[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 111 (Wednesday, June 10, 1998)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 31613-31614]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-15249]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 97-NM-312-AD; Amendment 39-10579; AD 98-12-25]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; British Aerospace BAe Model ATP 
Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), 
applicable to certain British Aerospace BAe Model ATP airplanes, that 
requires a one-time inspection to detect corrosion, wear, or damage of 
the operating mechanism of the forward door of the main landing gear 
(MLG); operational inspections to ensure smooth operation of the MLG 
operating mechanism; and follow-on actions. This amendment is prompted 
by issuance of mandatory continuing airworthiness information by a 
foreign civil airworthiness authority. The actions specified by this AD 
are intended to prevent partial seizure of the forward door of the MLG 
operating mechanism, which could result in the inability to lower or 
retract the MLG.

DATES: Effective July 15, 1998.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of July 15, 1998.

ADDRESSES: 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 
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, 
Rules Docket, 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: Norman B. Martenson, Manager, 
International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056; telephone (425) 
227-2110; fax (425) 227-1149.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: A proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal 
Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) to include an airworthiness 
directive (AD) that is applicable to certain British Aerospace BAe 
Model ATP airplanes was published in the Federal Register on April 6, 
1998 (63 FR 16713). That action proposed to require a one-time 
inspection to detect corrosion, wear, or damage of the operating 
mechanism of the forward door of the main landing gear (MLG); 
operational inspections to ensure smooth operation of the MLG operating 
mechanism; and follow-on actions.

Comments

    Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate 
in the making of this amendment. No comments were submitted in response 
to the proposal or the FAA's determination of the cost to the public.

Conclusion

    The FAA has determined that air safety and the public interest 
require the adoption of the rule as proposed.

Cost Impact

    The FAA estimates that 10 airplanes of U.S. registry will be 
affected by this AD, that it will take approximately 8 work hours per 
airplane to accomplish the required actions, and that the average labor 
rate is $60 per work hour. Based on these figures, the cost impact of 
the AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be $4,800, or $480 per 
airplane.
    The cost impact figure discussed above is based on assumptions that 
no operator has yet accomplished any of the requirements of this AD 
action, and that no operator would accomplish those actions in the 
future if this AD were not adopted.

[[Page 31614]]

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:

98-12-25  British Aerospace Regional Aircraft [Formerly Jetstream 
Aircraft Limited; British Aerospace (Commercial Aircraft) Limited]: 
Amendment 39-10579. Docket 97-NM-312-AD.

    Applicability: BAe Model ATP airplanes, constructor's numbers 
2001 through 2063 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 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 (d) 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 partial seizure of the forward door of the main 
landing gear (MLG) operating mechanism, which could result in the 
inability to lower or retract the MLG, accomplish the following:
    (a) Within 300 flight hours or within 90 days after the 
effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first, perform a one-
time visual inspection to detect corrosion, wear, or damage of the 
operating mechanism of the forward door of the MLG; and clean, 
degrease, and relubricate the door operating mechanism; in 
accordance with British Aerospace Service Bulletin ATP-32-84, 
Revision 1, dated September 26, 1997.
    (1) If no corrosion, wear, or damage is detected during the 
inspection required by paragraph (a) of this AD, no further action 
is required by this AD.
    (2) If any corrosion, damage, or worn component is detected 
during the inspection required by paragraph (a) of this AD, 
accomplish the requirements of paragraphs (a)(2)(i) and (a)(2)(ii) 
of this AD, as applicable.
    (i) If any corrosion or damage is detected, prior to further 
flight, repair in accordance with a method approved by the Manager, 
International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate.
    (ii) If any worn component is detected, within 600 flight hours 
after performing the inspection required by paragraph (a) of this 
AD, replace the component with a new or serviceable part in 
accordance with the service bulletin.
    (b) Within 300 flight hours after accomplishing the inspection 
required by paragraph (a) of this AD, perform an operational 
inspection to ensure smooth operation of the spring strut of the 
forward door of the MLG, and relubricate the operating spring and 
sliding tube of the forward door `A' frame, in accordance with 
British Aerospace Service Bulletin ATP-32-84, Revision 1, dated 
September 26, 1997.
    (1) Repeat the operational inspections thereafter at intervals 
not to exceed 300 flight hours, until the accumulation of 1,500 
flight hours after the accomplishment of the inspection required by 
paragraph (a) of this AD.
    (2) Following the accomplishment of all inspections required by 
paragraph (b)(1) of this AD, repeat the operational inspections and 
relubrication required by paragraph (b) of this AD at intervals not 
to exceed 1,500 flight hours.
    (c) If any discrepancy is detected during any operational 
inspection and relubrication required by paragraph (b) of this AD, 
prior to further flight, replace any discrepant part with a new or 
serviceable part in accordance with a method approved by the 
Manager, International Branch, ANM-116.
    (d) 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, International Branch, ANM-116. 
Operators shall submit their requests through an appropriate FAA 
Principal Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send 
it to the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116.

    Note 2: Information concerning the existence of approved 
alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be 
obtained from the International Branch, ANM-116.

    (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) Except as provided by paragraphs (a)(2)(i) and (c) of this 
AD, the actions shall be done in accordance with British Aerospace 
Service Bulletin ATP-32-84, Revision 1, dated September 26, 1997. 
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.
    (g) This amendment becomes effective on July 15, 1998.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on June 3, 1998.
Darrell M. Pederson,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 98-15249 Filed 6-9-98; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U