[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 25 (Friday, February 6, 1998)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 6064-6066]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-2822]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 97-NM-219-AD; Amendment 39-10309; AD 98-03-17]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; British Aerospace Model HS 748 Series
Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.
ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.
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SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD),
applicable to all British Aerospace Model HS 748 series airplanes. This
action requires repetitive inspections to detect discrepancies of the
gust locks of the flight control system, re-rigging of the gust lock
system; 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 in this AD
are intended to detect and correct failure of the flight control gust
lock system, which could result in reduced controllability of the
airplane.
DATES: Effective February 23, 1998.
The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as
of February 23, 1998.
Comments for inclusion in the Rules Docket must be received on or
before March 9, 1998.
ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114,
Attention: Rules Docket No. 97-NM-219-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW.,
Renton, Washington 98055-4056.
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 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.
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: The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), which is
the airworthiness authority for the United Kingdom, notified the FAA
that an unsafe condition may exist on all British Aerospace Model HS
748 series airplanes. The CAA advises that investigation of an incident
revealed deficiencies in the rigging of the flight control gust lock
system. These deficiencies, if not corrected, could result in failure
of the gust lock system, and consequent reduced controllability of the
airplane.
Explanation of Relevant Service Information
The manufacturer has issued Jetstream Alert Service Bulletin HS748-
A27-128, dated December 20, 1996, which describes procedures for two
types of repetitive inspections to detect discrepancies of the gust
locks of the flight control system; re-rigging of the gust locks is
included as part of the second inspection. The alert service bulletin
also describes procedures for corrective actions, if necessary. The CAA
classified this alert service bulletin as mandatory and issued British
airworthiness directive 008-12-96 in order to assure the continued
airworthiness of these airplanes in the United Kingdom.
[[Page 6065]]
FAA's Conclusions
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
21.19) 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.
Explanation of Requirements of the Rule
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, this AD requires accomplishment of the actions
specified in the alert service bulletin described previously.
Cost Impact
None of the Model HS 748 series airplanes affected by this action
are on the U.S. Register. All airplanes included in the applicability
of this rule currently are operated by non-U.S. operators under foreign
registry; therefore, they are not directly affected by this AD action.
However, the FAA considers that this rule is necessary to ensure that
the unsafe condition is addressed in the event that any of these
subject airplanes are imported and placed on the U.S. Register in the
future.
Should an affected airplane be imported and placed on the U.S.
Register in the future, it would require approximately 32 work hours to
accomplish the initial inspections, at an average labor rate of $60 per
work hour. Based on these figures, the cost impact of this AD would be
$1,920 per airplane, per inspection cycle.
Determination of Rule's Effective Date
Since this AD action does not affect any airplane that is currently
on the U.S. register, it has no adverse economic impact and imposes no
additional burden on any person. Therefore, prior notice and public
procedures hereon are unnecessary and the amendment may be made
effective in less than 30 days after publication in the Federal
Register.
Comments Invited
Although this action is in the form of a final rule and was not
preceded by notice and opportunity for public comment, comments are
invited on this rule. Interested persons are invited to comment on this
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 under the caption
ADDRESSES. All communications received on or before the closing date
for comments will be considered, and this rule may be amended in light
of the comments received. Factual information that supports the
commenter's ideas and suggestions is extremely helpful in evaluating
the effectiveness of the AD action and determining whether additional
rulemaking action would be needed.
Comments are specifically invited on the overall regulatory,
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the rule that might
suggest a need to modify the 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 that
summarizes each FAA-public contact concerned with the substance of this
AD will be filed in the Rules Docket.
Commenters wishing the FAA to acknowledge receipt of their comments
submitted in response to this rule must submit a self-addressed,
stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: ``Comments
to Docket Number 97-NM-219-AD.'' The postcard will be date stamped and
returned to the commenter.
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:
98-03-17 British Aerospace Regional Aircraft (Formerly British
Aerospace, Aircraft Group): Amendment 39-10309. Docket 97-NM-219-AD.
Applicability: All Model HS 748 series airplanes, 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 failure of the gust locks of the flight control
system, which could result in reduced controllability of the
airplane, accomplish the following:
(a) Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD, perform
an inspection to detect discrepancies (improper gaps or failure of
the `pull down' check) of the aileron, rudder, and elevator gust
locks, in accordance with Part 1 of the Accomplishment Instructions
of Jetstream Alert Service Bulletin HS748-A27-128, dated December
20, 1996.
(1) If no discrepancy is detected, repeat the inspection
required by paragraph (a) of this AD thereafter at intervals not to
exceed 750 flight hours.
(2) If any discrepancy is detected, prior to further flight,
accomplish the actions required by paragraph (b) of this AD.
Thereafter, repeat the inspection required by paragraph (a) of this
AD at intervals not to exceed 750 flight hours.
[[Page 6066]]
(b) Except as provided by paragraph (a)(2) of this AD, prior to
the accumulation of 750 flight hours after the accomplishment of the
actions required by paragraph (a) of this AD: Perform an inspection
to detect discrepancies (excessive wear or play, improper alignment
or adjustment, or improper clearances) of the aileron, rudder, and
elevator gust locks; and re-rig the gust lock system; in accordance
with Part 2 of the Accomplishment Instructions of Jetstream Alert
Service Bulletin HS748-A27-128, dated December 20, 1996.
(1) If no discrepancy is detected, repeat the inspection and re-
rigging required by paragraph (b) of this AD thereafter at intervals
not to exceed 1,500 flight hours.
(2) If any discrepancy is detected, prior to further flight,
repair in accordance with the alert service bulletin. Thereafter,
repeat the inspection and re-rigging required by paragraph (b) of
this AD at intervals not to exceed 1,500 flight hours.
(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.
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 Alert
Service Bulletin HS748-A27-128, dated December 20, 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 008-12-96.
(f) This amendment becomes effective on February 23, 1998.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on January 30, 1998.
Darrell M. Pederson,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 98-2822 Filed 2-5-98; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U
