[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 135 (Thursday, July 15, 1999)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 38157-38159]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 99-18104]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 99-NM-115-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; British Aerospace (Jetstream) Model
4101 Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
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SUMMARY: This document proposes the adoption of a new airworthiness
directive (AD) that is applicable to all British Aerospace (Jetstream)
Model 4101 airplanes. This proposal would require a one-time visual
inspection of the conduit pipe for distortion or repairs, and
replacement of the conduit pipe with a new pipe, if necessary. This
proposal would also require replacement of the cable assemblies to the
fuel standby pumps with new cable assemblies that have improved
sheathing protection. This proposal is prompted by issuance of
mandatory continuing airworthiness information by a foreign civil
airworthiness authority. The actions specified by the proposed AD are
intended to prevent electrical arcing due to damaged fuel standby pump
cable assemblies and conduit pipes, which could create a possible
ignition source, and consequent fire hazard.
DATES: Comments must be received by August 16, 1999.
ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114,
Attention: Rules Docket No. 99-NM-115-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW.,
Renton, Washington 98055-4056. Comments may be inspected at this
location between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, except
Federal holidays.
The service information referenced in the proposed rule may be
obtained from AI(R) American Support, Inc., 13850 Mclearen Road,
Herndon, Virginia 20171. This information may be
[[Page 38158]]
examined at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue,
SW., Renton, Washington.
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:
Comments Invited
Interested persons are invited to participate in the making of the
proposed 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 above. All
communications received on or before the closing date for comments,
specified above, will be considered before taking action on the
proposed rule. The proposals contained in this notice may be changed in
light of the comments received.
Comments are specifically invited on the overall regulatory,
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the proposed 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 summarizing each FAA-public contact concerned with
the substance of this proposal will be filed in the Rules Docket.
Commenters wishing the FAA to acknowledge receipt of their comments
submitted in response to this notice must submit a self-addressed,
stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: ``Comments
to Docket Number 99-NM-115-AD.'' The postcard will be date stamped and
returned to the commenter.
Availability of NPRMs
Any person may obtain a copy of this NPRM by submitting a request
to the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114, Attention: Rules
Docket No. 99-NM-115-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington
98055-4056.
Discussion
The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), which is the airworthiness
authority for the United Kingdom, recently notified the FAA that an
unsafe condition may exist on all British Aerospace (Jetstream) Model
4100 series airplanes. The CAA advises that, on some aircraft, an
operator has found damage to the insulation of the wires in the cable
assemblies to the fuel standby pumps. This damage was caused by
circumferential cuts to the cable insulation, which exposed the wires.
The cuts are thought to have been caused when the cable outer sheath
and braid were removed during cable installation. The CAA also advises
that, in the same area, but unrelated to the insulation damage, the
metal conduit pipe that carries the cable assembly into the dry bay of
the wing had been found in a distorted condition. Distortion of the
metal conduit pipe is thought to have been caused by incorrect
maintenance practices during standby pump canister removal. These
conditions, if not corrected, could result in electrical arcing which
could create a possible ignition source, and consequent fire hazard.
Explanation of Relevant Service Information
British Aerospace has issued Jetstream Service Bulletin J41-28-010,
dated April 5, 1999, which describes procedures for a one-time visual
inspection of the conduit pipe (left and right) for distortion or
repairs, and replacement of the conduit pipe with a new pipe, if
necessary. It also describes procedures for replacement of the cable
assemblies (left and right) to the fuel standby pumps with new cable
assemblies that have improved sheathing protection. Accomplishment of
the actions specified in the service bulletin is intended to adequately
address the identified unsafe condition. The CAA classified this
service bulletin as mandatory and issued British airworthiness
directive 005-04-99, in order to assure the continued airworthiness of
these airplanes in the United Kingdom.
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
21.29) 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 Proposed 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, the proposed AD would require accomplishment of
the actions specified in the service bulletin described previously.
Cost Impact
The FAA estimates that 59 airplanes of U.S. registry would be
affected by this proposed AD, that it would take approximately 16 work
hours per airplane to accomplish the proposed actions, and that the
average labor rate is $60 per work hour. Required parts would be
supplied by the manufacturer at no cost to the operators. Based on
these figures, the cost impact of the proposed AD on U.S. operators is
estimated to be $56,640, or $960 per airplane.
The cost impact figure discussed above is based on assumptions that
no operator has yet accomplished any of the proposed 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 proposed herein would 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
proposal would not have sufficient federalism implications to warrant
the preparation of a Federalism Assessment.
For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this proposed
regulation (1) is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under
Executive Order 12866; (2) is not a ``significant rule'' under the DOT
Regulatory Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979);
and (3) if promulgated, 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 copy of the draft
regulatory evaluation prepared for this action is contained in the
Rules Docket. A copy of it may be obtained by contacting the Rules
Docket at the location provided under the caption ADDRESSES.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Safety.
The Proposed Amendment
Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration proposes to amend
part
[[Page 38159]]
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:
British Aerospace Regional Aircraft [Formerly Jetstream Aircraft
Limited; British Aerospace (Commercial Aircraft) Limited]: Docket
99-NM-115-AD.
Applicability: All Jetstream Model 4101 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 (b) 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 electrical arcing due to damaged fuel standby pump
cable assemblies and conduit pipes, which could create a possible
ignition source, and consequent fire hazard, accomplish the
following:
Corrective Actions
(a) Within 6 months after the effective date of this AD,
accomplish the following actions required by paragraphs (a)(1) and
(a)(2) of this AD in accordance with Jetstream Service Bulletin J41-
28-010, dated April 5, 1999.
(1) Perform a one-time visual inspection of the conduit pipe
(left and right), which carries the fuel standby pump cable assembly
into the dry bay of the wing, for distortion (i.e., damage) or
repairs. If any distortion or repair is found, prior to further
flight, replace the conduit pipe with a new pipe, part number
14128032-403 (left) or part number 14128032-405 (right).
(2) Replace fuel standby pump cable assemblies (left and right)
with new cable assemblies, part number F5-71-1.
Alternative Methods of Compliance
(b) 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.
Special Flight Permits
(c) 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.
Note 3: The subject of this AD is addressed in British
airworthiness directive 005-04-99.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on July 9, 1999.
D.L. Riggin,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 99-18104 Filed 7-14-99; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
