[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 183 (Tuesday, September 22, 1998)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 50490-50492]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-25029]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 97-NM-339-AD; Amendment 39-10776; AD 98-20-09]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; British Aerospace (Jetstream) Model 
4101 Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This amendment supersedes an existing airworthiness directive 
(AD), applicable to all British Aerospace (Jetstream) Model 4101 
airplanes, that currently requires repetitive functional testing of the 
main entrance door, cleaning and lubricating of the ``speed'' lock and 
``G'' lock systems, and repair, if necessary. This amendment adds a 
requirement for replacement of the ``G'' lock rollers with new, 
improved ``G'' lock rollers. 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 inability of the main entrance door to open, which could 
delay or impede passengers from exiting the airplane, or rescue 
personnel from entering the airplane during an emergency.

DATES: Effective October 27, 1998.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications, as listed 
in the regulations, is approved by the Director of the Federal Register 
as of October 27, 1998.
    The incorporation by reference of Jetstream Service Bulletin J41-
52-058, dated July 14, 1997, was approved previously by the Director of 
the Federal Register as of September 24, 1997 (62 FR 47362, September 
9, 1997).

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) by superseding AD 97-19-02, 
amendment 39-10122 (62 FR 47362, September 9, 1997), which is 
applicable to all British Aerospace (Jetstream) Model 4101 airplanes, 
was published in the Federal Register on July 31, 1998 (63 FR 40856). 
The action proposed to continue to require repetitive functional 
testing of the main entrance door, cleaning and lubricating of the 
``speed'' lock and ``G'' lock systems, and repair, if necessary. The 
action also proposed to add a requirement for replacement of the ``G'' 
lock rollers with new, improved ``G'' lock rollers.

[[Page 50491]]

Comments

    Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate 
in the making of this amendment. Due consideration has been given to 
the single comment received.
    The commenter supports the proposed rule.

Conclusion

    After careful review of the available data, including the comment 
noted above, the FAA has determined that air safety and the public 
interest require the adoption of the rule as proposed.

Cost Impact

    There are approximately 57 airplanes of U.S. registry that will be 
affected by this AD.
    The actions that are currently required by AD 97-19-02 take 
approximately 1 work hour per airplane to accomplish, at an average 
labor rate of $60 per work hour. Based on these figures, the cost 
impact of the currently required actions on U.S. operators is estimated 
to be $3,420, or $60 per airplane, per functional test cycle.
    The new actions that are required by this new AD will take 
approximately 3 work hours per airplane to accomplish, at an average 
labor rate of $60 per work hour. Required parts will be provided by the 
manufacturer at no cost to the operators. Based on these figures, the 
cost impact of the new requirements of this AD on U.S. operators is 
estimated to be $10,260, or $180 per airplane.
    The cost impact figures discussed above are 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.

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 removing amendment 39-10122 (62 FR 
47362, September 9, 1997), and by adding a new airworthiness directive 
(AD), amendment 39-10776, to read as follows:

98-20-09  British Aerospace Regional Aircraft [Formerly Jetstream 
Aircraft Limited; British Aerospace (Commercial Aircraft) Limited]: 
Amendment 39-10776. Docket 97-NM-339-AD. Supersedes AD 97-19-02, 
Amendment 39-10122.

    Applicability: All Jetstream Model 4101 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 (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 inability of the main entrance door to open, which 
could delay or impede passengers from exiting the airplane, or 
rescue personnel from entering the airplane during an emergency, 
accomplish the following:

Restatement of Requirements of AD 97-19-02, Amendment 39-10122

    (a) Within 30 days after September 24, 1997 (the effective date 
of AD 97-19-02, amendment 39-10122), perform a functional test to 
verify proper operation of the main entrance door (including the 
``G'' lock system) and the ``speed'' lock system of the main 
entrance door, in accordance with Section 52-10-05 of BAe Jetstream 
Series 4101 Maintenance Manual (MM).
    (1) If the ``speed'' lock and the ``G'' lock function 
satisfactorily: Within 60 days after September 24, 1997, perform the 
actions specified in paragraphs (a)(1)(i) and (a)(1)(ii) of this AD.
    (i) Clean (remove existing contaminants and lubricant) and re-
lubricate (with a dry lubricant) the ``speed'' lock and main 
entrance door ``G'' lock systems in accordance with Jetstream 
Service Bulletin J41-52-058, dated July 14, 1997. And,
    (ii) Following accomplishment of paragraph (a)(1)(i) of this AD, 
and prior to further flight, repeat the functional test specified in 
paragraph (a) of this AD.
    (A) If the ``G'' lock and the ``speed'' lock function 
satisfactorily in the functional test required by paragraph 
(a)(1)(ii) of this AD, accomplish the requirements of paragraph (b) 
of this AD.
    (B) If the ``G'' lock and the ``speed'' lock do not function 
satisfactorily in the functional test required by paragraph 
(a)(1)(ii) of this AD: Prior to further flight, repair the ``G'' 
lock and the ``speed'' lock in accordance with a method approved by 
the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport Airplane 
Directorate.
    (2) If either the ``speed'' lock and/or the ``G'' lock do not 
function correctly: Prior to further flight, perform the actions 
specified in paragraphs (a)(2)(i) and (a)(2)(ii) of this AD.
    (i) Clean (remove existing contaminants and lubricant) and re-
lubricate (with a dry lubricant) the main entrance door ``speed'' 
lock and ``G'' lock systems in accordance with Jetstream Service 
Bulletin J41-52-058, dated July 14, 1997. And,
    (ii) Following accomplishment of paragraph (a)(2)(i) of this AD, 
and prior to further flight, repeat the functional test of the main 
entrance door (including the ``G'' lock system) and the ``speed'' 
lock system, in accordance with the MM.
    (A) If the ``G'' lock and ``speed'' lock function satisfactorily 
in the functional test required by paragraph (a)(2) of this AD, 
accomplish the requirements of paragraph (b) of this AD.
    (B) If the ``G'' lock and ``speed'' lock do not function 
satisfactorily in the functional tests required by paragraph (a)(2) 
of this AD: Prior to further flight, repair the ``G'' lock and 
``speed'' lock in accordance with a method approved by the Manager, 
International Branch, ANM-116.
    (b) Perform the actions specified in paragraphs (b)(1) and 
(b)(2) of this AD within 1,500 hours time-in-service following 
accomplishment of the initial functional test of the main entrance 
door required by paragraph (a) of this AD. Repeat the actions 
specified in paragraphs (b)(1) and (b)(2) of this AD, thereafter, at 
intervals not to exceed 1,500 hours time-in-service.

[[Page 50492]]

    (1) Clean (remove contaminants and dry lubricant) and re-
lubricate (with dry lubricant) the main entrance door ``speed'' lock 
and ``G'' lock systems in accordance with Jetstream Service Bulletin 
J41-52-058, dated July 14, 1997.
    (2) Following accomplishment of paragraph (b)(1) of this AD and 
prior to further flight, perform a functional test of the main 
entrance door (including the ``G'' lock system) and the ``speed'' 
lock system, in accordance with the MM. If the ``G'' lock or 
``speed'' lock system do not perform satisfactorily: Prior to 
further flight, repair the ``G'' lock or ``speed'' lock system in 
accordance with a method approved by the Manager, International 
Branch, ANM-116.

New Requirements of This AD:

    (c) Within 60 days after the effective date of this AD, replace 
the ``G'' lock rollers on the main entrance door with new, improved 
``G'' lock rollers in accordance with Jetstream Alert Service 
Bulletin J41-A-52-059, dated September 12, 1997, or Revision 2, 
dated January 23, 1998.
    (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), (a)(1)(ii)(B), 
(a)(2)(ii)(B), and (b)(2) of this AD, the actions shall be done in 
accordance with Jetstream Service Bulletin J41-52-058, dated July 
14, 1997; and Jetstream Alert Service Bulletin J41-A-52-059, dated 
September 12, 1997; or Jetstream Alert Service Bulletin J41-A-52-
059, Revision 2, dated January 23, 1998.
    (1) The incorporation by reference of Jetstream Alert Service 
Bulletin 41-A-52-059, dated September 12, 1997; and Jetstream Alert 
Service Bulletin J41-A-52-059, Revision 2, dated January 23, 1998, 
is approved by the Director of the Federal Register in accordance 
with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
    (2) The incorporation by reference of Jetstream Service Bulletin 
J41-52-058, dated July 14, 1997, was approved previously by the 
Director of the Federal Register as of September 24, 1997 (62 FR 
47362, September 9, 1997).
    (3) 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.

    Note 3: The subject of this AD is addressed in British 
airworthiness directive 001-09-97.

    (g) This amendment becomes effective on October 27, 1998.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on September 14, 1998.
Dorenda D. Baker,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 98-25029 Filed 9-21-98; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P