[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 164 (Thursday, August 22, 1996)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 43307-43310]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-21375]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 95-CE-94-AD; Amendment 39-9722; AD 96-17-12]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Jetstream Aircraft Limited HP137 Mk1,
Jetstream Series 200, and Jetstream Models 3101 and 3201 Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: This amendment supersedes Airworthiness Directive (AD) 87-07-
01, which currently requires the following on Jetstream Aircraft
Limited (JAL) HP137 Mk1, Jetstream series 200, and Jetstream Model 3101
airplanes: repetitively inspecting the nose landing gear (NLG) top cap
assembly securing bolts for looseness or cracks, retorquing any loose
security bolt, and replacing any cracked security bolt. AD 87-07-01
also provides the option of incorporating an NLG modification as
terminating action for the repetitive inspections. A report of cracked
and loose bolts found on an airplane with the above-referenced NLG
modification prompted this action. This action:
[[Page 43308]]
retains the repetitive inspections required by AD 87-07-01; increases
the AD applicability to include Jetstream Model 3201 airplanes and
airplanes that have the NLG top cap assembly modified in accordance
with AD 87-07-01; requires replacing two of the NLG top cap assembly
securing bolts; and incorporates a new NLG top cap assembly that would
eliminate the repetitive inspection requirement of the AD. The actions
specified in this AD are intended to prevent failure of the NLG caused
by cracked or loose securing bolts, which, if not detected and
corrected, could lead to NLG collapse and damage to the airplane.
DATES: Effective October 21, 1996.
The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as
of October 21, 1996.
ADDRESSES: Service information that applies to this AD may be obtained
from Jetstream Aircraft Limited, Manager Product Support, Prestwick
Airport, Ayrshire, KA9 2RW Scotland; telephone (44-292) 79888;
facsimile (44-292) 79703; or Jetstream Aircraft Inc., Librarian, P.O.
Box 16029, Dulles International Airport, Washington, DC 20041-6029;
telephone (703) 406-1161; facsimile (703) 406-1469. This information
may also be examined at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA),
Central Region, Office of the Assistant Chief Counsel, Attention: Rules
Docket 95-CE-94-AD, Room 1558, 601 E. 12th Street, Kansas City,
Missouri 64106; or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North
Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. Dorenda Baker, Program Officer,
Brussels Aircraft Certification Division, FAA, Europe, Africa, and
Middle East Office, c/o American Embassy, B-1000 Brussels, Belgium;
telephone (322) 508-2715; facsimile (322) 230-6899; or Mr. Jeffrey
Morfitt, Project Officer, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft
Certification Service, FAA, 1201 Walnut, suite 900, Kansas City,
Missouri 64106; telephone (816) 426-6932; facsimile (816) 426-2169.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Events Leading to the AD
A proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14
CFR part 39) to include an AD that would apply to JAL HP137 Mk1,
Jetstream series 200, and Jetstream Models 3101 and 3201 airplanes that
do not have a modified NLG top cap assembly incorporated (Amendment JA
901040) was published in the Federal Register on March 22, 1996 (61 FR
11786). The action proposed to supersede AD 87-07-01 with a new AD that
would:
-- retain the requirement contained in AD 87-07-01 of repetitively
inspecting the NLG top cap assembly securing bolts for looseness,
retorquing any loose security bolt, and replacing any cracked security
bolt;
--require replacing two of the NLG top cap assembly securing bolts and
checking the other two NLG top cap assembly securing bolts for the
correct length; and
--require replacing (at a specified time) the NLG top cap assembly with
a part of improved design (Amendment JA 901040) as terminating action
for the repetitive inspections.
Accomplishment of the proposed actions would be in accordance with
Jetstream Service Bulletin (SB) 32-JA 901040, Revision No. 3, dated
August 9, 1995, and AP Precision Hydraulics Ltd SB 32-41, which
incorporates the following pages:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pages Revision level Date
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1, 2, 6, 7, 8 and 15............ Revision No. 2.... Mar. 9, 1993.
4 and 10........................ Revision No. 1.... July 11, 1991.
3, 5, 9, 11, 12, 13, and 14..... Original Issue.... Nov. 17, 1990.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
A report of cracked and loose bolts found on an airplane with the
above-referenced NLG modification prompted the proposal.
Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate
in the making of this amendment. One comment was received in support of
the proposed rule and no comments were received regarding the FAA's
determination of the cost to the public.
FAA's Determination
After careful review of all available information related to the
subject presented above, the FAA has determined that air safety and the
public interest require the adoption of the rule as proposed except for
minor editorial corrections. The FAA has determined that these minor
corrections will not change the meaning of the AD and will not add any
additional burden upon the public than was already proposed.
Cost Impact
The FAA estimates that 150 airplanes in the U.S. registry will be
affected by this AD, that it will take approximately 18 workhours
(inspection: 6 workhours; replacement: 12 workhours) to accomplish the
required actions, and that the average labor rate is approximately $60
an hour. Parts cost approximately $1,200 per airplane. Based on these
figures, the total cost impact of this AD on U.S. operators is
estimated to be $342,000 or $2,280 per airplane. This figure only takes
into account the cost of the required initial inspection and required
inspection-terminating modification and does not take into account the
cost of the required repetitive inspections. The FAA has no way of
determining the number of repetitive inspections each of the owners/
operators would incur over the life of the affected airplanes.
This figure is also based on the assumption that none of the
affected airplane owners/operators have accomplished the required
modification. This action eliminates the repetitive inspections
required by AD 87-07-01. The FAA has no way of determining the
operation levels of each individual operator of the affected airplanes,
and subsequently cannot determine the repetitive inspection costs that
will be eliminated by this action. The FAA estimates these costs to be
substantial over the long term.
In addition, JAL has informed the FAA that parts have been
distributed to owners/operators to equip approximately 62 of the
affected airplanes. Assuming that each set of parts has been installed
on an affected airplane, the cost impact of the required modification
upon the public will be reduced $141,360 from $342,000 to $200,640.
FAA's Aging Commuter-Class Aircraft Policy
This action is consistent with the FAA's aging commuter-class
airplane policy. This policy simply states that reliance on repetitive
inspections of critical areas on commuter-class airplanes carries an
unnecessary safety risk when a design change exists that could
eliminate or, in certain instances, reduce the number of those critical
inspections.
The intent of the FAA's aging commuter airplane program is to
ensure safe operation of commuter-class airplanes that are in
commercial service without adversely impacting private operators. Of
the approximately 150 airplanes in the U.S. registry that are affected
by this AD, the FAA has determined that approximately 95 percent are
operated in scheduled passenger service by 10 different operators.
[[Page 43309]]
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 copy of the final 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, 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 removing Airworthiness Directive
(AD) 87-07-01, Amendment 39-5582, and adding a new AD to read as
follows:
96-17-12 Jetstream Aircraft Limited: Amendment 39-9722; Docket No.
95-CE-94-AD. Supersedes AD 87-07-01, Amendment 39-5582.
Applicability: The following airplane models and serial numbers,
certificated in any category, that do not have a modified nose
landing gear (NLG) top cap assembly incorporated (Amendment JA
901040) in accordance with Jetstream Service Bulletin (SB) 32-JA
901040, Revision No. 3, dated August 9, 1995:
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Model Serial numbers
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HP137 Mk1................................. All serial numbers;
Jetstream series 200...................... All serial numbers;
Jetstream Model 3101...................... All serial numbers; and
Jetstream Model 3201...................... Serial numbers 790 through
854.
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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 (f) 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 in the body of this AD, unless
already accomplished.
To prevent failure of the NLG caused by cracked or loose
securing bolts, which, if not detected and corrected, could lead to
NLG collapse and damage to the airplane, accomplish the following:
Note 2: The paragraph structure of this AD is as follows:
Level 1: (a), (b), (c), etc.
Level 2: (1), (2), (3), etc.
Level 3: (i), (ii), (iii), etc.
Level 2 and Level 3 structures are designations of the Level 1
paragraph they immediately follow.
(a) Within the next 300 landings accumulated on the NLG after
the effective date of this AD, accomplish the following in
accordance with the applicable portion of the ACCOMPLISHMENT
INSTRUCTIONS section of Jetstream SB 32-JA 901040, Revision No. 3,
dated August 9, 1995, and AP Precision Hydraulics Ltd SB 32-41,
which incorporates the following pages:
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Pages Revision level Date
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1, 2, 6, 7, 8 and 15............ Revision No. 2.... Mar. 9, 1993.
4 and 10........................ Revision No. 1.... July 11, 1991.
3, 5, 9, 11, 12, 13, and 14..... Original Issue.... Nov. 17, 1990.
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(1) Replace two of the NLG top cap assembly securing bolts, and
check the other two for correct length in accordance with part 1A of
the ACCOMPLISHMENT INSTRUCTIONS section of AP Precision Hydraulics
Ltd SB 32-41. Prior to further flight, replace any NLG top securing
bolt that is not the length specified in AP Precision Hydraulics Ltd
SB 32-41.
(2) Check the tightness of the four NLG top cap assembly
securing bolts and ensure that these bolts are not broken in
accordance with part 1b of the ACCOMPLISHMENT INSTRUCTIONS section
of AP Precision Hydraulics Ltd SB 32-41.
(i) Prior to further flight, retorque any bolts with incorrect
torque values.
(ii) If any bolts are broken or gaps are found as specified in
paragraph A.(4) of part 1b of the ACCOMPLISHMENT INSTRUCTIONS
section of AP Precision Hydraulics Ltd SB 32-41, prior to further
flight, replace the NLG in accordance with the applicable
maintenance manual.
(b) Within 1,200 landings after the actions required by
paragraph (a) of this AD (all paragraph designations), and
thereafter at intervals not to exceed 1,200 landings, until the
modification required by paragraph (c) of this AD is incorporated,
check the tightness of the four NLG top cap assembly securing bolts
and ensure that these bolts are not broken in accordance with part
1b of the ACCOMPLISHMENT INSTRUCTIONS section of AP Precision
Hydraulics Ltd SB 32-41.
(1) Prior to further flight, retorque any bolts with incorrect
torque values.
(2) If any bolts are broken or gaps are found as specified in
paragraph A.(4) of part 1b of the ACCOMPLISHMENT INSTRUCTIONS
section of AP Precision Hydraulics Ltd SB 32-41, prior to further
flight, replace the NLG in accordance with the applicable
maintenance manual.
(c) Upon accumulating 20,000 landings on the NLG or within the
next 2,500 landings accumulated on the NLG after the effective date
of this AD, whichever occurs later, install a new NLG top cap
assembly or modify the existing NLG top cap assembly in accordance
with Part 2 of the ACCOMPLISHMENT INSTRUCTIONS section of AP
Precision Hydraulics Ltd SB 32-41, which incorporates the following
pages:
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Pages Revision level Date
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1, 2, 6, 7, 8 and 15............ Revision No. 2.... Mar. 9, 1993.
4 and 10........................ Revision No. 1.... July 11, 1991.
3, 5, 9, 11, 12, 13, and 14..... Original Issue.... Nov. 17, 1990.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(d) Incorporating the modification required by paragraph (c) of
this AD is considered terminating action for the repetitive torque
checks required by this AD and may be incorporated at any time prior
to 20,000 landings on a NLG or within the next 2,500 landings
accumulated on the NLG after the effective date of this AD,
whichever occurs later (at which time it must be incorporated).
(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) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the
initial or repetitive compliance times that provides an equivalent
level of safety may be approved by the Manager, Brussels Aircraft
Certification Division, Europe, Africa, Middle East office, FAA, c/o
American Embassy, 1000 Brussels,
[[Page 43310]]
Belgium. The request should be forwarded through an appropriate FAA
Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send it to the
Manager, Brussels Aircraft Certification Division. Alternative
methods of compliance approved in accordance with AD 87-07-01
(superseded by this action) are not considered approved as
alternative methods of compliance with this AD.
Note 3: Information concerning the existence of approved
alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be
obtained from the Brussels Aircraft Certification Division.
(g) The replacements, check, retorque, and installation required
by this AD shall be done in accordance with Jetstream Service
Bulletin 32-JA 901040, Revision No. 3, dated August 9, 1995, and AP
Precision Hydraulics Ltd Service Bulletin 32-41, which incorporates
the following pages:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pages Revision level Date
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1, 2, 6, 7, 8 and 15............ Revision No. 2.... Mar. 9, 1993.
4 and 10........................ Revision No. 1.... July 11, 1991.
3, 5, 9, 11, 12, 13, and 14..... Original Issue.... Nov. 17, 1990.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
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 Limited,
Manager Product Support, Prestwick Airport, Ayrshire, KA9 2RW
Scotland; or Jetstream Aircraft Inc., Librarian, P.O. Box 16029,
Dulles International Airport, Washington, DC. Copies may be
inspected at the FAA, Central Region, Office of the Assistant Chief
Counsel, Room 1558, 601 E. 12th Street, Kansas City, Missouri, or at
the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW.,
suite 700, Washington, DC.
(h) This amendment (39-9722) supersedes AD 87-07-01, Amendment
39-5582.
(i) This amendment (39-9722) becomes effective on October 21,
1996.
Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on August 15, 1996.
Carolanne L. Cabrini,
Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 96-21375 Filed 8-21-96; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
