclusive; 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 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 chafing of the hydraulic lines, which could result in leakage of hydraulic fluid and subsequent loss of one of the two hydraulic systems, accomplish the following:

(a) Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD, accomplish the requirements of paragraphs (a)(1) and (a)(2) of this AD in accordance with Astra Jet Service Bulletin SB 1125-29-139, dated August 2, 1995.

(1) Perform a visual inspection for clearance between the hydraulic lines/vacuum lines and the electrical wire bundles at fuselage station 383.00, in accordance with the service bulletin. Prior to further flight, repair or replace any damaged line or wire bundle with a serviceable part in accordance with the service bulletin.

(2) Install neoprene hose around the affected hydraulic lines and vacuum lines in accordance with the service bulletin.

(b) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the compliance time that provides an acceptablelevel 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 Astra Jet Service Bulletin SB 1125-29-139, dated August 2, 1995. 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 may be 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 June 13, 1996.

The Civil Aviation Administration of Israel (CAAI), which is the airworthiness authority for Israel, recently notified the FAA that an unsafe condition may exist on certain Israel Aircraft Industries (IAI), Ltd., Model 1125 Westwind Astra series airplanes. The CAAI advises that it received a report indicating that chafing was found on a hydraulic line located at fuselage station 383.00. This chafing was the result of an electrical wire bundle sagging and coming in contact with the hydraulic lines in the area. Chafing of a hydraulic line can result in leakage of hydraulic fluid. This condition, if not corrected, could result in loss of one of the two hydraulic systems.

Explanation of Relevant Service Information
Astra Jet has issued Service Bulletin SB 1125-29-139, dated August 2, 1995, which describes procedures for a visual inspection for clearance between the hydraulic lines/vacuum lines and the electrical wire bundles, and repair or replacementof damaged lines or wire bundles with serviceable parts. The service bulletin also describes procedures for installation of neoprene hose around the affected hydraulic lines and vacuum lines. Accomplishment of the installation will protect the hydraulic lines located at fuselage station 383.00 from possible chafing. The CAAI classified this service bulletin as mandatory and issued Israeli AD No. 96-19, dated February 8, 1996, in order to assure the continued airworthiness of these airplanes in Israel.

FAA's Conclusions
This airplane model is manufactured in Israel and is type certificated for operation in the United States under the provisions of section 21.29 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.29) and the applicable bilateral airworthiness agreement. Pursuant to this bilateral airworthiness agreement, the CAAI has kept the FAA informed of the situation described above. The FAA has examined the findings of the CAAI, reviewed all available information, and determined that AD action is necessary for products of this type design that are certificated for operation in the United States.

Explanation of Requirements of Rule
Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to exist or develop on other airplanes of the same type design registered in the United States, this AD is being issued to prevent chafing of the hydraulic lines, which could result in leakage of hydraulic fluid and subsequent loss of one of the two hydraulic systems. This AD requires a visual inspection for clearance between the hydraulic lines/vacuum lines and the electrical wire bundles, and repair or replacement of damaged lines or wire bundles with serviceable parts. This AD also requires installation of neoprene hose around the affected hydraulic lines and vacuum lines. The actions are required to be accomplished in accordance with the service bulletin described previously.

Determination of Rule's Effective Date
Since a situation exists that requires the immediate adoption of this regulation, it is found that notice and opportunity for prior public 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 flight safety and, thus, was not preceded by notice and an opportunity for public 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 shall identify the Rules Docket number and be submitted in triplicate to the address specified under the caption "ADDRESSES." 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 theeffectiveness 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 Number 96-NM-94-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 that it 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. A copy of it, if filed, 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 USC 106(g), 40113, 44701.

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

Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-103, Attention: Rules Docket No. 96-NM-94-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056.
The service information referenced in this AD may be obtained from Technical Publications, Astra Jet Corporation, 77 McCullough Drive, Suite 11, New Castle, Delaware 19720. This information may be examined 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.

Tim Dulin, Aerospace Engineer, Standardization Branch, ANM-113, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056; telephone (206) 227-2141; fax (206) 227-1149.