[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 5 (Wednesday, January 8, 1997)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 1061-1063]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 97-363]
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Proposed Rules
Federal Register
________________________________________________________________________
This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains notices to the public of
the proposed issuance of rules and regulations. The purpose of these
notices is to give interested persons an opportunity to participate in
the rule making prior to the adoption of the final rules.
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Federal Register / Vol. 62, No. 5 / Wednesday, January 8, 1997 /
Proposed Rules
[[Page 1061]]
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 96-NM-100-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Jetstream Model BAe ATP Series
Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
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SUMMARY: This document proposes the adoption of a new airworthiness
directive (AD) that is applicable to certain Jetstream Model BAe ATP
series airplanes. This proposal would require modification of certain
parts in the elevator flight control system and the propeller pitch
warning system. This proposal is prompted by a report indicating that
these parts could interfere with the proper operation of these systems.
The actions specified by the proposed AD are intended to prevent the
flight crew from having to engage the standby elevator control system
in order to regulate the pitch of the airplane; and to prevent
malfunctioning of the pitch warning system for the propellers; either
of which could lead to reduced controllability of the airplane.
DATES: Comments must be received by February 18, 1997.
ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-103,
Attention: Rules Docket No. 96-NM-100-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW.,
Renton, Washington 98055-4056. Comments may be inspected at this
location between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, except
Federal holidays.
The service information referenced in the proposed rule 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.
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:
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 shall 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 summarizing 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 Number 96-NM-100-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, Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-103, Attention: Rules
Docket No. 96-NM-100-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington
98055-4056.
Discussion
The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), which is the airworthiness
authority for the United Kingdom, recently notified the FAA that two
unrelated unsafe conditions, which could lead to similar consequences,
may exist on certain Jetstream Model BAe ATP series airplanes. The CAA
advises that it has received a report indicating that there have been
occurrences of restriction or interference with movement of the
elevator flight control system on some of these airplanes. The
manufacturer conducted a zonal survey of this airplane model to detect
where movement of these controls could be impeded. That survey revealed
the following information:
The flight control system for the elevators, which is located in an
area under the flight deck, has small clearances between some of its
components and surrounding structures. This design creates the
potential for foreign objects to interfere with or restrict movement of
the stop lever for this system's bellcrank assembly. If movement of
this lever is impeded, the flight crew must engage the standby control
system for the elevators, which enables one, but not both elevators to
be operated. When only one elevator is working, it becomes more
difficult for the flight crew to control the pitch of the airplane.
This condition, if not corrected, could lead to reduced controllability
of the airplane.
The zonal survey also indicated that there could be interference
with the controls for the propeller pitch warning system on airplanes
on which Jetstream Modification 35205A has been installed. (That
modification is described in Jetstream Service Bulletin ATP-53-19,
dated January 13, 1993, which contains procedures for installing of two
access panels in the floor of the flight deck to make it easier for
maintenance personnel to adjust the microswitches for the powerplant.).
During normal operation of this system, a green warning light stays on
when the propellers are in low pitch and the airplane does not exceed
60 knots Indicated Airspeed (IAS); when that airspeed is exceeded, a
red warning light comes on and the flight crew knows that the pitch of
the propellers must be increased. Should a retaining cord on the access
panel impede operation of the microswitches, the green warning light
could remain on when the airplane is flying at a speed greater than 60
knots IAS, and the flight
[[Page 1062]]
crew may not be immediately aware of the need to increase propeller
pitch. This malfunctioning of the propeller low pitch warning system,
if not corrected, could lead to the propeller operating at low pitch
and high airspeed, and consequent reduced controllability of the
airplane.
Explanation of Relevant Service Information
Jetstream has issued Service Bulletin ATP-27-78, Revision 1, dated
January 31, 1996, which describes procedures for modification of the
stop lever for the bellcrank assembly in the elevator flight control
system. This modification, which entails shortening the lever and thus
increasing clearance at its end, is intended to remove potential
impediments to proper movement of the lever.
This service bulletin also describes procedures for modification of
the two access panels to the powerplant microswitches on airplanes that
have been fitted with Jetstream Modification 35205A. This modification,
which entails removal of the retaining cords on these panels, is
intended to remove potential impediments to proper operation of these
switches and the propeller pitch warning system.
The CAA classified this service bulletin as mandatory and issued
British airworthiness directive 003-12-95, dated January 31, 1996, 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
21.29) 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 Proposed Rule
Since unsafe conditions have been identified that are likely to
exist or develop on other airplanes of the same type design registered
in the United States, the proposed AD would require modification of the
stop lever for the bellcrank assembly of the elevator flight control
system. It also would require that retaining cords on the access panels
to the powerplant microswitches be removed from airplanes on which
Jetstream Modification 35205A has been installed previously.
These actions would be required to be accomplished in accordance
with the service bulletin described previously.
Cost Impact
The FAA estimates that 10 Jetstream Model BAe ATP series airplanes
of U.S. registry would be affected by this proposed AD.
It would take approximately 7 work hours per airplane to accomplish
the proposed modification of the stop lever for the bellcrank assembly
of the elevator flight control system, at an average labor rate of $60
per work hour. Based on these figures, the cost impact of the proposed
modification of this lever on U.S. operators is estimated to be $4,200,
or $420 per airplane.
It would take approximately 1 work hour per airplane to accomplish
the proposed removal of the retaining cords on airplanes that have been
fitted with Jetstream Modification 35205A. The average labor rate is
$60 per work hour. Based on these figures, the cost impact of this
proposed removal on U.S. operators of airplanes fitted with Jetstream
Modification 35205A is estimated to be $600, or $60 per airplane.
The cost impact figures discussed above are based on assumptions
that no operator has yet accomplished any of the proposed requirements
of this AD action, and that no operator would accomplish those actions
in the future if this AD were not adopted.
Regulatory Impact
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 proposed
regulation (1) is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under
Executive Order 12866; (2) is not a ``significant rule'' under the 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 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, 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 the following new
airworthiness directive:
Jetstream Aircraft Limited (Formerly British Aerospace Commercial
Aircraft Limited): Docket 96-NM-100-AD.
Applicability: Model BAe ATP series airplanes as listed in
Jetstream Service Bulletin ATP-27-78, Revision 1, dated January 31,
1996; 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 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 crew from having to engage the standby
elevator control system in order to regulate the pitch of the
airplane, and to prevent malfunctioning of the pitch warning system
for the propellers, either of which could lead to reduced
controllability of the airplane, accomplish the following:
(a) For airplanes on which Jetstream Modification 35205A has
been installed: Within 3 months after the effective date of this AD,
remove the retaining cords on the access panels to the powerplant
microswitches, in accordance with Part 2 of Jetstream Service
Bulletin ATP-27-78, Revision 1, dated January 31, 1996.
[[Page 1063]]
Note 2: Jetstream Modification 35202A is described in Jetstream
Service Bulletin ATP-53-19, dated January 13, 1993.
(b) For all airplanes: Within 18 months after the effective date
of this AD, modify the stop lever for the bellcrank assembly of the
elevator flight control system, in accordance with Part 1 of
Jetstream Service Bulletin ATP-27-78, Revision 1, dated January 31,
1996.
(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 3: 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.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on January 2, 1997.
S.R. Miller,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 97-363 Filed 1-7-97; 8:45 am]
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