[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 229 (Friday, November 28, 1997)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 63264-63266]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 97-31027]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 96-NM-189-AD; Amendment 39-10220; AD 97-24-13]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; British Aerospace BAe Model ATP
Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD),
applicable to certain British Aerospace BAe Model ATP airplanes, that
requires a detailed visual inspection of the flap drive torque tubes in
the wing root area to detect inadequate clearance between the torque
tubes and surrounding structure or scoring damage to the tubes; and
follow-on repetitive inspections or corrective action, if necessary.
Accomplishment of certain replacements and modifications would
constitute terminating action for the repetitive inspections. This
amendment is prompted by reports of inadequate clearance between flap
drive torque tubes and surrounding structures, and possible scoring
damage to the tubes. The actions specified by this AD are intended to
prevent failure of the torque tubes, which could result in an
asymmetric flap condition and reduced controllability of the airplane.
DATES: Effective January 2, 1998.
The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as
of January 2, 1998.
ADDRESSES: The service information referenced in this AD may be
obtained from AI(R) American Support, Inc., 13850 Mclearen Road,
Herndon, Virginia 20171. 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: International Branch, ANM-116, FAA,
Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton,
Washington 98055-4056; telephone (425) 227-2110; fax (425) 227-1149.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: A proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal
Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) to include an airworthiness
directive (AD) that is applicable to certain British Aerospace BAe
Model ATP airplanes was published in the Federal Register
[[Page 63265]]
on August 25, 1997 (62 FR 44917). That action proposed to require a
detailed visual inspection of the flap drive torque tubes in the wing
root area to detect inadequate clearance between the torque tubes and
surrounding structure or scoring damage to the tubes; and follow-on
repetitive inspections or corrective action, if necessary.
Comments
Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate
in the making of this amendment. No comments were submitted in response
to the proposal or the FAA's determination of the cost to the public.
Conclusion
The FAA has determined that air safety and the public interest
require the adoption of the rule as proposed.
Cost Impact
The FAA estimates that 10 British Aerospace BAe Model ATP airplanes
of U.S. registry will be affected by this AD, that it will take
approximately 1 work hour per airplane to accomplish the required
actions, and that the average labor rate is $60 per work hour. Based on
these figures, the cost impact of the AD on U.S. operators is estimated
to be $600, or $60 per airplane.
The cost impact figure discussed above is 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.
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:
97-24-13 British Aerospace Regional Aircraft [Formerly Jetstream
Aircraft Limited, British Aerospace (Commercial Aircraft) Limited]:
Amendment 39-10220. Docket 96-NM-189-AD.
Applicability: BAe Model ATP airplanes, constructor numbers 2002
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 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 failure of the torque tubes, which could result in an
asymmetric flap condition and reduced controllability of the
airplane, accomplish the following:
(a) Within 90 days after the effective date of this AD, conduct
a detailed visual inspection of the flap drive torque tubes in the
left and right wing root areas to detect inadequate clearance
between the torque tubes and surrounding structure or scoring damage
to the tubes, in accordance with Jetstream Service Bulletin ATP-27-
80, dated April 23, 1996.
(1) If adequate clearance exists between all flap drive torque
tubes and surrounding structure at the sites specified in the
service bulletin, with no scoring damage to any of the tubes, no
further action is required by this AD.
(2) If inadequate clearance exists between any flap drive torque
tube and surrounding structure at the sites specified in the service
bulletin, with no scoring damage to the tubes: Accomplish the
requirements of paragraphs (a)(2)(i) and (a)(2)(ii) of this AD.
(i) At intervals not to exceed 250 hours time-in-service, repeat
the detailed visual inspections required by paragraph (a) of this
AD.
(ii) Within 2,000 hours time-in-service after the initial
inspection required by paragraph (a) of this AD, modify the
structure to gain the required minimum clearance in accordance with
the service bulletin. Accomplishment of the modification constitutes
terminating action for the repetitive inspection requirement of
paragraph (a)(2)(ii) of this AD.
(3) If any scoring damage to the torque tubes is detected,
accomplish the requirements specified in paragraph (a)(3)(i),
(a)(3)(ii), or (a)(3)(iii) of this AD, as applicable, in accordance
with the service bulletin, and at the time specified in the
applicable paragraph.
(i) If only one torque tube on one side or both sides of the
airplane is damaged, and the scoring is within the maximum allowable
damage limits in the service bulletin: Within 250 hours time-in-
service after any inspection required by this AD in which the damage
was initially detected, modify the surrounding structure to gain the
required minimum clearance and install a new torque tube.
(ii) If both torque tubes on the same side of the airplane are
damaged, and the scoring is within the maximum allowable damage
limits in the service bulletin: Prior to further flight after any
inspection required by this AD in which damage was initially
detected, modify the surrounding structure to gain the required
minimum clearance and replace at least one of the damaged torque
tubes with a new torque tube. Within 250 hours time-in-service after
any inspection in which damage was initially detected, replace the
remaining damaged torque tube with a new torque tube.
(iii) If any torque tube is damaged, and the scoring is more
than the allowable damage limits described in the service bulletin:
Prior to further flight, modify the surrounding structure to gain
the required minimum clearance and replace the damaged tube(s) with
a new torque tube(s).
(b) Accomplishment of the modification to gain the required
minimum clearance between the torque tubes and surrounding structure
and the replacement of damaged torque tube(s) with a new torque
tube(s) constitutes terminating action for the requirements of this
AD.
(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, International Branch, ANM-116, 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, International
Branch, ANM-116.
[[Page 63266]]
Note 2: Information concerning the existence of approved
alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be
obtained from the International Branch, ANM-116.
(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 actions shall be done in accordance with Jetstream
Service Bulletin ATP-27-80, dated April 23, 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 AI(R) American Support, Inc., 13850 Mclearen Road,
Herndon, Virginia 20171. 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.
Note 3: The subject of this AD is addressed in British
airworthiness directive 003-04-96.
(f) This amendment becomes effective on January 2, 1998.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on November 19, 1997.
Stewart R. Miller,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 97-31027 Filed 11-26-97; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U
