[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:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                   Model                           Serial numbers       
------------------------------------------------------------------------
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.                       
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
              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.    
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (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:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
              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.    
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (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