[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 197 (Tuesday, October 13, 1998)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 54564-54565]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-26969]
[[Page 54564]]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 98-CE-33-AD; Amendment 39-10823; AD 98-21-14]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; British Aerospace Jetstream Model 3101
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) that
applies to certain British Aerospace Jetstream Model 3101 airplanes.
This AD requires modifying the airplane's navigational system by
shortening and re-clipping the cable looms to the No. 1 and No. 2
vertical gyroscopes, installing a warning label adjacent to the
gyroscopes, and performing an operational check on the system. This AD
is the result of mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI)
issued by the airworthiness authority for the United Kingdom. The
actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent a cross connection
in the No. 1 and No. 2 vertical gyroscopes, which could result in
navigational errors during flight.
DATES: Effective November 2, 1998.
The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as
of November 2, 1998.
Comments for inclusion in the Rules Docket must be received on or
before November 1, 1998.
ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), Central Region, Office of the Regional Counsel,
Attention: Rules Docket 98-CE-33-AD, Room 1558, 601 E. 12th Street,
Kansas City, Missouri 64106.
Service information that applies to this AD may be obtained from
British Aerospace Regional Aircraft, Prestwick International Airport,
Ayrshire, KA9 2RW, Scotland; telephone: (01292) 479888; facsimile:
(01292) 479703. This information may also be examined at the Federal
Aviation Administration (FAA), Central Region, Office of the Regional
Counsel, Attention: Rules Docket 98-CE-33-AD, Room 1558, 601 E. 12th
Street, Kansas City, Missouri 64106; or at the Office of the Federal
Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW, suite 700, Washington, DC.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. S.M. Nagarajan, Aerospace
Engineer, FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 1201 Walnut, suite 900,
Kansas City, Missouri 64106; telephone: (816) 426-6932; facsimile:
(816) 426-2169.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Discussion
The Civil Airworthiness Authority (CAA), which is the airworthiness
authority for the United Kingdom, notified the FAA that an unsafe
condition may exist on certain British Aerospace Jetstream Model 3101
airplanes. The CAA reports that the navigational system in these
airplanes could malfunction with a cross connection of the No. 1 and
No. 2 vertical gyroscopes.
This condition, if not corrected, could result in navigational
errors during flight.
Relevant Service Information
British Aerospace has issued Jetstream Service Bulletin (SB) 34-JA
891143, dated March 2, 1990, which specifies procedures for modifying
the navigation system by shortening and re-clipping the cable looms of
the No. 1 and No. 2 vertical gyroscopes, installing a warning label,
part number (P/N) JA-891143-K1, next to the vertical gyroscopes, and
performing an operational check to assure the gyroscopes are operating
correctly.
The FAA's Determination
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
21.29) 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, including the service information referenced
above; and determined that AD action is necessary for products of this
type design that are certificated for operation in the United States.
Explanation of the Provisions of This AD
Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to
exist or develop in other Jetstream Model 3101 airplanes of the same
type design, this AD requires modifying the navigation system by
shortening and re-clipping the cable looms on the No. 1 and No. 2
vertical gyroscopes, installing a warning label adjacent to the
vertical gyroscopes, and performing an operational check to assure
correct operation of the vertical gyroscopes. The actions are to be
done in accordance with the instructions in British Aerospace Jetstream
SB 34-JA 891143, dated March 2, 1990.
Cost Impact
None of the Jetstream Model 3101 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 this rule 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.
Should an affected airplane be imported and placed on the U.S.
Register, accomplishment of the required modification would take
approximately 8 workhours at an average labor charge of $60 per
workhour. Based on these figures, the total cost impact of this AD
would be $480 per airplane that would become registered in the United
States.
The Effective Date of This AD
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, 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,
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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 No. 98-CE-33-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 copy of the draft regulatory evaluation prepared for
this action has been placed 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 adding a new airworthiness directive
(AD) to read as follows:
98-21-14 British Aerospace: Amendment 39-10823; Docket No. 98-CE-
33-AD.
Applicability: Jetstream Model 3101 airplanes, serial numbers 703,
705, and 707, 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 (e) 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 prior to further flight after the effective
date of this AD, unless already accomplished.
To prevent a cross connection in the No. 1 and No. 2 vertical
gyroscopes, which could result in navigational errors during flight,
accomplish the following:
(a) Modify the navigation system by shortening and re-clipping
the cable looms on the No. 1 and No. 2 vertical gyroscope in
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions section of Jetstream
Service Bulletin No. 34-JA 891143, dated March 2, 1990.
(b) Install a warning label, part number JA-891143-K1 or an FAA-
approved equivalent part number, adjacent to the No. 1 and No. 2
vertical gyroscope in accordance with the Accomplishment
Instructions section of Jetstream Service Bulletin No. 34-JA 891143,
dated March 2, 1990.
(c) Perform an operational check of the No. 1 and No. 2 vertical
gyroscope in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions section
of Jetstream Service Bulletin No. 34-JA 891143, dated March 2, 1990.
If the vertical gyroscopes do not operate correctly, prior to
further flight, correct any discrepancies in accordance with the
Accomplishment Instructions section of Jetstream Service Bulletin
No. 34-JA 891143, dated March 2, 1990.
(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) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the
compliance time that provides an equivalent level of safety may be
approved by the Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft
Certification Service, 1201 Walnut, suite 900, Kansas City, Missouri
64106. The request shall be forwarded through an appropriate FAA
Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send it to the
Manager, Small Airplane Directorate.
Note 2: Information concerning the existence of approved
alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be
obtained from the Small Airplane Directorate.
(f) Questions or technical information related to British
Aerospace Jetstream SB 34-JA 891143, dated March 2, 1990, should be
directed to British Aerospace Regional Aircraft, Prestwick
International Airport, Ayrshire, KA9 2RW, Scotland; telephone:
(01292) 479888; facsimile: (01292) 479703. This service information
may be examined at the FAA, Central Region, Office of the Regional
Counsel, Room 1558, 601 E. 12th Street, Kansas City, Missouri 64106.
(g) The modification and operational check required by this AD
shall be done in accordance with British Aerospace Jetstream Service
Bulletin 34-JA 891143, dated March 2, 1990. 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 British Aerospace Regional Aircraft, Prestwick
International Airport, Ayrshire, KA9 2RW, Scotland. Copies may be
inspected at the FAA, Central Region, Office of the Regional
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.
Note 3: The subject of this AD is addressed in British Aerospace
Jetstream SB 34-JA 891143, dated March 2, 1990. This service
bulletin is classified as mandatory by the United Kingdom Civil
Aviation Authority (CAA).
(h) This amendment becomes effective on November 2, 1998.
Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on September 30, 1998.
Michael Gallagher,
Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 98-26969 Filed 10-9-98; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
