[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 201 (Tuesday, October 19, 1999)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 56281-56283]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 99-27275]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 99-NM-302-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; British Aerospace (Jetstream) Model 
4101 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 all British Aerospace (Jetstream) 
Model 4101 airplanes. This proposal would require repetitive 
inspections to detect loose or migrated levers of the elevator cable 
tension regulators, and replacement of the regulator assembly with a 
new assembly, if necessary. This proposal is prompted by issuance of 
mandatory continuing airworthiness information by a foreign civil 
airworthiness authority. The actions specified by the proposed AD are 
intended to detect and correct loose or migrated regulator levers of 
the elevator cable tension regulators, which could result in reduced 
controllability of the airplane.

DATES: Comments must be received by November 18, 1999.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114, 
Attention: Rules Docket No. 99-NM-302-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 British Aerospace Regional Aircraft American Support, 
13850 Mclearen Road, Herndon, Virginia 20171. This information may be 
examined at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, 
SW., Renton, Washington.

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:

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 99-NM-302-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-114, Attention: Rules 
Docket No. 99-NM-302-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 an 
unsafe condition may exist on all British Aerospace (Jetstream) Model 
4101 airplanes. The CAA advises that an incident has been reported in 
which an elevator cable tension regulator lever became detached from 
the elevator cable tension regulator assembly on a Model Jetstream 4101 
airplane. The exact cause of the detachment is unknown at this time. 
This condition, if not corrected, could result in reduced 
controllability of the associated elevator.

Explanation of Relevant Service Information

    British Aerospace has issued Jetstream Alert Service Bulletin J41-
A-27-053, dated September 14, 1999, which describes procedures for 
repetitive detailed visual inspections to detect loose or migrated 
levers of the elevator cable tension regulators. For any discrepant 
lever assembly, the alert service bulletin describes procedures for 
replacement of the regulator assembly with a new assembly. The initial 
inspection also involves a one-time inspection of the nut and bolt to 
detect signs of the bolt being threadbound, and repair, if necessary. 
The CAA classified this alert service bulletin as mandatory 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

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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 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, the proposed AD would require accomplishment of 
the actions specified in the alert service bulletin described 
previously.

Interim Action

    This is considered to be interim action until final action is 
identified, at which time the FAA may consider further rulemaking.

Cost Impact

    The FAA estimates that 57 airplanes of U.S. registry would be 
affected by this proposed AD, that it would take approximately 2 work 
hours per airplane to accomplish the proposed inspection, and that the 
average labor rate is $60 per work hour. Based on these figures, the 
cost impact of the proposed AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be 
$6,840, or $120 per airplane, per inspection cycle.
    The cost impact figure discussed above is 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:

British Aerospace Regional Aircraft [Formerly Jetstream Aircraft 
Limited; British Aerospace (Commercial Aircraft) Limited]: Docket 
99-NM-302-AD.

    Applicability: All Model Jetstream 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 (f) 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 detect and correct loose or migrated regulator levers of the 
elevator cable tension regulators, which could result in reduced 
controllability of the associated elevator, accomplish the 
following:
    (a) Within 7 weeks after the effective date of this AD, perform 
a detailed visual inspection of the elevator cable tension regulator 
lever assembly to detect discrepancies (including looseness and 
migration along the splines of the elevator cable tension regulator 
assembly), in accordance with Jetstream Alert Service Bulletin J41-
A-27-053, dated September 14, 1999. Repeat the inspection thereafter 
at intervals not to exceed 1,500 flight hours.

    Note 2: For the purposes of this AD, a detailed visual 
inspection is defined as: ``An intensive visual examination of a 
specific structural area, system, installation, or assembly to 
detect damage, failure, or irregularity. Available lighting is 
normally supplemented with a direct source of good lighting at 
intensity deemed appropriate by the inspector. Inspection aids such 
as mirror, magnifying lenses, etc., may be used. Surface cleaning 
and elaborate access procedures may be required.''

    (b) If no discrepancy is detected during the initial inspection 
required by paragraph (a) of this AD, perform a detailed visual 
inspection of the bolt and castellated nut for signs of the bolt 
being threadbound, in accordance with Jetstream Alert Service 
Bulletin J41-A-27-053, dated September 14, 1999.
    (1) If the nut and bolt are serviceable, as specified by the 
alert service bulletin, prior to further flight, reinstall and 
retorque the nut, in accordance with the alert service bulletin.
    (2) If the nut and bolt are not serviceable, as specified by the 
alert service bulletin, prior to further flight, replace with a new 
nut and bolt and torque the nut, in accordance with the alert 
service bulletin.
    (c) If any discrepancy is detected during any inspection 
required by paragraph (a) of this AD: Prior to further flight, 
replace the elevator cable tension regulator assembly with a new 
assembly, in accordance with Jetstream Alert Service Bulletin J41-A-
27-053, dated September 14, 1999.
    (d) For each inspection performed as required by paragraph (a) 
of this AD: Submit a report of the inspection findings (both 
positive and negative findings) to Information Services, British 
Aerospace Regional Aircraft, Prestwick International Airport, 
Ayrshire, KA9 2RW, Scotland; at the applicable time specified in 
paragraph (d)(1) or (d)(2) of this AD. The report must include the 
inspection results, a description of any discrepancies found, the 
airplane serial number, and the number of landings and flight hours 
on the airplane. Information collection requirements contained in 
this regulation have been approved by the Office of Management and 
Budget (OMB) under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 
1980 (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.) and have been assigned OMB Control 
Number 2120-0056.
    (1) For airplanes on which the inspection is accomplished after 
the effective date of this AD: Submit the report within 10 days 
after performing the inspection required by paragraph (a) of this 
AD.
    (2) For airplanes on which the inspection has been accomplished 
prior to the effective date of this AD: Submit the report within 10 
days after the effective date of this AD.
    (e) As of the effective date of this AD, no person shall install 
any elevator cable tension regulator lever unless that lever has 
been inspected and applicable corrective actions

[[Page 56283]]

have been performed in accordance with the requirements of this AD.

Alternative Methods of Compliance

    (f) 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, 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, International 
Branch, ANM-116.

    Note 3: Information concerning the existence of approved 
alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be 
obtained from the International Branch, ANM-116.

Special Flight Permits

    (g) 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 October 13, 1999.
D.L. Riggin,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 99-27275 Filed 10-18-99; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U