[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 110 (Wednesday, June 8, 2022)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 34765-34767]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2022-12182]
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Rules and Regulations
Federal Register
________________________________________________________________________
This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains regulatory documents
having general applicability and legal effect, most of which are keyed
to and codified in the Code of Federal Regulations, which is published
under 50 titles pursuant to 44 U.S.C. 1510.
The Code of Federal Regulations is sold by the Superintendent of Documents.
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Federal Register / Vol. 87, No. 110 / Wednesday, June 8, 2022 / Rules
and Regulations
[[Page 34765]]
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2022-0285; Project Identifier MCAI-2021-01448-A;
Amendment 39-22066; AD 2022-11-16]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; British Aerospace (Operations) Limited
and British Aerospace Regional Aircraft Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all
British Aerospace (Operations) Limited Model Jetstream Model 3101
airplanes and British Aerospace Regional Aircraft Model Jetstream Model
3201 airplanes. This AD was prompted by 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 identifies the unsafe condition as stress
corrosion cracking of the primary flight control cable terminals. This
AD requires repetitively inspecting the turnbuckle type control cable
terminals in the rudder and elevator primary flight control circuits
for corrosion, pitting, and cracking and, depending on the inspection
results, replacing an affected cable assembly. The FAA is issuing this
AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective July 13, 2022.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of July 13,
2022.
ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule,
contact BAE Systems (Operations) Ltd., Customer Information Department,
Prestwick International Airport, Ayrshire, KA9 2RW, Scotland, United
Kingdom; phone: +44 3300 488727; fax: +44 1292 675704; email:
[email protected]; website: https://www.baesystems.com/businesses/regionalaircraft/. You may view this service information at
the FAA, Airworthiness Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 901
Locust, Kansas City, MO 64106. For information on the availability of
this material at the FAA, call (817) 222-5110. It is also available at
https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No.
FAA-2022-0285.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket at https://www.regulations.gov by
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2022-0285; or in person at
Docket Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday,
except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains this final rule, the
MCAI, any comments received, and other information. The address for
Docket Operations is 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: Doug Rudolph, Aviation Safety
Engineer, General Aviation & Rotorcraft Section, International
Validation Branch, FAA, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas City, MO 64106;
phone: (816) 329-4059; email: [email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14
CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to all British Aerospace
(Operations) Limited Model Jetstream Model 3101 and British Aerospace
Regional Aircraft Model Jetstream Model 3201 airplanes. The NPRM
published in the Federal Register on March 22, 2022 (87 FR 16118). The
NPRM was prompted by MCAI originated by the Civil Aviation Authority
(CAA), which is the aviation authority for the United Kingdom. CAA has
issued AD G-2021-0017, dated December 21, 2021 (referred to after this
as ``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition on all BAE Systems
(Operations) Limited Model Jetstream Series 3100 and Series 3200
airplanes. The MCAI states:
There were reports of cable terminal failures on a variety of
civil aircraft types (which did not include the Jetstream 3100 &
3200 series aircraft). These reports were initially made in the USA,
Australia & New Zealand. Subsequent investigations identified that
the failed terminals were made from the same material specification;
MS21260, which calls up materials SAE303Se or SAE304 stainless
steel. It is understood that these corrosion resistant steels are
susceptible to Stress Corrosion Cracking (SCC) in service when
subject to contamination.
BAE Systems (Operations) Ltd recognises that SAE 303Se and 304
stainless steels are used in the primary flight control cable
terminal of the Jetstream 3100 & 3200 series aircraft.
The Jetstream 3100 & 3200 series aircraft feature a single path
for the elevator and rudder primary control cable circuits. For the
elevator circuit, a potential unsafe condition exists if an elevator
cable terminal fails at any point in the primary elevator system aft
of the dual flight controls in the cockpit, because this would
result in a loss of primary elevator control. This is only
considered unsafe during take-off after V1, where sufficient runway
may not be available to brake the aircraft, or during an approach
where there is insufficient altitude to recover control of the
aircraft using the aircraft's elevator trim controls.
For the rudder circuit, a potential unsafe condition exists if a
rudder cable terminal fails at any point in the primary rudder
system aft of the dual flight controls in the cockpit, because this
would result in a loss of primary rudder control. This is only
considered unsafe when landing in strong crosswinds or after an
engine failure during take-off and initial climb, where vertical
axis (yaw) control cannot be maintained using rudder trim or
asymmetrical power.
You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2022-
0285.
In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to require repetitively inspecting
the turnbuckle type control cable terminals in the rudder and elevator
primary flight control circuits for corrosion, pitting, and cracking
and, depending on the inspection results, replacing an affected cable
assembly. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on
these products.
[[Page 34766]]
Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive
Comments
The FAA received no comments on the NPRM or on the determination of
the costs.
Conclusion
These products have been approved by the aviation authority of
another country and are approved for operation in the United States.
Pursuant to the FAA's bilateral agreement with this State of Design
Authority, it has notified the FAA of the unsafe condition described in
the MCAI referenced above. The FAA reviewed the relevant data and
determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting
this AD as proposed. Accordingly, the FAA is issuing this AD to address
the unsafe condition on these products. This AD is adopted as proposed
in the NPRM.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed British Aerospace Jetstream Series 3100 & 3200
Service Bulletin 27-JA181040, Original Issue, dated January 17, 2019.
This service information specifies procedures for repetitively
inspecting all threaded turnbuckle type control cable end terminals on
certain part-numbered rudder and elevator primary flight control
circuits for signs of corrosion, pitting, and cracking on the terminal
fitting, and specifies replacing an affected cable assembly when the
inspection results require it. This service information is reasonably
available because the interested parties have access to it through
their normal course of business or by the means identified in the
ADDRESSES section.
Differences Between This AD and the MCAI
The MCAI and service information apply to Model Jetstream Series
3100 and Jetstream Series 3200 airplanes, which are identified on the
FAA type certificates as Jetstream Model 3101 airplanes and Jetstream
Model 3201 airplanes, respectively.
Although the service information specifies reporting inspection
results to the manufacturer, this AD does not require that action.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD affects 18 airplanes of U.S.
registry.
The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:
Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost Cost per airplane operators
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Inspection.............. 4 work-hours x $85 Not applicable.......... $340 per inspection $6,120 per
per hour = $340. cycle. inspection cycle.
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The FAA estimates the following costs to replace a cable assembly
based on the results of the inspection. The FAA has no way of
determining the number of airplanes that might need this action:
On-Condition Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost per
Action Labor cost Parts cost airplane
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Replacement of cable assembly................. 10 work-hours x $85 per hour = $5,000 $5,850
$850.
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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.
The FAA is 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
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 that this AD:
(1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive
Order 12866,
(2) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, 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.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.
The Amendment
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 airworthiness
directive:
2022-11-16 British Aerospace (Operations) Limited and British
Aerospace Regional Aircraft: Amendment 39-22066; Docket No. FAA-
2022-0285; Project Identifier MCAI-2021-01448-A.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective July 13, 2022.
[[Page 34767]]
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to British Aerospace (Operations) Limited Model
Jetstream Model 3101 airplanes and British Aerospace Regional
Aircraft Model Jetstream Model 3201 airplanes, all serial numbers,
certificated in any category.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 2720, Rudder Control
System; and 2730, Elevator Control System.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by 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 identifies the unsafe condition as stress
corrosion cracking of the primary flight control cable terminal. The
FAA is issuing this AD to detect and correct corrosion, pitting, or
cracking in the primary flight control cable terminals. The unsafe
condition, if not addressed, could result in failure of the primary
flight control cable terminal and loss of airplane control.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Required Actions
(1) Before any primary rudder or primary elevator flight control
circuit cable accumulates 16 years since first installation on an
airplane or within 12 months after the effective date of this AD,
whichever occurs later, and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 24
months, inspect all threaded turnbuckle type control cable terminals
for signs of corrosion, pitting, and cracking by following paragraph
(2) in Section 2.B. Part 1 and Section 2.B. Part 2 of the
Accomplishment Instructions in British Aerospace Jetstream Series
3100 & 3200 Service Bulletin 27-JA181040, Original Issue, dated
January 17, 2019 (SB 27-JA181040). If the age of any primary rudder
or primary elevator flight control circuit cable is unknown, do the
inspection within 12 months after the effective date of this AD and
thereafter at intervals not to exceed 24 months.
(2) If, during any inspection required by paragraph (g)(1) of
this AD, there is pitting or cracking or corrosion that exceeds
minimum damage limits, before further flight, replace the affected
cable assembly with a new (zero hours time-in-service) cable
assembly.
(3) Replacing a cable assembly does not terminate the
inspections required by this AD. After replacing a cable assembly,
do the inspection in paragraph (g)(1) of this AD before the cable
assembly accumulates 15 years since first installation on an
airplane and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 24 months.
(h) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, International Validation Branch, FAA, has the
authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the
procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19,
send your request to your principal inspector or local Flight
Standards District Office, as appropriate. If sending information
directly to the manager of the certification office, send it to the
attention of the person identified in paragraph (i)(1) of this AD
and email to: [email protected].
(2) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate
principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager
of the local flight standards district office/certificate holding
district office.
(i) Related Information
(1) For more information about this AD, contact Doug Rudolph,
Aviation Safety Engineer, General Aviation & Rotorcraft Section,
International Validation Branch, FAA, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas
City, MO 64106; phone: (816) 329-4059; email: [email protected].
(2) Refer to Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) AD G-2021-0017,
dated December 21, 2021, for related information. You may examine
the CAA AD in the AD docket at https://www.regulations.gov by
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2022-0285.
(j) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference (IBR) of the service information listed
in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
(2) You must use this service information as applicable to do
the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
(i) British Aerospace Jetstream Series 3100 & 3200 Service
Bulletin 27-JA181040, Original Issue, dated January 17, 2019.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For service information identified in this AD, contact BAE
Systems (Operations) Ltd., Customer Information Department,
Prestwick International Airport, Ayrshire, KA9 2RW, Scotland, United
Kingdom; phone: +44 3300 488727; fax: +44 1292 675704; email:
[email protected]; website: https://www.baesystems.com/businesses/regionalaircraft/.
(4) You may view this service information at the FAA,
Airworthiness Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 901
Locust, Kansas City, MO 64106. For information on the availability
of this material at the FAA, call (817) 222-5110.
(5) You may view this 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, email: [email protected], or go to: https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.
Issued on May 24, 2022.
Ross Landes,
Deputy Director for Regulatory Operations, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2022-12182 Filed 6-7-22; 8:45 am]
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