[Federal Register Volume 73, Number 62 (Monday, March 31, 2008)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 16790-16792]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E8-6509]



[[Page 16790]]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2008-0369; Directorate Identifier 2008-CE-015-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; British Aerospace Regional Aircraft 
Model HP. 137 Jetstream MK 1, Jetstream Series 200, 3100, and 3200 
Airplanes

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

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the 
products listed above. This proposed AD results from mandatory 
continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) originated 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:

    A failure mode has been identified following the examination of 
parts from another aircraft type (Jetstream 4100 series) that can 
lead to the loss of a nose-wheel. The Jetstream (HP.137) Mk1, 200, 
3100 and 200 series use a similar method for retaining the wheel 
assemblies on the landing gear axle and can therefore experience the 
same type of failure, i.e. a combination of excessive wear and/or 
adverse tolerances on the axle inner cone, outer cone or wheel hub 
splined sleeve cones resulting in the loss of the critical gap 
between the inner flange face of the wheel outer cone and the axle 
end face. If this gap is lost, it results in the wheel having free 
play along the length of the axle. This condition, if not corrected, 
can cause the wheel nut lock plate to break, leading to the wheel 
retention nut unscrewing and subsequent separation of the nose wheel 
from the landing gear axle.

    The proposed AD would require actions that are intended to address 
the unsafe condition described in the MCAI.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by April 30, 2008.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments by any of the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
     Fax: (202) 493-2251.
     Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590.
     Hand Delivery: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., 
Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.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 this proposed AD, 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.

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

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

    We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or 
arguments about this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address 
listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2008-0369; 
Directorate Identifier 2008-CE-015-AD'' at the beginning of your 
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this proposed AD. We 
will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend 
this proposed AD because of those comments.
    We will post all comments we receive, without change, to http://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. We 
will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact we 
receive about this proposed AD.

Discussion

    The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical 
Agent for the Member States of the European Community, has issued AD 
No: 2008-0037, dated February 22, 2008 (referred to after this as ``the 
MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for the specified products. The 
MCAI states:

    A failure mode has been identified following the examination of 
parts from another aircraft type (Jetstream 4100 series) that can 
lead to the loss of a nose-wheel. The Jetstream (HP.137) Mk1, 200, 
3100 and 3200 series use a similar method for retaining the wheel 
assemblies on the landing gear axle and can therefore experience the 
same type of failure, i.e. a combination of excessive wear and/or 
adverse tolerances on the axle inner cone, outer cone or wheel hub 
splined sleeve cones resulting in the loss of the critical gap 
between the inner flange face of the wheel outer cone and the axle 
end face. If this gap is lost, it results in the wheel having free 
play along the length of the axle. This condition, if not corrected, 
can cause the wheel nut lock plate to break, leading to the wheel 
retention nut unscrewing and subsequent separation of the nose wheel 
from the landing gear axle.
    For the reasons described above, this AD requires repetitive 
inspections of the nose landing gear to ensure that the wheels are 
correctly retained and, depending on findings, replacement of worn 
parts.

You may obtain further information by examining the MCAI in the AD 
docket.

Relevant Service Information

    British Aerospace Regional Aircraft has issued British Aerospace 
Jetstream Series 3100 and 3200 Service Bulletin 32-JA070241, dated July 
13, 2007. The actions described in this service information are 
intended to correct the unsafe condition identified in the MCAI.

FAA's Determination and Requirements of the Proposed AD

    This product has been approved by the aviation authority of another 
country, and is approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant 
to our bilateral agreement with this State of Design Authority, they 
have notified us of the unsafe condition described in the MCAI and 
service information referenced above. We are proposing this AD because 
we evaluated all information and determined the unsafe condition exists 
and is likely to exist or develop on other products of the same type 
design.

Differences Between This Proposed 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 proposed 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 proposed AD.

[[Page 16791]]

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD will affect 190 products of U.S. 
registry. We also estimate that it would take about 1 work-hour per 
product to comply with the basic requirements of this proposed AD. The 
average labor rate is $80 per work-hour.
    Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of the proposed AD on 
U.S. operators to be $15,200, or $80 per product.
    In addition, we estimate that any necessary follow-on actions would 
take about 1 work-hour and require parts costing $250, for a cost of 
$330 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 proposed AD would not have federalism 
implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD 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.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify 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. 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 proposed AD and placed it in the AD docket.

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 FAA proposes to amend 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. The FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by adding the following new AD:

British Aerospace Regional Aircraft: Docket No. FAA-2008-0369; 
Directorate Identifier 2008-CE-015-AD.

Comments Due Date

    (a) We must receive comments by April 30, 2008.

Affected ADs

    (b) None.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to Model HP. 137 Jetstream MK 1, Jetstream 
Series 200, 3100, and 3200 airplanes, all serial numbers, 
certificated in any category.

Subject

    (d) Air Transport Association of America (ATA) Code 32: Landing 
Gear.

Reason

    (e) The mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) 
states:
    A failure mode has been identified following the examination of 
parts from another aircraft type (Jetstream 4100 series) that can 
lead to the loss of a nose wheel. The Jetstream (HP.137) Mk1, 200, 
3100 and 3200 series use a similar method for retaining the wheel 
assemblies on the landing gear axle and can therefore experience the 
same type of failure, i.e. a combination of excessive wear and/or 
adverse tolerances on the axle inner cone, outer cone or wheel hub 
splined sleeve cones resulting in the loss of the critical gap 
between the inner flange face of the wheel outer cone and the axle 
end face. If this gap is lost, it results in the wheel having free 
play along the length of the axle. This condition, if not corrected, 
can cause the wheel nut lock plate to break, leading to the wheel 
retention nut unscrewing and subsequent separation of the nose wheel 
from the landing gear axle.
    For the reasons described above, this AD requires repetitive 
inspections of the nose landing gear to ensure that the wheels are 
correctly retained and, depending on findings, replacement of worn 
parts.

Actions and Compliance

    (f) Unless already done, do the following actions:
    (1) Within the next 3 months after the effective date of this 
AD, initially inspect the left and right nose wheel attachments to 
the axle following British Aerospace Jetstream Series 3100 and 3200 
Service Bulletin 32-JA070241, dated July 13, 2007.
    (2) Repetitively thereafter inspect the left and right nose 
wheel attachments to the axle at the intervals specified in Table 1 
of this AD following British Aerospace Jetstream Series 3100 and 
3200 Service Bulletin 32-JA070241, dated July 13, 2007. If during 
any repetitive inspection the gap measurement changes from the 
previous inspection measurement, adjust the repetitive inspection 
interval as necessary based on Table 1 of this AD.

                Table 1.--Repetitive Inspection Intervals
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                                            Then repetitively inspect at
       If the measured gap size is:           the following intervals:
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0.002 to 0.005 inches (0.05 to 0.13 mm)...  Within 500 hours TIS.
More than 0.005 to 0.010 inches (0.13 to    Within 1,000 hours TIS.
 0.25 mm).
More than 0.010 to 0.020 inches (0.25 to    Within 2,000 hours TIS.
 0.51 mm).
More than 0.020 inches (0.51 mm)..........  Within 3,000 hours TIS.
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    (3) Before further flight, if during any of the inspections 
required in paragraphs (f)(1) or (f)(2) of this AD you find the gap 
between the inner flange of the outer cone and the axle end face is 
less than 0.002 inches (0.05 mm), replace all worn parts.

    Note 1: Replacement of parts does not constitute terminating 
action for the inspection requirements of this AD.

FAA AD Differences

    Note 2: This AD differs from the MCAI and/or service information 
as follows: No differences.

Other FAA AD Provisions

    (g) The following provisions also apply to this AD:
    (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, 
Standards Office, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this 
AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. Send 
information to 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. 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

[[Page 16792]]

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 MCAI European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD No: 
2008-0037, dated February 22, 2008; and British Aerospace Jetstream 
Series 3100 and 3200 Service Bulletin 32-JA070241, dated July 13, 
2007, for related information.

    Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on March 21, 2008.
David R. Showers,
Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
 [FR Doc. E8-6509 Filed 3-28-08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P