[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 13 (Friday, January 19, 1996)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 1295-1298]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-484]



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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 95-CE-79-AD]


Airworthiness Directives; Jetstream Aircraft Limited (Formerly 
British Aerospace, Regional Airlines Limited) HP137 Mk1, Jetstream 
Series 200, and Jetstream Model 3101 Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: This document proposes to adopt an airworthiness directive 
(AD) that would apply to Jetstream Aircraft Limited (JAL) HP137 Mk1, 
Jetstream series 200, and Jetstream Model 3101 airplanes. The proposed 
action would require repetitively inspecting the spigot housing plate 
for cracks at the wing/fuselage forward attachment sliding joint, 
replacing any cracked housing plate, repetitively inspecting the 
spigots and spigot posts for corrosion and installing improved spigots 
if corrosion is found, and eventually installing improved spigots if 
corrosion is not found. For certain affected airplanes, the proposed 
action would require repetitively inspecting the spigot bushes for 
migration gaps, replacing the bushes with modified bushes if gaps are 
found that exceed 0.5-inch, and eventually replacing the bushes with 
modified bushes if migration gaps are not found. Reports of bush 
migration gaps found on three of the affected airplanes and another 
report of corrosion and several cracks found on the spigot housing 
plate on a Jetstream Model 3101 airplane prompted the proposed action. 
The actions specified by the proposed AD are intended to prevent 
structural failure of the wing/fuselage area caused by a cracked or 
corroded spigot housing assembly.

DATES: Comments must be received on or before March 22, 1996.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), Central Region, Office of the Assistant Chief 
Counsel, Attention: Rules Docket No. 95-CE-79-AD, Room 1558, 601 E. 
12th Street,

[[Page 1296]]

Kansas City, Missouri 64106. Comments may be inspected at this location 
between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, holidays excepted.
    Service information that applies to the proposed 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 
also may be examined at the Rules Docket at the address above.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. Dorenda Baker, Program Officer, 
Brussels Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, Europe, Africa, and Middle 
East Office, c/o American Embassy, B-1000 Brussels, Belgium; telephone 
(322) 513.3830; facsimile (322) 230.6899; or Mr. Jeffrey Morfitt, 
Project Officer, Small Airplane Directorate, Airplane Certification 
Service, FAA, 1201 Walnut, suite 900, Kansas City, Missouri 64106; 
telephone (816) 426-6932; facsimile (816) 426-2169.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

    Interested persons are invited to participate in the making of the 
proposed rule by submitting such written data, views, or arguments as 
they may desire. Communications should identify the Rules Docket number 
and be submitted in triplicate to the address specified above. All 
communications received on or before the closing date for comments, 
specified above, will be considered before taking action on the 
proposed rule. The proposals contained in this notice may be changed in 
light of the comments received.
    Comments are specifically invited on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the proposed 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 proposal will be filed in the Rules Docket.
    Commenters wishing the FAA to acknowledge receipt of their comments 
submitted in response to this notice must submit a self-addressed, 
stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: ``Comments 
to Docket No. 95-CE-79-AD.'' The postcard will be date stamped and 
returned to the commenter.

Availability of NPRMs

    Any person may obtain a copy of this NPRM by submitting a request 
to the FAA, Central Region, Office of the Assistant Chief Counsel, 
Attention: Rules Docket No. 95-CE-79-AD, Room 1558, 601 E. 12th Street, 
Kansas City, Missouri 64106.

Discussion

    The FAA has received reports of bush migration gaps found on three 
JAL HP137 Mk1, Jetstream series 200, and Jetstream Model 3101 
airplanes. Another report references corrosion and several cracks found 
on the spigot housing plate on a Jetstream Model 3101 airplane.
    In addition, fatigue testing on a JAL Jetstream Model 3201 airplane 
that revealed a crack in the spigot housing plate and damage to the 
spigot recently prompted the FAA to initiate proposed AD action on the 
Jetstream Model 3201 airplanes. The FAA issued a notice of proposed 
rulemaking (NPRM) that would require inspecting the spigot housing 
plate at the wing/fuselage forward attachment sliding joint, replacing 
any cracked or corroded part, and eventually replacing the spigots and 
spigot housing plate with new parts of improved design. The JAL HP137 
Mk1, Jetstream series 200, and Jetstream Model 3101 airplanes are of a 
similar design to the JAL Jetstream Model 3201 airplanes.
    JAL has issued the following service bulletins that apply to HP137 
Mk1, Jetstream series 200, and Jetstream Model 3101 airplanes:

--BAe Jetstream Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) 57-A-JA 920640, dated 
February 19, 1993, which specifies procedures for inspecting the wing/
fuselage forward attachment spigot bushings for migration gaps;
--Jetstream Service Bulletin (SB) 57-JA 930941, Revision 2, dated 
November 11, 1994, which specifies procedures for inspecting the spigot 
housing plate at the wing/fuselage forward attachment sliding joint;
--BAe Jetstream SB 57-JM 5259, dated February 5, 1993, and Erratum No. 
1 to SB 57-JM 5259, dated February 8, 1993, which specify procedures 
for incorporating modified bushes at the wing/fuselage forward 
attachment spigots on certain airplanes; and
--Jetstream SB 57-JM 5326, dated September 3, 1993, which specifies 
procedures for incorporating new modified spigots at the wing/fuselage 
forward attachment fittings.

    After examining all available information related to this 
situation, the FAA has determined that AD action should be taken on JAL 
HP137 Mk1, Jetstream series 200, and Jetstream Model 3101 airplanes to 
prevent structural failure of the wing/fuselage area caused by a 
cracked spigot housing plate.
    Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to 
exist or develop in other JAL HP137 Mk1, Jetstream series 200, and 
Jetstream Model 3101 airplanes of the same type design, the proposed 
action would require repetitively inspecting the spigot housing plate 
for cracks at the wing/fuselage forward attachment sliding joint, 
replacing any cracked housing plate, repetitively inspecting the 
spigots and spigot posts for corrosion and installing improved spigots 
if corrosion is found, and eventually installing improved spigots if 
corrosion is not found. For certain affected airplanes, the proposed 
action would require repetitively inspecting the spigot bushes for 
migration gaps, replacing the bushes with modified bushes if gaps are 
found that exceed 0.5-inch, and eventually replacing the bushes with 
modified bushes if migration gaps are not found. The proposed actions 
would be accomplished in accordance with the service bulletins 
previously referenced.
    The alternative to incorporating new modified spigots and bushes 
would be to require repetitive inspections. FAA aging commuter-class 
aircraft policy states that reliance on critical repetitive inspections 
carries an unnecessary safety risk when a design change exists that 
could eliminate or, in certain instances, reduce the number of those 
critical inspections. Therefore, the proposed spigot and bush 
replacements, if incorporated in a final rule, would be consistent with 
the FAA's commuter-class aircraft policy.
    The compliance time of the proposed repetitive inspections of the 
spigots and spigot posts for corrosion is presented in calendar time 
instead of hours time-in-service (TIS). Corrosion can occur on 
airplanes regardless of whether the airplane is in service or in 
storage. Therefore, to ensure that corrosion is detected and corrected 
on all airplanes within a reasonable period of time without 
inadvertently grounding any airplanes, a compliance schedule based upon 
calendar time instead of hours TIS is proposed.
    The FAA estimates that 143 airplanes in the U.S. registry would be 
affected by the proposed AD, that it would take approximately 61 
workhours per airplane to accomplish the proposed inspections and 
modifications, and that 

[[Page 1297]]
the average labor rate is approximately $60 an hour. Parts cost 
approximately $320 per airplane. Based on these figures, the total cost 
impact of the proposed AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be $569,140 
or $3,980 per airplane. This figure only takes into account the cost of 
initial inspections and does not take into account repetitive 
inspection costs. The FAA has no way of determining the number of 
repetitive inspections each affected airplane owner/operator will incur 
over the life of the airplane.
    The approximately 61 workhours it would take to accomplish the 
proposed actions is based on each proposed inspection and modification 
being accomplished separately. The FAA anticipates that many owners/
operators of the affected airplanes will schedule all of the proposed 
actions to be accomplished at the same time, thereby reducing the labor 
costs associated with accomplishing these proposed actions.
    In addition, Jetstream Aircraft Limited has informed the FAA that 
parts have been distributed to equip approximately 40 airplanes. 
Assuming that each kit sold is installed on an affected HP137 Mk1, 
Jetstream series 200, or Jetstream Model 3101 airplane, the proposed 
cost impact upon U.S. operators would be reduced $159,200 from $569,140 
to $409,940.
    The regulations proposed herein would 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 
proposal would 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) if promulgated, 
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 draft regulatory evaluation 
prepared for this action has been placed 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, Safety.

The Proposed Amendment

    Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration proposes to amend 
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 a new airworthiness directive 
(AD) to read as follows:


Jetstream Aircraft Limited: Docket No. 95-CE-79-AD.

    Applicability: HP137 Mk1, Jetstream series 200, and Jetstream 
Model 3101 airplanes (all serial numbers), certificated in any 
category.
    Compliance: Required as indicated in the body of this AD, unless 
already accomplished.

    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 (g) 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.
    To prevent structural failure of the wing/fuselage area caused 
by a cracked spigot housing assembly, accomplish the following:
    (a) For all affected airplanes, upon the accumulation of 7,200 
hours time-in-service (TIS) or within the next 1,200 hours TIS after 
the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later, and 
thereafter at intervals not to exceed 7,200 hours TIS, accomplish 
the following:
    (1) Inspect the spigot housing plate at the wing/fuselage 
forward attachment sliding joint for cracks in accordance with Part 
1 of the ACCOMPLISHMENT INSTRUCTIONS section of Jetstream Service 
Bulletin (SB) 57-JA 930941, Revision No. 2, dated November 11, 1994.
    (2) If a cracked spigot housing plate is found, prior to further 
flight, replace the cracked spigot housing plate in accordance with 
Part 3 of the ACCOMPLISHMENT INSTRUCTIONS section of Jetstream SB 
57-JA 930941, Revision No. 2, dated November 11, 1994.
    (3) Replacing the spigot housing plate does not eliminate the 
7,200-hour TIS interval repetitive inspection requirement.
    (b) For all affected airplanes, within the next 12 calendar 
months after the effective date of this AD, and thereafter at 
intervals not to exceed 12 calendar months until Modification No. JM 
5326 and Modification No. JM 5259 (as applicable) are incorporated 
as required by paragraphs (d)(1) and (d)(2) of this AD, inspect the 
spigots and spigot posts for corrosion in accordance with Part 2 of 
the ACCOMPLISHMENT INSTRUCTIONS section of Jetstream SB 57-JA 
930941, Revision No. 2, dated November 11, 1994.
    (1) If corrosion damage is found that is 0.06 inch (1.52 mm) or 
less deep and does not extend to within 0.9 inch (22.9 mm) from 
either end of the bore, prior to further flight, treat the corrosion 
in accordance with paragraph (8)(d) of the ACCOMPLISHMENT 
INSTRUCTIONS section of Jetstream SB 57-JA 930941, Revision No. 2, 
dated November 11, 1994.
    (2) If corrosion damage is found that is more than 0.06 inch 
(1.52 mm) or extends to within 0.9 inch (22.9 mm) from either end of 
the bore, prior to further flight, obtain a repair scheme from the 
manufacturer through the Brussels Aircraft Certification Office 
(ACO) at the address specified in paragraph (g) of this AD, and 
incorporate this repair scheme.
    (c) For all affected HP137 Mk1 airplanes and all affected 
Jetstream series 200 airplanes, and Jetstream Model 3101 airplanes 
with a serial number in the range of 601 through 702 (inclusive), 
within the next 1,200 hours TIS after the effective date of this AD, 
inspect the wing/fuselage forward attachment spigot bushes for 
migration gaps in accordance with the ACCOMPLISHMENT INSTRUCTIONS 
section of BAe Jetstream Alert SB 57-A-JA 920640, dated February 19, 
1993.
    (1) If no migration gaps are found, reinspect at intervals not 
to exceed 4,500 hours TIS until Modification No. JM 5259 is 
incorporated. If migration gaps are found upon reinspection, install 
modified bushes as specified in paragraph (c)(2) or (c)(3) of this 
AD.
    (2) If migration gaps are found that are .5 inch or less, 
reinspect at intervals not to exceed 900 hours TIS until 
Modification No. JM 5259 is incorporated. If migration gaps are 
found upon reinspection that are larger than .5 inch, accomplish 
paragraph (c)(3) of this AD, as applicable.
    (3) If migration gaps are found that are larger than .5 inch, 
within 150 hours TIS after the last inspection required by paragraph 
(c)(1) or (c)(2) of this AD, install modified bushes at the wing/
fuselage forward attachment spigots (Modification JM 5259) in 
accordance with the ACCOMPLISHMENT INSTRUCTIONS section of BAe 
Jetstream SB 57-JM 5259, dated February 5, 1993, and Erratum No. 1 
to SB 57-JM 5259, dated February 8, 1993.
    (d) Upon accumulating 25,000 hours TIS or within 1,000 hours TIS 
after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later, 
accomplish the following:
    (1) For all affected HP137 Mk1, Jetstream series 200, and 
Jetstream Model 3101 airplanes, replace both wing/fuselage spigots 
with new modified spigots (Modification No. JM 5326) in accordance 
with Jetstream SB 57-JM 5326, dated September 3, 1993; and
    (2) For all affected HP137 Mk1 airplanes and all affected 
Jetstream series 200 

[[Page 1298]]
airplanes, and Jetstream Model 3101 airplanes with a serial number in 
the range of 601 through 702 (inclusive), install modified bushes at 
the wing/fuselage forward attachment spigots (Modification No. JM 
5259) in accordance with the ACCOMPLISHMENT INSTRUCTIONS section of 
BAe Jetstream SB 57-JM 5259, dated February 5, 1993, and Erratum No. 
1 to SB 57-JM 5259, dated February 8, 1993.
    (3) Incorporating Modification No. JM 5259 eliminates the 
requirement of repetitively inspecting the wing/fuselage forward 
attachment spigot bushes for migration gaps as required by all 
designations of paragraph (c) of this AD.
    (e) Incorporating both Modification No. JM 5326 and Modification 
No. JM 5259 eliminates the repetitive inspections required by all 
designations of paragraphs (b) and (c) of this AD. This does not 
eliminate the repetitive inspections of the spigot housing plate as 
required by paragraph (a) of this AD.
    (f) 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.
    (g) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the 
initial or repetitive compliance time that provides an equivalent 
level of safety may be approved by the Manager, Brussels ACO, 
Europe, Africa, Middle East office, FAA, c/o American Embassy, 1000 
Brussels, Belgium. The request should be forwarded through an 
appropriate FAA Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then 
send it to the Manager, Brussels ACO.

    Note 2: Information concerning the existence of approved 
alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be 
obtained from the Brussels ACO.

    (h) All persons affected by this directive may obtain copies of 
the documents referred to herein upon request to 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, 20041-6029; or may 
examine these documents at the FAA, Central Region, Office of the 
Assistant Chief Counsel, Room 1558, 601 E. 12th Street, Kansas City, 
Missouri 64106.

    Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on January 5, 1996.
Michael Gallagher,
Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 96-484 Filed 1-18-96; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U