[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 198 (Thursday, October 10, 1996)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 53040-53042]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-25037]


-----------------------------------------------------------------------


DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 96-NM-198-AD; Amendment 39-9775; AD 96-20-09]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Jetstream Model HS 748 Series Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), 
applicable to all Jetstream Model HS 748 series airplanes. This action 
requires a one-time inspection to ensure

[[Page 53041]]

proper operation, positioning, and lubrication of the aileron, rudder, 
and elevator cable tensioners; gust lock levers; and cable pressure 
seals. It also requires a revision to the maintenance program to 
include these inspections on a repetitive basis. This amendment is 
prompted by reports of seizure and consequent jamming of the flight 
control cable tension regulators and gust lock mechanisms. The actions 
specified in this AD are intended to prevent the flight control cable 
tension regulators from jamming, which could result in the inability to 
achieve full deflection of the associated flight control surfaces, and 
lead to reduced controllability of the airplane.

DATES: Effective October 25, 1996.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of October 25, 1996.
    Comments for inclusion in the Rules Docket must be received on or 
before December 9, 1996.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-103, 
Attention: Rules Docket No. 96-NM-198-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., 
Renton, Washington 98055-4056.
    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 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) 
227-2141; fax (206) 227-1149.

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 all Jetstream HS 748 
series airplanes. The CAA advises that there have been reports 
indicating that it is possible for the aileron, rudder, and elevator 
cable tension regulators and gust locks to jam, leaving the associated 
primary control cable in a slack (untensioned) condition. Additionally, 
the CAA advises that the rear bulkhead and wing pressure seals could 
become displaced if grease has been applied to the flight control 
cables at these locations. These conditions, if not corrected, could 
result in the inability to achieve full deflection of the associated 
flight control surfaces, and consequently could lead to reduced 
controllability of the airplane.

Explanation of Relevant Service Information

    Jetstream has issued Service Bulletin HS 748-27-126, dated February 
29, 1996, which describes procedures for inspecting the aileron, 
rudder, and elevator cable tensioners and the gust lock levers to 
ensure that they operate properly. It also describes procedures for 
inspecting the cable pressure seals for correct positioning and 
contamination, and correction of any discrepancy found. The CAA 
classified this service bulletin as mandatory and issued British 
Airworthiness Directive 005-02-96 in order to assure the continued 
airworthiness of these airplanes in the United Kingdom.

FAA's Conclusions

    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 
21.19) 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.

Explanation of Requirements of the Rule

    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 jamming of the 
flight control cables and consequent reduced controllability of the 
airplane. This AD requires, initially, a one-time inspection of the 
aileron, rudder, and elevator cable tensioners and gust lock levers to 
ensure that they operate properly. It also requires a one-time 
inspection of the cable pressure seals for correct positioning and 
contamination, and correction of any discrepancy. These actions are 
required to be accomplished in accordance with the service bulletin 
described previously.
    Additionally, this AD requires that the FAA-approved maintenance 
program be revised to include these inspections and follow-on actions 
on a repetitive basis.

Cost Impact

    None of the Model HS 748 series airplanes affected by this action 
are on the U.S. Register. All airplanes included in the applicability 
of this rule currently are operated by non-U.S. operators under foreign 
registry; therefore, they are not directly affected by this AD action. 
However, the FAA considers that this rule is necessary to ensure that 
the unsafe condition is addressed in the event that any of these 
subject airplanes are imported and placed on the U.S. Register in the 
future.
    Should an affected airplane be imported and placed on the U.S. 
Register in the future, it would require approximately 4 work hours to 
accomplish the required actions, at an average labor charge of $60 per 
work hour. Based on these figures, the cost impact of this AD would be 
$240 per airplane.

Determination of Rule's Effective Date

    Since this AD action does not affect any airplane that is currently 
on the U.S. register, it has no adverse economic impact and imposes no 
additional burden on any person. Therefore, prior notice and public 
procedures hereon are unnecessary and the amendment may be made 
effective in less than 30 days after publication in the Federal 
Register.

Comments Invited

    Although this action is in the form of a final rule and was not 
preceded by notice and 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

[[Page 53042]]

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 96-NM-198-AD.'' The postcard will be date stamped and 
returned to the commenter.

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 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 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.


Sec. 39.13  [Amended]

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

96-20-09 Jetstream Aircraft Limited (Formerly British Aerospace 
Commercial Aircraft, Limited): Amendment 39-9775. Docket 96-NM-198-
AD.

    Applicability: All Model HS 748 series airplanes, 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 request approval for an 
alternative method of compliance in accordance with paragraph (c ) 
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, unless accomplished 
previously.
    To prevent the flight control cable tension regulators from 
jamming, which could result in the inability to achieve full 
deflection of the associated flight control surfaces, and lead to 
reduced controllability of the airplane, accomplish the following:
    (a) Within 600 hours time-in-service or 6 months after the 
effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first, perform an 
inspection to ensure proper operation, positioning, and lubrication 
of the aileron, rudder, and elevator cable tensioners; gust lock 
levers; and cable pressure seals, in accordance with paragraphs A. 
and B. (1) through (27) of the Accomplishment Instructions of 
Jetstream Service Bulletin HS 748-27-126, dated February 29, 1996. 
If any discrepancy is detected, prior to further flight, correct it 
in accordance with the service bulletin.
    (b) Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD, revise 
the FAA-approved maintenance program to include a schedule of 
repetitive inspections to ensure proper operation, positioning, and 
lubrication of the aileron, rudder, and elevator cable tensioners; 
gust lock levers; and cable pressure seals; in accordance with 
Jetstream Service Bulletin HS 748 -27-126, dated February 29, 1996. 
The inspections are to be repeated every 12 months after the 
accomplishment of the inspection required by paragraph (a) of this 
AD. If any discrepancy is detected, it must be corrected in 
accordance with the service bulletin prior to further flight.
    (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-13.

    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 inspection and correction of discrepancies shall be done 
in accordance with Jetstream Service Bulletin HS 748-27-126, dated 
February 29, 1996. 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 October 25, 1996.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on September 24, 1996.
Darrell M. Pederson,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 96-25037 Filed 10-9-96; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U