[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 79 (Monday, April 26, 1999)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 20150-20152]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 99-10180]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 96-NM-214-AD; Amendment 39-11145; AD 99-09-12]
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 all British Aerospace (Jetstream) Model 4101 series
airplanes, that requires repetitive inspections to detect damage of the
structure associated with the engine nacelle fairing attached to the
wing flaps, and repair of any damage found; drilling a new drain hole
in each engine nacelle fairing; and applying a sealant to the gap
between the wing flap and engine nacelle fairing. This amendment also
requires correction of discrepancies, and modification of the wing flap
structure, which terminates the repetitive inspections. This amendment
is prompted by reports of fatigue cracks found in the structure that
attaches the engine nacelle fairing to the wing flaps. The actions
specified by this AD are intended to prevent such fatigue cracking,
which could result in the partial or complete separation of the fairing
from the wing flap, and consequent additional structural damage to the
airframe and/or reduced controllability of the airplane.
DATES: Effective June 1, 1999.
The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as
of June 1, 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 all British Aerospace (Jetstream)
Model 4101 series airplanes was published as a supplemental notice of
proposed rulemaking (NPRM) in the Federal Register on February 17, 1999
(64 FR 7830). That action proposed to require repetitive inspections to
detect damage of the structure associated with the engine nacelle
fairing attached to the wing flaps, and repair of any damage found;
drilling a new drain hole in each engine nacelle fairing; and applying
a sealant to the gap between the wing flap and engine nacelle fairing.
That action also proposed to limit the applicability of the AD. The
action also proposed to require corrective actions for discrepancies,
and modification of the wing flap structure, which would terminate the
repetitive inspections.
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 51 airplanes of U.S. registry will be
affected by this AD.
It will take approximately 2 work hours per airplane to perform the
detailed visual 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.
[[Page 20151]]
operators is estimated to be $6,120, or $120 per airplane, per
inspection cycle.
It will take approximately 1 work hour per airplane to drill a
drain hole and apply primer and sealant, at an average labor rate of
$60 per work hour. Based on these figures, the cost impact of these
actions required by this AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be
$3,060, or $60 per airplane.
It will take approximately 90 work hours per airplane to accomplish
the required terminating modification, at an average labor rate of $60
per work hour. Required parts will cost approximately $2,658 per
airplane. Based on these figures, the cost impact of the modification
required by this AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be $410,958, or
$8,058 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.
Sec. 39.13 [Amended]
2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding the following new
airworthiness directive:
99-09-12 British Aerospace Regional Aircraft [Formerly Jetstream
Aircraft Limited; British Aerospace (Commercial Aircraft) Limited]:
Amendment 39-11145. Docket 96-NM-214-AD.
Applicability: Jetstream Model 4101 airplanes, excluding those
on which Jetstream Modifications JM41575B and JM41575C have been
accomplished, 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 fatigue cracking in the structure that attaches the
flap nacelle fairing to the wing flaps, which could result in the
partial or complete separation of the fairing from the wing flap,
and consequent additional structural damage to the airframe and/or
reduced controllability of the airplane, accomplish the following:
(a) Prior to the accumulation of 1,500 total hours time-in-
service, or within 60 days after the effective date of this AD,
whichever occurs later, accomplish the requirements of paragraphs
(a)(1), (a)(2), and (a)(3) of this AD.
(1) Perform a detailed visual inspection to detect discrepancies
[cracks, loose rivets and Jo-Bolts, chafing damage at the flap
trailing edge, and installation of nonstandard parts (as defined in
Figure 1. of Jetstream Alert Service Bulletin J41-A57-015, Revision
1, dated August 23, 1996, or Revision 2, dated June 30, 1997)] and
previous repairs of the flap structure that attaches the flap
nacelle fairing to each wing flap; in accordance with Jetstream
Alert Service Bulletin J41-A57-015, Revision 1, dated August 23,
1996, or Revision 2, dated June 30, 1997. Repeat the inspection
thereafter at intervals not to exceed 1,500 hours time-in-service
until the requirements of paragraph (b) of this AD have been
accomplished.
(i) Except as provided by paragraph (a)(1)(ii) of this AD, if
any discrepancy is found, prior to further flight, perform
corrective action in accordance with Revision 1 or Revision 2 of the
alert service bulletin.
(ii) If any discrepancy is found for which Revision 1 or
Revision 2 of the alert service bulletin specifies to contact the
manufacturer to obtain a repair scheme: 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).
(2) Drill a drain hole in the flap nacelle fairing on each wing
flap, in accordance with Jetstream Alert Service Bulletin J41-A57-
015, dated May 27, 1996, Revision 1, dated August 23, 1996, or
Revision 2, dated June 30, 1997.
(3) Apply new primer and sealant to the gap between the wing
flap and flap nacelle fairing, in accordance with Jetstream Alert
Service Bulletin J41-A57-015, Revision 1, dated August 23, 1996, or
Revision 2, dated June 30, 1997.
(b) Within 3,000 hours time-in-service after the effective date
of this AD: Modify the wing flap structure in accordance with
Jetstream Service Bulletin J41-57-017, dated May 9, 1997.
Accomplishment of this modification constitutes terminating action
for the repetitive inspection requirements 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 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.
Special Flight Permits
(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.
Incorporation by Reference
(e) Except as provided by paragraph (a)(1)(ii) of this AD, the
actions shall be done in accordance with Jetstream Service Bulletin
J41-57-017, dated May 9, 1997; Jetstream Alert Service Bulletin J41-
A57-015, Revision 1, dated August 23, 1996; and Jetstream Alert
Service Bulletin J41-A57-015, Revision 2, dated June 30, 1997, which
contains the following list of effective pages:
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Revision
level
Page No. shown on Date shown on page
page
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1-3............................... 2 June 30, 1997.
2, 4-9............................ 1 Aug. 23, 1996.
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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 006-05-96.
(f) This amendment becomes effective on June 1, 1999.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on April 19, 1999.
D. L. Riggin,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 99-10180 Filed 4-23-99; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
