[Federal Register Volume 60, Number 209 (Monday, October 30, 1995)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 55189-55191]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 95-25835]



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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 94-NM-173-AD; Amendment 39-9409; AD 95-22-02]


Airworthiness Directives; Jetstream Model ATP Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This amendment supersedes an existing airworthiness directive 
(AD), applicable to certain Jetstream Model ATP airplanes, that 
currently requires daily and/or pre-flight cleaning and inspections to 
detect damaged main landing gear (MLG) wheel bearings and replacement 
of discrepant parts. That AD was prompted by reports of failure of the 
MLG wheel bearings. This action requires an additional inspection, in 
lieu of the pre-flight inspection, for certain airplanes. This action 
also requires the accomplishment of a terminating modification that 
eliminates the need for daily and pre-flight inspections. The actions 
specified by this AD are intended to prevent failure of the MLG wheel 
bearing, which could result in detachment of a MLG wheel from the 
airplane.

DATES: Effective November 29, 1995.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications, as listed 
in the regulations, is approved by the Director of the Federal Register 
as of November 29, 1995.
    The incorporation by reference of Jetstream Service Bulletin ATP-
32-48, Revision 1, dated January 28, 1994, was approved previously by 
the Director of the Federal Register as of March 15, 1994 (59 FR 9400, 
February 28, 1994).

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) by superseding AD 94-05-03, 
amendment 39-8841 (59 FR 9400, February 28, 1994), which is applicable 
to certain Jetstream Model ATP airplanes, was published in the Federal 
Register on June 12, 1995 (60 FR 30798). The action proposed to 
continue to require daily cleaning and daily/pre-flight detailed visual 
inspections to detect damage (including blistering or flaking of the 
paint) or discoloration of the wheel hub caps and of the outer side of 
the inflation valve side hubs on the MLG wheels. The action also 
proposed to require an additional daily intermediate detailed visual 
inspection, in lieu of the pre-flight inspection, for certain 
airplanes. Additionally, the action proposed to require modification of 
the MLG, which would constitute terminating action for the daily, pre-
flight, and daily intermediate inspection requirements.
    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.
    The inspections that were previously required by AD 94-05-03, and 
retained in this AD, take approximately 2 work hours per airplane to 
accomplish, at an average labor rate of $60 per work hour. Based on 
these figures, the total cost impact of the inspection requirement of 
this AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be $1,200, or $120 per 
airplane, per inspection cycle.
    The inspections that will be added by this AD will take 
approximately 2 work hours per airplane to accomplish, at an average 
labor rate of $60 per work hour. Based on these figures, the total cost 
impact of the inspections required by this AD on U.S. operators is 
estimated to be $1,200, or $120 per airplane, per inspection cycle.
    It will take approximately 11 work hours per airplane to accomplish 
the required modifications at an average labor rate of $60 per work 
hour. Required parts will be supplied by the manufacturer at no cost to 
the operators. Based on these figures, the total cost impact of the 
modification required by this AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be 
$6,600, or $660 per airplane.
    The total cost impact figures discussed above are 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 

[[Page 55190]]
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), 40101, 40113, 44701.


Sec. 39.13  [Amended]

    2. Section 39.13 is amended by removing amendment 39-8841 (59 FR 
9400, February 28, 1994), and by adding a new airworthiness directive 
(AD), amendment 39-9409, to read as follows:

95-22-02  Jetstream Aircraft Limited (Formerly British Aerospace 
Commercial Aircraft Limited): Amendment 39-9409. Docket 94-NM-173-
AD. Supersedes AD 94-05-03, Amendment 39-8841.

    Applicability: Model ATP airplanes, constructor numbers 2001 
through 2063 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 
otherwise 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 (d) 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 detachment of a main landing gear (MLG) wheel from 
the airplane, accomplish the following:
    (a) For airplanes on which Jetstream Modification 35296A 
(reference Jetstream Service Bulletin ATP-32-51-35296A) has not been 
installed: Accomplish paragraphs (a)(1) and (a)(2) of this AD.
    (1) Within 24 hours after March 15, 1994 (the effective date of 
AD 94-05-03, amendment 39-8841), perform a cleaning and a detailed 
visual inspection to detect damage (including blistering or flaking 
of the paint) or discoloration of the wheel hub caps and of the 
outer side of the inflation valve side hubs on the MLG wheels, in 
accordance with paragraph 2.(2) of the Accomplishment Instructions 
of Jetstream Service Bulletin ATP-32-48, Revision 1, dated January 
28, 1994; or in accordance with paragraph 2.A.(2) of the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Jetstream Service Bulletin ATP-32-48, 
Revision 3, dated July 15, 1994. Thereafter, prior to the first 
flight of each day, repeat this cleaning and inspection. The 
cleaning and inspection must be performed by appropriately 
certificated maintenance personnel as specified in section 43.3 of 
the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 43.3). If any damage or 
discoloration is found during any inspection required by this 
paragraph, prior to further flight, replace the existing MLG wheel 
assembly and bearings with a serviceable wheel assembly and 
bearings, in accordance with the airplane maintenance manual.
    (2) Following accomplishment of the initial inspection required 
by paragraph (a)(1) of this AD, prior to each flight, with the 
exception of the first flight of each day, perform a pre-flight 
detailed visual inspection to detect damage (including blistering or 
flaking of the paint) or heat discoloration of the wheel hub cap and 
the outer side of each inflation valve side hub on the MLG wheels, 
in accordance with paragraph 2.A.(3) of the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Jetstream Service Bulletin ATP-32-48, Revision 1, 
dated January 28, 1994; or in accordance with paragraph 2.A.(3) of 
the Accomplishment Instruction of Jetstream Service Bulletin ATP-32-
48, Revision 3, dated July 15, 1994. The pre-flight inspections must 
be performed by appropriately certificated maintenance personnel, as 
specified in section 43.3. If any damage or discoloration is found 
during any inspection required by this paragraph, prior to further 
flight, replace the existing MLG wheel assembly and bearings with a 
serviceable wheel assembly and bearings, in accordance with the 
airplane maintenance manual.
    (b) For airplanes on which Jetstream Modification 35296A 
(reference Jetstream Service Bulletin ATP-32-51-35296A) has been 
installed: Accomplish paragraphs (b)(1) and (b)(2) of this AD.
    (1) Within 24 hours after the last inspection performed in 
accordance with paragraph (a)(1) of this AD, perform a cleaning and 
a detailed visual inspection to detect damage (including blistering 
or flaking of the paint) or discoloration of the wheel hub caps and 
of the outer side of the inflation valve side hubs on the MLG 
wheels, in accordance with paragraph 2.Part B.(2) of the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Jetstream Service Bulletin ATP-32-48, 
Revision 3, dated July 15, 1994. Thereafter, prior to the first 
flight of each day, repeat this cleaning and inspection. The 
cleaning and inspection must be performed by appropriately 
certificated maintenance personnel as specified in section 43.3 of 
the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 43.3). If any damage or 
discoloration is found during any inspection required by this 
paragraph, prior to further flight, replace the existing MLG wheel 
assembly and bearings with a serviceable wheel assembly and 
bearings, in accordance with the airplane maintenance manual.
    (2) Following accomplishment of the initial inspection required 
by paragraph (b)(1) of this AD, once a day, perform an additional 
intermediate detailed visual inspection to detect damage (including 
blistering or flaking of the paint) or heat discoloration of the 
wheel hub cap and the outer side of each inflation valve side hub on 
the MLG wheels, in accordance with paragraph 2.Part B.(3) of the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Jetstream Service Bulletin ATP-32-48, 
Revision 3, dated July 15, 1994. The once-a-day inspections must be 
performed by appropriately certificated maintenance personnel, as 
specified in 14 CFR 43.3. If any damage or discoloration is found 
during any inspection required by this paragraph, prior to further 
flight, replace the existing MLG wheel assembly and bearings with a 
serviceable wheel assembly and bearings, in accordance with the 
airplane maintenance manual.
    (c) Within 10 months after the effective date of this AD, modify 
the MLG, in accordance with Jetstream Service Bulletin ATP-32-51-
35296A, dated May 12, 1994; and Jetstream Service Bulletin ATP-32-
53-35294A (including Erratum No. 1), dated July 18, 1994, or 
Revision 2, dated January 13, 1995. Accomplishment of these 
modifications constitutes terminating action for the daily and pre-
flight inspection requirements of this AD.
    (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 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.

    (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 modification shall be done in accordance with Jetstream 
Service Bulletin ATP-32-51-35296A, dated May 12, 1994; and Jetstream 
Service Bulletin ATP-32-53-35294A, dated July 18, 1994 (including 
Erratum No. 1), or Revision 2, dated January 13, 1995. The cleaning 
and inspections shall be done in accordance with Jetstream Service 
Bulletin ATP-32-48, Revision 1, dated January 28, 1994, or Revision 
3, dated July 15, 1994. The incorporation by reference of Jetstream 
Service Bulletin ATP-32-48, Revision 1, dated January 28, 1994, was 
approved previously (including Erratum No. 

[[Page 55191]]
1) by the Director of the Federal Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 
552(a) and 1 CFR part 51 as of March 15, 1994 (59 FR 9400, February 
28, 1994). The incorporation by reference of the remainder of the 
service documents is 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.
    (g) This amendment becomes effective on November 29, 1995.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on October 12, 1995.
S.R. Miller,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 95-25835 Filed 10-27-95; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U