[Federal Register Volume 68, Number 33 (Wednesday, February 19, 2003)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 7902-7904]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 03-3613]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2002-CE-14-AD; Amendment 39-13055; AD 2003-04-07]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; British Aerospace Model HP.137 
Jetstream Mk.1, Jetstream Series 200, Jetstream Series 3101, and 
Jetstream Model 3201 Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) that 
applies to all British Aerospace Model HP.137 Jetstream Mk.1, Jetstream 
Series 200, Jetstream Series 3101, and Jetstream Model 3201 airplanes. 
This AD requires you to repetitively inspect the horizontal and 
vertical stabilizer attachment fittings and associated hardware for 
corrosion and wear (damage). If damage is found, this AD also requires 
you to repair or replace the damaged parts. This AD is the result of 
mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) issued by the 
airworthiness authority for the United Kingdom. The actions specified 
by this AD are intended to detect and correct damage on the horizontal 
and vertical stabilizer attachment fittings and associated hardware, 
which could result in failure of the attachment fittings. Such failure 
could lead to flutter and subsequent structural failure of the 
empennage.

DATES: This AD becomes effective on April 7, 2003.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in the regulations as of April 
7, 2003.

ADDRESSES: You may get the service information referenced in this AD 
from British Aerospace Regional Aircraft, Prestwick International 
Airport, Ayrshire, KA9 2RW, Scotland; telephone: (01292) 672345; 
facsimile: (01292) 671625. You may view this information at the Federal 
Aviation Administration (FAA), Central Region, Office of the Regional 
Counsel, Attention: Rules Docket No. 2002-CE-14-AD, 901 Locust, Room 
506, Kansas City, Missouri 64106; or at the Office of the Federal 
Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: 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:

Discussion

    What events have caused this AD? The Civil Aviation Authority 
(CAA), which is the airworthiness authority for the United Kingdom, 
recently notified FAA that an unsafe condition may exist on all British 
Aerospace Model HP.137 Jetstream Mk.1, Jetstream Series 200, Jetstream 
Series 3101, and Jetstream Model 3201 airplanes. The CAA reports that, 
during regular scheduled maintenance, an operator discovered fretting 
corrosion on the horizontal and vertical stabilizer attachment bolts on 
an in-service Jetstream Series 4100 airplane. The Jetstream Series 4100 
airplane has a similar structural layout in the affected area to those 
affected by this action. The corrosion is occurring on the eye bolt 
shanks and the horizontal and vertical stabilizer forward and rear 
attachment fitting lugs on the contact faces. There have been 10 
reported cases of corrosion found on Jetstream Series 3101 and 
Jetstream Model 3201 airplanes.
    What is the potential impact if FAA took no action? This condition, 
if not detected and corrected, could result in failure of the 
horizontal and vertical stabilizer attachment fittings. Such failure 
could lead to flutter and subsequent structural failure of the 
empennage.
    Has FAA taken any action to this point? We issued a proposal to 
amend part 39 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) to 
include an AD that would apply to all British Aerospace Model HP.137 
Jetstream Mk.1, Jetstream Series 200, Jetstream Series 3101, and 
Jetstream Model 3201 airplanes. This proposal was published in the 
Federal Register as a supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) 
on December 10, 2002 (67 FR 75819). The supplemental NPRM proposed to 
require you to repetitively inspect the forward and rear horizontal and 
vertical stabilizer attachment fittings and associated hardware for 
corrosion and wear (damage). The supplemental NPRM also proposed to 
require you to, if damage is found during any inspection, repair or 
replace the damaged parts.
    Was the public invited to comment? The FAA encouraged interested 
persons to participate in the making of this amendment. We did not 
receive any comments on the supplemental proposed rule or on our 
determination of the cost to the public.

FAA's Determination

    What is FAA's final determination on this issue? After careful 
review of all available information related to the subject presented 
above, we have determined that air safety and the public interest 
require the adoption of the rule as proposed except for minor editorial 
corrections. We have determined that these minor corrections:

--Provide the intent that was proposed in the supplemental NPRM for 
correcting the unsafe condition; and
--do not add any additional burden upon the public than was already 
proposed in the supplemental NPRM.

Cost Impact

    How many airplanes does this AD impact? We estimate that this AD 
affects 250 airplanes in the U.S. registry.
    What is the cost impact of this AD on owners/operators of the 
affected airplanes? We estimate the following costs to accomplish the 
inspection:

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                          Total cost per
            Labor cost                   Parts cost           airplane         Total cost on U.S.  operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
120 workhours x $60 = $7,200......  No parts required...          $7,200  $7,200 x 250 = $1,800,000
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The FAA has no method of determining the number of repetitive 
inspections each owner/operator will incur over the life of each of the 
affected airplanes so the cost impact is based on the initial 
inspection.
    The FAA has no method of determining the number of repairs each 
owner/operator will incur over the life

[[Page 7903]]

of each of the affected airplanes based on the results of the 
inspections. We have no way of determining the number of airplanes that 
may need such repair. The extent of damage will vary on each airplane.

Compliance Time of This AD

    What is the compliance time of this AD? The compliance time of this 
AD is ``upon accumulating 8 calendar years on the airframe or within 
the next 12 months after the effective date of this AD, whichever 
occurs later.''
    Why is the compliance time presented in calendar time instead of 
hours time-in-service (TIS)? The unsafe condition specified by this AD 
is caused by corrosion. Corrosion can occur regardless of whether the 
aircraft is in operation or is in storage. Therefore, to assure that 
the unsafe condition specified in this AD does not go undetected for a 
long period of time, the compliance is presented in calendar time 
instead of hours time-in-service (TIS). This will allow the owners/
operators to work the inspection into regularly scheduled maintenance.

Regulatory Impact

    Does this AD impact various entities? The regulations adopted 
herein will 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 final rule does not 
have federalism implications under Executive Order 13132.
    Does this 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) 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 final 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, Incorporation by 
reference, Safety.

Adoption of the Amendment

    Accordingly, under 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. FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by adding a new AD to read as follows:

2003-04-07 British Aerospace: Amendment 39-13055; Docket No. 2002-
CE-14-AD.

    (a) What airplanes are affected by this AD? This AD affects 
Model HP.137 Jetstream Mk.1, Jetstream Series 200, Jetstream Series 
3101, and Jetstream Model 3201 airplanes, all serial numbers, that 
are certificated in any category.
    (b) Who must comply with this AD? Anyone who wishes to operate 
any of the airplanes identified in paragraph (a) of this AD must 
comply with this AD.
    (c) What problem does this AD address? The actions specified by 
this AD are intended to detect and correct corrosion and/or wear 
(damage) on the horizontal and vertical stabilizer attachment 
fittings and associated hardware, which could result in failure of 
the attachment fittings. Such failure could lead to flutter and 
subsequent structural failure of the empennage.
    (d) What actions must I accomplish to address this problem? To 
address this problem, you must accomplish the following:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
           Actions                 Compliance            Procedures
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) Visually inspect the      Initially inspect     In accordance with
 forward and rear horizontal   upon accumulating 8   British Aerospace
 stabilizer attachment bolts   years on the          Jetstream Mandatory
 and associated hardware for   airframe or within    Service Bulletin 55-
 corrosion (i.e., pitting or   the next 12           JA020543, Original
 a change of color in the      calendar months       Issue: October 24,
 surface) and wear (damage).   after April 7, 2003   2002.
                               (the effective date
                               of this AD),
                               whichever occurs
                               later. Repetitively
                               inspect thereafter
                               at intervals not to
                               exceed 8 years.
-----------------------------
(2) If corrosion or wear is   Prior to further      In accordance with
 found during any inspection   flight after the      British Aerospace
 required in paragraph         inspection in which   Jetstream Mandatory
 (d)(1) of this AD, replace    the damage was        Service Bulletin 55-
 or repair any damaged part    found.                JA020543, Original
 in accordance with the                              Issue: October 24,
 procedures specified in the                         2002.
 manufacturer's service
 bulletin.
(3) Visually inspect the      Initially inspect     In accordance with
 forward and rear horizontal   upon accumulating 8   British Aerospace
 and vertical stabilizer       years on the          Jetstream Mandatory
 attachment fittings and the   airframe or within    Service Bulletin 55-
 forward eye bolts of the      the next 12           JA020543, Original
 vertical stabilizer for       calendar months       Issue: October 24,
 corrosion or damage at the    after April 7, 2003   2002.
 lug faces.                    (the effective date
                               of this AD),
                               whichever occurs
                               later. Repetitively
                               inspect thereafter
                               at intervals not to
                               exceed 8 years.
(4) If corrosion or damage    Prior to further      Repair in accordance
 is found during any           flight after the      with the repair
 inspection required in        inspection in which   scheme obtained
 paragraph (d)(3) of this      the damage was        from British
 AD:.                          found.                Aerospace Regional
(i) Replace or repair any                            Aircraft, Prestwick
 damaged part in accordance                          International
 with the procedures                                 Airport, Ayrshire,
 specified in the                                    KA92RW, Scotland.
 manufacturer's service                              Obtain this repair
 bulletin; or.                                       scheme through the
(ii) If damage exceeds the                           FAA at the address
 limits defined in the                               specified in
 manufacturer's service                              paragraph (f) of
 bulletin, obtain a repair                           this AD.
 scheme from the
 manufacturer through the
 FAA at the address
 specified in paragraph (f)
 of this AD; and.
(iii) Incorporate this
 repair scheme.
------------------------------------------------------------------------



[[Page 7904]]

    Note 1: Although not required by this AD, FAA highly recommends 
you accomplish Highly Recommended Corrosion Prevention Tasks in 
British Aerospace Jetstream Service Bulletin 55-JA020544, Original 
Issue: October 24, 2002, upon accomplishing the initial inspection 
of this AD and during repetitive inspections if damage is found.

    (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, Standards Office, 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, Standards Office.

    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 Doug Rudolph, Aerospace 
Engineer, FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Room 301, 
Kansas City, Missouri 64106; telephone: (816)
    329-4059; 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 
Sec. Sec.  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) Are any service bulletins incorporated into this AD by 
reference? Actions required by this AD must be done in accordance 
with British Aerospace Jetstream Mandatory Service Bulletin 55-
JA020543, Original Issue: October 24, 2002. The Director of the 
Federal Register approved this incorporation by reference under 5 
U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. You may get copies from British 
Aerospace Regional Aircraft, Prestwick International Airport, 
Ayrshire, KA9 2RW, Scotland; telephone: (01292) 672345; facsimile: 
(01292) 671625. You may view copies at the FAA, Central Region, 
Office of the Regional Counsel, 901 Locust, Room 506, Kansas City, 
Missouri, 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 Aerospace 
Jetstream Mandatory Service Bulletin 55-JA020543, Original Issue: 
October 24, 2002. This service bulletin is classified as mandatory 
by the United Kingdom Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).

    (i) When does this amendment become effective? This amendment 
becomes effective on April 7, 2003.

    Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on February 7, 2003.
Dorenda D. Baker,
Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 03-3613 Filed 2-18-03; 8:45 am]
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