[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 235 (Wednesday, December 8, 1999)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 68628-68629]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 99-31473]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 98-NM-296-AD; Amendment 39-11449; AD 99-25-06]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; British Aerospace (Jetstream) Model
4101 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 (Jetstream) Model 4101
airplanes, that requires a one-time inspection of the bottom aft roller
of the main baggage-bay door structure for cracking or damage to the
sub-frame; repetitive operational tests to determine if the counter-
balance motor functions properly; and corrective actions, 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 sub-frame
damage, which, if left undetected, could cause rapid decompression of
the airplane and consequent injury to passengers and crew.
DATES: Effective January 12, 2000.
The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as
of January 12, 2000.
ADDRESSES: The service information referenced in this AD may be
obtained from British Aerospace Regional Aircraft American Support,
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, 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
(Jetstream) Model 4101 airplanes was published in the Federal Register
on October 8, 1999 (64 FR 54795). That action proposed to require a
one-time inspection of the bottom aft roller of the main baggage-bay
door structure for cracking or damage to the sub-frame; repetitive
operational tests to determine if the counter-balance motor functions
properly; and corrective actions, 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 43 airplanes of U.S. registry will be
affected by this AD.
It will take approximately 3 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 $7,740, or $180 per
airplane.
It will take approximately 1 work hour per airplane to accomplish
the required test, at an average labor rate of $60 per work hour. Based
on these figures, the cost impact of the test required by this AD on
U.S. operators is estimated to be $2,580, or $60 per airplane, per test
cycle.
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
[[Page 68629]]
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:
99-25-06 British Aerospace Regional Aircraft [Formerly Jetstream
Aircraft Limited; British Aerospace (Commercial Aircraft) Limited]:
Amendment 39-11449. Docket 98-NM-296-AD.
Applicability: British Aerospace (Jetstream) Model 4101
airplanes, as listed in Jetstream Service Bulletin J41-52-060, dated
August 31, 1998; 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 (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 sub-frame damage, which, if left undetected, could
cause rapid decompression of the airplane and consequent injury to
passengers and crew, accomplish the following:
Visual Inspection
(a) Within 1,500 landings or within 5 months after the effective
date of this AD, whichever occurs first, perform a one-time general
visual inspection of the bottom aft roller of the main baggage bay
door structure to check for cracking or damage to the sub-frame in
accordance with Jetstream Service Bulletin J41-52-060, dated August
31, 1998. If any cracking or damage is found, prior to further
flight, repair in accordance with a method approved by either the
Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport Airplane
Directorate; or the Civil Aviation Authority (or its delegated
agent). For a repair method to be approved by the Manager,
International Branch, ANM-116, as required by this paragraph, the
Manager's approval letter must specifically reference this AD.
Note 2: For the purposes of this AD, a general visual inspection
is defined as ``A visual examination of an interior or exterior
area, installation, or assembly to detect obvious damage, failure,
or irregularity. This level of inspection is made under normally
available lighting conditions such as daylight, hangar lighting,
flashlight, or drop-light, and may require removal or opening of
access panels or doors. Stands, ladders, or platforms may be
required to gain proximity to the area being check.''
Operational Test
(b) Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD, perform
an operational test to determine if the counter-balance motor of the
main baggage bay door functions properly in accordance with
Jetstream Service Bulletin J41-52-060, dated August 31, 1998. Repeat
the operational test thereafter at intervals not to exceed 5 days.
If the motor fails during any operational test, within 10 flights
after accomplishing the test, either replace the motor with a new
motor or repair in accordance with the service bulletin, and
accomplish the actions specified in paragraph (a) of this AD.
Alternative Methods of Compliance
(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.
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.
Special Flight Permits
(d) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with
Secs. 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.
Incorporation by Reference
(e) Except as provided by paragraph (a) of this AD, the actions
shall be done in accordance with Jetstream Service Bulletin J41-52-
060, dated August 31, 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
British Aerospace Regional Aircraft American Support, 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 005-08-98.
(f) This amendment becomes effective on January 12, 2000.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on November 24, 1999.
D. L. Riggin,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 99-31473 Filed 12-7-99; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U
