[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 237 (Thursday, December 10, 1998)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 68171-68172]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-32621]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 98-NM-216-AD; Amendment 39-10934; AD 98-25-08]
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. This
amendment requires repetitive inspections to detect wear damage on the
nosewheel steering control cables located in the nosewheel bay of the
nose landing gear (NLG); repetitive testing of the cable pulleys to
detect seizing; and corrective action, if necessary. This amendment is
prompted by issuance of mandatory continuing airworthiness information
by a foreign civil airworthiness authority. The actions specified by
this AD are intended to prevent failure of the nosewheel steering
control cables, which could result in loss of the nosewheel steering or
collapse of the NLG, and possible injury to the flightcrew and
passengers.
DATES: Effective January 14, 1999.
The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as
of January 14, 1999.
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: Norman B. Martenson, Manager,
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 on October
15, 1998 (63 FR 55350). That action proposed to require repetitive
inspections to detect wear damage on the nosewheel steering control
cables located in the nosewheel bay of the nose landing gear (NLG);
repetitive testing of the cable pulleys to detect seizing; and
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.
Interim Action
This is considered to be interim action until final action is
identified, at which time the FAA may consider further rulemaking.
Cost Impact
The FAA estimates that 10 airplanes of U.S. registry will be
affected by this AD.
It will take approximately 2 work hours per airplane to accomplish
the required inspection, at an average labor rate of $60 per work hour.
Based on these figures, the cost impact of the inspection 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 4 work hours per airplane to accomplish
the required replacement, at an average labor rate of $60 per work
hour. Required parts will cost approximately $775 per airplane. Based
on these figures, the cost impact of the replacement required by this
AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be $10,150, or $1,015 per
airplane.
The 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.
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.
[[Page 68172]]
Sec. 39.13 [Amended]
2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding the following new
airworthiness directive:
98-25-08 British Aerospace Regional Aircraft (Formerly Jetstream
Aircraft Limited; British Aerospace (Commercial Aircraft) Limited):
Amendment 39-10934. Docket 98-NM-216-AD.
Applicability: Model ATP airplanes, constructor's 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
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 (d) 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 nosewheel steering control cables,
which could result in loss of the nosewheel steering or collapse of
the nose landing gear (NLG), and possible injury to the flightcrew
and passengers, accomplish the following:
(a) Perform a visual and tactile inspection of the nosewheel
steering control cables located in the nosewheel bay of the NLG to
detect excessive wear, and test the cable pulleys for seizing, in
accordance with British Aerospace Service Bulletin ATP-32-91, dated
May 19, 1998; at the applicable time specified in paragraph (a)(1)
or (a)(2) of this AD. Thereafter, repeat the inspection and test at
intervals not to exceed 1,800 flight hours, or 2,400 landings,
whichever occurs first.
(1) For airplanes on which the nosewheel steering control cables
have accumulated 6,000 or more total flight hours, or 8,000 or more
total landings as of the effective date of this AD, and for
airplanes on which the time-in-service of the nosewheel steering
control cables is unknown: Inspect and test within 600 flight hours
or 800 landings after the effective date of this AD, whichever
occurs first.
(2) For airplanes on which the nosewheel steering control cables
have accumulated less than 6,000 total flight hours or 8,000 total
landings as of the effective date of this AD: Inspect and test
within 900 flight hours or 1,200 landings after the effective date
of this AD, whichever occurs first.
(b) If any cable wear is outside the limits specified in British
Aerospace Service Bulletin ATP-32-91, dated May 19, 1998, or if any
discrepant pulley is detected during any inspection or test required
by paragraph (a) of this AD, prior to further flight, replace the
discrepant cable or pulley with a new component in accordance with
the service bulletin. Thereafter, continue accomplishment of the
actions required by paragraphs (a) and (c) of this AD at the
intervals specified in those paragraphs.
(c) Replace the nosewheel steering control cables with new
cables at the later of the times specified in paragraphs (c)(1) and
(c)(2) of this AD in accordance with British Aerospace Service
Bulletin ATP-32-91, dated May 19, 1998. Thereafter, repeat the
replacement at intervals not to exceed 6,000 total flight hours or
8,000 total landings on the nosewheel steering cables, whichever
occurs first.
(1) Within 900 flight hours or 1,200 landings after the
effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first.
(2) Prior to the accumulation of 6,000 total flight hours or
8,000 total landings on the nosewheel steering cables, whichever
occurs first.
Note 2: Accomplishment of the initial inspection or initial
replacement of the nosewheel steering control cables prior to the
effective date of this AD in accordance with British Aerospace Alert
Service Bulletin ATP-A32-90, dated March 21, 1998, is considered
acceptable for compliance with the initial inspection or initial
replacement required by 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, 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.
Note 3: Information concerning the existence of approved
alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be
obtained from the International Branch, ANM-116.
(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 actions shall be done in accordance with British
Aerospace Service Bulletin ATP-32-91, dated May 19, 1998. 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 4: The subject of this AD is addressed in British
airworthiness directive 004-05-98.
(g) This amendment becomes effective on January 14, 1999.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on December 2, 1998.
John W. McGraw,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 98-32621 Filed 12-9-98; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
