[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 198 (Thursday, October 10, 1996)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 53040-53042]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-25037]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 96-NM-198-AD; Amendment 39-9775; AD 96-20-09]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Jetstream Model HS 748 Series Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.
ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.
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SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD),
applicable to all Jetstream Model HS 748 series airplanes. This action
requires a one-time inspection to ensure
[[Page 53041]]
proper operation, positioning, and lubrication of the aileron, rudder,
and elevator cable tensioners; gust lock levers; and cable pressure
seals. It also requires a revision to the maintenance program to
include these inspections on a repetitive basis. This amendment is
prompted by reports of seizure and consequent jamming of the flight
control cable tension regulators and gust lock mechanisms. The actions
specified in this AD are intended to prevent the flight control cable
tension regulators from jamming, which could result in the inability to
achieve full deflection of the associated flight control surfaces, and
lead to reduced controllability of the airplane.
DATES: Effective October 25, 1996.
The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as
of October 25, 1996.
Comments for inclusion in the Rules Docket must be received on or
before December 9, 1996.
ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-103,
Attention: Rules Docket No. 96-NM-198-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW.,
Renton, Washington 98055-4056.
The service information referenced in this AD may be obtained from
Jetstream Aircraft, Inc., P.O. Box 16029, Dulles International Airport,
Washington, DC 20041-6029. 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.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: William Schroeder, 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.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), which is
the airworthiness authority for the United Kingdom, recently notified
the FAA that an unsafe condition may exist on all Jetstream HS 748
series airplanes. The CAA advises that there have been reports
indicating that it is possible for the aileron, rudder, and elevator
cable tension regulators and gust locks to jam, leaving the associated
primary control cable in a slack (untensioned) condition. Additionally,
the CAA advises that the rear bulkhead and wing pressure seals could
become displaced if grease has been applied to the flight control
cables at these locations. These conditions, if not corrected, could
result in the inability to achieve full deflection of the associated
flight control surfaces, and consequently could lead to reduced
controllability of the airplane.
Explanation of Relevant Service Information
Jetstream has issued Service Bulletin HS 748-27-126, dated February
29, 1996, which describes procedures for inspecting the aileron,
rudder, and elevator cable tensioners and the gust lock levers to
ensure that they operate properly. It also describes procedures for
inspecting the cable pressure seals for correct positioning and
contamination, and correction of any discrepancy found. The CAA
classified this service bulletin as mandatory and issued British
Airworthiness Directive 005-02-96 in order to assure the continued
airworthiness of these airplanes in the United Kingdom.
FAA's Conclusions
This airplane model is manufactured in the United Kingdom and is
type certificated for operation in the United States under the
provisions of section 21.29 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR
21.19) and the applicable bilateral airworthiness agreement. Pursuant
to this bilateral airworthiness agreement, the CAA has kept the FAA
informed of the situation described above. The FAA has examined the
findings of the CAA, 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 the 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 jamming of the
flight control cables and consequent reduced controllability of the
airplane. This AD requires, initially, a one-time inspection of the
aileron, rudder, and elevator cable tensioners and gust lock levers to
ensure that they operate properly. It also requires a one-time
inspection of the cable pressure seals for correct positioning and
contamination, and correction of any discrepancy. These actions are
required to be accomplished in accordance with the service bulletin
described previously.
Additionally, this AD requires that the FAA-approved maintenance
program be revised to include these inspections and follow-on actions
on a repetitive basis.
Cost Impact
None of the Model HS 748 series airplanes affected by this action
are on the U.S. Register. All airplanes included in the applicability
of this rule currently are operated by non-U.S. operators under foreign
registry; therefore, they are not directly affected by this AD action.
However, the FAA considers that this rule is necessary to ensure that
the unsafe condition is addressed in the event that any of these
subject airplanes are imported and placed on the U.S. Register in the
future.
Should an affected airplane be imported and placed on the U.S.
Register in the future, it would require approximately 4 work hours to
accomplish the required actions, at an average labor charge of $60 per
work hour. Based on these figures, the cost impact of this AD would be
$240 per airplane.
Determination of Rule's Effective Date
Since this AD action does not affect any airplane that is currently
on the U.S. register, it has no adverse economic impact and imposes no
additional burden on any person. Therefore, prior notice and public
procedures hereon are unnecessary and the amendment may be made
effective in less than 30 days after publication in the Federal
Register.
Comments Invited
Although this action is in the form of a final rule and was not
preceded by notice and 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
the effectiveness 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
[[Page 53042]]
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-198-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.
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.
Sec. 39.13 [Amended]
2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding the following new
airworthiness directive:
96-20-09 Jetstream Aircraft Limited (Formerly British Aerospace
Commercial Aircraft, Limited): Amendment 39-9775. Docket 96-NM-198-
AD.
Applicability: All Model HS 748 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
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 (c )
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 the flight control cable tension regulators from
jamming, which could result in the inability to achieve full
deflection of the associated flight control surfaces, and lead to
reduced controllability of the airplane, accomplish the following:
(a) Within 600 hours time-in-service or 6 months after the
effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first, perform an
inspection to ensure proper operation, positioning, and lubrication
of the aileron, rudder, and elevator cable tensioners; gust lock
levers; and cable pressure seals, in accordance with paragraphs A.
and B. (1) through (27) of the Accomplishment Instructions of
Jetstream Service Bulletin HS 748-27-126, dated February 29, 1996.
If any discrepancy is detected, prior to further flight, correct it
in accordance with the service bulletin.
(b) Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD, revise
the FAA-approved maintenance program to include a schedule of
repetitive inspections to ensure proper operation, positioning, and
lubrication of the aileron, rudder, and elevator cable tensioners;
gust lock levers; and cable pressure seals; in accordance with
Jetstream Service Bulletin HS 748 -27-126, dated February 29, 1996.
The inspections are to be repeated every 12 months after the
accomplishment of the inspection required by paragraph (a) of this
AD. If any discrepancy is detected, it must be corrected in
accordance with the service bulletin prior to further flight.
(c) 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-13.
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.
(d) 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.
(e) The inspection and correction of discrepancies shall be done
in accordance with Jetstream Service Bulletin HS 748-27-126, dated
February 29, 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 Jetstream
Aircraft, Inc., P.O. Box 16029, Dulles International Airport,
Washington, DC 20041-6029. 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.
(f) This amendment becomes effective on October 25, 1996.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on September 24, 1996.
Darrell M. Pederson,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 96-25037 Filed 10-9-96; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U
