Circuit Breaker AD: Updated 1/27/2009

The Federal Aviation Administration has responded to ABS’ request for a review of AD 2008-13-17, which requires replacement of circuit breaker-type switches in many Beech airplanes.  In September 2008 ABS wrote FAA formally asking it:

• Re-review the comments filed by ABS, AOPA and others during the NPRM comment period.
• Report to ABS the specific data and investigative processes used by the Wichita ACO to confirm or refute the viability of each comment filed.
• Reconsider whether this costly and intrusive replacement requirement is necessary in light of actual data on the number and scope of incidents associated with circuit breaker overheats.

FAA detailed two teams to meet our request.  With oversight from the FAA Small Airplane Directorate personnel from the Wichita Aircraft Certification Office, which issued the AD, revisited the reasons behind the AD and the process used to evaluate NPRM comments.  Meanwhile an independent investigator from the Small Airplane Directorate reviewed the entire rulemaking process and justification for the AD. 

FAA’s conclusion upholds the AD as written, explained in a letter ABS received January 26th.  Supporting FAA’s response is a Service Difficulty Report very recently posted (12/23/2008) citing a Baron 58 whose pilot “smelled smoke and saw flames coming out of [the] propeller heat circuit breaker switch” in cruise flight.  Had this incident occurred before the NPRM or our appeal, it's less likely ABS would have opposed circuit breaker replacement.

See the Members Only page of www.bonanza.org to determine if your airplane is affected, and if so which breakers need replacement, and with what parts numbers.   

ABS greatly appreciates FAA’s response to our appeal.  It could have simply told us that comments were already reviewed and the AD already published.  Instead, FAA expended a great deal of time and resources on the review.  ABS accepts this as a positive expression of the level of respect FAA and especially the Small Airplane Directorate has for the members of the American Bonanza Society.

Compliance is required no later than August 6, 2009.  For a list of affected serial number aircraft, replacement switch parts numbers and full details see AD 2008-13-17.  Only RAPID-supplied breakers are approved as replacements under the AD as there are distinct features of the RAPID breakers designed to eliminate the identified failure mode.  ABS is continuing to work with RAPID to get the lowest possible price for members, although RAPID's Jeff Ellis tells ABS "we have tried repeatedly to get Tyco to give quantity [price] breaks, but with no luck," adding "I want to help as much as possible."

RAPID has previously told ABS that breaker manufacturer Tyco will not ramp up production until it received a significant number of orders.  Consequently we encourage all members requiring new breakers to place your order now to ensure breakers are available in time for the August 6^th deadline.

Back to News list