97-12858. Airworthiness Directives; Jetstream Model 4101 Airplanes  

  • [Federal Register Volume 62, Number 102 (Wednesday, May 28, 1997)]
    [Rules and Regulations]
    [Pages 28795-28796]
    From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
    [FR Doc No: 97-12858]
    
    
    
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    Federal Register / Vol. 62, No. 102 / Wednesday, May 28, 1997 / Rules 
    and Regulations
    
    [[Page 28795]]
    
    
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    DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
    
    Federal Aviation Administration
    
    14 CFR Part 39
    
    [Docket No. 96-NM-85-AD; Amendment 39-10031; AD 97-11-02]
    RIN 2120-AA64
    
    
    Airworthiness Directives; 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 Jetstream Model 4101 airplanes, that requires an 
    inspection to determine the thickness of the intercostal that attaches 
    the third crew member seat to the floor structure in the flight 
    compartment, and replacement, if necessary. This amendment is prompted 
    by a report from the manufacturer indicating that intercostals have 
    been installed that are not of sufficient thickness (and consequent 
    strength) to support the third crew member seat during emergency 
    landing dynamic conditions. The actions specified by this AD are 
    intended to prevent the failure of this intercostal during an emergency 
    landing, which could consequently result in injury to the flight crew.
    
    DATES: Effective July 2, 1997.
        The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
    the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
    of July 2, 1997.
    
    ADDRESSES: The service information referenced in this AD 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 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: William Schroeder, Aerospace Engineer, 
    Standardization Branch, ANM-113, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 
    1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056; telephone (425) 
    227-2148; 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 Jetstream Model 4101 
    airplanes was published in the Federal Register on October 28, 1996 (61 
    FR 55585). That action proposed to require inspection of the 
    intercostal that attaches the third crew member seat to the floor 
    structure in the flight compartment to determine the thickness of this 
    part; and replacement with a new intercostal of the correct thickness, 
    if necessary.
        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 15 Jetstream Model 4101 airplanes of U.S. 
    registry will be affected by this AD, that it will take approximately 1 
    work hour per airplane to accomplish the required actions, and that the 
    average labor rate is $60 per work hour. Based on these figures, the 
    cost impact of the AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be $900, or $60 
    per airplane.
        The cost impact figure discussed above is 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:
    
    97-11-02  Jetstream Aircraft Limited: Amendment 39-10031. Docket 96-
    NM-85-AD.
    
        Applicability: Model 4101 airplanes, as listed in Jetstream 
    Alert Service Bulletin J41-A53-030, dated January 19, 1996; 
    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
    
    [[Page 28796]]
    
    of the requirements of this AD is affected, the owner/operator must 
    request approval for an alternative method of compliance in 
    accordance with paragraph (d) 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 during emergency landing dynamic conditions 
    of the intercostal that attaches the third crew member seat (``third 
    crew seat'') to the floor structure in the flight compartment, which 
    could consequently result in injury to the flight crew, accomplish 
    the following:
        (a) Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD, inspect 
    the intercostal in the floor structure that supports the third crew 
    seat in the flight compartment to determine the thickness of this 
    part, in accordance with Part 1 of Jetstream Alert Service Bulletin 
    J41-A53-030, dated January 19, 1996.
        (b) If the thickness of the intercostal is 0.064 inch, no 
    further action is required by this AD.
        (c) If the thickness of the intercostal is 0.048 inch, 
    accomplish the actions specified in either paragraph (c)(1) or 
    (c)(2) of this AD.
        (1) Prior to further flight, replace the intercostal with a new 
    part manufactured from material having the correct thickness, in 
    accordance with Jetstream Alert Service Bulletin J41-A53-030, dated 
    January 19, 1996. After replacement, no further action is required 
    by this AD. Or
        (2) Prior to further flight, install a placard, in accordance 
    with Jetstream Alert Service Bulletin J41-A53-030, dated January 19, 
    1996, to prohibit use of the third crew seat when the total weight 
    of carry-on items stored in the forward right stowage area is more 
    than 100 pounds. Within 6 months after installation of the placard, 
    replace the intercostal with a new part manufactured from material 
    having the correct thickness, in accordance with the service 
    bulletin. After installation of the new intercostal, the placard may 
    be removed.
        (d) 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 Maintenance Inspector, 
    who may add comments and then send it to the Manager, 
    Standardization Branch, ANM-113.
    
        Note 2: Information concerning the existence of approved 
    alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be 
    obtained from the Standardization Branch, ANM-113.
    
        (e) 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.
        (f) The actions shall be done in accordance with Jetstream Alert 
    Service Bulletin J41-A53-030, dated January 19, 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 Jetstream Aircraft, Inc., P.O. Box 
    16029, Dulles International Airport, Washington, DC 20041-6029. 
    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.
        (g) This amendment becomes effective on July 2, 1997.
    
        Issued in Renton, Washington, on May 12, 1997.
    Darrell M. Pederson,
    Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
    Service.
    [FR Doc. 97-12858 Filed 5-27-97; 8:45 am]
    BILLING CODE 4910-13-U
    
    
    

Document Information

Effective Date:
7/2/1997
Published:
05/28/1997
Department:
Federal Aviation Administration
Entry Type:
Rule
Action:
Final rule.
Document Number:
97-12858
Dates:
Effective July 2, 1997.
Pages:
28795-28796 (2 pages)
Docket Numbers:
Docket No. 96-NM-85-AD, Amendment 39-10031, AD 97-11-02
RINs:
2120-AA64: Airworthiness Directives
RIN Links:
https://www.federalregister.gov/regulations/2120-AA64/airworthiness-directives
PDF File:
97-12858.pdf
CFR: (1)
14 CFR 39.13