[Federal Register Volume 66, Number 138 (Wednesday, July 18, 2001)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 37435-37439]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 01-17866]



[[Page 37435]]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2000-CE-58-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; British Aerospace H.P. 137 Mk1, 
Jetstream Series 200, and Jetstream Model 3101 Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: This document proposes to supersede Airworthiness Directive 
(AD) 98-13-03, which currently requires repetitive inspections of the 
main landing gear (MLG) hinge fittings, support angles, and attachment 
bolts on British Aerospace H.P. 137 Mk1, Jetstream series 200, and 
Jetstream Model 3101 airplanes. This AD also requires eventual 
installation of improved design MLG hinge fittings as terminating 
action for the repetitive inspections of the hinge fittings and 
attachment bolts. This AD specifies repetitive inspections of the 
support angles for those airplanes with the approved design MLG hinge 
fittings installed. However, the applicability of AD 98-13-03 exempts 
those airplanes with the improved design MLG hinge fittings installed 
from the actions of the AD. The proposed AD would retain the 
requirements of AD 98-13-03 and would remove from the applicability the 
exemption of those airplanes with the improved design MLG hinge 
fittings installed. The actions specified by the proposed AD are 
intended to detect, correct, and prevent future fatigue cracking of the 
MLG, which could result in structural failure of the MLG and consequent 
loss of airplane control during takeoff, landing, or taxi operations.

DATES: The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) must receive any 
comments on this rule on or before August 30, 2001.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to FAA, Central Region, Office 
of the Regional Counsel, Attention: Rules Docket No. 2000-CE-58-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. Doug Rudolph, Aerospace Engineer, 
FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas City, 
Missouri 64106; telephone: (816) 329-4059; 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 clear, 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-58-AD.'' We will date stamp and mail 
the postcard back to you.

Discussion

Has FAA Taken Any Action on the Main Landing Gear (MLG) Hinge Fittings, 
Support Angles, and Attachment Bolts on British Aerospace H.P. 137 Mk1, 
Jetstream Series 200, and Jetstream Model 3101 Airplanes to This Point?

    On June 8, 1998, FAA issued AD 98-13-03, Amendment 39-10591 (63 FR 
33532, June 19, 1998). This AD currently requires the following on the 
above-referenced airplanes:

--Repetitive inspections of the MLG hinge fitting, support angles, and 
attachment bolts, and repairing or replacing any part that is cracked; 
and
--Eventual installation of improved design MLG hinge fittings, part 
number (P/N) 1379133B1 and 1379133B2 (Modification 5218), as 
terminating action for the repetitive inspections of the hinge fittings 
and attachment bolts. This AD specifies repetitive inspections of the 
support angles for those airplanes with the approved design MLG hinge 
fittings installed. However, the applicability of AD 98-13-03 exempts 
those airplanes with the improved design MLG hinge fittings installed 
from the actions of the AD.

    Accomplishment of these actions is required in accordance with the 
following service information:

--British Aerospace Jetstream Mandatory Service Bulletin (MSB) No. 7/5, 
which includes procedures for inspecting the left and right main 
landing gear hinge attachment nuts to the auxiliary and aft spars for 
signs of relative movement between the nuts and hinge fitting on H.P. 
137 MK1 and Jetstream series 200 airplanes. This MSB incorporates the 
following effective pages:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
              Pages                 Revision level           Date
------------------------------------------------------------------------
2 and 4.........................  Original Issue....  March 31, 1982.

[[Page 37436]]

 
1 and 3.........................  Revision 1........  May 23, 1988.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

--British Aerospace MSB No. 7/8, which includes procedures for 
inspecting the MLG hinge fitting for cracks, and repairing cracked 
hinge fittings on H.P. 137 MK1 and Jetstream series 200 airplanes. This 
MSB incorporates the following effective pages:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
              Pages                 Revision level           Date
------------------------------------------------------------------------
2, 5, 6, 7, and 8...............  Revision 2........  January 6, 1983.
1, 3, and 4.....................  Revision 3........  May 23, 1988.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

--Jetstream Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) 32-A-JA 850127, which includes 
procedures for inspecting the MLG hinge fitting and support angle for 
cracks on Jetstream Model 3101 airplanes. This ASB incorporates the 
following effective pages:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
              Pages                 Revision level           Date
------------------------------------------------------------------------
5 through 14....................  Original Issue....  April 17, 1985.
1 through 4.....................  Revision 2........  November 11, 1994.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

--Jetstream Service Bulletin (SB) 57-JM 5218 which includes procedures 
for installing improved design MLG hinge fittings, P/N 1379133B1 and 
1379133B2 (Modification 5218), on H.P. 137 Mk1, Jetstream series 200, 
and certain Jetstream Model 3101 airplanes. This SB incorporates the 
following effective pages:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
              Pages                 Revision level           Date
------------------------------------------------------------------------
3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 11, 12, 17,     Revision 1........  September 29,
 18, 19, 21, 22, 23, 24, 27, 28,                       1987.
 29, 30, and 31.
25 and 26.......................  Revision 2........  August 24, 1988.
10 and 20.......................  Revision 3........  January 29, 1990.
1, 2, 4, 13, 14, 15, and 16.....  Revision 4........  October 31, 1990.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

The actions of AD 98-13-03 are consistent with the FAA's aging commuter 
aircraft policy, which briefly states that, when a modification exists 
that could eliminate or reduce the number of required critical 
inspections, the modification should be incorporated. This policy is 
based on the FAA's determination that reliance on critical repetitive 
inspections on airplanes utilized in commuter service carries an 
unnecessary safety risk when a design change exists that could 
eliminate or, in certain instances, reduce the number of those critical 
inspections.
    The alternative to installing improved design MLG hinge fittings 
would be to repetitively inspect this area for the life of the 
airplane.

What Has Happened Since AD 98-13-03 To Initiate This Action?

    The applicability of AD 98-13-03 exempts those airplanes with the 
improved design MLG hinge fittings installed from the actions of the 
AD. The exemption of those airplanes with the improved design MLG hinge 
fittings installed should be removed and all affected airplanes should 
have the support angles repetitively inspected.

The FAA's Determination and Explanation of the Provisions of the 
Proposed AD. What Has FAA Decided?

    After examining the circumstances and reviewing all available 
information related to the information described above, we have 
determined that:

--The unsafe condition referenced in this document exists or could 
develop on other British Aerospace H.P. 137 Mk1, Jetstream series 200, 
and Jetstream Model 3101 airplanes of the same type design;
--The repetitive inspections of the MLG support angles should be 
accomplished on all affected airplanes, even those with the improved 
design MLG hinge fittings installed; and
--AD action should be taken in order to detect, correct, and prevent 
future fatigue cracking of the MLG, which could result in structural 
failure of the MLG and consequent loss of airplane control during 
takeoff, landing, or taxi operations.

What Would the Proposed AD Require?

    This proposed AD would supersede AD 98-13-03 with a new AD that 
would:

--Retain the requirements of repetitively inspecting the main landing 
gear (MLG) hinge fittings, support angles, and attachment bolts and 
repairing any cracked part;
--Require eventual installation of improved design MLG hinge fittings 
as terminating action for the repetitive inspections of the hinge 
fittings and attachment bolts; and
--Require repetitive inspections of the MLG support angles on all 
affected airplanes, even those with the improved design MLG hinge 
fittings installed.

    Accomplishment of the proposed actions would be required in 
accordance with the previously-referenced service information.

Cost Impact

How Many Airplanes Would the Proposed AD Impact?

    We estimate that the proposed AD affects up to 236 airplanes in the 
U.S. registry.

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

    The FAA estimates that the proposed AD would affect 71 airplanes in 
the U.S. registry. We estimate the following costs to accomplish the 
proposed actions:

[[Page 37437]]



----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                      Labor cost          Parts cost       Per airplane cost      Fleet cost
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Initial Inspection..............  61 workhours  x     Not Applicable....  $3,660 per          71 airplanes  x
                                   $60 per hour =                          airplane.           $3,660 =
                                   $3,660.                                                     $259,860.
Hinge Fitting Installation......  210 workhours  x    British Aerospace   12,600 per          71 airplanes  x
                                   $60 per hour =      will provide at     airplane.           $12,600 =
                                   $12,600.            no cost.                                $894,600.
Repetitive Support Angle          10 workhours  x     Not Applicable....  600 per airplane    71 airplanes  x
 Inspections.                      $60 per hour =                          per inspection.     $600 = $42,600
                                   $600 per                                                    per inspection.
                                   inspection.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The cost figures presented above are the same as those presented in 
AD 98-13-03. The only additional impact the proposed AD would have is 
the repetitive support angle inspections on those airplanes with 
improved design hinge installations at the effective date of AD 98-13-
03.

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 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 14 
CFR part 39 of the Federal Aviation Regulations 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 removing Airworthiness Directive (AD) 
98-13-03, Amendment 39-10591 (63 FR 33532, June 19, 1998), and by 
adding a new AD to read as follows:

British Aerospace: Docket No. 2000-CE-58-AD; Supersedes AD 98-13-03, 
Amendment 39-10591.

    (a) What airplanes are affected by this AD? This AD affects the 
following model and serial number airplanes that are certificated in 
any category:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
             Model Serial                             Nos.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
HP137 Mk1............................  All serial numbers.
Jetstream Series 200.................  All serial numbers.
Jetstream 3101.......................  601 through 695.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (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 
the AD are intended to detect, correct, and prevent future fatigue 
cracking of the main landing gear (MLG), which could result in 
structural failure of the MLG and consequent loss of airplane 
control during takeoff, landing, or taxi operations.

    Note 1: The compliance times of this AD are presented in 
landings. If you do not keep the total number of landings, then you 
may multiply the total number of airplane hours time-in-service 
(TIS) by 0.75.

    (d) What actions must I accomplish to address this problem on 
the affected airplanes? To address this problem, accomplish the 
following:

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                    Action                                Compliance                        Procedures
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) For the H.P. 137 Mk1 and Jetstream 200     Inspect within the next 50        Use the service information
 series airplanes, accomplish the following     landings after June 8, 1998       presented in paragraph (e)(1)
 if part number (P/N) 1379133B1 (or FAA-        (the effective date of AD 98-13-  of this AD.
 approved equivalent P/N) and P/N 1379133B2     03) or within 200 landings TIS
 (or FAA-approved equivalent P/N) MLG hinge     after the last inspection
 fittings are not installed:                    required by AD 98-13-03,
(i) Inspect the MLG hinge attachment nuts to    whichever occurs later, and
 auxiliary and aft spars on both the left and   thereafter at intervals not to
 right MLG for signs of fuel leakage or signs   exceed 200 landings. Resecure
 of relative movement between the nuts and      the MLG hinge fitting prior to
 hinge fitting.                                 further flight after the
(ii) If any signs of fuel leakage or relative   applicable inspection.
 movement between the nuts and hinge fitting
 are found during any inspection required by
 paragraph (d)(1)(i) of this AD, resecure the
 MLG hinge fitting to auxiliary spar.
(iii) You may terminate the above inspections
 when improved design MLG hinge fittings, P/N
 1379133B1 and 1379133B2, are installed.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[[Page 37438]]

 
(2) For all airplanes regardless of the MLG    Inspect upon accumulating 4,000   Inspect in accordance with the
 hinge fitting installed, inspect the MLG       landings on the MLG fitting or    service information presented
 hinge support angles for cracks. If any        within the next 50 hours TIS      in paragraph (e)(2) or (e)(3)
 crack(s) is/are found in the support angles,   after the effective date of       of this AD, as applicable.
 replace the cracked MLG hinge fitting(s)       this AD, whichever occurs         Replace in accordance with the
 with a P/N 1379133B1 (or FAA-approved          later, unless already             service information presented
 equivalent P/N) or P/N 1379133B2 (or FAA-      accomplished, and thereafter at   in paragraph (e)(4) of this
 approved equivalent P/N) fitting.              intervals not to exceed 400       AD.
                                                hours TIS. Accomplish any
                                                necessary replacement prior to
                                                further flight after the
                                                inspection where the cracked
                                                support angle(s) is/are found.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(3) For all airplanes, install improved        Upon accumulating 20,000          In accordance with the service
 design MLG hinge fittings, P/N 1379133B1 (or   landings on each MLG hinge        information presented in
 FAA-approved equivalent P/N) and P/N           fitting or within the next 50     paragraph (e)(4) of this AD.
 1379133B2 (or FAA-approved equivalent P/N).    landings after June 8, 1998
(i) Incorporating both P/N 1379133B1 (or FAA-   (the effective date of AD 98-13-
 approved equivalent P/N) and P/N 1379133B2     03), whichever occurs later,
 MLG (or FAA-approved equivalent P/N) hinge     unless already accomplished.
 fittings terminates the repetitive
 inspection requirement of paragraphs
 (d)(1)(i) and (d)(1)(ii) of this AD.
(ii) The repetitive inspections of the MLG
 support angles required by paragraph (d)(2)
 of this AD are still required.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(4) Do not install, on any affected airplane,  As of the effective date of this  Not Applicable.
 MLG hinge fittings that are not P/N            AD.
 1379133B1 (or FAA-approved equivalent P/N)
 or P/N 1379133B2 (or FAA-approved
 equilvalent P/N).
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (e) What service information applies to this AD? You must 
accomplish the actions of this AD in accordance with the following 
service bulletins:
    (1) British Aerospace Jetstream Mandatory Service Bulletin No. 
7/5, which applies to the affected H.P. 137 MK1 and Jetstream series 
200 airplanes and incorporates the following pages:

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                  Pages                             Revision level                           Date
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2 and 4..................................  Original Issue..................  March 31, 1982.
1 and 3..................................  Revision 1......................  May 23, 1988.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (2) British Aerospace Mandatory Service Bulletin No. 7/8, which 
applies to the affected H.P. 137 MK1 and Jetstream series 200 
airplanes and incorporates the following effective pages:

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                  Pages                             Revision level                           Date
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2, 5, 6, 7, and 8........................  Revision 2......................  January 6, 1983.
1, 3, and 4..............................  Revision 3......................  May 23, 1988.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (3) Jetstream Alert Service Bulletin 32-A-JA 850127, which 
applies to the affected Jetstream Model 3101 airplanes and 
incorporates the following effective pages:

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                  Pages                             Revision level                           Date
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
5 through 14.............................  Original Issue..................  April 17, 1985.
1 through 4..............................  Revision 2......................  November 11, 1994.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (4) Jetstream Service Bulletin 57-JM 5218, which applies to all 
of the affected airplanes and incorporates the following effective 
pages:

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                  Pages                             Revision level                           Date
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 11, 12, 17, 18, 19, 21,  Revision 1......................  September 29, 1987.
 22, 23, 24, 27, 28, 29, 30, and 31.
25 and 26................................  Revision 2......................  August 24, 1988.
10 and 20................................  Revision 3......................  January 29, 1990.
1, 2, 4, 13, 14, 15, and 16..............  Revision 4......................  October 31, 1990.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


[[Page 37439]]

    (f) Can I comply with this AD in any other way?
    (1) You may use an alternative method of compliance or 
adjustment of the compliance time if:
    (i) Your alternative method of compliance provides an equivalent 
level of safety; and
    (ii) 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.
    (2) Alternative methods of compliance approved in accordance 
with AD 98-13-03, which is superseded by this AD, are approved as 
alternative methods of compliance with this AD.

    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 (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 you have not eliminated the unsafe condition, specific 
actions you propose to address it.

    (g) Where can I get information about any already-approved 
alternative methods of compliance? Contact Mr. Doug Rudolph, 
Aerospace Engineer, FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, 
Room 301, Kansas City, Missouri 64106; telephone: (816) 329-4059; 
facsimile: (816) 329-4090.
    (h) 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.
    (i) 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) 671715. You may examine these documents at FAA, 
Central Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, 901 Locust, Room 
506, Kansas City, Missouri 64106.
    (j) Does this AD action affect any existing AD actions? This 
amendment supersedes AD 98-13-03, Amendment 39-10591.

    Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on July 11, 2001.
Michael K. Dahl,
Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 01-17866 Filed 7-17-01; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U