[Federal Register Volume 60, Number 226 (Friday, November 24, 1995)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 58023-58025]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 95-28524]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 95-NM-95-AD]
Airworthiness Directives; Jetstream Model 4101 Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
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SUMMARY: This document proposes the adoption of a new airworthiness
directive (AD) that is applicable to certain Jetstream Model 4101
airplanes. This proposal would require inspections of the handrail
assembly at the main entrance door to detect loose or missing rivets,
abnormal movement between the handrail pivot-tube and the spigot that
attaches to the bearing assembly, and cracks on the handrail pivot-
tube. It would also require repair or replacement of the assembly, if
necessary. This proposal is prompted by a report indicating that
fatigue cracks and loose rivets were found on the handrail assembly of
the main passenger entrance door on an in-service airplane. The actions
specified by the proposed AD are intended to prevent these conditions,
which can lead to the failure of the door handrail assembly; such
failure could allow the door to fall free and subsequently cause injury
to people on the airplane or on the ground.
DATES: Comments must be received by January 2, 1996.
ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-103,
Attention: Rules Docket No. 95-NM-95-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton,
Washington 98055-4056. Comments may be inspected at this location
between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal
holidays.
The service information referenced in the proposed rule 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.
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:
Comments Invited
Interested persons are invited to participate in the making of the
proposed 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 above. All
communications received on or before the closing date for comments,
specified above, will be considered before taking action on the
proposed rule. The proposals contained in this notice may be changed in
light of the comments received.
Comments are specifically invited on the overall regulatory,
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the proposed 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 summarizing each FAA-public contact concerned with
the substance of this proposal will be filed in the Rules Docket.
Commenters wishing the FAA to acknowledge receipt of their comments
submitted in response to this notice must submit a self-addressed,
stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: ``Comments
to Docket Number 95-NM-95-AD.'' The postcard will be date stamped and
returned to the commenter.
Availability of NPRMs
Any person may obtain a copy of this NPRM by submitting a request
to the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-103, Attention: Rules
Docket No. 95-NM-95-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, Washington 98055-
4056.
Discussion
The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), which is the airworthiness
authority for the United Kingdom, has notified the FAA that an unsafe
condition may exist on certain Jetstream Model 4101 airplanes. The CAA
advises that cracks and loose rivets have been found on the handrail
assembly of the main passenger entrance door. These conditions are the
result of fatigue stress. If such cracking were to lead to complete
failure of the handrail assembly, the entrance door, which is hinged on
the bottom, could fall free. This condition, if not corrected, could
result in injury to passengers, flightcrew, or groundcrew.
Description of Relevant Service Information
Jetstream has issued Alert Service Bulletin J41-A52-036, dated June
13, 1994, which describes procedures for conducting repetitive
inspections of the handrail assembly at the main entrance door to
detect:
1. loose or missing rivets,
2. abnormal movement between the handrail pivot-tube and the spigot
that attaches to the bearing assembly, and
3. cracks on the handrail pivot-tube.
If the inspection reveals evidence of loose or missing rivets or
abnormal movement between the handrail pivot-tube and the spigot, the
service bulletin calls for removing the rivets and conducting
inspections for elongation of the rivet holes and for cracks in the
pivot tube under the cross-tube fitting and pivot rod.
If the inspection reveals evidence of elongation of the rivet
holes, the service bulletin calls for drilling the holes to a certain
maximum diameter and installation of new rivets.
If any of the inspections reveal evidence of cracking in the
assembly, the service bulletin calls for installing either:
1. a standard handrail assembly;
2. an interim reinforcement of the handrail assembly, or
3. structural improvements to the door and door support, and a
completely redesigned handrail assembly.
If a standard handrail assembly is installed, the repetitive
inspections must continue. If the interim reinforcement is installed,
or if the
[[Page 58024]]
structural improvements and redesigned handrail assembly are installed,
the repetitive inspections are no longer needed.
The CAA classified this service bulletin as mandatory in order to
assure the continued airworthiness of these airplanes in the United
Kingdom.
Jetstream also has issued Service Bulletin J41-52-041-42619, dated
June 13, 1994, which describes procedures for installing an interim
reinforcement of the handrail assembly (Customer Option Kit No.
JK2619). The reinforcement entails installing a new improved pivot
trunnion and handrail pivot tube to strengthen the main handrail sub-
assembly. The CAA classified this service bulletin as optional.
Additionally, Jetstream Service Bulletin J41-52-041-42619 refers to
Flight Refuelling Service Bulletin 6020303-52-1, dated June 10, 1994,
which contains detailed instructions for installing the interim
reinforcement of the handrail assembly, identified as ``Flight
Refuelling Modification No. 60291.'' When the reinforcement is
installed, the part number of the handrail assembly is changed to
``Flight Refuelling Part Number 6020203 Issue D.''
Jetstream also has issued Service Bulletin J41-52-025, dated
February 11, 1994, which describes procedures for installing structural
improvements of the door and door support, and a completely redesigned
handrail assembly (Modification No. JM41224A). Once all of these items
are installed, the resulting assembly is stronger and has improved
fatigue life. The CAA also classified this service bulletin as
optional.
Additionally, Jetstream Service Bulletin J41-52-025 refers to
Flight Refuelling Service Bulletin 6020303-52-2, Revision 1, dated
December 10, 1993, which contains detailed instructions for installing
the completely redesigned handrail assembly, specified as Flight
Refuelling Part No. 6020205. The redesigned handrail assembly includes
a new latch mechanism and tensator spring to secure (safety) the
overcenter lock. It also includes new gas struts that have better
reliability.
Description of the Proposed Rule
The Jetstream Model 4101 airplane 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,
and determined that AD action is necessary for products of this type
design that are certificated for operation in the United States.
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, the proposed AD would require repetitive
inspections of the handrail assembly at the main entrance door to
detect loose or missing rivets; abnormal movement between the handrail
pivot-tube and the spigot that attaches to the bearing assembly; and
cracks on the handrail pivot-tube.
If evidence of loose/missing rivets or abnormal movement is
detected, operators would be required to accomplish various corrective
procedures. If cracking is detected, operators would be required to
correct the discrepancy by either:
1. replacing the handrail assembly with a serviceable like part,
and continuing with the repetitive inspections; or
2. installing an interim reinforcement of the handrail assembly,
which would constitute terminating action for the repetitive
inspections; or
3. installing structural improvements of the door and door support,
and a completely redesigned handrail assembly, which would constitute
terminating action for the repetitive inspections.
The proposed actions would be required to be accomplished in
accordance with the Jetstream service bulletins described previously.
Economic Impact
The FAA estimates that 4 airplanes of U.S. registry would be
affected by this proposed AD. To accomplish the proposed inspections,
it would take approximately 1 work hour per airplane, at an average
labor rate of $60 per work hour. Based on these figures, the cost
impact of the proposed AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be $240, or
$60 per airplane, per inspection.
This cost impact figure is based on assumptions that no operator
has yet accomplished any of the proposed requirements of this AD
action, and that no operator would accomplish those actions in the
future if this AD were not adopted.
Regulatory Impact
The regulations proposed herein would 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
proposal would not have sufficient federalism implications to warrant
the preparation of a Federalism Assessment.
For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this proposed
regulation (1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under
Executive Order 12866; (2) is not a ``significant rule'' under the DOT
Regulatory Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979);
and (3) if promulgated, 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 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, Safety.
The Proposed Amendment
Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration proposes to amend
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 adding the following new
airworthiness directive:
Jetstream: Docket 95-NM-95-AD.
Applicability: Model 4101 airplanes; equipped with handrail
assembly, Part No. 6020203 Issue C, with Modification No. JM41179
(reference Jetstream Alert Service Bulletin J41-A52-009);
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 (f) of this AD to
[[Page 58025]]
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 failure of the entrance door handrail assembly, which
subsequently could result in injury to passengers, flightcrew, or
groundcrew, accomplish the following:
(a) Within 50 landings after the effective date of this AD,
conduct a detailed visual inspection of the handrail assembly at the
main entrance door to detect loose or missing rivets, abnormal
movement between the handrail pivot-tube and the spigot that
attaches to the bearing assembly, and cracks on the handrail pivot-
tube, in accordance with Jetstream Alert Service Bulletin J41-A52-
036, dated June 13, 1994.
(b) If no cracks or other discrepancies are detected during the
inspection required by paragraph (a) of this AD, repeat the
inspection thereafter at intervals not to exceed 300 hours time-in-
service.
(c) If evidence of any loose or missing rivet is revealed, or if
abnormal movement between the handrail pivot-tube and the spigot
that attaches to the bearing assembly is detected, as a result of
any of the inspections required by this AD, prior to further flight,
accomplish the procedures specified in paragraph 2.B.(4) of
Jetstream Alert Service Bulletin J41-A52-036, dated June 13, 1994.
Thereafter, repeat the inspection required by paragraph (a) of this
AD at intervals not to exceed 300 hours time-in-service.
(d) If evidence of cracking is revealed as a result of any of
the inspections required by this AD, prior to further flight,
accomplish the requirements of either paragraph (d)(1), (d)(2), or
(d)(3) of this AD:
(1) Install a new handrail assembly, Part No. 6020203 Issue C
standard, as specified in paragraph 2.B.(5)(d) of Jetstream Service
Bulletin J41-A52-036, dated June 13, 1994. After installation,
repeat the inspection required by paragraph (a) of this AD at
intervals not to exceed 300 hours time-in-service. Or
(2) Install the interim reinforcement of the handrail assembly
(Customer Option Kit. No. Jk42619) in accordance with Jetstream
Service Bulletin J41-52-041-42619, dated June 13, 1994. Such
installation constitutes terminating action for the inspections
required by this AD. Or
Note 2: Jetstream Service Bulletin J41-52-041-42619 refers to
Flight Refuelling Service Bulletin 6020303-52-1 for additional
installation information.
(3) Install the structural improvements of the door and door
support, and the completely redesigned door handrail assembly, in
accordance with Jetstream Service Bulletin J41-52-025, dated
February 11, 1994. Such installation constitutes terminating action
for the inspections required by this AD.
Note 3: Jetstream Service Bulletin J41-52-025 refers to Flight
Refuelling Service Bulletin 6020303-52-2 for additional installation
information.
(e) Terminating action for the inspections required by this AD
consists of installation of the item(s) specified in either
paragraph (e)(1) or (e)(2) of this AD:
(1) Installation of the interim reinforcement of the handrail
assembly (Customer Option Kit. No. Jk42619) in accordance with
Jetstream Service Bulletin J41-52-041-42619, dated June 13, 1994. Or
(2) Installation of the structural improvements of the door and
door support, and the completely redesigned door handrail assembly,
in accordance with Jetstream Service Bulletin J41-52-025, dated
February 11, 1994.
(f) 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 4: Information concerning the existence of approved
alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be
obtained from the Standardization Branch, ANM-113.
(g) 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. Issued in Renton,
Washington, on November 15, 1995.
Darrell M. Pederson,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 95-28524 Filed 11-22-95; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U
