[Federal Register Volume 72, Number 137 (Wednesday, July 18, 2007)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 39310-39312]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E7-13793]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2007-27861 Directorate Identifier 2007-CE-035-AD; 
Amendment 39-15130; AD 2007-15-01]
RIN 2120-AA64


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

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of 
Transportation (DOT).

ACTION: Final Rule.

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SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the 
products listed above. This AD results from mandatory continuing 
airworthiness information (MCAI) issued by an aviation authority of 
another country to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an 
aviation product. The MCAI describes the unsafe condition as:

    In-service reports have been received by BAE of failed bolts 
fitted to frame 199 wing spigot post assembly. If left uncorrected 
failure of these bolts will severely compromise the structural 
integrity of the wing to fuselage attachment. Failure of which would 
lead to loss of the aircraft.

    We are issuing this AD to require actions to correct the unsafe 
condition on these products.

DATES: This AD becomes effective August 22, 2007.
    On August 22, 2007, the Director of the Federal Register approved 
the incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in this 
AD.

ADDRESSES: You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://dms.dot.gov or in person at Document Management Facility, U.S. 
Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West Building 
Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 
20590.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Taylor Martin, Aerospace Engineer, 
FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas City, 
Missouri 64106; telephone: (816) 329-4138; facsimile: (816) 329-4090.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Discussion

    We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR 
part 39 to include an AD that would apply to the specified products. 
That NPRM was published in the Federal Register on May 18, 2007 (72 FR 
28005). That NPRM proposed to correct an unsafe condition for the 
specified products. The MCAI states:

    In-service reports have been received by BAE of failed bolts 
fitted to frame 199 wing spigot post assembly. If left uncorrected 
failure of these bolts will severely compromise the structural 
integrity of the wing to fuselage attachment. Failure of which would 
lead to loss of the aircraft. To address these concerns, BAE issued 
SB 57-JA020740 original issue in February 2003 mandated by CAA AD 
006-02-2003. Recently received additional information has caused BAE 
to raise the Service Bulletin to revision 2. Revision 2 of the SB 
introduces various changes. One is substantive, it relates to the 
need to check for correct washer installation. Incorrect 
installation could lead to fretting and fatigue crack initiation in 
the fitting followed by failure or bending loads in the bolt leading 
to failure of the affected bolts. If left uncorrected failure of 
these bolts or a wing fitting will severely compromise the 
structural integrity of the wing to fuselage attachment. Failure of 
which would lead to loss of the aircraft. This substantive change to 
the service bulletin necessitates the raising of this superseding 
AD.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this AD. We received no comments on the NPRM or on the determination of 
the cost to the public.

Conclusion

    We reviewed the available data and determined that air safety and 
the public interest require adopting the AD as proposed.

[[Page 39311]]

Differences Between This AD and the MCAI or Service Information

    We have reviewed the MCAI and related service information and, in 
general, agree with their substance. But we might have found it 
necessary to use different words from those in the MCAI to ensure the 
AD is clear for U.S. operators and is enforceable. In making these 
changes, we do not intend to differ substantively from the information 
provided in the MCAI and related service information.
    We might also have required different actions in this AD from those 
in the MCAI in order to follow FAA policies. Any such differences are 
highlighted in a NOTE within the AD.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD will affect 195 products of U.S. registry. 
We also estimate that it will take about 50 work-hours per product to 
comply with basic requirements of this AD. The average labor rate is 
$80 per work-hour. Required parts will cost about $100 per product. 
Where the service information lists required parts costs that are 
covered under warranty, we have assumed that there will be no charge 
for these parts. As we do not control warranty coverage for affected 
parties, some parties may incur costs higher than estimated here. We 
estimate the cost of this AD to the U.S. operators to be $799,500, or 
$4,100 per product.
    In addition, we estimate that any necessary follow-on actions will 
take about 25 work-hours and require parts costing $100, for a cost of 
$2,100 per product. We have no way of determining the number of 
products that may need these actions.

Authority for This Rulemaking

    Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to 
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the 
authority of the FAA Administrator. ``Subtitle VII: Aviation 
Programs,'' describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's 
authority.
    We are issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in 
``Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: General 
requirements.'' Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with 
promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing 
regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator 
finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within 
the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition 
that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this 
rulemaking action.

Regulatory Findings

    We determined that this AD will not have federalism implications 
under Executive Order 13132. This AD 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.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify this AD:
    (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.
    We prepared a regulatory evaluation of the estimated costs to 
comply with this AD and placed it in the AD Docket.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://dms.dot.gov; or in person at the Docket Management Facility between 9 
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD 
docket contains the NPRM, the regulatory evaluation, any comments 
received, and other information. The street address for the Docket 
Office (telephone (800) 647-5527) is in the ADDRESSES section. Comments 
will be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by 
reference, Safety.

Adoption of the Amendment

0
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, 
the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows:

PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

0
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]

0
2. The FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by adding the following new AD:

2007-15-01 British Aerospace Regional Aircraft: Amendment 39-15130; 
Docket No. FAA-2007-27861; Directorate Identifier 2007-CE-035-AD.

Effective Date

    (a) This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective August 
22, 2007.

Affected ADs

    (b) None.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to Jetstream HP.137 Jetstream Mk.1, 
Jetstream Series 200, Jetstream Series 3101, and Jetstream Model 
3201 airplanes, all serial numbers, certificated in any category.

Subject

    (d) Air Transport Association of America (ATA) Code 57: Wings.

Reason

    (e) The mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) 
states:

    In-service reports have been received by BAE of failed bolts 
fitted to frame 199 wing spigot post assembly. If left uncorrected 
failure of these bolts will severely compromise the structural 
integrity of the wing to fuselage attachment. Failure of which would 
lead to loss of the aircraft. To address these concerns, BAE issued 
SB 57-JA020740 original issue in February 2003 mandated by CAA AD 
006-02-2003. Recently received additional information has caused BAE 
to raise the Service Bulletin to revision 2. Revision 2 of the SB 
introduces various changes. One is substantive, it relates to the 
need to check for correct washer installation. Incorrect 
installation could lead to fretting and fatigue crack initiation in 
the fitting followed by failure or bending loads in the bolt leading 
to failure of the affected bolts. If left uncorrected failure of 
these bolts or a wing fitting will severely compromise the 
structural integrity of the wing to fuselage attachment. Failure of 
which would lead to loss of the aircraft. This substantive change to 
the service bulletin necessitates the raising of this superseding 
AD.

Actions and Compliance

    (f) Unless already done, do the following actions using British 
Aerospace Jetstream Series 3100 and 3200 Service Bulletin 57-
JA020740, Revision 2, dated November 2, 2005.
    (1) Inspect and torque check the bolts at frame 199 at the 
following compliance times:
    (i) Initially within the next 90 days after August 22, 2007 (the 
effective date of this AD) or within the next 100 hours time-in-
service (TIS) after August 22, 2007 (the effective date of this AD), 
whichever occurs first; and
    (ii) Repetitively thereafter at intervals not to exceed 4,000 
hours TIS.
    (2) If any discrepancies are found in any of the inspections 
required in paragraph (f)(1) of this AD, before further flight, 
correct any discrepancies.

FAA AD Differences

    Note: This AD differs from the MCAI and/or service information 
as follows: We added repetitive inspection requirements in this AD 
to coincide with the service bulletin.

Other FAA AD Provisions

    (g) The following provisions also apply to this AD:
    (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, 
Standards Staff,

[[Page 39312]]

FAA, ATTN: Taylor Martin, Aerospace Engineer, FAA, Small Airplane 
Directorate, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas City, Missouri 64106; 
telephone: (816) 329-4138; fax: (816) 329-4090; has the authority to 
approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found 
in 14 CFR 39.19. Before using any approved AMOC on any airplane to 
which the AMOC applies, notify your appropriate principal inspector 
(PI) in the FAA Flight Standards District Office (FSDO), or lacking 
a PI, your local FSDO.
    (2) Airworthy Product: For any requirement in this AD to obtain 
corrective actions from a manufacturer or other source, use these 
actions if they are FAA-approved. Corrective actions are considered 
FAA-approved if they are approved by the State of Design Authority 
(or their delegated agent). You are required to assure the product 
is airworthy before it is returned to service.
    (3) Reporting Requirements: For any reporting requirement in 
this AD, under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act (44 
U.S.C. 3501 et seq.), the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has 
approved the information collection requirements and has assigned 
OMB Control Number 2120-0056.

Related Information

    (h) Refer to European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD No: G-
2006-0003, dated February 2, 2006; and BAE SYSTEMS Jetstream Series 
3100 and 3200 Service Bulletin 57-JA020740, Revision 2, dated 
November 2, 2005, for related information.

Material Incorporated by Reference

    You must use BAE SYSTEMS Jetstream Series 3100 and 3200 Service 
Bulletin 57-JA020740, Revision 2, dated November 2, 2005, to do the 
actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference of this service information under 5 
U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
    (2) For service information identified in this AD, contact BAE 
Systems, Prestwick International Airport, Ayrshire, KA9 2RW, 
Scotland.
    (3) You may review copies at the FAA, Central Region, Office of 
the Regional Counsel, 901 Locust, Room 506, Kansas City, Missouri 
64106; or at the National Archives and Records Administration 
(NARA). For information on the availability of this material at 
NARA, call 202-741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on July 9, 2007.
Sandra J. Campbell,
Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. E7-13793 Filed 7-17-07; 8:45 am]
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