95-25835. Airworthiness Directives; Jetstream Model ATP Airplanes  

  • [Federal Register Volume 60, Number 209 (Monday, October 30, 1995)]
    [Rules and Regulations]
    [Pages 55189-55191]
    From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
    [FR Doc No: 95-25835]
    
    
    
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    DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
    14 CFR Part 39
    
    [Docket No. 94-NM-173-AD; Amendment 39-9409; AD 95-22-02]
    
    
    Airworthiness Directives; Jetstream Model ATP Airplanes
    
    AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.
    
    ACTION: Final rule.
    
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    SUMMARY: This amendment supersedes an existing airworthiness directive 
    (AD), applicable to certain Jetstream Model ATP airplanes, that 
    currently requires daily and/or pre-flight cleaning and inspections to 
    detect damaged main landing gear (MLG) wheel bearings and replacement 
    of discrepant parts. That AD was prompted by reports of failure of the 
    MLG wheel bearings. This action requires an additional inspection, in 
    lieu of the pre-flight inspection, for certain airplanes. This action 
    also requires the accomplishment of a terminating modification that 
    eliminates the need for daily and pre-flight inspections. The actions 
    specified by this AD are intended to prevent failure of the MLG wheel 
    bearing, which could result in detachment of a MLG wheel from the 
    airplane.
    
    DATES: Effective November 29, 1995.
        The incorporation by reference of certain publications, as listed 
    in the regulations, is approved by the Director of the Federal Register 
    as of November 29, 1995.
        The incorporation by reference of Jetstream Service Bulletin ATP-
    32-48, Revision 1, dated January 28, 1994, was approved previously by 
    the Director of the Federal Register as of March 15, 1994 (59 FR 9400, 
    February 28, 1994).
    
    ADDRESSES: 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 Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Transport 
    Airplane Directorate, Rules Docket, 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) 
    227-2148; fax (206) 227-1149.
    
    SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: A proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal 
    Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) by superseding AD 94-05-03, 
    amendment 39-8841 (59 FR 9400, February 28, 1994), which is applicable 
    to certain Jetstream Model ATP airplanes, was published in the Federal 
    Register on June 12, 1995 (60 FR 30798). The action proposed to 
    continue to require daily cleaning and daily/pre-flight detailed visual 
    inspections to detect damage (including blistering or flaking of the 
    paint) or discoloration of the wheel hub caps and of the outer side of 
    the inflation valve side hubs on the MLG wheels. The action also 
    proposed to require an additional daily intermediate detailed visual 
    inspection, in lieu of the pre-flight inspection, for certain 
    airplanes. Additionally, the action proposed to require modification of 
    the MLG, which would constitute terminating action for the daily, pre-
    flight, and daily intermediate inspection requirements.
        Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate 
    in the making of this amendment. Due consideration has been given to 
    the single comment received.
        The commenter supports the proposed rule.
        After careful review of the available data, including the comment 
    noted above, the FAA has determined that air safety and the public 
    interest require the adoption of the rule as proposed.
        The FAA estimates that 10 airplanes of U.S. registry will be 
    affected by this AD.
        The inspections that were previously required by AD 94-05-03, and 
    retained in this AD, take approximately 2 work hours per airplane to 
    accomplish, at an average labor rate of $60 per work hour. Based on 
    these figures, the total cost impact of the inspection requirement of 
    this AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be $1,200, or $120 per 
    airplane, per inspection cycle.
        The inspections that will be added by this AD will take 
    approximately 2 work hours per airplane to accomplish, at an average 
    labor rate of $60 per work hour. Based on these figures, the total cost 
    impact of the inspections required by this AD on U.S. operators is 
    estimated to be $1,200, or $120 per airplane, per inspection cycle.
        It will take approximately 11 work hours per airplane to accomplish 
    the required modifications at an average labor rate of $60 per work 
    hour. Required parts will be supplied by the manufacturer at no cost to 
    the operators. Based on these figures, the total cost impact of the 
    modification required by this AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be 
    $6,600, or $660 per airplane.
        The total cost impact figures discussed above are based on 
    assumptions that no operator has yet accomplished any of the 
    requirements of this AD action, and that no operator would accomplish 
    those actions in the future if this AD were not adopted.
        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 
    
    [[Page 55190]]
    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), 40101, 40113, 44701.
    
    
    Sec. 39.13  [Amended]
    
        2. Section 39.13 is amended by removing amendment 39-8841 (59 FR 
    9400, February 28, 1994), and by adding a new airworthiness directive 
    (AD), amendment 39-9409, to read as follows:
    
    95-22-02  Jetstream Aircraft Limited (Formerly British Aerospace 
    Commercial Aircraft Limited): Amendment 39-9409. Docket 94-NM-173-
    AD. Supersedes AD 94-05-03, Amendment 39-8841.
    
        Applicability: Model ATP airplanes, constructor numbers 2001 
    through 2063 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 
    otherwise 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 use the authority 
    provided in paragraph (d) of this AD to request approval from the 
    FAA. This approval may address either no action, if the current 
    configuration eliminates the unsafe condition; or different actions 
    necessary to address the unsafe condition described in this AD. Such 
    a request should include an assessment of the effect of the changed 
    configuration on the unsafe condition addressed by this AD. In no 
    case does the presence of any modification, alteration, or repair 
    remove any airplane from the applicability of this AD.
    
        Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished 
    previously.
        To prevent detachment of a main landing gear (MLG) wheel from 
    the airplane, accomplish the following:
        (a) For airplanes on which Jetstream Modification 35296A 
    (reference Jetstream Service Bulletin ATP-32-51-35296A) has not been 
    installed: Accomplish paragraphs (a)(1) and (a)(2) of this AD.
        (1) Within 24 hours after March 15, 1994 (the effective date of 
    AD 94-05-03, amendment 39-8841), perform a cleaning and a detailed 
    visual inspection to detect damage (including blistering or flaking 
    of the paint) or discoloration of the wheel hub caps and of the 
    outer side of the inflation valve side hubs on the MLG wheels, in 
    accordance with paragraph 2.(2) of the Accomplishment Instructions 
    of Jetstream Service Bulletin ATP-32-48, Revision 1, dated January 
    28, 1994; or in accordance with paragraph 2.A.(2) of the 
    Accomplishment Instructions of Jetstream Service Bulletin ATP-32-48, 
    Revision 3, dated July 15, 1994. Thereafter, prior to the first 
    flight of each day, repeat this cleaning and inspection. The 
    cleaning and inspection must be performed by appropriately 
    certificated maintenance personnel as specified in section 43.3 of 
    the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 43.3). If any damage or 
    discoloration is found during any inspection required by this 
    paragraph, prior to further flight, replace the existing MLG wheel 
    assembly and bearings with a serviceable wheel assembly and 
    bearings, in accordance with the airplane maintenance manual.
        (2) Following accomplishment of the initial inspection required 
    by paragraph (a)(1) of this AD, prior to each flight, with the 
    exception of the first flight of each day, perform a pre-flight 
    detailed visual inspection to detect damage (including blistering or 
    flaking of the paint) or heat discoloration of the wheel hub cap and 
    the outer side of each inflation valve side hub on the MLG wheels, 
    in accordance with paragraph 2.A.(3) of the Accomplishment 
    Instructions of Jetstream Service Bulletin ATP-32-48, Revision 1, 
    dated January 28, 1994; or in accordance with paragraph 2.A.(3) of 
    the Accomplishment Instruction of Jetstream Service Bulletin ATP-32-
    48, Revision 3, dated July 15, 1994. The pre-flight inspections must 
    be performed by appropriately certificated maintenance personnel, as 
    specified in section 43.3. If any damage or discoloration is found 
    during any inspection required by this paragraph, prior to further 
    flight, replace the existing MLG wheel assembly and bearings with a 
    serviceable wheel assembly and bearings, in accordance with the 
    airplane maintenance manual.
        (b) For airplanes on which Jetstream Modification 35296A 
    (reference Jetstream Service Bulletin ATP-32-51-35296A) has been 
    installed: Accomplish paragraphs (b)(1) and (b)(2) of this AD.
        (1) Within 24 hours after the last inspection performed in 
    accordance with paragraph (a)(1) of this AD, perform a cleaning and 
    a detailed visual inspection to detect damage (including blistering 
    or flaking of the paint) or discoloration of the wheel hub caps and 
    of the outer side of the inflation valve side hubs on the MLG 
    wheels, in accordance with paragraph 2.Part B.(2) of the 
    Accomplishment Instructions of Jetstream Service Bulletin ATP-32-48, 
    Revision 3, dated July 15, 1994. Thereafter, prior to the first 
    flight of each day, repeat this cleaning and inspection. The 
    cleaning and inspection must be performed by appropriately 
    certificated maintenance personnel as specified in section 43.3 of 
    the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 43.3). If any damage or 
    discoloration is found during any inspection required by this 
    paragraph, prior to further flight, replace the existing MLG wheel 
    assembly and bearings with a serviceable wheel assembly and 
    bearings, in accordance with the airplane maintenance manual.
        (2) Following accomplishment of the initial inspection required 
    by paragraph (b)(1) of this AD, once a day, perform an additional 
    intermediate detailed visual inspection to detect damage (including 
    blistering or flaking of the paint) or heat discoloration of the 
    wheel hub cap and the outer side of each inflation valve side hub on 
    the MLG wheels, in accordance with paragraph 2.Part B.(3) of the 
    Accomplishment Instructions of Jetstream Service Bulletin ATP-32-48, 
    Revision 3, dated July 15, 1994. The once-a-day inspections must be 
    performed by appropriately certificated maintenance personnel, as 
    specified in 14 CFR 43.3. If any damage or discoloration is found 
    during any inspection required by this paragraph, prior to further 
    flight, replace the existing MLG wheel assembly and bearings with a 
    serviceable wheel assembly and bearings, in accordance with the 
    airplane maintenance manual.
        (c) Within 10 months after the effective date of this AD, modify 
    the MLG, in accordance with Jetstream Service Bulletin ATP-32-51-
    35296A, dated May 12, 1994; and Jetstream Service Bulletin ATP-32-
    53-35294A (including Erratum No. 1), dated July 18, 1994, or 
    Revision 2, dated January 13, 1995. Accomplishment of these 
    modifications constitutes terminating action for the daily and pre-
    flight inspection requirements of this AD.
        (d) 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-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.
    
        (e) 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.
        (f) The modification shall be done in accordance with Jetstream 
    Service Bulletin ATP-32-51-35296A, dated May 12, 1994; and Jetstream 
    Service Bulletin ATP-32-53-35294A, dated July 18, 1994 (including 
    Erratum No. 1), or Revision 2, dated January 13, 1995. The cleaning 
    and inspections shall be done in accordance with Jetstream Service 
    Bulletin ATP-32-48, Revision 1, dated January 28, 1994, or Revision 
    3, dated July 15, 1994. The incorporation by reference of Jetstream 
    Service Bulletin ATP-32-48, Revision 1, dated January 28, 1994, was 
    approved previously (including Erratum No. 
    
    [[Page 55191]]
    1) by the Director of the Federal Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 
    552(a) and 1 CFR part 51 as of March 15, 1994 (59 FR 9400, February 
    28, 1994). The incorporation by reference of the remainder of the 
    service documents is 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.
        (g) This amendment becomes effective on November 29, 1995.
    
        Issued in Renton, Washington, on October 12, 1995.
    S.R. Miller,
    Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
    Service.
    [FR Doc. 95-25835 Filed 10-27-95; 8:45 am]
    BILLING CODE 4910-13-U
    
    

Document Information

Effective Date:
11/29/1995
Published:
10/30/1995
Department:
Transportation Department
Entry Type:
Rule
Action:
Final rule.
Document Number:
95-25835
Dates:
Effective November 29, 1995.
Pages:
55189-55191 (3 pages)
Docket Numbers:
Docket No. 94-NM-173-AD, Amendment 39-9409, AD 95-22-02
PDF File:
95-25835.pdf
CFR: (1)
14 CFR 39.13