[Federal Register Volume 65, Number 155 (Thursday, August 10, 2000)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 48933-48936]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 00-20250]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2000-CE-12-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; British Aerospace HP137 Mk1, Jetstream 
Series 200, and Jetstream Models 3101 and 3201 Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: This document proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive 
(AD) that would apply to certain British Aerospace HP137 Mk1, Jetstream 
series 200, and Jetstream Models 3101 and 3201 airplanes. The proposed 
AD would require you to inspect the rudder quadrant support structure 
for cracks and correct D-washer installation; and would require you to 
replace any cracked component and replace any incorrectly installed D-
washers. The proposed AD is the result of mandatory continuing 
airworthiness information (MCAI) issued by the airworthiness authority 
for the United Kingdom. The actions specified by the proposed AD are 
intended to detect, correct, and prevent further cracking in the rudder 
quadrant structure caused by incorrectly installed D-washers. Cracks in 
this structure could result in loss of rudder control with consequent 
airplane control problems.

DATES: The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) must receive any 
comments on this proposed rule on or before September 15, 2000.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the FAA, Central Region, 
Office of the Regional Counsel, Attention: Rules Docket No. 2000-CE-12-
AD, 901 Locust, Room 506, Kansas City, Missouri 64106. Comments may be 
inspected at this location between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through 
Friday, holidays excepted.
    You may get the service information referenced in the proposed AD 
from British Aerospace Regional Aircraft, Prestwick International 
Airport, Ayrshire, KA9 2RW, Scotland; telephone: (01292) 479888; 
facsimile: (01292) 479703. You may examine this information at the 
Rules Docket at the address above.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. S.M. Nagarajan, Aerospace 
Engineer, FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas 
City, Missouri 64106; telephone: (816) 329-4145; facsimile: (816) 329-
4090.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

How Do I Comment on the Proposed AD?

    The FAA invites comments on this proposed rule. You may submit 
whatever written data, views, or arguments you choose. You need to 
include the rule's docket number and submit your comments in triplicate 
to

[[Page 48934]]

the address specified under the caption ADDRESSES. The FAA will 
consider all comments received on or before the closing date. We may 
amend the proposed rule in light of comments received. Factual 
information that supports your ideas and suggestions is extremely 
helpful in evaluating the effectiveness of the proposed AD action and 
determining whether we need to take additional rulemaking action.

Are There Any Specific Portions of the AD I Should Pay Attention To?

    The FAA specifically invites comments on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the proposed rule that 
might suggest a need to modify the rule. You may examine all comments 
we receive before and after the closing date of the rule in the Rules 
Docket. We will file a report in the Rules Docket that summarizes each 
FAA contact with the public that concerns the substantive parts of the 
proposed AD.
    We are re-examining the writing style we currently use in 
regulatory documents, in response to the Presidential memorandum of 
June 1, 1998. That memorandum requires federal agencies to communicate 
more clearly with the public. We are interested in your comments on 
whether the style of this document is clearer, and any other 
suggestions you might have to improve the clarity of FAA communications 
that affect you. You can get more information about the Presidential 
memorandum and the plain language initiative at http://www.plainlanguage.gov.

How Can I Be Sure FAA Receives My Comment?

    If you want us to acknowledge the receipt of your comments, you 
must include a self-addressed, stamped postcard. On the postcard, write 
``Comments to Docket No. 2000-CE-12-AD.'' We will date stamp and mail 
the postcard back to you.

Discussion

What Events Have Caused This Proposed AD?

    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 HP137 Mk1, 
Jetstream series 200, and Jetstream Models 3101 and 3201 airplanes. The 
CAA reports two incidents of cracks in the upper edge member radii and 
bottom diaphragm radii of the rudder quadrant support structure.
    Investigation of these incidents revealed that the D-washers in the 
rudder quadrant support structure were installed incorrectly. These D-
washers, when installed correctly, are designed to reinforce the bend 
radii of the affected structure.

What Are the Consequences if the Condition Is Not Corrected?

    Cracks in the rudder quadrant support structure, if not detected 
and corrected, could result in loss of rudder control with consequent 
airplane control problems.

Is There Service Information That Applies to This Subject?

    British Aerospace has issued Mandatory Alert Service Bulletin 53-
JA-990842, Revision 1, dated February 21, 2000.

What Are the Provisions of This Service Bulletin?

    The service bulletin describes procedures for:

--inspecting the upper edge member and bottom diaphragm of the rudder 
quadrant support structure for cracks and correct D-washer 
installation;
--replacing any component with cracks in it; and
--replacing any incorrectly installed D-washers.

What Action Did the CAA Take?

    The CAA classified this service bulletin as mandatory and issued 
British AD Number 006-12-99 in order to assure the continued 
airworthiness of these airplanes in the United Kingdom.

Was This in Accordance With the Bilateral Airworthiness Agreement?

    These airplane models are manufactured in the United Kingdom and 
are 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's Determination and an Explanation of the Provisions of the 
Proposed AD

What Has FAA Decided?

    The FAA has examined the findings of the CAA; reviewed all 
available information, including the service information referenced 
above; and determined that:

--The unsafe condition referenced in this document exists or could 
develop on other British Aerospace HP137 Mk1, Jetstream series 200, and 
Jetstream Models 3101 and 3201 airplanes of the same type design;
--The actions specified in the above-referenced service bulletin should 
be incorporated on these airplanes; and
--AD action should be taken in order to correct this unsafe condition.

What Does This Proposed AD Require?

    This proposed AD would require you to inspect the rudder quadrant 
support structure for cracks and correct D-washer installation; and 
would require you to replace any cracked component and replace any 
incorrectly installed D-washers.

Compliance Time

What Is the Compliance Time of the Proposed AD?

    The compliance time of this proposed AD would be ``within 90 
calendar days after the effective date of this AD.''

Why Is the Compliance in Calendar Time Instead of Hours Time-in-Service 
(TIS)?

    The cracks in the rudder quadrant support structure occur as a 
direct result of airplane operation if the D-washers are incorrectly 
installed. Because the D-washers could have been incorrectly installed 
in the field or at the factory, the problem has the same chance of 
occurring on an airplane with 50 hours TIS as one with 5,000 hours TIS. 
Therefore, we believe that 90 calendar days will:

--Assure that the unsafe condition does not go undetected for a long 
period of time on the affected airplanes; and
--Will not inadvertently ground any of the affected airplanes.

Cost Impact

How Many Airplanes Does This Proposed AD Impact?

    We estimate that the proposed AD would affect 264 airplanes in the 
U.S. registry.

What Is the Cost Impact of the Proposed Actions for the Affected 
Airplanes on the U.S. Register?

    We estimate that it would take approximately 1 workhour per 
airplane to accomplish the proposed inspection of the rudder quadrant 
support structure and the D-washers, at an average labor rate of $60 an 
hour. Based on the figures presented above, the total cost impact of 
the proposed inspection on U.S. operators is estimated to be $15,840, 
or $60 per airplane.
    Costs for any necessary replacements are as follows:

[[Page 48935]]



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                                                                                                  Total cost per
                    Action                              No. of workhours            Parts cost       airplane
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Right upper edge member replacement...........  8 workhours at $60 per hour.....            $514            $994
Lower diaphragm replacement...................  8 workhours at $60 per hour.....             760            1240
D-washer replacement..........................  4 workhours at $60 per hour.....             250             490
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Regulatory Impact

How Does This Proposed AD Impact Various Entities?

    The regulations proposed herein would not have a substantial direct 
effect 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, it 
is determined that this proposed rule would not have federalism 
implications under Executive Order 13132.

Does This Proposed AD Involve a Significant Rule or Regulatory Action?

    For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this proposed 
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) 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 has been placed 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 a new airworthiness directive 
(AD) to read as follows:

British Aerospace: Docket No. 2000-CE-12-AD.

    (a) What airplanes are affected by this AD? HP137 Mk1, Jetstream 
Series 200, and Jetstream Models 3101 and 3201 airplanes, all serial 
numbers excluding 936 and 940, certificated in any category.
    (b) Who must comply with this AD? Anyone who wishes to operate 
any of the above airplanes on the U.S. Register must comply with 
this AD.
    (c) What problem does this AD address? The actions specified by 
this AD are intended to detect, correct, and prevent further 
cracking in the rudder quadrant structure caused by incorrectly 
installed D-washers. Cracks in this structure could result in loss 
of rudder control with consequent airplane control problems.
    (d) What must I do to address this problem? To address this 
problem, you must accomplish the following actions:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
            Actions              Compliance times        Procedures
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) Inspect the upper edge      Within 90          Accomplish in
 member radi and bottom          calendar days      accordance with the
 diaphragm radii adjacent to     after the          ``ACCOMPLISHMENT
 the rudder artificial feel      effective date     INSTRUCTIONS: Part
 assembly attachments at the     of this AD.        1--Inspection''
 rudder quadrant support for                        section of British
 cracks and inspect the D-                          Aerospace Mandatory
 washers to assure correct                          Alert Service
 installation.                                      Bulletin 53-JA-
                                                    990842, Revision 1,
                                                    dated February 21,
                                                    2000.
(2) If cracks are found in the  Before further     Accomplish in
 area of the upper edge member   flight after the   accordance with the
 radii on the rudder quadrant    inspection where   ``ACCOMPLISHMENT
 support structure, replace      the cracked part   INSTRUCTIONS: Part
 this component by               was detected.      2--Replacement of
 incorporating material Kit                         the right upper edge
 No. `53-JA-990842PT2'.                             member if cracks are
                                                    found at Part 1''
                                                    section of British
                                                    Aerospace Mandatory
                                                    Alert Service
                                                    Bulletin 53-JA-
                                                    990842, Revision 1,
                                                    dated February 21,
                                                    2000.
(3) If cracks are found in the  Before further     Accomplish in
 area of the bottom diaphragm    flight after the   accordance with the
 on the rudder quadrant          inspection where   ``ACCOMPLISHMENT
 support structure, replace      the cracked part   INSTRUCTIONS: Part
 this component by               was detected.      3--Replacement of
 incorporating material Kit                         the bottom diaphragm
 No. `53-JA-990842PT3'.                             of the rudder
                                                    quadrant support
                                                    structure'' section
                                                    of British Aerospace
                                                    Mandatory Alert
                                                    Service Bulletin 53-
                                                    JA-990842, Revision
                                                    1, dated February
                                                    21, 2000.
(4) Remove any incorrectly      Before further     Accomplish in
 installed D-washer and          flight after the   accordance with the
 replace with a new D-washer.    inspection where   ``ACCOMPLISHMENT
 This replacement is             the incorrect      INSTRUCTIONS: Part
 accomplished by incorporating   installation was   4--Removal and
 material Kit No. `53-JA-        detected.          replacement of D-
 990842PT4'.                                        washers'' section of
                                                    British Aerospace
                                                    Mandatory Alert
                                                    Service Bulletin 53-
                                                    JA-990842, Revision
                                                    1, dated February
                                                    21, 2000.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (e) Can I comply with this AD in any other way? You may use an 
alternative method of compliance or adjust the compliance time if:
    (1) Your alternative method of compliance provides an equivalent 
level of safety; and
    (2) The Manager, Small Airplane Directorate approves your 
alternative. Submit your request through an FAA Principal 
Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send it to the 
Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas 
City, Missouri 64106.

    Note: This AD applies to each airplane identified in paragraph 
(a) of this AD, 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

[[Page 48936]]

compliance in accordance with paragraph (e) 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 you have not eliminated the unsafe condition, specific 
actions you propose to address it.

    (f) Where can I get information about any already-approved 
alternative methods of compliance? You may contact S.M. Nagarajan, 
Aerospace Engineer, FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, 
Room 301, Kansas City, Missouri 64106; telephone: (816) 329-4145; 
facsimile: (816) 329-4090.
    (g) What if I need to fly the airplane to another location to 
comply with this AD? The FAA can issue a special flight permit under 
sections 21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 
CFR 21.197 and 21.199) to operate your airplane to a location where 
you can accomplish the requirements of this AD.
    (h) How do I get copies of the documents referenced in this AD? 
You may obtain copies of the documents referenced in this AD from 
British Aerospace Regional Aircraft, Prestwick International 
Airport, Ayrshire, KA9 2RW, Scotland; telephone: (01292) 479888; 
facsimile: (01292) 479703. Or may examine this document at FAA, 
Central Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, 901 Locust, Room 
506, Kansas City, Missouri 64106.

    Note: The subject of this AD is addressed in British AD Number 
006-12-99.


    Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on August 3, 2000.
Michael Gallagher,
Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 00-20250 Filed 8-9-00; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P