[Federal Register Volume 69, Number 61 (Tuesday, March 30, 2004)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 16473-16474]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 04-6684]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2002-NM-63-AD; Amendment 39-13543; AD 2004-06-17]
RIN 2120-AA64


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

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), 
applicable to all BAE Systems (Operations) Limited (Jetstream) Model 
4101 airplanes, that requires repetitive inspections for damage of the 
horizontal and vertical stabilizer attachment fittings, and corrective 
action if necessary. This action is necessary to detect and correct 
damage of the horizontal and vertical stabilizer attachment fittings, 
which could result in reduced structural integrity of the horizontal 
and vertical stabilizers and consequent reduced controllability of the 
airplane. This action is intended to address the identified unsafe 
condition.

DATES: Effective May 4, 2004.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of May 4, 2004.

ADDRESSES: The service information referenced in this AD may be 
obtained from British Aerospace Regional Aircraft American Support, 
13850 Mclearen Road, Herndon, Virginia 20171. This information may be 
examined at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Transport 
Airplane Directorate, Rules Docket, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, 
Washington; or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol 
Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC.

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: A proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal 
Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) to include an airworthiness 
directive (AD) that is applicable to all BAE Systems (Operations) 
Limited (Jetstream) Model 4101 airplanes was published in the Federal 
Register on November 18, 2003 (68 FR 65006). That action proposed to 
require repetitive inspections for damage of the horizontal and 
vertical stabilizer attachment fittings, and corrective action if 
necessary.

Comments

    Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate 
in the making of this amendment. No comments were submitted in response 
to the proposal or the FAA's determination of the cost to the public.

Conclusion

    The FAA has determined that air safety and the public interest 
require the adoption of the rule as proposed.

Cost Impact

    The FAA estimates that 57 airplanes of U.S. registry will be 
affected by this AD, that it will take approximately 120 work hours per 
airplane to accomplish the required actions, and that the average labor 
rate is $65 per work hour. Based on these figures, the cost impact of 
the AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be $444,600, or $7,800 per 
airplane.
    The cost impact figure discussed above is based on assumptions that 
no operator has yet accomplished any of the 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 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.
    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 final evaluation has been prepared for this action 
and it is contained in the Rules Docket. A copy of it may be obtained 
from 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

0
Accordingly, pursuant to 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

0
1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:


[[Page 16474]]


    Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.


Sec.  39.13  [Amended]

0
2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding the following new airworthiness 
directive:

2004-06-17 BAE Systems (Operations) Limited (Formerly British 
Aerospace Regional Aircraft): Amendment 39-13543. Docket 2002-NM-63-
AD.

    Applicability: All Model Jetstream 4101 airplanes, certificated 
in any category.
    Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished 
previously.
    To detect and correct damage of the horizontal and vertical 
stabilizer attachment fittings, which could result in reduced 
structural integrity of the horizontal and vertical stabilizers and 
consequent reduced controllability of the airplane, accomplish the 
following:

Service Bulletin References

    (a) The following information pertains to the service bulletin 
referenced in this AD:
    (1) The term ``service bulletin'' as used in this AD means the 
Accomplishment Instructions of BAE Systems (Operations) Limited 
Service Bulletin J41-55-012, dated October 24, 2002.
    (2) Although the service bulletin referenced in this AD 
specifies to report all findings to the manufacturer by completing 
the Reporting Data Form on Figures 1, 2, 3, and 4 of the service 
bulletin, this AD does not include such a requirement.
    (3) Inspections and corrective actions accomplished before the 
effective date of this AD per BAE Systems (Operations) Limited 
Service Bulletin J41-55-011, dated January 25, 2002, are acceptable 
for compliance with the corresponding action required by this AD.

Repetitive Inspections

    (b) Within 2 years after the effective date of this AD, perform 
a detailed inspection for damage of the horizontal and vertical 
stabilizer attachment fittings by doing all actions in the service 
bulletin, per the service bulletin. Repeat the inspection at 
intervals not to exceed 8 years.

    Note 1: For the purposes of this AD, a detailed inspection is 
defined as: ``An intensive visual examination of a specific 
structural area, system, installation, or assembly to detect damage, 
failure, or irregularity. Available lighting is normally 
supplemented with a direct source of good lighting at intensity 
deemed appropriate by the inspector. Inspection aids such as mirror, 
magnifying lenses, etc., may be used. Surface cleaning and elaborate 
access procedures may be required.''

Repair

    (c) If any damage (cracks, corrosion, wear, fretting) is found 
during any inspection per paragraph (b) of this AD: Do the 
applicable corrective action specified in the service bulletin at 
the time specified in the service bulletin per the service bulletin, 
except as required by paragraph (d) of this AD.
    (d) If any damage is found that is outside the limits specified 
in the service bulletin, and the service bulletin recommends 
contacting BAE Systems (Operations) Limited for appropriate action: 
Before further flight, repair per a method approved by the Manager, 
International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate; 
or the Civil Aviation Authority (or its delegated agent).

    Note 2: The service bulletin refers to BAE Systems (Operations) 
Limited Service Bulletin J41-55-002; Revision 1, dated July 25, 
1996; as an additional source of service information for 
accomplishing certain actions.

Alternative Methods of Compliance

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

Incorporation by Reference

    (f) Unless otherwise specified in this AD, the actions shall be 
done in accordance with BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Service 
Bulletin J41-55-012, dated October 24, 2002. This incorporation by 
reference was approved by the Director of the Federal Register in 
accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. Copies may be 
obtained from British Aerospace Regional Aircraft American Support, 
13850 Mclearen Road, Herndon, Virginia 20171. Copies may be 
inspected at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind 
Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; 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 
airworthiness directive 005-10-2002.

Effective Date

    (g) This amendment becomes effective on May 4, 2004.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on March 19, 2004.
Kevin M. Mullin,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 04-6684 Filed 3-29-04; 8:45 am]
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