[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 13 (Friday, January 19, 1996)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 1295-1298]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-484]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 95-CE-79-AD]
Airworthiness Directives; Jetstream Aircraft Limited (Formerly
British Aerospace, Regional Airlines Limited) HP137 Mk1, Jetstream
Series 200, and Jetstream Model 3101 Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
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SUMMARY: This document proposes to adopt an airworthiness directive
(AD) that would apply to Jetstream Aircraft Limited (JAL) HP137 Mk1,
Jetstream series 200, and Jetstream Model 3101 airplanes. The proposed
action would require repetitively inspecting the spigot housing plate
for cracks at the wing/fuselage forward attachment sliding joint,
replacing any cracked housing plate, repetitively inspecting the
spigots and spigot posts for corrosion and installing improved spigots
if corrosion is found, and eventually installing improved spigots if
corrosion is not found. For certain affected airplanes, the proposed
action would require repetitively inspecting the spigot bushes for
migration gaps, replacing the bushes with modified bushes if gaps are
found that exceed 0.5-inch, and eventually replacing the bushes with
modified bushes if migration gaps are not found. Reports of bush
migration gaps found on three of the affected airplanes and another
report of corrosion and several cracks found on the spigot housing
plate on a Jetstream Model 3101 airplane prompted the proposed action.
The actions specified by the proposed AD are intended to prevent
structural failure of the wing/fuselage area caused by a cracked or
corroded spigot housing assembly.
DATES: Comments must be received on or before March 22, 1996.
ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), Central Region, Office of the Assistant Chief
Counsel, Attention: Rules Docket No. 95-CE-79-AD, Room 1558, 601 E.
12th Street,
[[Page 1296]]
Kansas City, Missouri 64106. Comments may be inspected at this location
between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, holidays excepted.
Service information that applies to the proposed AD may be obtained
from Jetstream Aircraft Limited, Manager Product Support, Prestwick
Airport, Ayrshire, KA9 2RW Scotland; telephone (44-292) 79888;
facsimile (44-292) 79703; or Jetstream Aircraft Inc., Librarian, P.O.
Box 16029, Dulles International Airport, Washington, DC, 20041-6029;
telephone (703) 406-1161; facsimile (703) 406-1469. This information
also may be examined at the Rules Docket at the address above.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. Dorenda Baker, Program Officer,
Brussels Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, Europe, Africa, and Middle
East Office, c/o American Embassy, B-1000 Brussels, Belgium; telephone
(322) 513.3830; facsimile (322) 230.6899; or Mr. Jeffrey Morfitt,
Project Officer, Small Airplane Directorate, Airplane Certification
Service, FAA, 1201 Walnut, suite 900, Kansas City, Missouri 64106;
telephone (816) 426-6932; facsimile (816) 426-2169.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
Interested persons are invited to participate in the making of the
proposed rule by submitting such written data, views, or arguments as
they may desire. Communications should identify the Rules Docket number
and be submitted in triplicate to the address specified above. All
communications received on or before the closing date for comments,
specified above, will be considered before taking action on the
proposed rule. The proposals contained in this notice may be changed in
light of the comments received.
Comments are specifically invited on the overall regulatory,
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the proposed rule. All
comments submitted will be available, both before and after the closing
date for comments, in the Rules Docket for examination by interested
persons. A report that summarizes each FAA-public contact concerned
with the substance of this proposal will be filed in the Rules Docket.
Commenters wishing the FAA to acknowledge receipt of their comments
submitted in response to this notice must submit a self-addressed,
stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: ``Comments
to Docket No. 95-CE-79-AD.'' The postcard will be date stamped and
returned to the commenter.
Availability of NPRMs
Any person may obtain a copy of this NPRM by submitting a request
to the FAA, Central Region, Office of the Assistant Chief Counsel,
Attention: Rules Docket No. 95-CE-79-AD, Room 1558, 601 E. 12th Street,
Kansas City, Missouri 64106.
Discussion
The FAA has received reports of bush migration gaps found on three
JAL HP137 Mk1, Jetstream series 200, and Jetstream Model 3101
airplanes. Another report references corrosion and several cracks found
on the spigot housing plate on a Jetstream Model 3101 airplane.
In addition, fatigue testing on a JAL Jetstream Model 3201 airplane
that revealed a crack in the spigot housing plate and damage to the
spigot recently prompted the FAA to initiate proposed AD action on the
Jetstream Model 3201 airplanes. The FAA issued a notice of proposed
rulemaking (NPRM) that would require inspecting the spigot housing
plate at the wing/fuselage forward attachment sliding joint, replacing
any cracked or corroded part, and eventually replacing the spigots and
spigot housing plate with new parts of improved design. The JAL HP137
Mk1, Jetstream series 200, and Jetstream Model 3101 airplanes are of a
similar design to the JAL Jetstream Model 3201 airplanes.
JAL has issued the following service bulletins that apply to HP137
Mk1, Jetstream series 200, and Jetstream Model 3101 airplanes:
--BAe Jetstream Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) 57-A-JA 920640, dated
February 19, 1993, which specifies procedures for inspecting the wing/
fuselage forward attachment spigot bushings for migration gaps;
--Jetstream Service Bulletin (SB) 57-JA 930941, Revision 2, dated
November 11, 1994, which specifies procedures for inspecting the spigot
housing plate at the wing/fuselage forward attachment sliding joint;
--BAe Jetstream SB 57-JM 5259, dated February 5, 1993, and Erratum No.
1 to SB 57-JM 5259, dated February 8, 1993, which specify procedures
for incorporating modified bushes at the wing/fuselage forward
attachment spigots on certain airplanes; and
--Jetstream SB 57-JM 5326, dated September 3, 1993, which specifies
procedures for incorporating new modified spigots at the wing/fuselage
forward attachment fittings.
After examining all available information related to this
situation, the FAA has determined that AD action should be taken on JAL
HP137 Mk1, Jetstream series 200, and Jetstream Model 3101 airplanes to
prevent structural failure of the wing/fuselage area caused by a
cracked spigot housing plate.
Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to
exist or develop in other JAL HP137 Mk1, Jetstream series 200, and
Jetstream Model 3101 airplanes of the same type design, the proposed
action would require repetitively inspecting the spigot housing plate
for cracks at the wing/fuselage forward attachment sliding joint,
replacing any cracked housing plate, repetitively inspecting the
spigots and spigot posts for corrosion and installing improved spigots
if corrosion is found, and eventually installing improved spigots if
corrosion is not found. For certain affected airplanes, the proposed
action would require repetitively inspecting the spigot bushes for
migration gaps, replacing the bushes with modified bushes if gaps are
found that exceed 0.5-inch, and eventually replacing the bushes with
modified bushes if migration gaps are not found. The proposed actions
would be accomplished in accordance with the service bulletins
previously referenced.
The alternative to incorporating new modified spigots and bushes
would be to require repetitive inspections. FAA aging commuter-class
aircraft policy states that reliance on critical repetitive inspections
carries an unnecessary safety risk when a design change exists that
could eliminate or, in certain instances, reduce the number of those
critical inspections. Therefore, the proposed spigot and bush
replacements, if incorporated in a final rule, would be consistent with
the FAA's commuter-class aircraft policy.
The compliance time of the proposed repetitive inspections of the
spigots and spigot posts for corrosion is presented in calendar time
instead of hours time-in-service (TIS). Corrosion can occur on
airplanes regardless of whether the airplane is in service or in
storage. Therefore, to ensure that corrosion is detected and corrected
on all airplanes within a reasonable period of time without
inadvertently grounding any airplanes, a compliance schedule based upon
calendar time instead of hours TIS is proposed.
The FAA estimates that 143 airplanes in the U.S. registry would be
affected by the proposed AD, that it would take approximately 61
workhours per airplane to accomplish the proposed inspections and
modifications, and that
[[Page 1297]]
the average labor rate is approximately $60 an hour. Parts cost
approximately $320 per airplane. Based on these figures, the total cost
impact of the proposed AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be $569,140
or $3,980 per airplane. This figure only takes into account the cost of
initial inspections and does not take into account repetitive
inspection costs. The FAA has no way of determining the number of
repetitive inspections each affected airplane owner/operator will incur
over the life of the airplane.
The approximately 61 workhours it would take to accomplish the
proposed actions is based on each proposed inspection and modification
being accomplished separately. The FAA anticipates that many owners/
operators of the affected airplanes will schedule all of the proposed
actions to be accomplished at the same time, thereby reducing the labor
costs associated with accomplishing these proposed actions.
In addition, Jetstream Aircraft Limited has informed the FAA that
parts have been distributed to equip approximately 40 airplanes.
Assuming that each kit sold is installed on an affected HP137 Mk1,
Jetstream series 200, or Jetstream Model 3101 airplane, the proposed
cost impact upon U.S. operators would be reduced $159,200 from $569,140
to $409,940.
The regulations proposed herein would not have substantial direct
effects 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. Therefore, in
accordance with Executive Order 12612, it is determined that this
proposal would not have sufficient federalism implications to warrant
the preparation of a Federalism Assessment.
For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this action (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) if promulgated,
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. A copy of the draft regulatory evaluation
prepared for this action has been placed in the Rules Docket. A copy of
it may be obtained by contacting the Rules Docket at the location
provided under the caption ADDRESSES.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Safety.
The Proposed Amendment
Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration proposes to amend
part 39 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (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. Section 39.13 is amended by adding a new airworthiness directive
(AD) to read as follows:
Jetstream Aircraft Limited: Docket No. 95-CE-79-AD.
Applicability: HP137 Mk1, Jetstream series 200, and Jetstream
Model 3101 airplanes (all serial numbers), certificated in any
category.
Compliance: Required as indicated in the body of this AD, unless
already accomplished.
Note 1: This AD applies to each airplane identified in the
preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been
modified, altered, or repaired in the area subject to the
requirements of this AD. For airplanes that have been modified,
altered, or repaired so that the performance of the requirements of
this AD is affected, the owner/operator must request approval for an
alternative method of compliance in accordance with paragraph (g) of
this AD. The request should include an assessment of the effect of
the modification, alteration, or repair on the unsafe condition
addressed by this AD; and, if the unsafe condition has not been
eliminated, the request should include specific proposed actions to
address it.
To prevent structural failure of the wing/fuselage area caused
by a cracked spigot housing assembly, accomplish the following:
(a) For all affected airplanes, upon the accumulation of 7,200
hours time-in-service (TIS) or within the next 1,200 hours TIS after
the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later, and
thereafter at intervals not to exceed 7,200 hours TIS, accomplish
the following:
(1) Inspect the spigot housing plate at the wing/fuselage
forward attachment sliding joint for cracks in accordance with Part
1 of the ACCOMPLISHMENT INSTRUCTIONS section of Jetstream Service
Bulletin (SB) 57-JA 930941, Revision No. 2, dated November 11, 1994.
(2) If a cracked spigot housing plate is found, prior to further
flight, replace the cracked spigot housing plate in accordance with
Part 3 of the ACCOMPLISHMENT INSTRUCTIONS section of Jetstream SB
57-JA 930941, Revision No. 2, dated November 11, 1994.
(3) Replacing the spigot housing plate does not eliminate the
7,200-hour TIS interval repetitive inspection requirement.
(b) For all affected airplanes, within the next 12 calendar
months after the effective date of this AD, and thereafter at
intervals not to exceed 12 calendar months until Modification No. JM
5326 and Modification No. JM 5259 (as applicable) are incorporated
as required by paragraphs (d)(1) and (d)(2) of this AD, inspect the
spigots and spigot posts for corrosion in accordance with Part 2 of
the ACCOMPLISHMENT INSTRUCTIONS section of Jetstream SB 57-JA
930941, Revision No. 2, dated November 11, 1994.
(1) If corrosion damage is found that is 0.06 inch (1.52 mm) or
less deep and does not extend to within 0.9 inch (22.9 mm) from
either end of the bore, prior to further flight, treat the corrosion
in accordance with paragraph (8)(d) of the ACCOMPLISHMENT
INSTRUCTIONS section of Jetstream SB 57-JA 930941, Revision No. 2,
dated November 11, 1994.
(2) If corrosion damage is found that is more than 0.06 inch
(1.52 mm) or extends to within 0.9 inch (22.9 mm) from either end of
the bore, prior to further flight, obtain a repair scheme from the
manufacturer through the Brussels Aircraft Certification Office
(ACO) at the address specified in paragraph (g) of this AD, and
incorporate this repair scheme.
(c) For all affected HP137 Mk1 airplanes and all affected
Jetstream series 200 airplanes, and Jetstream Model 3101 airplanes
with a serial number in the range of 601 through 702 (inclusive),
within the next 1,200 hours TIS after the effective date of this AD,
inspect the wing/fuselage forward attachment spigot bushes for
migration gaps in accordance with the ACCOMPLISHMENT INSTRUCTIONS
section of BAe Jetstream Alert SB 57-A-JA 920640, dated February 19,
1993.
(1) If no migration gaps are found, reinspect at intervals not
to exceed 4,500 hours TIS until Modification No. JM 5259 is
incorporated. If migration gaps are found upon reinspection, install
modified bushes as specified in paragraph (c)(2) or (c)(3) of this
AD.
(2) If migration gaps are found that are .5 inch or less,
reinspect at intervals not to exceed 900 hours TIS until
Modification No. JM 5259 is incorporated. If migration gaps are
found upon reinspection that are larger than .5 inch, accomplish
paragraph (c)(3) of this AD, as applicable.
(3) If migration gaps are found that are larger than .5 inch,
within 150 hours TIS after the last inspection required by paragraph
(c)(1) or (c)(2) of this AD, install modified bushes at the wing/
fuselage forward attachment spigots (Modification JM 5259) in
accordance with the ACCOMPLISHMENT INSTRUCTIONS section of BAe
Jetstream SB 57-JM 5259, dated February 5, 1993, and Erratum No. 1
to SB 57-JM 5259, dated February 8, 1993.
(d) Upon accumulating 25,000 hours TIS or within 1,000 hours TIS
after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later,
accomplish the following:
(1) For all affected HP137 Mk1, Jetstream series 200, and
Jetstream Model 3101 airplanes, replace both wing/fuselage spigots
with new modified spigots (Modification No. JM 5326) in accordance
with Jetstream SB 57-JM 5326, dated September 3, 1993; and
(2) For all affected HP137 Mk1 airplanes and all affected
Jetstream series 200
[[Page 1298]]
airplanes, and Jetstream Model 3101 airplanes with a serial number in
the range of 601 through 702 (inclusive), install modified bushes at
the wing/fuselage forward attachment spigots (Modification No. JM
5259) in accordance with the ACCOMPLISHMENT INSTRUCTIONS section of
BAe Jetstream SB 57-JM 5259, dated February 5, 1993, and Erratum No.
1 to SB 57-JM 5259, dated February 8, 1993.
(3) Incorporating Modification No. JM 5259 eliminates the
requirement of repetitively inspecting the wing/fuselage forward
attachment spigot bushes for migration gaps as required by all
designations of paragraph (c) of this AD.
(e) Incorporating both Modification No. JM 5326 and Modification
No. JM 5259 eliminates the repetitive inspections required by all
designations of paragraphs (b) and (c) of this AD. This does not
eliminate the repetitive inspections of the spigot housing plate as
required by paragraph (a) of this AD.
(f) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with
sections 21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14
CFR 21.197 and 21.199) to operate the airplane to a location where
the requirements of this AD can be accomplished.
(g) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the
initial or repetitive compliance time that provides an equivalent
level of safety may be approved by the Manager, Brussels ACO,
Europe, Africa, Middle East office, FAA, c/o American Embassy, 1000
Brussels, Belgium. The request should be forwarded through an
appropriate FAA Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then
send it to the Manager, Brussels ACO.
Note 2: Information concerning the existence of approved
alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be
obtained from the Brussels ACO.
(h) All persons affected by this directive may obtain copies of
the documents referred to herein upon request to Jetstream Aircraft
Limited, Manager Product Support, Prestwick Airport, Ayrshire, KA9
2RW Scotland; or Jetstream Aircraft Inc., Librarian, P.O. Box 16029,
Dulles International Airport, Washington, DC, 20041-6029; or may
examine these documents at the FAA, Central Region, Office of the
Assistant Chief Counsel, Room 1558, 601 E. 12th Street, Kansas City,
Missouri 64106.
Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on January 5, 1996.
Michael Gallagher,
Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 96-484 Filed 1-18-96; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U