[Federal Register Volume 59, Number 249 (Thursday, December 29, 1994)]
[Unknown Section]
[Page 0]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 94-32033]
[[Page Unknown]]
[Federal Register: December 29, 1994]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 94-NM-151-AD]
Airworthiness Directives; Jetstream Model ATP Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
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SUMMARY: This document proposes the supersedure of an existing
airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to all Jetstream Model ATP
airplanes, that currently requires revising the Airplane Flight Manual
(AFM) to prohibit flight in certain freezing precipitation conditions.
This action would add a requirement to install certain modifications of
the engine air intake system. This proposal is prompted by the
development of certain modifications of the engine air intake system
intended to permit operation of these airplanes in freezing
precipitation conditions. The actions specified by the proposed AD are
intended to prevent engine power rollback in flight during freezing
precipitation conditions.
DATES: Comments must be received by February 9, 1995.
ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-103,
Attention: Rules Docket No. 94-NM-151-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) 227-1320.
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 94-NM-151-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. 94-NM-151-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington
98055-4056.
Discussion
On March 31, 1994, the FAA issued AD 94-08-01, amendment 39-8872
(59 FR 25290, May 16, 1994), applicable to all British Aerospace Model
ATP airplanes, which requires revision of the Limitations Section of
the FAA-approved Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) Limitations Section to
prohibit flight in certain freezing precipitation conditions. That
action was prompted by reports of engine power rollback (loss of engine
power) that occurred during flight in environmental conditions
involving freezing precipitation. The required AFM revision was
intended as an interim measure to prevent loss of multiple engine power
during flight in freezing precipitation.
AD 94-08-01 also provided for certain optional actions that, when
all of them were accomplished, would terminate the required prohibition
of flight into certain icing conditions. These actions were:
1. Revising the Limitations Section and the Normal Procedures
Section of the FAA-approved AFM to include specific procedures for
operation in icing conditions;
2. Incorporating a revision into the FAA-approved maintenance
program that provides for replacement of engine igniter plugs at
specific intervals;
3. Installing an eductor plate over the exhaust port of the engine
air intake system;
4. Installing engine air inlet ducts that incorporate electrical
de-ice heaters, and perform associated electrical system changes; and
5. Revising the FAA-approved maintenance program to include
repetitive visual inspections of the heater mats for damage at specific
intervals.
In the preamble to AD 94-08-01, the FAA indicated that the actions
required by that AD were considered ``interim action'' and that further
rulemaking action was being considered. The FAA has now determined that
the installation of these previously optional modifications and certain
revision of the AFM will positively address the unsafe condition that
is the subject of AD 94-08-01 by preventing loss of engine power during
flight in freezing precipitation. The actions proposed in this notice
follow from that determination.
Since the issuance of AD 94-08-01, Jetstream has issued two
revisions of the Limitations, Normal Procedures, and Abnormal
Procedures Sections of the AFM to include the information specified in
Temporary Revision T/33, Issue 1, dated November 1, 1993; and Temporary
Revision T/38, Issue 1, dated February 16, 1994. These documents
provide procedures to the flight crew for operation in icing
conditions.
Jetstream Service Bulletin ATP-80-06, Revision 2, dated October 16,
1994, describes procedures for replacing the engine igniter plug at
repetitive intervals.
Additionally, Jetstream has issued three service bulletins
describing various actions that, if accomplished, eliminate the need
for the repetitive replacement of the engine igniter plugs. These
service bulletins are:
1. Jetstream ATP-30-39-30146A, dated July 29, 1994, which describes
procedures for installation of new de-ice timers on both engines.
2. Jetstream ATP-30-37-30143A, dated August 1, 1994; and Revision
1, dated September 5, 1994; which describe procedures for associated
wiring changes to the automatic duct heat.
3. Jetstream ATP-80-7-30141A, Revision 2, dated November 4, 1994,
which describes procedures for installation of an automatic ignition
system for the engine and revision of the Airplane Flight Manual by
installation of information in Temporary Revision T/42, Issue 1, dated
August 12, 1994.
Jetstream also has issued Service Bulletins ATP-54-12-35274A, dated
September 28, 1993; and Revision 1, dated December 15, 1993; which
describe procedures for installation of an eductor plate over the
exhaust port of the engine air intake system. (Revision 1 of this
service bulletin contains additional procedures for an inspection to
detect any aperture profile mismatch on any eductor plate that was
installed in accordance with the original issue of the service
bulletin.)
Additionally, Jetstream has issued Service Bulletins ATP-54-13-
35274B, Revision 1 (Modification 35274B), dated July 8, 1994; and
Revision 2, dated August 18, 1994; which describe procedures for
installing an improved engine air intake modification. These service
bulletins specify a separate modification configuration for each of two
serial number blocks of airplanes. Revision 2 of this service bulletin
also references an acceptable alternative modification of the engine
air intake system (which is described in Jetstream Service Bulletin ATP
54-15-35274E, dated July 27, 1994.) The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA),
which is the airworthiness authority for the United Kingdom, has
classified Jetstream Service Bulletin ATP-54-13-35274B, Revision 2,
dated August 18, 1994, as mandatory in order to assure the continued
airworthiness of these airplanes in the United Kingdom.
Jetstream also has issued Service Bulletin ATP-54-14, dated October
14, 1993, which describes procedures for repetitive visual inspections
of the heater mats for damage, and replacement, if necessary.
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, 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 supersede AD 94-08-01 to
require the following actions:
1. Revision of the Limitations, Normal Procedures, and Abnormal
Procedures Sections of the FAA-approved AFM to include the information
specified in Temporary Revision T/33, Issue 1, dated November 1, 1993,
and Temporary Revision T/38, Issue 1, dated February 16, 1994, which
provide procedures for operation in icing conditions;
2. Revision of the FAA-approved maintenance program to include
replacement of engine igniter plugs at certain specified intervals;
3. Installation of an eductor plate over the exhaust port of the
engine air intake system;
4. Installation of certain modifications of the engine air intake
system; and
5. Revision of the FAA-approved maintenance program to include
repetitive visual inspections of the heater mats for damage at specific
intervals, and replacement of the engine air intake, if necessary.
These proposed actions would be required to be accomplished in
accordance with the service bulletins described previously.
This proposed AD would also provide for an optional terminating
action for the proposed repetitive visual inspections of the heater
mats on airplanes that have accomplished the alternative engine air
intake modification in accordance with Jetstream Service Bulletin ATP-
54-15-35274E, dated July 27, 1994.
This proposed AD would also provide optional terminating actions
for the proposed requirement to repetitively replace the engine igniter
plugs.
Additionally, this action would revise the applicability of the
proposed rule by limiting the affected airplanes to those called out in
Jetstream Service Bulletin ATP 54-13-35274B, Revision 2, dated August
18, 1994.
As a result of recent communications with the Air Transport
Association (ATA) of America, the FAA has learned that, in general,
some operators may misunderstand the legal effect of AD's on airplanes
that are identified in the applicability provision of the AD, but that
have been altered or repaired in the area addressed by the AD. The FAA
points out that all airplanes identified in the applicability provision
of an AD are legally subject to the AD. If an airplane has been altered
or repaired in the affected area in such a way as to affect compliance
with the AD, the owner or operator is required to obtain FAA approval
for an alternative method of compliance with the AD, in accordance with
the paragraph of each AD that provides for such approvals. A note has
been included in this notice to clarify this requirement.
The FAA estimates that 10 airplanes of U.S. registry would be
affected by this proposed AD, that it would take approximately 150 work
hours per airplane to accomplish the proposed actions, and that the
average labor rate is $60 per work hour. Required parts would be
provided by the manufacturer at no cost to the operator. Based on these
figures, the total cost impact of the proposed AD on U.S. operators is
estimated to be $90,000, or $9,000 per airplane.
The total cost impact figure discussed above 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.
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. App. 1354(a), 1421 and 1423; 49 U.S.C.
106(g); and 14 CFR 11.89.
Sec. 39.13 [Amended]
2. Section 39.13 is amended by removing amendment 39-8872 (59 FR
25290, May 16, 1994), and by adding a new airworthiness directive (AD),
to read as follows:
Jetstream Aircraft Limited (Formerly British Aerospace Commercial
Aircraft, Limited): Docket 94-NM-151-AD. Supersedes AD 94-08-01,
Amendment 39-8872.
Applicability: Model ATP airplanes, as listed in Jetstream
Service Bulletin ATP 54-13-35274B, Revision 2, dated August 18,
1994, 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 use the authority
provided in paragraph (e) 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 loss of multiple engine power during flight in
freezing precipitation, accomplish the following:
(a) Within 30 days after June 15, 1994 (the effective date of AD
94-08-01, amendment 39-8872), revise the Limitations Section of the
FAA-approved Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) to include the following
statement. This may be accomplished by inserting a copy of this AD
in the AFM.
``Flight is prohibited into forecast or reported freezing
precipitation conditions where the outside air temperature is
between +5 deg.C and -5 deg.C.''
(b) Within 72 days after the effective date of this AD,
accomplish the actions specified in paragraphs (b)(1), (b)(2),
(b)(3), (b)(4), (b)(5), and (b)(6), which will constitute
terminating action for the AFM revision required by paragraph (a) of
this AD. Once these actions are completed, the AFM revision required
by paragraph (a) may be removed.
(1) Revise the Limitations Section and the Normal Procedures
Section of the FAA-approved AFM, to include the information
specified in Temporary Revision T/33, Issue 1, dated November 1,
1993, and Temporary Revision T/38, Issue 1, dated February 16, 1994,
which introduce procedures for operation in icing conditions, as
specified in the temporary revision; and operate the airplane in
accordance with those limitations and procedures.
Note 2: This may be accomplished by inserting copies of
Temporary Revision T/33 and T/38 in the AFM. When these temporary
revisions have been incorporated into general revisions of the AFM,
the general revisions may be inserted in the AFM, provided the
information contained in the general revision is identical to that
specified in Temporary Revision T/33 and T/38.
(2) Incorporate a revision into the FAA-approved maintenance
program that provides for replacement of engine igniter plugs at the
intervals specified in Jetstream Service Bulletin ATP-80-06,
Revision 1, dated October 22, 1993, or Revision 2, dated October 16,
1994. Initial replacement of an engine igniter plug with a new plug
shall be accomplished prior to the accumulation of 200 total hours
time-in-service on the engine igniter plug, or within 50 hours time-
in-service after incorporating the maintenance program revision,
whichever occurs later.
(3) Install an eductor plate over the exhaust port of the engine
air intake system in accordance with Jetstream Service Bulletin ATP-
54-12-35274A, dated September 28, 1993, or Revision 1, dated
December 15, 1993. Any eductor plate installed in accordance with
the original issue of the service bulletin must be inspected for any
aperture profile mismatch, in accordance with paragraph 2., Part B.,
of the Accomplishment Instructions of Revision 1 of the service
bulletin. If any mismatch is found that exceeds the limit specified
in that service bulletin, prior to further flight, the discrepancy
must be corrected in accordance with paragraph 2., Part C, of
Revision 1 of the service bulletin.
(4) For airplanes having constructor numbers 2007, 2010 through
2016 inclusive, 2020 through 2022 inclusive, 2028, 2029, 2032, 2034
through 2037 inclusive, 2041 through 2044 inclusive, 2051, 2053, and
2056: Install engine air inlet ducts that incorporate electrical de-
ice heaters with increased power and area, and perform associated
electrical system changes, in accordance with the Accomplishment
Instructions, in Jetstream Service Bulletin ATP-54-13-35274B dated
October 9, 1993, or Parts A through F of Revision 1, dated July 8,
1994, or Revision 2, dated August 18, 1994.
(5) For airplanes having constructor numbers 2002 through 2006
inclusive, 2008, 2009, 2017 through 2019 inclusive, 2023 through
2027 inclusive, 2030, 2031, 2033, 2038 through 2040 inclusive, 2045
through 2050 inclusive, 2052, 2054 through 2055 inclusive, and 2057
through 2063 inclusive: Install engine air inlet ducts that
incorporate electrical de-ice heaters with increased power, in
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions, Part G, of
Jetstream Service Bulletin ATP-54-13-35274B, Revision 2, dated
August 18, 1994.
Note 3: Installation of engine air inlet ducts in accordance
with Jetstream Service Bulletin ATP-54-15-35274E, dated July 27,
1994, is considered acceptable for compliance with either paragraph
(b)(4) or (b)(5) of this AD.
(6) Revise the FAA-approved maintenance program to include
repetitive visual inspections for damage of the heater mats at
intervals not to exceed 50 hours time-in-service, in accordance with
Jetstream Service Bulletin ATP-54-14, dated October 14, 1993; and,
if any damage is found, prior to further flight, replace the engine
air intake in accordance with the service bulletin.
(c) The following installations on both engines constitute
terminating action for the repetitive replacement of the engine
igniter plugs required by paragraph (b)(2) of this AD:
(1) Installation of new de-ice timers in accordance with
Jetstream Service Bulletin ATP-30-39-30146A dated July 29, 1994,
(2) Wiring changes to incorporate automatic duct heat when
engine air intake lip heat is selected ``on,'' in accordance with
Jetstream Service Bulletin ATP-30-37-30143A, dated August 1, 1994,
or Revision 1, dated September 5, 1994, and
(3) Installation of an engine automatic ignition system in
accordance with Jetstream Service Bulletin ATP 80-7-30141A, Revision
2, dated November 4, 1994; and an associated revision of the FAA-
approved Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) by incorporating the
information contained in Temporary Revision T/42, Issue 1, dated
August 12, 1994.
(d) For airplanes on which the engine air intake (Modification
35274E) has been installed in accordance with Jetstream Service
Bulletin ATP-54-15-35274E, dated July 27, 1994: The installation of
engine duct de-ice overheat protection (Modification 35274D) in
accordance with Jetstream Service Bulletin ATP-30-44-35274D, dated
August 12, 1994, constitutes terminating action for the repetitive
inspections required by paragraph (b)(6) of this AD.
(e) 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 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.
(f) 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 December 22, 1994.
Darrell M. Pederson,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 94-32033 Filed 12-28-94; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
