[Federal Register Volume 60, Number 201 (Wednesday, October 18, 1995)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 53859-53860]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 95-25601]



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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 94-NM-242-AD; Amendment 39-9405; AD 95-21-18]


Airworthiness Directives; Jetstream 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 Jetstream Model ATP airplanes, that requires an 
inspection to ensure that various components of the retraction actuator 
of the nose landing gear (NLG) are secure, and an inspection of the 
bearing cap mounting holes for correct hole and thread length. This AD 
also requires a later inspection for certain discrepancies of the 
retraction actuator; installation of revised tolerance bushings; and 
correction of any discrepancy found. This amendment is prompted by 
reports of failure of the attachment bolts of the bearing cap of the 
retraction actuator of the NLG. The actions specified by this AD are 
intended to prevent the inability to raise or lower the NLG, or 
possible collapse of the NLG, due to failure of the attachment bolts of 
the bearing cap.

DATES: Effective November 17, 1995.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of November 17, 1995.

ADDRESSES: 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 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: 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: 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 Jetstream Model ATP 
airplanes was published in the Federal Register on June 12, 1995 (60 FR 
30797). That action proposed to require an inspection to ensure that 
the bearing caps, bolts, and special washers are secure; and an 
inspection of the bearing cap mounting holes for correct hole and 
thread length. That action also proposed to require a later inspection 
for discrepancies of the retraction actuator; installation of revised 
tolerance bushings; and alignment of the outboard support bracket, if 
necessary. That action also proposed to require corrective actions for 
any discrepancy found.
    Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate 
in the making of this amendment. Due consideration has been given to 
the single comment received.
    The commenter supports the proposed rule.
    After careful review of the available data, including the comment 
noted above, the FAA has determined that air safety and the public 
interest require the adoption of the rule as proposed.
    The FAA estimates that 10 airplanes of U.S. registry will be 
affected by this AD, that it will take approximately 17 work hours per 
airplane to accomplish the required actions, and that the average labor 
rate is $60 per work hour. Required parts will be provided by the 
manufacturer at no cost to the operator. Based on these figures, the 
total cost impact of the AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be 
$10,200, or $1,020 per airplane.
    The total 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.
    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 USC 106(g), 40101, 40113, 44701.


Sec. 39.13  [Amended]

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

95-21-18  Jetstream Aircraft Limited (Formerly, British Aerospace 
Commercial Aircraft Limited): Amendment 39-9405. Docket 94-NM-242-
AD.


[[Page 53860]]

    Applicability: Model ATP airplanes, constructor's numbers 2002 
through 2056 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 use the authority 
provided in paragraph (c) of this AD to request approval from the 
FAA. This approval may address either no action, if the current 
configuration eliminates the unsafe condition; or different actions 
necessary to address the unsafe condition described in this AD. Such 
a request should include an assessment of the effect of the changed 
configuration on the unsafe condition addressed by this AD. In no 
case does the presence of any modification, alteration, or repair 
remove any airplane from the applicability of this AD.

    Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished 
previously.
    To prevent the inability to raise or lower the nose landing gear 
(NLG), or a possible collapse of the NLG, accomplish the following:
    (a) Within 300 hours time-in-service or 90 days after the 
effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first: Perform an 
inspection to ensure that the components of the bracket attachment 
assembly of the retraction actuator of the NLG are secure, and to 
ensure that the inboard and outboard support brackets of the 
mounting holes of the bearing cap have correct hole and thread 
lengths, in accordance with paragraph 2.A. of the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Jetstream Service Bulletin ATP-53-30-10372A, dated 
November 3, 1994. If any discrepancy is found, prior to further 
flight, correct the discrepancy in accordance with the service 
bulletin.
    (b) Within 3,000 landings, or 12 months after the effective date 
of this AD, whichever occurs first: Install revised tolerance 
bushings in the bearing cap/bracket attachment assemblies of the NLG 
retraction actuator, test the actuator for freedom of movement, and 
inspect for any discrepancy of the actuator, in accordance with 
paragraph 2.B. of the Accomplishment Instructions of Jetstream 
Service Bulletin ATP-53-30-10372A, dated November 3, 1994.
    (1) If no discrepancy is found no further action is required by 
this AD.
    (2) If any discrepancy is found, prior to further flight, 
correct the discrepancy in accordance with the service bulletin.
    (c) 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 2: Information concerning the existence of approved 
alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be 
obtained from the Standardization Branch, ANM-113.

    (d) 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.
    (e) The actions shall be done in accordance with Jetstream 
Service Bulletin ATP-53-30-10372A, dated November 3, 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, 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.
    (f) This amendment becomes effective on November 17, 1995.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on October 10, 1995.
Darrell M. Pederson,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 95-25601 Filed 10-17-95; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U