2011-11932. Airworthiness Directives; British Aerospace Regional Aircraft Model HP.137 Jetstream Mk.1, Jetstream Series 200, Jetstream Series 3101, and Jetstream Model 3201 Airplanes

AGENCY:

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of Transportation (DOT).

ACTION:

Final rule.

SUMMARY:

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the products listed above. This AD results from mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) issued by an aviation authority of another country to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an aviation product. The MCAI describes the unsafe condition as:

As a result of fatigue-testing programme on Jetstream aeroplanes, cracks have been found on the main landing gear (MLG) fittings that embody modifications JM5218 or JM8003.

This condition, if not detected and corrected, could lead to a MLG collapse on the ground or during landing, possibly resulting in a fuel tank rupture, consequent damage to the aeroplane or injury to the occupants.

We are issuing this AD to require actions to correct the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES:

This AD becomes effective June 22, 2011.

On June 22, 2011, the Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of a certain publication listed in this AD.

ADDRESSES:

You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov or in person at Document Management Facility, U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590.

For service information identified in this AD, contact BAE Systems (Operations) Ltd, Customer Information Department, Prestwick International Airport, Ayrshire, KA9 2RW, Scotland, United Kingdom; phone: [phone], fax: [phone]; Internet: http://www.baesystems.com/​WorldWideLocations/​UK/​. E-mail: [e-mail]. You may review copies of the referenced service information at the FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Kansas City, Missouri 64106. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call (816) 329-4148.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Taylor Martin, Aerospace Engineer, FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas City, Missouri 64106; telephone: [phone]; fax: [phone]; e-mail: [e-mail].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Discussion

We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR part 39 to include an AD that would apply to the specified products. That NPRM was published in the Federal Register on March 16, 2011 (76 FR 14349). That NPRM proposed to correct an unsafe condition for the specified products. The MCAI states:

As a result of fatigue-testing programme on Jetstream aeroplanes, cracks have been found on the main landing gear (MLG) fittings that embody modifications JM5218 or JM8003.

This condition, if not detected and corrected, could lead to a MLG collapse on the ground or during landing, possibly resulting in a fuel tank rupture, consequent damage to the aeroplane or injury to the occupants.

Analysis of this failure indicates that an inspection regime has to be implemented in order to ensure the safe operation of the MLG beyond the accumulation of 41,000 Flight Cycles (FC).

For the reasons described above, this AD requires initial and repetitive eddy current inspections, and depending on findings, accomplishment of corrective actions.

The MCAI requires replacing or repairing any cracked MLG fitting found during the initial and repetitive inspections. You may obtain further information by examining the MCAI in the AD docket

Comments

We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing this AD. We received no comments on the NPRM or on the determination of the cost to the public.

Conclusion

We reviewed the available data and determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting the AD as proposed.

Differences Between This AD and the MCAI or Service Information

We have reviewed the MCAI and related service information and, in general, agree with their substance. But we might have found it necessary to use different words from those in the MCAI to ensure the AD is clear for U.S. operators and is enforceable. In making these changes, we do not intend to differ substantively from the information provided in the MCAI and related service information.

We might also have required different actions in this AD from those in the MCAI in order to follow FAA policies. Any such differences are highlighted in a Note within the AD.

Costs of Compliance

We estimate that this AD will affect 190 products of U.S. registry. We also estimate that it will take about 20 work-hours per product to comply with the basic requirements of this AD. The average labor rate is $85 per work-hour.

Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of this AD on U.S. operators to be $323,000 or $1,700 per product.

In addition, we estimate that any necessary follow-on actions will take about 4 work-hours and require parts costing $8,000, for a cost of $8,340 per product. We have no way of determining the number of products that may need these actions.

Authority for This Rulemaking

Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the authority of the FAA Administrator. “Subtitle VII: Aviation Programs,” describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's authority.

We are issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in “Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: General requirements.” Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this rulemaking action.

Regulatory Findings

We determined that this AD will not have federalism implications under Executive Order 13132. This AD will not have a substantial direct effect 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.

For the reasons discussed above, I certify this AD:

(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.

We prepared a regulatory evaluation of the estimated costs to comply with this AD and placed it in the AD Docket.

Examining the AD Docket

You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov; or in person at the Docket Management Facility between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains the NPRM, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and other information. The street address for the Docket Office (telephone [phone]) is in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

• Air transportation
• Aircraft
• Aviation safety
• Incorporation by reference
• Safety

Adoption of the Amendment

Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the FAA amends 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.

§ 39.13

[Amended]

2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding the following new AD:

2011-11-01 British Aerospace Regional Aircraft: Amendment 39-16699; Docket No. FAA-2011-0230; Directorate Identifier 2011-CE-004-AD.

Effective Date

(a) This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective June 22, 2011.

Affected ADs

(b) None.

Applicability

(c) This AD applies to British Aerospace Regional Aircraft Model HP.137 Jetstream Mk.1, Jetstream Series 200, Jetstream Series 3101, and Jetstream Model 3201 airplanes, all serial numbers, that are:

(1) Equipped with main landing gear (MLG) fittings, part number (P/N) 1379133B1/B2/B3/B4 that incorporate Modifications JM5218 or JM8003; and

(2) Certificated in any category.

Subject

(d) Air Transport Association of America (ATA) Code 32: Landing Gear.

Reason

(e) The mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) states:

As a result of fatigue-testing programme on Jetstream aeroplanes, cracks have been found on the main landing gear (MLG) fittings that embody modifications JM5218 or JM8003.

This condition, if not detected and corrected, could lead to a MLG collapse on the ground or during landing, possibly resulting in a fuel tank rupture, consequent damage to the aeroplane or injury to the occupants.

Analysis of this failure indicates that an inspection regime has to be implemented in order to ensure the safe operation of the MLG beyond the accumulation of 41 000 Flight Cycles (FC).

For the reasons described above, this AD requires initial and repetitive eddy current inspections, and depending on findings, accomplishment of corrective actions.

The MCAI requires replacing or repairing any cracked MLG fitting found during the initial and repetitive inspections. You may obtain further information by examining the MCAI in the AD docket.

Actions and Compliance

(f) Unless already done, do the following actions:

(1) Upon accumulating 41,000 flight cycles (landings) on the MLG since first installation or within the next 2,000 flight cycles (landings) on the MLG after June 22, 2011 (the effective date of this AD), whichever occurs later, eddy current inspect all the MLG leg pivot beam fastener bores for cracks. Do the inspections following British Aerospace Jetstream Series 3100 & 3200 Service Bulletin 32-JA090240, Revision 1, dated January 18, 2010.

(2) Before further flight after any inspection required in paragraphs (f)(1), (f)(2)(i), (f)(2)(ii), and (f)(3) of this AD in which cracks are found, replace the MLG fitting or repair any cracks. Cracks are defined in paragraph 2.D.(4) of British Aerospace Jetstream Series 3100 & 3200 Service Bulletin 32-JA090240, Revision 1, dated January 18, 2010. Replace or repair the MLG fitting following British Aerospace Jetstream Series 3100 & 3200 Service Bulletin 32-JA090240, Revision 1, dated January 18, 2010. Any time the MLG fitting is repaired or replaced, do the following actions as applicable:

(i) MLG fitting is replaced with a new MLG fitting as specified in paragraph (f)(2) of this AD: Upon accumulating 41,000 flight cycles (landings) after replacement, eddy current inspect all the MLG leg pivot beam fastener bores for cracks. Do the inspections following British Aerospace Jetstream Series 3100 & 3200 Service Bulletin 32-JA090240, Revision 1, dated January 18, 2010.

(ii) MGL fitting is repaired as specified in paragraph (f)(2) of this AD: Upon accumulating 27,000 flight cycles (landings) after the last repair and repetitively thereafter at intervals not to exceed 27,000 flight cycles (landings), eddy current inspect all the MLG leg pivot beam fastener bores for cracks. Do the inspections following British Aerospace Jetstream Series 3100 & 3200 Service Bulletin 32-JA090240, Revision 1, dated January 18, 2010.

(3) If no cracks are found during any inspection required in paragraph (f)(1), (f)(2)(i), or (f)(2)(ii) of this AD, repetitively thereafter upon accumulating 27,000 flight cycles (landings) after the last inspection, eddy current inspect all the MLG leg pivot beam fastener bores for cracks.

(4) As of June 22, 2011 (the effective date of this AD), only install a MLG fitting specified in paragraph (c)(1) of this AD that has been eddy current inspected and found free of cracks following British Aerospace Jetstream Series 3100 & 3200 Service Bulletin 32-JA090240, Revision 1, dated January 18, 2010.

(5) Some of the compliance times of this AD are presented in flight cycles (landings). If the total flight cycles have not been kept, multiply the total number of airplane hours time-in-service by 0.75. For the purposes of this AD:

(i) 75 cycles equals 100 hours TIS; and

(ii) 750 cycles equals 1,000 hours TIS.

Note 1:

Credit will be given for the inspection required in paragraph (f)(1) of this AD and the corrective action required in paragraph (f)(2) of this AD if already done before June 22, 2011 (the effective date of this AD) following British Aerospace Jetstream Series 3100 & 3200 Service Bulletin 32-JA090240, original issue dated April 29, 2009; and BEA Systems All Operator Message: Ref 09-014J-1, issue 1, dated July 31, 2009.

FAA AD Differences

Note 2:

This AD differs from the MCAI and/or service information as follows: No differences.

Other FAA AD Provisions

(g) The following provisions also apply to this AD:

(1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, Standards Office, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. Send information to ATTN: Taylor Martin, Aerospace Engineer, FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas City, Missouri 64106; telephone: [phone]; fax: [phone]; e-mail: [e-mail]. Before using any approved AMOC on any airplane to which the AMOC applies, notify your appropriate principal inspector (PI) in the FAA Flight Standards District Office (FSDO), or lacking a PI, your local FSDO.

(2) Airworthy Product: For any requirement in this AD to obtain corrective actions from a manufacturer or other source, use these actions if they are FAA-approved. Corrective actions are considered FAA-approved if they are approved by the State of Design Authority (or their delegated agent). You are required to assure the product is airworthy before it is returned to service.

(3) Reporting Requirements: For any reporting requirement in this AD, a Federal agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, nor shall a person be subject to a penalty for failure to comply with a collection of information subject to the requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act unless that collection of information displays a current valid OMB Control Number. The OMB Control Number for this information collection is 2120-0056. Public reporting for this collection of information is estimated to be approximately 5 minutes per response, including the time for reviewing instructions, completing and reviewing the collection of information. All responses to this collection of information are mandatory. Comments concerning the accuracy of this burden and suggestions for reducing the burden should be directed to the FAA at: 800 Independence Ave., SW., Washington, DC 20591, Attn: Information Collection Clearance Officer, AES-200.

Related Information

(h) Refer to MCAI European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD No. 2011-0016, dated February 1, 2011; British Aerospace Jetstream Series 3100 & 3200 Service Bulletin 32-JA090240, original issue dated April 29, 2009; British Aerospace Jetstream Series 3100 & 3200 Service Bulletin 32-JA090240, Revision 1, dated January 18, 2010; and BAE Systems All Operator Message: Ref 09-014J-1, issue 1 dated July 31, 2009, for related information.

Material Incorporated by Reference

(i) You must use British Aerospace Jetstream Series 3100 & 3200 Service Bulletin 32-JA090240, Revision 1, dated January 18, 2010, to do the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.

(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of this service information under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.

(2) For service information identified in this AD, contact BAE Systems (Operations) Ltd, Customer Information Department, Prestwick International Airport, Ayrshire, KA9 2RW, Scotland, United Kingdom; telephone: [phone]; fax: [phone]; Internet: http://www.baesystems.com/​WorldWideLocations/​UK/;;; e-mail: [e-mail].

(3) You may review copies of the referenced service information at the FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Kansas City, Missouri 64106. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call [phone].

(4) You may also review copies of the service information incorporated by reference for this AD at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at NARA, call [phone], or go to: http://www.archives.gov/​federal_​register/​code_​of_​federal_​regulations/​ibr_​locations.html.

Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on May 10, 2011.

Earl Lawrence,

Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.