[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 136 (Wednesday, July 16, 1997)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 38015-38016]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 97-18503]
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Rules and Regulations
Federal Register
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Federal Register / Vol. 62, No. 136 / Wednesday, July 16, 1997 /
Rules and Regulations
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 97-NM-131-AD; Amendment 39-10078; AD 97-15-05]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; British Aerospace (Jetstream) Model
4101 Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.
ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.
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SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) that
is applicable to certain British Aerospace (Jetstream) Model 4101
airplanes. This action requires an inspection to determine the data on
the label of certain hose assemblies, and replacement of all hose
assemblies from any discrepant batch with certain new hose assemblies.
This amendment is prompted by a report of failure of a hose assembly in
the fire extinguisher system of the engine nacelle due to cracks,
caused during manfacture of the hose assemblies, in the swaged ferrule
that attaches the hose to the end fitting. The actions specified in
this AD are intended to ensure that such discrepant hose assemblies are
replaced. Discrepant hose assemblies could fail and consequently
prevent the proper distribution of fire extinguishing agent within the
engine nacelle in the event of a fire.
DATES: Effective July 31, 1997.
The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as
of July 31, 1997.
Comments for inclusion in the Rules Docket must be received on or
before September 15, 1997.
ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-103,
Attention: Rules Docket No. 97-NM-131-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW.,
Renton, Washington 98055-4056.
The service information referenced in this AD may be obtained from
AI(R) American Support, Inc., 13850 Mclearen Road, Herndon, Virginia
20171. 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 (425)
227-2148; fax (425) 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 certain British Aerospace
(Jetstream) Model 4101 airplanes. The CAA advises that it has received
a report of failure of a hose assembly in the fire extinguisher system
of the engine nacelle on an in-service airplane. Investigation revealed
that the cause of such a failure was attributed to cracks in the swaged
ferrule that attaches the hose to the end fitting. These cracks were
caused apparently during manufacture of two batches of hose assemblies.
Defective hose assemblies, if not corrected, could result in failure of
the hose assemblies and consequently prevent the proper distribution of
fire extinguishing agent within the engine nacelle in the event of a
fire.
Explanation of Relevant Service Information
The manufacturer has issued Jetstream Alert Service Bulletin J41-
A26-007, dated December 13, 1996, which describes procedures for
performing a one-time detailed visual inspection to determine the data
on the label of the two suspect hose assemblies having part number
14191001-56. The service bulletin also describes procedures for
replacement of all hose assemblies from any discrepant batch with
certain new hose assemblies (i.e., from a non-discrepant batch) that
has different data on the identification label. The CAA classified this
alert service bulletin as mandatory and issued British airworthiness
directive 001-12-96 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
21.29) 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 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 ensure all hose
assemblies from the two discrepant batches are replaced; discrepant
assemblies could fail and consequently prevent the proper distribution
of the fire extinguishing agent within the engine nacelle in the event
of a fire. This AD requires a one-time detailed visual inspection to
determine the data on the label of certain hose assemblies, and
replacement of all hose assemblies from any discrepant batch with
certain new hose assemblies. The actions are required to be
accomplished in accordance with the alert service bulletin described
previously.
Determination of Rule's Effective Date
Since a situation exists that requires the immediate adoption of
this regulation, it is found that notice and opportunity for prior
public comment hereon are impracticable, and that good cause exists for
making this amendment effective in less than 30 days.
Comments Invited
Although this action is in the form of a final rule that involves
requirements
[[Page 38016]]
affecting flight safety and, thus, was not preceded by notice and an
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 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 97-NM-131-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.
The FAA has determined that this regulation is an emergency
regulation that must be issued immediately to correct an unsafe
condition in aircraft, and that it is not a ``significant regulatory
action'' under Executive Order 12866. It has been determined further
that this action involves an emergency regulation under DOT Regulatory
Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979). If it is
determined that this emergency regulation otherwise would be
significant under DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures, a final
regulatory evaluation will be prepared and placed in the Rules Docket.
A copy of it, if filed, 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:
97-15-05 British Aerospace Regional Aircraft [Formerly: Jetstream
Aircraft Limited, British Aerospace (Commercial Aircraft) Limited],
Amendment 39-10078. Docket 97-NM-131-AD.
Applicability: Jetstream Model 4101 airplanes, constructors
numbers 41004 through 41096 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
modified, altered, or repaired in the area subject to the
requirements of this AD. For airplanes that have been otherwise
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 (b) 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 failure of the hose assemblies, which could prevent
the proper distribution of the fire extinguishing agent within the
engine nacelle in the event of a fire, accomplish the following:
(a) Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD, perform
a one-time detailed visual inspection to determine the data on the
label of the two hose assemblies having part number 14191001-56, in
accordance with Jetstream Alert Service Bulletin J41-A26-007, dated
December 13, 1996.
(1) If the data on any hose assembly are not identical to the
data shown on either Label 1 or Label 2 of Figure 2 of the
Accomplishment Instructions of the alert service bulletin, no
further action is required by this AD.
(2) If the data on any hose assembly are identical to the data
shown in either Label 1 or Label 2 in Figure 2 of the Accomplishment
Instructions of the alert service bulletin, prior to the
accumulation of 60 flight hours following accomplishment of the
inspection required by paragraph (a) of this AD, replace the hose
assembly with a new hose assembly that has different data on the
identification label, in accordance with the alert service bulletin.
(b) 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.
(c) 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.
(d) The inspection and replacement shall be done in accordance
with Jetstream Alert Service Bulletin J41-A26-007, dated December
13, 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 AI(R) American
Support, Inc., 13850 Mclearen Road, Herndon, Virginia 20171. 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.
(e) This amendment becomes effective on July 31, 1997.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on July 9, 1997.
Darrell M. Pederson,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 97-18503 Filed 7-15-97; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U