AD 96-20-07 Airworthiness Directives; JanAero Devices B-Series Combustion Heaters, Models B1500, B2030, B3040, and B4050 (formerly owned by Janitrol, C&D, FL Aerospace, and Midland-Ross Corporation)

Models named: B1500, B2030, B3040, B4050. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

B-Series Combustion Heaters, Models B1500, B2030, B3040, and B4050, marked as meeting the standards of TSO-320 and are installed on, but not limited to, the following aircraft (all serial numbers), certificated in any category: Note: Superseding new B-Series combustion heaters, Models 2500, B3500, and B4500 incorporate a ceramic coated combustion tube and new combustion air pressure switch, P/N 94E42, are exempt from the AD (see JanAero Devices Service Letter # A-101 for superseding data). The FAA partially concurs. The only difference that the FAA has found between the wording currently in the proposal and what the commenter has suggested is the addition of the note to clarify that certain combustion heater models incorporate the P/N 94E42 combustion tube and air pressure switch and are exempt from the AD. The FAA will add a similar note to the AD for clarification purposes. Comment Issue No. 5: Assure the Correct Service Bulletin Is Called Out in the AD One commenter states that in the preamble to the NPRM, reference to [[Page 51359]] JanAero Devices SB # A-102 was incorrectly referenced as JanAero SB NZ A-102. The commenter requests that all subsequent references to the service bulletin accurately reflect the title. The FAA concurs that all reference to the service bulletin should reflect the correct title, and will assure that reference is correct in the final rule. In addition, JanAero Devices has superseded JanAero SB #A- 102 with JanAero SB # A-103, dated September 1995. All reference to JanAero Devices SB # A-102 will be changed to JanAero Devices SB # A- 103. Comment Issue No. 6: Change the Wording of the AD for Clarification One commenter requests that the FAA clarify the AD by combining and rewording paragraphs (a)(1) and (a)(2) of the AD to read as follows: If any heater does not pass any of the repetitive combustion tube pressure decay tests required by this AD, prior to further flight, overhaul the heater and replace the combustion tube with a serviceable tube or replace the heater assembly and revert to the initial 500 hours accumulated time-in-service (TIS) to begin repetitive testing per this AD. Note: Replacement with a new or rebuilt superseding Heater Model (B2500, B3500, or B4500) that incorporates a ceramic coated combustion tube exempts the heater from this AD. The FAA does not concur. The only difference that the FAA has found between the wording currently in the proposal and what the commenter has suggested is the addition of the note to clarify that certain combustion heater models incorporate the P/N 94E42 combustion tube and air pressure switch and are exempt from the AD. However, this note has already been added after the Applicability section of the AD so the only thing this note would add is duplication. No changes have been made to the AD as a result of this comment. The FAA's Determination After careful review of all available information related to the subject presented above, the FAA has determined that air safety and the public interest require the adoption of the rule as proposed except for the addition of the clarification note, the change in service information, and minor editorial corrections. The FAA has determined that the addition, change, and minor corrections will not change the meaning of the AD and will not add any additional burden upon the public than was already proposed. Compliance Times of This Action The compliance times of this AD are presented in both hours time- in-service and calendar time (with the prevalent one being whichever occurs first). The reason for the dual compliance time is that the affected combustion heaters are susceptible to corrosion (occurs regardless of whether the airplane is in flight or on the ground) as well as being affected by thermodynamic and pressure cycles accumulated through regular airplane usage. Cost Impact The FAA estimates that 25,700 airplanes in the U.S. registry will be affected by this AD, that it will take approximately 1 workhour per aircraft to accomplish the required initial inspection, and that the average labor rate is approximately $60 an hour. Based on these figures, the total cost impact of the AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be $1,542,000 or $60 per aircraft. This figure does not take into account the number of repetitive inspections each aircraft owner/ operator will incur over the life of the aircraft, or the number of aircraft that have an improved design combustion air pressure switch installed. The FAA has no way of determining the number of repetitive inspection each owner/operator would incur over the life of the airplane. The FAA is not aware of any affected airplane owner/operator that has incorporated the new design parts as of the issuance of this AD. AD 82-03-07 currently requires the pressure decay tests on aircraft with the affected heaters installed. This action maintains these inspections; so the only cost impact of the required action is that of the combustion air pressure switch operational tests. 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 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, 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. Sec. 39.13 [Amended] 2. Section 39.13 is amended by removing Airworthiness Directive (AD) 82-07-03, Amendment 39-4354, and by adding a new AD to read as follows: 96-20-07 Janaero Devices (formerly Janitrol, C&D, FL Aerospace, and Midland-Ross Corporation): Amendment 39-9773; Docket No. 95-CE-83- AD; Supersedes AD 82-07-03, Amendment 39-4354.

Required as follows, as applicable: --For aircraft with 450 or more heater hours time-in-service (TIS) (see Note 3 for information on how to determine heater hours TIS) accumulated on an installed heater since the last overhaul or new installation, within the next 50 heater hours TIS or 12 calendar months after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first, unless already accomplished, and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 100 heater hours TIS or 24 calendar months, whichever occurs first; --For aircraft with less than 450 heater hours TIS accumulated on an installed heater since the last overhaul or new installation, upon accumulating 500 heater hours TIS on the new or overhauled heater or within the next 12 calendar months after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first, unless already accomplished, and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 100 heater hours TIS or 24 calendar months, whichever occurs first; and --Upon installing one of the affected heaters, and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 100 heater hours TIS or 24 calendar months, whichever occurs first. Note 3: A heater hour meter may be used to determine heater hours TIS. Also, aircraft hours TIS may be divided in half to come up with heater hours TIS. To prevent an airplane fire or explosion caused by failure of the heater combustion tube assembly or combustion air pressure switch, accomplish the following: (a) Test (pressure decay test) the combustion tube of the heater and conduct an operational test of the combustion air pressure switch in accordance with Section III, paragraph 3.3.1 through 3.3.13 (pressure decay test) and Section IV, paragraph 4.9c (operational switch test), of the Janitrol Maintenance and Overhaul Manual, part number (P/N) 24E25-1, dated October 1981. (1) If any heater does not pass any of the repetitive combustion tube pressure decay tests required by this AD, prior to further flight, overhaul the heater and replace the combustion tube with a serviceable tube or replace the heater assembly. If the new or rebuilt heater assembly incorporates a ceramic combustion tube, then the repetitive pressure decay tests are no longer required. (2) If any heater does not pass any of the repetitive combustion air pressure switch operational tests required by this AD, prior to further flight, replace the switch with one of the same design or with a P/N 94E42 switch in accordance with JanAero Devices Service Bulletin # A-103, dated September 1995. Replacing the combustion air pressure switch with a P/N 94E42 switch eliminates the repetitive operational testing requirement of this AD. (b) As an alternative method of compliance to the requirements of this AD, the heater may be disabled by accomplishing the following: (1) Cap the fuel supply line; (2) Disconnect the electrical power and ensure that the connections are properly secured to reduce the possibility of electrical spark or structural damage; (3) Inspect and test to ensure that the cabin heater system is disabled; (4) Ensure that no other aircraft system is affected by this action; (5) Ensure there are no fuel leaks; and (6) Fabricate a placard with the words: ``System Inoperative''. Install this placard at the heater control valve within the pilot's clear view. (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) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the compliance time that provides an equivalent level of safety may be approved by the Manager, Atlanta Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), Campus Building, 1701 Columbia Avenue, suite 2-160, College Park, Georgia 30337-2748. The request shall be forwarded through an appropriate FAA Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send it to the Manager, Atlanta ACO. Alternative methods of compliance for the combustion tube repetitive inspections required by this AD that are approved in accordance with AD 82-07-03 (superseded by this action) are approved as alternative methods of compliance with the applicable portion of paragraph (a) of this AD. Note 4: Information concerning the existence of approved alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be obtained from the Atlanta ACO. (e) The possible switch replacement required by this AD shall be done in accordance with JanAero Devices Service Bulletin # A-103, dated September 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 JanAero Devices, Airport Complex, P.O. Box 273, Fort Deposit, Alabama 36032. Copies may be inspected at the FAA, Central Region, Office of the Assistant Chief Counsel, Room 1558, 601 E. 12th Street, Kansas City, Missouri, or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC. (f) This amendment (39-9773) supersedes AD 82-07-03, Amendment 39-4354. (g) This amendment (39-9773) becomes effective on November 14, 1996. Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on September 20, 1996. Michael Gallagher, Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 96-24885 Filed 10-1-96; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-U