[Federal Register Volume 65, Number 213 (Thursday, November 2, 2000)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 65800-65803]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 00-28095]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2000-CE-54-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 all British Aerospace HP137 Mk1, Jetstream 
series 200, and Jetstream Models 3101 and 3201 airplanes that are 
equipped with certain main landing gear (MLG) radius rods. The proposed 
AD would require inspection of the MLG radius rods for cracks with 
replacement of any cracked rod. 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 and correct cracks in the MLG 
radius rods. Such cracks could result in MLG failure during takeoff, 
landing, or taxi operations, with consequent loss of airplane control.

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

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to FAA, Central Region, Office 
of the Regional Counsel, Attention: Rules Docket No. 2000-CE-54-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.
    Service information that applies to the proposed AD may be obtained 
from British Aerospace Regional Aircraft, Prestwick International 
Airport, Ayrshire, KA9 2RW, Scotland; telephone: (01292) 479888; 
facsimile: (01292) 479703. This information also may be examined 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 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 Proposed 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

[[Page 65801]]

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-54-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 an incident where a MLG radius rod cylinder cracked, which 
allowed the gland nut to separate from the housing and caused the MLG 
unit to move 30 degrees outboard.
    The cause has been traced to a quality control problem with the MLG 
manufacturer, AAPH Ltd. In particular, the cause is inadequate 
countersinking of a drilled hole for the attachment of a flexible hose 
on a batch of MLG radius rods, part numbers 1847 and 1862, all 
suffixes.

What Are the Consequences If the Condition Is Not Corrected?

    Cracks in the MLG radius rods, if not detected and corrected, could 
result in MLG failure during takeoff, landing, or taxi operations, with 
consequent loss of airplane control.

Is There Service Information That Applies to This Subject?

    The following service bulletins apply to this subject:

--British Aerospace Mandatory Service Bulletin 32-JA 991140, Issued: 
April 14, 2000: This service bulletin specifes inspection of the APPH 
Ltd. part numbers 1847 and 1862 MLG radius rods for cracks with 
replacement of cracked rods;
--APPH Ltd. Service Bulletin No. 1847-32-07, dated February 2000: This 
service bulletin includes procedures for inspecting the APPH Ltd. part 
number 1847 MLG radius rods for cracks; and
--APPH Ltd. Service Bulletin No. 1862-32-07, dated February 2000: This 
service bulletin includes procedures for inspecting the part number 
APPH Ltd. part number 1862 MLG radius rods for cracks.

What Action Did the CAA Take?

    The CAA classified these service bulletins as mandatory and issued 
British AD Number 002-04-2000, not dated, 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 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 that 
are equipped with the referenced MLG radius rods;
--The actions specified in the previously-referenced service 
information should be accomplished on the affected airplanes; and
--AD action should be taken in order to correct this unsafe condition.

What Would the Proposed AD Require?

    This proposed AD would require inspection of the MLG radius rods 
for cracks, with replacement of any cracked rod.

Are There Differences Between the Proposed AD and the Service 
Information?

    British Aerospace Mandatory Service Bulletin 32-JA 991140, Issued: 
April 14, 2000; APPH Ltd. Service Bulletin 1847-32-07, dated February 
2000; and APPH Ltd. Service Bulletin 1862-32-07, dated February 2000, 
specify reporting the results of the inspections to British Aerospace 
Regional Aircraft. This NPRM does not specify this action. The FAA 
recommends that each owner/operator submit this information and we are 
including a note in the proposed AD to communicate this. British 
Aerospace and the British CAA will use this information to determine 
whether further action is necessary.
    The FAA will evaluate the information from the British CAA and may 
initiate further rulemaking action.

Cost Impact

How Many Airplanes Would the Proposed AD Impact?

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

What Would Be the Cost Impact of the Proposed AD on Owners/Operators of 
the Affected Airplanes?

    We estimate the following costs to accomplish the proposed 
inspection:

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                  Total cost on
                  Labor cost                              Parts cost             Total cost per   U.S. airplane
                                                                                    airplane        operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
10 workhours  x  $60 per hour = $600.........  No parts required for                      $600         $158,400
                                                inspection.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    We estimate the following costs to accomplish any necessary MLG 
radius rod replacements that would be required based on the results of 
the proposed inspection. We have no way of determining the number of 
airplanes that may need MLG radius rod replacement:

[[Page 65802]]



------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                        Total cost per
           Labor cost                 Parts cost           airplane
------------------------------------------------------------------------
2 workhours  x  $60 per hour =    $7,315 per MLG      $7,435 per
 $120 to accomplish each MLG       radius rod.         airplane where
 radius rod replacement..                              the MLG radius
                                                       rod needs
                                                       replaced.
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Regulatory Impact

Would 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.

Would 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, under 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. FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding a new airworthiness directive 
(AD) to read as follows:

British Aerospace: Docket No. 2000-CE-54-AD

    (a) What airplanes are affected by this AD? This AD affects 
HP137 Mk1, Jetstream Series 200, and Jetstream Models 3101 and 3201 
airplanes, all serial numbers, that are:
    (1) certificated in any category; and
    (2) equipped with a main landing gear (MLG) radius rod, APPH 
Ltd. part number 1847 or 1862, all suffixes.
    (b) Who must comply with this AD? Anyone who wishes to operate 
any of the above airplanes must comply with this AD.
    (c) What problem does this AD address? The actions specified by 
this AD are intended to detect and correct cracks in the MLG radius 
rods. Such cracks could result in MLG failure during takeoff, 
landing, or taxi operations, with consequent loss of airplane 
control.
    (d) What actions must I accomplish to address this problem? To 
address this problem, you must accomplish the following:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
             Action                 Compliance time       Procedures
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) Check the maintenance         Within the next     As specified in
 records to determine whether      200 hours time-in-  British Aerospace
 one of the affected MLG radius    service (TIS)       Mandatory Service
 rods is installed.                after the           Bulletin 32-JA
                                   effective date of   991140, Issued:
                                   this AD, unless     April 14, 2000.
                                   already
                                   accomplished.
(2) If, by checking the           Prior to further    Not Applicable.
 maintenance records, you can      flight after
 positively show that one of the   checking the
 affected MLG radius rods is not   maintenance
 installed, then the inspection    records.
 and possible replacement
 requirements of this AD do not
 apply. Make an entry into the
 aircraft records that shows
 compliance with this portion of
 the AD, in accordance with
 section 43.9 of the Federal
 Aviation Regulations (14 CFR
 43.9).
(3) If, by checking the           Prior to further    In accordance with
 maintenance records, you find     flight after        the procedures in
 that one of the affected MLG      checking the        APPH Ltd. Service
 radius rods is installed or you   maintenance         Bulletin 1847-32-
 cannot positively show that one   records, unless     07, dated
 of the affected MLG radius rods   already             February 2000; or
 is not installed, inspect any     accomplished.       APPH Ltd. Service
 affected MLG radius rod for                           Bulletin 1862-32-
 cracks.                                               07, dated
                                                       February 2000, as
                                                       applicable.
(4) If any MLG radius rod is      Prior to further    In accordance with
 found cracked, replace it with    flight after the    the procedures in
 FAA-approved MLG radius rod       inspection.         the applicable
 that is crack free.                                   maintenance
                                                       manual.
(5) Do not install, on any        As of the           Not Applicable.
 affected airplane, a part         effective date of
 number 1847 or 1862 MLG radius    this AD.
 rod (all suffixes), unless it
 has been inspected and is found
 to be free of cracks.
(6) The owner/operator holding    Not applicable....  Not Applicable.
 at least a private pilot
 certificate as authorized by
 section 43.7 of the Federal
 Aviation Regulations (14 CFR
 43.7) may accomplish the
 actions required in paragraphs
 (d)(1) and (d)(2) of this AD.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


    Note 1: British Aerospace Mandatory Service Bulletin 32-JA 
991140, Issued: April 14, 2000; APPH Ltd. Service Bulletin 1847-32-
07, dated February 2000; and APPH Ltd. Service Bulletin 1862-32-07, 
dated February 2000, specify reporting the results of the 
inspections to British Aerospace Regional Aircraft. The FAA highly 
recommends that each owner/operator submit this information.

[[Page 65803]]

British Aerospace and the British Civil Airworthiness Authority 
(CAA) will use this information to determine whether further action 
is necessary. The FAA will evaluate the information from the British 
CAA and may initiate further rulemaking action.

    (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.

    Note 2: 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 
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? 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.
    (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. You may examine these 
documents at FAA, Central Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, 
901 Locust, Room 506, Kansas City, Missouri 64106.

    Note 3: The subject of this AD is addressed in British AD 002-
04-2000, not dated.


    Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on October 27, 2000.
James E. Jackson,
Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 00-28095 Filed 11-1-00; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U