[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 109 (Wednesday, June 5, 1996)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 28498-28500]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-13797]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 95-NM-133-AD; Amendment 39-9643; AD 96-12-01]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Jetstream Model 4101 Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD),
applicable to certain Jetstream Model 4101 airplanes, that requires
replacement of the flexible cables of the power and condition controls
of the engines with new flexible cables. This amendment also requires
installation of protective tape on the outside case of these flexible
cables, and reidentification of the cables. This amendment is prompted
by reports of stiff operation of the power and condition controls of
the engines due to heat damage to and moisture contamination of the
flexible cable. The actions specified by this AD are intended to
prevent heat damage and moisture contamination to the flexible cable,
which could result in stiff operation of the power and condition
controls and subsequent reduced engine control.
DATES: Effective July 10, 1996.
The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as
of July 10, 1996.
ADDRESSES: The service information referenced in this AD may be
obtained from Jetstream Aircraft, Inc., P.O. Box 16029, Dulles
International Airport, Washington, DC 20041-6029. This information may
be examined at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Transport
Airplane Directorate, Rules Docket, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton,
Washington; or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol
Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: William Schroeder, Aerospace Engineer,
Standardization Branch, ANM-113, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate,
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056; telephone (206)
227-2148; fax (206) 227-1149.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: A proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal
Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) to include an airworthiness
directive (AD) that is applicable to certain Jetstream Model 4101
airplanes was published in the Federal Register on December 19, 1995
(60 FR 65258). That action proposed to require replacement of the
flexible cables of power and condition controls of the engines with new
flexible cables. The action also proposed to require installation of
protective tape on the outside case of the new flexible cables of the
power and condition controls of the engines, and reidentification of
the assembly number of the cable.
Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate
in the making of this amendment. Due consideration has been given to
the comments received.
Request to Provide Additional Terminating Action
One commenter requests that the FAA revise the proposal to require
the accomplishment of the actions described in Jetstream Service
Bulletin J41-76-013 () (Modification JM41485A), as interim action only.
The commenter states that the flexible cables associated with the
proposed action have a life limit of 6,000 hours time-in-service, and
have not demonstrated reliability warranting an escalation of this
limit. Instead, the commenter requests that the proposal be revised to
include a
[[Page 28499]]
requirement to accomplish the actions described in Jetstream Service
Bulletin SB J41-76-014 () (Modification JM41478), as the terminating
action. The new improved flexible cable, which is associated with
Modification JM41478, holds the promise of eventually qualifying for an
escalation of its life limit to 12,000 hours time-in-service.
The FAA does not concur with the commenter's request to revise the
AD. The FAA has determined that accomplishment of the procedures
specified in Jetstream Service Bulletin J41-76-013, as proposed,
adequately addresses the identified unsafe condition by preventing heat
damage and moisture contamination to the flexible cables.
The FAA recognizes that some operators previously may have elected
to accomplish Modification JM41478, which the FAA considers to address
the identified unsafe condition adequately as well. However, the FAA
points out that this AD is applicable only to Model 4101 airplanes on
which Modification JM41478 or JM41485A has not been installed.
Therefore, those airplanes are not subject to the requirements of this
AD.
Request to Require Marking of Part Numbers
This commenter also requests that the FAA revise the proposal to
require marking part numbers on the two types of engine control cables
(Modifications JM414485A and JM41478) after installation of the cables.
The commenter states that routing during installation of the cables
requires removal of all identification bands, making verification in
the absence of good recordkeeping virtually impossible.
The FAA does not consider a revision to be necessary. The FAA
points out that paragraph (a)(2) of the final rule already requires
reidentification of the assembly number of the cable. Since this AD
does not require Modification JM41478, as stated previously, the FAA
finds that including a requirement for such a marking need not be
specified in this final rule.
Request to Revise Cost Impact Information
This same commenter asserts that the cost estimate presented in the
preamble of the proposal was incorrect. The commenter notes that the
FAA estimates that 25 airplanes of U.S. registry would be affected by
this proposed AD; however, the commenter states that it currently
operates 25 airplanes of U.S. registry, and knows that there are
additional U.S. operators.
In addition, the commenter states that the required modification
would necessitate 39 work hours, rather than the 11 work hours
specified in the proposal.
After considering the data presented by the commenter, the FAA
concurs that the number of U.S.-registered airplanes affected by the
AD, and the number of necessary work hours, are higher than
approximated previously. The FAA has revised the cost impact
information, below, accordingly.
Conclusion
After careful review of the available data, including the comments
noted above, the FAA has determined that air safety and the public
interest require the adoption of the rule, with the changes to the cost
impact information described previously. The FAA has determined that
these changes will neither significantly increase the economic burden
on any operator nor increase the scope of the AD.
Cost Impact
The FAA estimates that 44 airplanes of U.S. registry will be
affected by this AD, that it will take approximately 39 work hours per
airplane to accomplish the required actions, and that the average labor
rate is $60 per work hour. Required parts will be supplied by the
manufacturer at no cost to the operators. Based on these figures, the
cost impact of the AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be $102,960, or
$2,340 per airplane.
The cost impact figure discussed above is based on assumptions that
no operator has yet accomplished any of the requirements of this AD
action, and that no operator would accomplish those actions in the
future if this AD were not adopted.
Regulatory Impact
The regulations adopted herein will 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 final
rule does 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) 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 final evaluation has been prepared for this action
and it is contained in the Rules Docket. A copy of it may be obtained
from the Rules Docket at the location provided under the caption
ADDRESSES.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.
Adoption of the Amendment
Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration amends 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 the following new
airworthiness directive:
96-12-01 Jetstream Aircraft Limited: Amendment 39-9643. Docket 95-
NM-133-AD.
Applicability: Model 4101 airplanes on which Jetstream
Modification JM41478 or JM41485A has not been installed,
certificated in any category.
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 (b) 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.
Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished
previously. To prevent heat damage and moisture contamination to the
flexible cable, which could result in stiff operation of the power
and condition controls and subsequent reduced engine control,
accomplish the following:
(a) Within 6 months after the effective date of this AD,
accomplish the requirements of paragraphs (a)(1) and (a)(2) of this
AD, in accordance with Jetstream Service Bulletin J41-76-013, dated
May 5, 1995. Both requirements must be accomplished at the same
time.
(1) Replace the flexible cables of power and condition controls
of the left and right
[[Page 28500]]
engines with new flexible cables, in accordance with paragraphs 2.B.
and 2.C. of the Accomplishment Instructions of the service bulletin;
and
(2) Install protective tape on the outside case of the new
flexible cables of the power and condition controls of the left and
right engines; and reidentify the assembly number of the cable; in
accordance with paragraph 2.D. of the Accomplishment Instructions of
the service bulletin.
(b) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the
compliance time that provides an acceptable level of safety may be
used if approved by the Manager, Standardization Branch, ANM-113,
FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate. Operators shall submit their
requests through an appropriate FAA Principal Maintenance Inspector,
who may add comments and then send it to the Manager,
Standardization Branch, ANM-113.
Note 2: Information concerning the existence of approved
alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be
obtained from the Standardization Branch, ANM-113.
(c) 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.
(d) The replacement, installation, and reidentification shall be
done in accordance with Jetstream Service Bulletin J41-76-013, dated
May 5, 1995. This incorporation by reference was approved by the
Director of the Federal Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a)
and 1 CFR part 51. Copies may be obtained from Jetstream Aircraft,
Inc., P.O. Box 16029, Dulles International Airport, Washington, DC
20041-6029. Copies may be inspected at the FAA, Transport Airplane
Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or at the
Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite
700, Washington, DC.
(e) This amendment becomes effective on July 10, 1996.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on May 28, 1996.
Bill R. Boxwell,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 96-13797 Filed 6-4-96; 8:45 am]
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