[Federal Register Volume 74, Number 149 (Wednesday, August 5, 2009)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 38912-38914]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E9-18018]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2009-0463; Directorate Identifier 2008-NM-065-AD; 
Amendment 39-15984; AD 2009-16-01]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; BAE Systems (Operations) Limited 
(Jetstream) Model 4101 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) 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 that can lead to loss of a 
nose wheel. Any combination of excessive wear and/or adverse 
tolerances on the axle inner cone, outer cone or wheel hub splined 
sleeve cones can result 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 can result in the wheel having free play along 
the length of the axle. This condition, if not corrected, can result 
in breakage of the wheel nut lock plate leading to unscrewing of the 
wheel retention nut and subsequent separation of the nose wheel from 
the landing gear axle.
* * * * *
We are issuing this AD to require actions to correct the unsafe 
condition on these products.

DATES: This AD becomes effective September 9, 2009.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of September 9, 
2009.

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

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Todd Thompson, Aerospace Engineer, 
International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356; telephone (425) 
227-1175; fax (425) 227-1149.

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 20, 2009 (74 FR 
23671). That NPRM proposed to correct an unsafe condition for the 
specified products. The MCAI states:

    A failure mode has been identified that can lead to loss of a 
nose wheel. Any combination of excessive wear and/or adverse 
tolerances on the axle inner cone, outer cone or wheel hub splined 
sleeve cones

[[Page 38913]]

can result 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 can result in the wheel having free play along the length 
of the axle. This condition, if not corrected, can result in 
breakage of the wheel nut lock plate leading to unscrewing of the 
wheel retention nut 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.

Required actions include inspecting the lock plate for damage 
(including excessive wear) and cracking, and replacing the lock plate 
with a new or serviceable part if any damage or cracking is found; 
inspecting the wheel nut for damage, and replacing any damaged nut with 
a new or serviceable part; and measuring the gap between the inner 
flange of the outer cone (at each of the three sections) and the end 
face of the axle to determine if parts are worn, and replacing worn 
parts with new or serviceable parts. You may obtain further information 
by examining the MCAI in the AD docket.

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.

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 our FAA policies. Any such differences 
are highlighted in a NOTE within the AD.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD will affect 7 products of U.S. registry. 
We also estimate that it will take about 4 work-hours per product to 
comply with the basic requirements of this AD. The average labor rate 
is $80 per work-hour. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of 
this AD to the U.S. operators to be $2,240, or $320 per product.

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 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 AD and placed it in the AD docket.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov; or in person at the Docket Operations office 
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 Operations 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:

2009-16-01 BAE Systems (Operations) Limited (Formerly British 
Aerospace Regional Aircraft): Amendment 39-15984. Docket No. FAA-
2009-0463; Directorate Identifier 2008-NM-065-AD.

Effective Date

    (a) This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective 
September 9, 2009.

Affected ADs

    (b) None.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Model 
Jetstream 4101 airplanes, certificated in any category, all models, 
all serial numbers.

Subject

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

Reason

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

    A failure mode has been identified that can lead to loss of a 
nose wheel. Any combination of excessive wear and/or adverse 
tolerances on the axle inner cone, outer cone or wheel hub splined 
sleeve cones can result 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 can result in the wheel having free play along 
the length of the axle. This condition, if not corrected, can result 
in breakage of the wheel nut lock plate leading to unscrewing of the 
wheel retention nut 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.

Required actions include inspecting the lock plate for damage 
(including excessive wear) and cracking, and replacing the lock 
plate with a new or serviceable part if any damage or cracking is 
found; inspecting the wheel

[[Page 38914]]

nut for damage, and replacing any damaged nut with a new or 
serviceable part; and measuring the gap between the inner flange of 
the outer cone (at each of the three sections) and the end face of 
the axle to determine if parts are worn, and replacing worn parts 
with new or serviceable parts.

Actions and Compliance

    (f) Unless already done, do the following actions for the left 
and right nose wheel attachments to the axle.
    (1) Within 3 months after the effective date of this AD, inspect 
the lock plate for damage (including excessive wear) and cracking, 
inspect the wheel nut for damage, and measure the gap between the 
inner flange of the outer cone and the end face of the axle to 
determine if parts are worn, in accordance with paragraph 2.B. of 
BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Service Bulletin J41-32-086, dated 
June 27, 2007.
    (2) If, during any inspection required by paragraph (f)(1) of 
this AD, any damage or cracking of the lock plate is found, before 
further flight, replace the lock plate with a new or serviceable 
part, in accordance with paragraph 2.B. of BAE Systems (Operations) 
Limited Service Bulletin J41-32-086, dated June 27, 2007.
    (3) If, during any inspection required by paragraph (f)(1) of 
this AD, any damage of the wheel nut is found, before further 
flight, replace the wheel nut with a new or serviceable part, in 
accordance with paragraph 2.B. of BAE Systems (Operations) Limited 
Service Bulletin J41-32-086, dated June 27, 2007.
    (4) If, during any measurement required by paragraph (f)(1) of 
this AD, the measured gap size is found to be less than 0.002 inch 
(0.05 mm), before further flight, replace any worn parts with new or 
serviceable parts, in accordance with paragraph 2.B. of BAE Systems 
(Operations) Limited Service Bulletin J41-32-086, dated June 27, 
2007. Within 3,000 flight hours after doing the replacement, repeat 
the actions for the left and right nose wheel attachments to the 
axle that are required by paragraph (f)(1) of this AD.
    (5) If, during any measurement required by paragraph (f)(1) of 
this AD, the measured gap size is equal to or more than 0.002 inch 
(0.05 mm), repeat the actions for the left and right nose wheel 
attachments to the axle that are required by paragraph (f)(1) of 
this AD thereafter at intervals not to exceed the value indicated in 
Table 1 of this AD, depending on the exact finding. If, during any 
repeat inspection, the finding has changed to another value (see 
Table 1), adjust the new interval accordingly.

                  Table 1--Repeat Inspection Intervals
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                Repeat
                                                              inspection
                     Measured gap size                       interval in
                                                                flight
                                                                hours
------------------------------------------------------------------------
0.002 inch to 0.005 inch inclusive (0.05/0.13mm)...........          500
Greater than 0.005 inch to less than or equal to 0.010 inch        1,000
 (0.13/0.25mm).............................................
Greater than 0.010 inch to less than or equal to 0.020 inch        2,000
 (0.25/0.51mm).............................................
Greater than 0.020 inch (0.51mm)...........................        3,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------


    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: Although BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Service 
Bulletin J41-32-086, dated June 27, 2007, does not specify an 
inspection following the replacement of the left and right nose 
wheel attachment to the axle for measurements less than 0.002 inch, 
paragraph (f)(4) of this AD requires an inspection within 3,000 
flight hours after replacing the part.

Other FAA AD Provisions

    (g) The following provisions also apply to this AD:
    (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, 
International Branch, 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: Todd Thompson, Aerospace Engineer, 
International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356; telephone 
(425) 227-1175; fax (425) 227-1149. Before using any approved AMOC 
on any airplane to which the AMOC applies, notify your principal 
maintenance inspector (PMI) or principal avionics inspector (PAI), 
as appropriate, or lacking a principal inspector, your local Flight 
Standards District Office.
    (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, 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 Airworthiness 
Directive 2008-0036, dated February 22, 2008; and BAE Systems 
(Operations) Limited Service Bulletin J41-32-086, dated June 27, 
2007; for related information.

Material Incorporated by Reference

    (i) You must use BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Service 
Bulletin J41-32-086, dated June 27, 2007, 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 Regional Aircraft, 13850 McLearen Road, Herndon, Virginia 
20171; telephone 703-736-1080; e-mail [email protected]; 
Internet http://www.baesystems.com/Businesses/RegionalAircraft/index.htm.
    (3) You may review copies of the service information at the FAA, 
Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, 
Washington. For information on the availability of this material at 
the FAA, call 425-227-1221 or 425-227-1152.
    (4) You may also review copies of the service information that 
is incorporated by reference 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/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on July 22, 2009.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. E9-18018 Filed 8-4-09; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P