[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 157 (Tuesday, August 13, 1996)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 41955-41957]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-20427]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 96-NM-192-AD; Amendment 39-9711; AD 96-17-03]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Jetstream Model 4101 Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.
ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.
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SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) that
is applicable to certain Jetstream Model 4101 airplanes. This action
requires an inspection to determine the serial number of the leg
assemblies of the main landing gear (MLG), and replacement of defective
pins with serviceable pins. This amendment is prompted by a report
indicating that pins installed on certain leg assemblies of the MLG's
were heat treated incorrectly during manufacture. The actions specified
in this AD are intended to prevent failure of the pins due to incorrect
heat treatment, and subsequent structural failure of the MLG.
DATES: Effective August 28, 1996.
The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as
of August 28, 1996.
Comments for inclusion in the Rules Docket must be received on or
before October 15, 1996.
ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-103,
Attention: Rules Docket No. 96-NM-192-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW.,
Renton, Washington 98055-4056.
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 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.
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 (206)
227-2148; fax (206) 227-1149.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 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 certain Jetstream Model
4101 airplanes. The CAA advises that it received a report indicating
that certain torque arm pivot pins, drag brace attachment pins, and
drag brace pivot pins installed on the leg assemblies of the main
landing gears (MLG) on Model 4101 airplanes were heat treated
incorrectly during manufacture. Such incorrect heat treatment of these
pins could result in failure of the pins. This condition, if not
corrected, could result in structural failure of the MLG.
Explanation of Relevant Service Information
Jetstream has issued Service Bulletin J41-32-023, dated May 27,
1996, which describes procedures for an inspection to determine the
serial number of the left and right leg assemblies (shock strut and
drag brace) of the MLG, and replacement of defective drag brace
attachment pins, drag brace pivot pins, and torque arm pivot pins on
certain leg assemblies with serviceable pins. The Jetstream service
bulletin references APPH Precision Hydraulics Service Bulletin
AIR83090-32-02, dated March 1996, as an additional source of service
information. The APPH Precision Hydraulics service bulletin identifies
the serial numbers of MLG leg assemblies on which defective pins are
installed, and describes procedures for replacement of those pins with
serviceable pins.
The CAA classified the Jetstream service bulletin as mandatory and
issued United Kingdom airworthiness directive 003-05-96, dated June 12,
1996, 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 Sec. 21.29 of
[[Page 41956]]
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 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, this AD is being issued to prevent failure of the
pins on certain leg assemblies of the MLG due to incorrect heat
treatment, and subsequent structural failure of the MLG. This AD
requires an inspection to determine the serial number of the left and
right leg assemblies (shock strut and drag brace) of the MLG, and
replacement of defective drag brace attachment pins, drag brace pivot
pins, and torque arm pivot pins on certain leg assemblies with
serviceable pins. The actions are required to be accomplished in
accordance with the Jetstream service bulletin described previously.
Determination of Rule's Effective Date
Since a situation exists that requires the immediate adoption of
this regulation, it is found that notice and opportunity for prior
public comment hereon are impracticable, and that good cause exists for
making this amendment effective in less than 30 days.
Comments Invited
Although this action is in the form of a final rule that involves
requirements affecting flight safety and, thus, was not preceded by
notice and an opportunity for public comment, comments are invited on
this rule. Interested persons are invited to comment on this 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 under the caption ADDRESSES. All
communications received on or before the closing date for comments will
be considered, and this rule may be amended in light of the comments
received. Factual information that supports the commenter's ideas and
suggestions is extremely helpful in evaluating the effectiveness of the
AD action and determining whether additional rulemaking action would be
needed.
Comments are specifically invited on the overall regulatory,
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the rule that might
suggest a need to modify the 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 that
summarizes each FAA-public contact concerned with the substance of this
AD will be filed in the Rules Docket.
Commenters wishing the FAA to acknowledge receipt of their comments
submitted in response to this rule must submit a self-addressed,
stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: ``Comments
to Docket Number 96-NM-192-AD.'' The postcard will be date stamped and
returned to the commenter.
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.
The FAA has determined that this regulation is an emergency
regulation that must be issued immediately to correct an unsafe
condition in aircraft, and that it is not a ``significant regulatory
action'' under Executive Order 12866. It has been determined further
that this action involves an emergency regulation under DOT Regulatory
Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979). If it is
determined that this emergency regulation otherwise would be
significant under DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures, a final
regulatory evaluation will be prepared and placed in the Rules Docket.
A copy of it, if filed, 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:
96-17-03 Jetstream Aircraft Limited: Amendment 39-9711. Docket 96-
NM-192-AD.
Applicability: Model 4101 airplanes; serial numbers 41060 and
41071 through 41078 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 (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 failure of the pins on certain leg assemblies
of the main landing gear (MLG) due to incorrect heat treatment, and
subsequent structural failure of the MLG, accomplish the following:
(a) Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD, perform
an inspection to determine the serial number of the left and right
leg assemblies (shock strut and drag brace) of the MLG in accordance
with Jetstream Service Bulletin J41-32-023, dated May 27, 1996.
(1) If no leg assembly has a serial number that is identified in
the service bulletin, no further action is required by this AD.
(2) If any leg assembly has a serial number that is identified
in the service bulletin, prior to further flight, replace the
defective drag brace attachment pins, drag brace pivot pins, and
torque arm pivot pins with serviceable pins, in accordance with the
service bulletin.
Note 2: The Jetstream service bulletin references APPH Precision
Hydraulics Service Bulletin AIR83090-32-02, dated March 1996, as an
additional source of service information for identification of the
serial numbers of affected MLG leg assemblies, and for replacement
of defective pins with serviceable pins.
(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, 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.
[[Page 41957]]
Note 3: Information concerning the existence of approved
alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be
obtained from the Standardization Branch, ANM-113.
(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.
(d) The actions shall be done in accordance with Jetstream
Service Bulletin J41-32-023, dated May 27, 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.
(e) This amendment becomes effective on August 28, 1996.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on August 6, 1996.
Darrell M. Pederson,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 96-20427 Filed 8-12-96; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U
