[Federal Register Volume 59, Number 161 (Monday, August 22, 1994)]
[Unknown Section]
[Page 0]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 94-20286]


  Federal Register / Vol. 59, No. 161 / Monday, August 22, 1994 /
  
[[Page Unknown]]

[Federal Register: August 22, 1994]


                                                   VOL. 59, NO. 161

                                            Monday, August 22, 1994

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 94-NM-124-AD; Amendment 39-9007; AD 94-17-12]

 

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 repetitive removal of the spoiler actuators, purging the 
hydraulic system, and installation of an actuator that has been 
previously certified. This amendment is prompted by a report of damage 
to the locking mechanisms on some pistons of the spoiler actuators. The 
actions specified in this AD are intended to prevent uncommanded 
extension of the lift spoiler in the event of loss of hydraulic 
pressure in the spoiler actuator.

DATES: Effective September 6, 1994.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of September 6, 1994. -
    Comments for inclusion in the Rules Docket must be received on or 
before October 21, 1994.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-103, 
Attention: Rules Docket No. 94-NM-124-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., 
Renton, Washington 98055-4056.
    The service information referenced in this AD may be obtained from 
Jetstream Aircraft, Incorporated, 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) 227-1320.

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, during routine maintenance, the 
locking mechanisms on the pistons of the spoiler actuators were found 
to be damaged. The cause of this damage has been attributed to 
inadequate bleeding of the spoiler hydraulic system. In some instances, 
the spoiler operation was out of sequence and may have caused damage to 
the locking mechanisms on the pistons of the spoiler actuators. This 
condition, if not corrected, could result in uncommanded extension of 
the lift spoiler in the event of loss of hydraulic pressure in the 
spoiler actuator.
    Jetstream has issued Alert Service Bulletin J41-A27-034, dated June 
9, 1994, which describes procedures for removal of the left and right 
spoiler actuators, purging the hydraulic system, and installation of a 
previously certified spoiler actuator. The CAA classified this alert 
service bulletin as mandatory in order to assure the continued 
airworthiness of these airplanes in the United Kingdom.
    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.
    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 uncommanded 
extension of the lift spoiler. This AD requires repetitively removing 
the spoiler actuators, purging the hydraulic system, and installing an 
actuator that has been previously certified. The actions are required 
to be accomplished in accordance with the alert service bulletin 
described previously.
    This is considered to be interim action until final action is 
identified, at which time the FAA may consider further rulemaking.
    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 94-NM-124-AD.'' The postcard will be date stamped and 
returned to the commenter.
    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. App. 1354(a), 1421 and 1423; 49 U.S.C. 
106(g); and 14 CFR 11.89.


Sec. 39.13--[Amended]

    2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding the following new 
airworthiness directive:

94-17-12 Jetstream Aircraft Limited: Amendment 39-9007. Docket 94-
NM-124-AD.

    Applicability: Model 4101 airplanes having airplane constructors 
numbers 41004 through 41033 inclusive, certificated in any category.
    Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished 
previously.
    To prevent uncommanded extension of the lift spoiler in the 
event of loss of hydraulic pressure in the spoiler actuator, 
accomplish the following:
    (a) Within 21 days after the effective date of this AD, remove 
the spoiler actuators in accordance with Jetstream Alert Service 
Bulletin J41-A27-034, dated June 9, 1994. Following removal of the 
actuators, accomplish the requirements of paragraphs (a)(1) and 
(a)(2) of this AD, in accordance with the service bulletin.
    (1) Prior to further flight, purge the hydraulic system to 
ensure that there is no contamination.
    (2) Prior to further flight, install a spoiler actuator that has 
been previously certified and marked with an ``R'' after the serial 
number on the nameplate of the actuator.
    (b) Thereafter, repeat the requirements of paragraph (a) of this 
AD at intervals not to exceed 500 landings.
    (c) As of 21 days after the effective date of this AD, all 
spoiler actuators installed on any airplane shall be previously 
certified and bear an ``R'' after the serial number on the nameplate 
of the actuator, in accordance with Jetstream Alert Service Bulletin 
J41-A27-034, dated June 9, 1994.
    (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: 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-A27-034, dated June 9, 1994. 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, Incorporated, 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 September 6, 1994.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on August 12, 1994.
Darrell M. Pederson,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 94-20286 Filed 8-19-94; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U