[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 51 (Wednesday, March 16, 2011)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 14349-14351]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-6097]



[[Page 14349]]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2011-0230; Directorate Identifier 2011-CE-004-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; British Aerospace Regional Aircraft 
Model 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: 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:

    As a result of fatigue-testing programme on Jetstream 
aeroplanes, cracks have been found on the main landing gear (MLG) 
fittings that embody modifications JM5218 or JM8003.
    This condition, if not detected and corrected, could lead to a 
MLG collapse on the ground or during landing, possibly resulting in 
a fuel tank rupture, consequent damage to the aeroplane or injury to 
the occupants.

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 May 2, 2011.

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.
    For service information identified in this proposed AD, contact BAE 
Systems (Operations) Ltd, Customer Information Department, Prestwick 
International Airport, Ayrshire, KA9 2RW, Scotland, United Kingdom; 
phone: +44 1292 675207, fax: +44 1292 675704; e-mail: 
[email protected]. You may review copies of the referenced 
service information at the FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, 
Kansas City, Missouri 64106. For information on the availability of 
this material at the FAA, call 816-329-4148.

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-2011-0230; 
Directorate Identifier 2011-CE-004-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. 2011-0016, dated February 1, 2011 (referred to after this as ``the 
MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for the specified products.. 
The MCAI states:

    As a result of fatigue-testing programme on Jetstream 
aeroplanes, cracks have been found on the main landing gear (MLG) 
fittings that embody modifications JM5218 or JM8003.
    This condition, if not detected and corrected, could lead to a 
MLG collapse on the ground or during landing, possibly resulting in 
a fuel tank rupture, consequent damage to the aeroplane or injury to 
the occupants.
    Analysis of this failure indicates that an inspection regime has 
to be implemented in order to ensure the safe operation of the MLG 
beyond the accumulation of 41,000 Flight Cycles (FC).
    For the reasons described above, this AD requires initial and 
repetitive eddy current inspections, and depending on findings, 
accomplishment of corrective actions.

The MCAI requires replacing or repairing any cracked MLG fitting found 
during the initial and repetitive inspections. You may obtain further 
information by examining the MCAI in the AD docket.

Relevant Service Information

    BAE Systems has issued British Aerospace Jetstream Series 3100 & 
3200 Service Bulletin 32-JA090240, Revision 1, dated January 18, 2010. 
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.

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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 20 work-hours per 
product to comply with the basic requirements of this proposed AD. The 
average labor rate is $85 per work-hour.
    Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of the proposed AD on 
U.S. operators to be $323,000 or $1,700 per product.
    In addition, we estimate that any necessary follow-on actions would 
take about 4 work-hours and require parts costing $8,000, for a cost of 
$8,340 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, Incorporation by 
reference, 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-2011-0230; 
Directorate Identifier 2011-CE-004-AD.

Comments Due Date

    (a) We must receive comments by May 2, 2011.

Affected ADs

    (b) None.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to British Aerospace Regional Aircraft Model 
HP.137 Jetstream Mk.1, Jetstream Series 200, Jetstream Series 3101, 
and Jetstream Model 3201 airplanes, all serial numbers, that are:
    (1) Equipped with main landing gear (MLG) fittings, part number 
(P/N) 1379133B1/B2/B3/B4 that incorporate Modifications JM5218 or 
JM8003; and
    (2) 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:
    As a result of fatigue-testing programme on Jetstream 
aeroplanes, cracks have been found on the main landing gear (MLG) 
fittings that embody modifications JM5218 or JM8003.
    This condition, if not detected and corrected, could lead to a 
MLG collapse on the ground or during landing, possibly resulting in 
a fuel tank rupture, consequent damage to the aeroplane or injury to 
the occupants.
    Analysis of this failure indicates that an inspection regime has 
to be implemented in order to ensure the safe operation of the MLG 
beyond the accumulation of 41,000 Flight Cycles (FC).
    For the reasons described above, this AD requires initial and 
repetitive eddy current inspections, and depending on findings, 
accomplishment of corrective actions.

The MCAI requires replacing or repairing any cracked MLG fitting 
found during the initial and repetitive inspections. You may obtain 
further information by examining the MCAI in the AD docket.

Actions and Compliance

    (f) Unless already done, do the following actions:
    (1) Upon accumulating 41,000 flight cycles (landings) on the MLG 
since first installation or within the next 2,000 flight cycles 
(landings) on the MLG after the effective date of this AD, whichever 
occurs later, eddy current inspect all the MLG leg pivot beam 
fastener bores for cracks. Do the inspections following British 
Aerospace Jetstream Series 3100 & 3200 Service Bulletin 32-JA090240, 
Revision 1, dated January 18, 2010.
    (2) Before further flight after any inspection required in 
paragraphs (f)(1), (f)(2)(i), and (f)(2)(ii) of this AD in which 
cracks are found, replace the MLG fitting or repair any cracks. 
Cracks are defined in paragraph 2.D.(4) of British Aerospace 
Jetstream Series 3100 & 3200 Service Bulletin 32-JA090240, Revision 
1, dated January 18, 2010. Replace or repair the MLG fitting 
following British Aerospace Jetstream Series 3100 & 3200 Service 
Bulletin 32-JA090240, Revision 1, dated January 18, 2010. Any time 
the MLG fitting is repaired or replaced, do the following actions as 
applicable:
    (i) MLG fitting is replaced with a new MLG fitting as specified 
in paragraph (f)(2) of this AD: Upon accumulating 41,000 flight 
cycles (landings) after replacement, eddy current inspect all the 
MLG leg pivot beam fastener bores for cracks. Do the inspections 
following British Aerospace Jetstream Series 3100 & 3200 Service 
Bulletin 32-JA090240, Revision 1, dated January 18, 2010.
    (ii) MGL fitting is repaired as specified in paragraph (f)(2) of 
this AD: Upon accumulating 27,000 flight cycles (landings) after the 
last repair and repetitively thereafter at intervals not to exceed 
27,000 flight cycles (landings), eddy current inspect all the MLG 
leg pivot beam fastener bores for cracks. Do the inspections 
following British Aerospace Jetstream Series 3100 & 3200 Service 
Bulletin 32-JA090240, Revision 1, dated January 18, 2010.
    (3) If no cracks are found during any inspection required in 
paragraph (f)(1), (f)(2)(i), or (f)(2)(ii) of this AD, repetitively 
thereafter upon accumulating 27,000 flight cycles (landings) after 
the last inspection, eddy current inspect all the MLG leg pivot beam 
fastener bores for cracks.
    (4) As of the effective date of this AD, only install a MLG 
fitting specified in paragraph (c)(1) of this AD that has been eddy 
current inspected and found free of cracks following British 
Aerospace Jetstream Series 3100 & 3200 Service Bulletin 32-JA090240, 
Revision 1, dated January 18, 2010.
    (5) The compliance times of this AD are presented in flight 
cycles (landings). If the total flight cycles have not been kept, 
multiply the total number of airplane hours time-in-service by 0.75. 
For the purposes of this AD:
    (1) 75 cycles equals 100 hours TIS; and
    (2) 750 cycles equals 1,000 hours TIS.

    Note 1: Credit will be given for the inspection required in 
paragraph (f)(1) of this

[[Page 14351]]

AD and the corrective action required in paragraph (f)(2) of this AD 
if already done before the effective date of this AD following 
British Aerospace Jetstream Series 3100 & 3200 Service Bulletin 32-
JA090240, original issue dated April 29, 2009; and BEA Systems All 
Operator Message: Ref 09-014J-1, issue 1, dated July 31, 2009.

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 
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, a federal agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person 
is not required to respond to, nor shall a person be subject to a 
penalty for failure to comply with a collection of information 
subject to the requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act unless 
that collection of information displays a current valid OMB Control 
Number. The OMB Control Number for this information collection is 
2120-0056. Public reporting for this collection of information is 
estimated to be approximately 5 minutes per response, including the 
time for reviewing instructions, completing and reviewing the 
collection of information. All responses to this collection of 
information are mandatory. Comments concerning the accuracy of this 
burden and suggestions for reducing the burden should be directed to 
the FAA at: 800 Independence Ave. SW., Washington, DC 20591, Attn: 
Information Collection Clearance Officer, AES-200.

Related Information

    (h) Refer to MCAI European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD No. 
2011-0016, dated February 1, 2011; British Aerospace Jetstream 
Series 3100 & 3200 Service Bulletin 32-JA090240, original issue 
dated April 29, 2009; British Aerospace Jetstream Series 3100 & 3200 
Service Bulletin 32-JA090240, Revision 1, dated January 18, 2010; 
and BAE Systems All Operator Message: Ref 09-014J-1, issue 1 dated 
July 31, 2009, for related information. For service information 
related to this AD, contact BAE Systems (Operations) Ltd, Customer 
Information Department, Prestwick International Airport, Ayrshire, 
KA9 2RW, Scotland, United Kingdom; telephone: +44 1292 675207, fax: 
+44 1292 675704; e-mail: [email protected]. You may 
review copies of the referenced service information at the FAA, 
Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Kansas City, Missouri 64106. 
For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, 
call 816-329-4148.

    Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on March 10, 2011.
Earl Lawrence,
Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2011-6097 Filed 3-15-11; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P