[Federal Register Volume 69, Number 37 (Wednesday, February 25, 2004)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 8576-8578]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 04-4048]


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

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2001-NM-288-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; BAE Systems (Operations) Limited 
(Jetstream) Model 4101 Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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

SUMMARY: This document proposes the adoption of a new airworthiness 
directive (AD) that is applicable to all BAE Systems (Operations) 
Limited (Jetstream) Model 4101 airplanes. This proposal would require a 
review of airplane maintenance records and an inspection of the nose 
landing gear (NLG) to determine the part number of the steering pinion, 
and follow-on/corrective actions as applicable. The actions specified 
by the proposed AD are intended to prevent failure of the steering 
pinion in the NLG, which could result in loss of steering and possible 
damage to the airplane during takeoff and landing. This action is 
intended to address the identified unsafe condition.

DATES: Comments must be received by March 26, 2004.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114, 
Attention: Rules Docket No. 2001-NM-288-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., 
Renton, Washington 98055-4056. Comments may be inspected at this 
location between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m., Monday through Friday, except 
Federal holidays. Comments may be submitted via fax to (425) 227-1232. 
Comments may also be sent via the Internet using the following address: 
[email protected]. Comments sent via fax or the Internet must 
contain ``Docket No. 2001-NM-288-AD'' in the subject line and need not 
be submitted in triplicate. Comments sent via the Internet as attached 
electronic files must be formatted in Microsoft Word 97 or 2000 or 
ASCII text.
    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: Todd Thompson, Aerospace Engineer, 
International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056; telephone (425) 
227-1175; 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 action may be changed in 
light of the comments received.
    Submit comments using the following format:
     Organize comments issue-by-issue. For example, 
discuss a request to change the compliance time and a request to change 
the service bulletin reference as two separate issues.
     For each issue, state what specific change to 
the proposed AD is being requested.
     Include justification (e.g., reasons or data) 
for each request.
    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 action must submit a self-addressed, 
stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: ``Comments 
to Docket Number 2001-NM-288-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. 2001-NM-288-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 
98055-4056.

Discussion

    The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), which is the airworthiness 
authority for the United Kingdom, notified the FAA that an unsafe 
condition may exist on all BAE Systems (Operations) Limited (Jetstream) 
Model 4101 airplanes. The CAA advises that the manufacturer of the 
landing gear reported that a batch of steering pinions installed in the 
nose landing gear (NLG) were incorrectly heat treated, resulting in a 
softer base metal and reduced fatigue life. A steering pinion with 
reduced strength can affect the structural integrity of the NLG. This 
condition, if not corrected, could result in failure of the steering 
pinion in the NLG, and consequent loss of steering and possible damage 
to the airplane during takeoff and landing.

[[Page 8577]]

Explanation of Relevant Service Information

    BAE Systems (Operations) Limited has issued Service Bulletin J41-
32-076, dated July 3, 2001, which reduces the life limit of the 
steering pinion from 60,000 cycles to 12,000 cycles. Part 1 of the 
Accomplishment Instructions of the service bulletin describes 
procedures for identification of the part number for the steering 
pinion located in the NLG, including a review of airplane maintenance 
records and an inspection of the NLG to identify the part number, gear 
overhaul status, and total cycles since new and since overhaul; and 
establishing the replacement threshold for the steering pinion. For 
certain airplanes, the procedures include temporarily installing a 
placard in the flight deck prohibiting powered pushbacks. Also for 
certain airplanes, Part 2 of the Accomplishment Instructions of the 
service bulletin describes procedures of replacing the NLG with a 
serviceable NLG, and a functional test.
    BAE Systems (Operations) Limited has also issued Service Bulletin 
J41-32-077, dated August 31, 2001, which includes procedures for 
installing a NLG having a new, improved steering pinion with a life 
limit of 60,000 landings; and a functional test of the landing gear. 
Accomplishment of this service bulletin restores the life limit of the 
steering pinion to 60,000 landings.
    Accomplishment of the actions specified in these service bulletins 
is intended to adequately address the identified unsafe condition. The 
CAA classified Service Bulletin J41-32-076 as mandatory and issued 
British airworthiness directive 001-07-2001 to ensure 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 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 AD

    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 service bulletins described previously, 
except as discussed below.

Clarification of Terminology and Applicability

    BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Service Bulletin J41-32-076 refers 
to the number of ``cycles'' on the NLG. Service Bulletin J41-32-077 
refers to the number of ``landings'' on the NLG. For consistency we use 
the term ``landings'' throughout the body of this proposed AD.
    The effectivity in the service bulletins and the applicability of 
the British airworthiness directive reference ``all series 4100 
aircraft.'' Of the series 4100 airplanes, only Model Jetstream 4101 has 
been type certificated in the United States. The applicability for this 
proposed AD is all Model Jetstream 4101 airplanes.

Difference Among the Proposed AD, British Airworthiness Directive, and 
Service Bulletins

    Part 1 of the Accomplishment Instructions of BAE Systems 
(Operations) Limited Service Bulletin J41-32-076 refers to steering 
pinion part number (P/N) AIR131714. BAE states that this part is 
acceptable as a serviceable replacement part for the existing steering 
pinion and was included in the service bulletin to remind operators 
that it has a fatigue life of 19,000 cycles instead of 12,000 cycles. 
This part number is not referenced in the British airworthiness 
directive, but a paragraph referencing this part has been included in 
this proposed AD. This difference has been coordinated with the CAA.
    The service bulletins referenced in this proposed AD specify to 
notify the manufacturer when the actions in the service bulletins have 
been accomplished; however, this proposed AD does not include such a 
requirement.

Cost Impact

    The FAA estimates that 57 airplanes of U.S. registry would be 
affected by this proposed AD, that it would take approximately 14 work 
hours per airplane to accomplish the proposed identification of the P/N 
for the steering pinion in Part 1 of BAE Systems (Operations) Limited 
Service Bulletin J41-32-076, and that the average labor rate is $65 per 
work hour. The cost for a temporary placard, if required, would be 
minimal. Based on these figures, the cost impact of the proposed P/N 
identification is estimated to be $51,870, or $910 per airplane.
    Should an operator be required to replace a steering pinion per 
Part 2 of BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Service Bulletin J41-32-076, 
it would take approximately 16 work hours per airplane, at an average 
labor rate of $65 per work hour. The manufacturer of the NLG would 
provide parts to affected operators at no cost. Based on these figures, 
the cost impact of the replacement is estimated to be $1,040 per 
airplane.
    The cost impact figures discussed above are 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. The cost impact figures 
discussed in AD rulemaking actions represent only the time necessary to 
perform the specific actions actually required by the AD. These figures 
typically do not include incidental costs, such as the time required to 
gain access and close up, planning time, or time necessitated by other 
administrative actions.

Regulatory Impact

    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 proposal would not have federalism implications 
under Executive Order 13132.
    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.

[[Page 8578]]

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:

BAE Systems (Operations) Limited (Formerly British Aerospace 
Regional Aircraft): Docket 2001-NM-288-AD.

    Applicability: All Model Jetstream 4101 airplanes, certificated 
in any category.
    Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished 
previously.
    To prevent failure of the steering pinion in the nose landing 
gear (NLG), which could result in a loss of steering and possible 
damage to the airplane during takeoff and landing, accomplish the 
following:

Identification of Steering Pinion Part Number and Follow-on/Corrective 
Actions

    (a) Within 60 days after the effective date of this AD: Do a 
review of the airplane maintenance records and a general visual 
inspection of the NLG to identify the part number (P/N) of the 
steering pinion, and to determine the total cycles since new and 
since overhaul of the NLG, by accomplishing all of the applicable 
actions in accordance with Part 1 of the Accomplishment Instructions 
of BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Service Bulletin J41-32-076, 
dated July 3, 2001.

    Note 1: For the purposes of this AD, a general visual inspection 
is defined as: ``A visual examination of an interior or exterior 
area, installation, or assembly to detect obvious damage, failure, 
or irregularity. This level of inspection is made from within 
touching distance unless otherwise specified. A mirror may be 
necessary to enhance visual access to all exposed surfaces in the 
inspection area. This level of inspection is made under normally 
available lighting conditions such as daylight, hangar lighting, 
flashlight, or droplight and may require removal or opening of 
access panels or doors. Stands, ladders, or platforms may be 
required to gain proximity to the area being checked.''

    (b) If the steering pinion P/N is identified as AIR136088, and 
the NLG has more than 12,000 total landings since new or overhaul: 
Before further flight, after accomplishing the actions required by 
paragraph (a) of this AD, install a temporary placard prohibiting 
pushback with engines running in accordance with Part 1 of the 
Accomplishment Instructions of BAE Systems (Operations) Limited 
Service Bulletin J41-32-076, dated July 3, 2001.
    (c) Based on the criteria in the Accomplishment Instructions of 
BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Service Bulletin J41-32-076, dated 
July 3, 2001, if it is determined that the NLG must be replaced with 
a serviceable NLG, accomplish the replacement in accordance with the 
Accomplishment Instructions of the service bulletin. Do the 
replacement at the later of the times specified in paragraphs (c)(i) 
and (c)(ii) of this AD. After replacement of an existing NLG the 
temporary placard required by paragraph (b) of this AD may be 
removed from the airplane.
    (i) Prior to the accumulation of 12,000 total landings on the 
NLG since new or overhaul.
    (ii) Within 1,000 landings or 16 months after the effective date 
of this AD, whichever occurs first.

Repetitive Replacement

    (d) After the initial replacement of a NLG as required by 
paragraph (c) of this AD: Replace the NLG with a serviceable NLG 
thereafter at intervals not to exceed 12,000 landings on the NLG, 
until accomplishment of paragraph (f) of this AD.
    (e) If P/N AIR131714 is installed on the airplane, or if an 
operator installs this P/N as a serviceable replacement part, this 
part must be replaced at or before the accumulation of 19,000 total 
landings on the part, and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 
19,000 total landings on the part, until accomplishment of paragraph 
(f) of this AD.
    (f) Replacement of a NLG with a new NLG having P/N AIR83586-18, 
or any P/N AIR83586-xx (where xx represents the ``dash'' number of 
the part) with ``mod 19 strike-off'' recorded on the nameplate, in 
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of BAE Systems 
(Operations) Limited Service Bulletin J41-32-077, dated August 31, 
2001, restores the life limits of the steering pinion to 60,000 
landings on the NLG. Replace the NLG thereafter at intervals not to 
exceed 60,000 landings on the NLG.

Submission of Information to Manufacturer Not Required

    (g) Although the service bulletins referenced in this AD specify 
to notify the manufacturer when the actions in the service bulletins 
have been accomplished, this AD does not include such a requirement.

Alternative Methods of Compliance

    (h) In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, the Manager, International 
Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, is authorized 
to approve alternative methods of compliance for this AD.

    Note 2: The subject of this AD is addressed in British 
airworthiness directive 001-07-2001.


    Issued in Renton, Washington, on February 17, 2004.
Ali Bahrami,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 04-4048 Filed 2-24-04; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P