[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 111 (Wednesday, June 10, 1998)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 31613-31614]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-15249]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 97-NM-312-AD; Amendment 39-10579; AD 98-12-25]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; British Aerospace BAe Model ATP
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 BAe Model ATP airplanes, that
requires a one-time inspection to detect corrosion, wear, or damage of
the operating mechanism of the forward door of the main landing gear
(MLG); operational inspections to ensure smooth operation of the MLG
operating mechanism; and follow-on actions. 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 partial seizure of the forward door of the MLG
operating mechanism, which could result in the inability to lower or
retract the MLG.
DATES: Effective July 15, 1998.
The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as
of July 15, 1998.
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 certain British Aerospace BAe
Model ATP airplanes was published in the Federal Register on April 6,
1998 (63 FR 16713). That action proposed to require a one-time
inspection to detect corrosion, wear, or damage of the operating
mechanism of the forward door of the main landing gear (MLG);
operational inspections to ensure smooth operation of the MLG operating
mechanism; and follow-on actions.
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 10 airplanes of U.S. registry will be
affected by this AD, that it will take approximately 8 work hours 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 $4,800, or $480 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.
[[Page 31614]]
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:
98-12-25 British Aerospace Regional Aircraft [Formerly Jetstream
Aircraft Limited; British Aerospace (Commercial Aircraft) Limited]:
Amendment 39-10579. Docket 97-NM-312-AD.
Applicability: BAe Model ATP airplanes, constructor's numbers
2001 through 2063 inclusive; 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 (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 partial seizure of the forward door of the main
landing gear (MLG) operating mechanism, which could result in the
inability to lower or retract the MLG, accomplish the following:
(a) Within 300 flight hours or within 90 days after the
effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first, perform a one-
time visual inspection to detect corrosion, wear, or damage of the
operating mechanism of the forward door of the MLG; and clean,
degrease, and relubricate the door operating mechanism; in
accordance with British Aerospace Service Bulletin ATP-32-84,
Revision 1, dated September 26, 1997.
(1) If no corrosion, wear, or damage is detected during the
inspection required by paragraph (a) of this AD, no further action
is required by this AD.
(2) If any corrosion, damage, or worn component is detected
during the inspection required by paragraph (a) of this AD,
accomplish the requirements of paragraphs (a)(2)(i) and (a)(2)(ii)
of this AD, as applicable.
(i) If any corrosion or damage is detected, prior to further
flight, repair in accordance with a method approved by the Manager,
International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate.
(ii) If any worn component is detected, within 600 flight hours
after performing the inspection required by paragraph (a) of this
AD, replace the component with a new or serviceable part in
accordance with the service bulletin.
(b) Within 300 flight hours after accomplishing the inspection
required by paragraph (a) of this AD, perform an operational
inspection to ensure smooth operation of the spring strut of the
forward door of the MLG, and relubricate the operating spring and
sliding tube of the forward door `A' frame, in accordance with
British Aerospace Service Bulletin ATP-32-84, Revision 1, dated
September 26, 1997.
(1) Repeat the operational inspections thereafter at intervals
not to exceed 300 flight hours, until the accumulation of 1,500
flight hours after the accomplishment of the inspection required by
paragraph (a) of this AD.
(2) Following the accomplishment of all inspections required by
paragraph (b)(1) of this AD, repeat the operational inspections and
relubrication required by paragraph (b) of this AD at intervals not
to exceed 1,500 flight hours.
(c) If any discrepancy is detected during any operational
inspection and relubrication required by paragraph (b) of this AD,
prior to further flight, replace any discrepant part with a new or
serviceable part in accordance with a method approved by the
Manager, International Branch, ANM-116.
(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, 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.
(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) Except as provided by paragraphs (a)(2)(i) and (c) of this
AD, the actions shall be done in accordance with British Aerospace
Service Bulletin ATP-32-84, Revision 1, dated September 26, 1997.
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.
(g) This amendment becomes effective on July 15, 1998.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on June 3, 1998.
Darrell M. Pederson,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 98-15249 Filed 6-9-98; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U
