Airworthiness Directives; British Aerospace (Jetstream) Model 4101 Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 65, Number 18 (Thursday, January 27, 2000)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 4349-4350]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 00-1713]



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Federal Register / Vol. 65, No. 18 / Thursday, January 27, 2000 / 
Rules and Regulations

[[Page 4349]]



DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 99-NM-306-AD; Amendment 39-11524; AD 2000-02-05]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; British Aerospace (Jetstream) Model 
4101 Airplanes

AGENCY:  Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION:  Final rule.

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SUMMARY:  This amendment supersedes an existing airworthiness directive 
(AD), applicable to certain British Aerospace (Jetstream) Model 4101 
airplanes, that currently requires repetitive detailed visual 
inspections to detect cracking or other damage of certain diaphragm 
support structures of the forward equipment compartment; and repair, if 
necessary. This amendment continues to require repetitive inspections, 
but also requires replacement of cracked or damaged diaphragm support 
structures with improved parts, which terminates the requirement for 
repetitive inspections. This amendment also adds airplanes to the 
applicability of the AD. This amendment is prompted by the development 
of improved diaphragms. The actions specified by this AD are intended 
to prevent failure of the two diaphragms that support the upper 
structure of the forward equipment compartment, which could accelerate 
fatigue damage in adjacent structure and result in reduced structural 
integrity of the airframe.

DATES:  Effective March 2, 2000.
    The incorporation by reference of Jetstream Alert Service Bulletin 
J41-A53-023, Revision 1, dated July 30, 1999, as listed in the 
regulations, is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as of 
March 2, 2000.
    The incorporation by reference of Jetstream Alert Service Bulletin 
J41-A53-023, dated December 2, 1996, as listed in the regulations, was 
approved previously by the Director of the Federal Register as of 
December 23, 1998 (63 FR 63975, November 18, 1998).

ADDRESSES:  The service information referenced in this AD may be 
obtained from British Aerospace Regional Aircraft American Support, 
13850 Mclearen Road, Herndon, Virginia 20171. 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:  Norman B. Martenson, Manager, 
International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056; telephone (425) 
227-2110; fax (425) 227-1149.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:  A proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal 
Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) by superseding AD 98-24-01, 
amendment 39-10888 (63 FR 63975, November 18, 1998), which is 
applicable to certain British Aerospace (Jetstream) Model 4101 
airplanes, was published in the Federal Register on November 26, 1999 
(64 FR 66424). The action proposed to continue to require repetitive 
detailed visual inspections to detect cracking or other damage of 
certain diaphragm support structures of the forward equipment 
compartment; and repair, if necessary. The action also proposed to 
require replacement of cracked or damaged diaphragm support structures 
with improved parts, which would terminate the requirement for 
repetitive inspections. Additionally, the action also proposed to add 
airplanes to the applicability of the proposed AD.

Comments

    Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate 
in the making of this amendment. No comments were submitted in response 
to the proposal or the FAA's determination of the cost to the public.

Conclusion

    The FAA has determined that air safety and the public interest 
require the adoption of the rule as proposed.

Cost Impact

    There are approximately 59 airplanes of U.S. registry that will be 
affected by this AD.
    The inspection that is currently required by AD 98-24-01, and 
retained in this AD, takes approximately 1 work hour per airplane to 
accomplish, at an average labor rate of $60 per work hour. Based on 
these figures, the cost impact of the inspection requirement of this AD 
on U.S. operators is estimated to be $3,540, or $60 per airplane, per 
inspection cycle.
    The cost impact figure discussed above is based on assumptions that 
no operator has yet accomplished any of the current or proposed 
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 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. Therefore, it 
is determined that this final rule does not have federalism 
implications under Executive Order 13132.
    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.

[[Page 4350]]

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 removing amendment 39-10888 (63 FR 
63975, November 18, 1998), and by adding a new airworthiness directive 
(AD), amendment 39-11524, to read as follows:

2000-02-05  British Aerospace Regional Aircraft [Formerly Jetstream 
Aircraft Limited; British Aerospace (Commercial Aircraft) Limited]: 
Amendment 39-11524. Docket 99-NM-306-AD. Supersedes AD 98-24-01, 
Amendment 39-10888.

    Applicability: Jetstream Model 4101 airplanes, on which British 
Aerospace Modification JM41384 has not been accomplished, 
certificated in any category.

    Note 1: This AD applies to each airplane identified in the 
preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been 
otherwise 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 (d) 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 detect and correct failure of the two diaphragms that support 
the upper structure of the forward equipment compartment, which 
could accelerate fatigue damage in adjacent structure and result in 
reduced structural integrity of the airframe, accomplish the 
following:

Restatement of Certain Requirements of AD 98-24-01

    (a) For airplanes having constructors numbers 41004 through 
41098 inclusive: Prior to the accumulation of 4,500 total landings, 
or within 300 landings after December 23, 1998 (the effective date 
of AD 98-24-01, amendment 39-10888), whichever occurs later: Perform 
a detailed visual inspection to detect cracking or other damage of 
the diaphragms installed between station 4 and station 8 of the 
forward fuselage, in accordance with Jetstream Alert Service 
Bulletin J41-A53-023, dated December 2, 1996, or Revision 1, dated 
July 30, 1999.

    Note 2:  For the purposes of this AD, a detailed visual 
inspection is defined as: ``An intensive visual examination of a 
specific structural area, system, installation, or assembly to 
detect damage, failure, or irregularity. Available lighting is 
normally supplemented with a direct source of good lighting at 
intensity deemed appropriate by the inspector. Inspection aids such 
as mirror, magnifying lenses, etc., may be used. Surface cleaning 
and elaborate access procedures may be required.''

    (1) If no cracking or other damage is detected, repeat the 
inspection thereafter at intervals not to exceed 3,000 landings.
    (2) If any cracking or other damage is detected, prior to 
further flight, accomplish the actions required by either paragraph 
(a)(2)(i) or (a)(2)(ii). After the effective date of this AD, only 
replacement of the diaphragms in accordance with paragraph 
(a)(2)(ii) of this AD is acceptable for compliance with the repair 
requirements of this paragraph.
    (i) Repair the diaphragm in accordance with a method approved by 
the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport Airplane 
Directorate. Thereafter, repeat the inspection at intervals not to 
exceed 3,000 landings.
    (ii) Replace both diaphragms with new, improved diaphragms, in 
accordance with Part 2 of the Accomplishment Instructions of 
Jetstream Alert Service Bulletin J41-A53-023, Revision 1, dated July 
30, 1999. Such replacement constitutes terminating action for the 
repetitive inspections required by this AD.

New Repetitive Inspections and Corrective Actions Required by This AD

    (b) For airplanes other than those listed in paragraph (a) of 
this AD: Prior to the accumulation of 4,500 total landings, or 
within 300 landings after the effective date of this AD, whichever 
occurs later, perform a detailed visual inspection to detect 
cracking or other damage of the diaphragms installed between station 
4 and station 8 of the forward fuselage, in accordance with 
Jetstream Alert Service Bulletin J41-A53-023, Revision 1, dated July 
30, 1999.
    (1) If no cracking or other damage is detected, repeat the 
inspection thereafter at intervals not to exceed 3,000 landings.
    (2) If any cracking or other damage is detected, prior to 
further flight, replace both diaphragms with new, improved 
diaphragms, in accordance with Part 2 of the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Jetstream Alert Service Bulletin J41-A53-023, 
Revision 1, dated July 30, 1999. Such replacement constitutes 
terminating action for the repetitive inspections required by this 
AD.
    (c) Replacement of diaphragms with new, improved diaphragms, in 
accordance with Part 2 of the Accomplishment Instructions of 
Jetstream Alert Service Bulletin J41-A53-023, Revision 1, dated July 
30, 1999, constitutes terminating action for the requirements of 
this AD.

Alternative Methods of Compliance

    (d) 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, International Branch, ANM-116, 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, International 
Branch, ANM-116.

    Note 3:  Information concerning the existence of approved 
alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be 
obtained from the International Branch, ANM-116.

Special Flight Permits

    (e) 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.

Incorporation by Reference

    (f) Except as provided by paragraph (a)(2)(i) of this AD, the 
actions shall be done in accordance with Jetstream Alert Service 
Bulletin J41-A53-023, dated December 2, 1996, or Jetstream Alert 
Service Bulletin J41-A53-023, Revision 1, dated July 30, 1999.
    (1) The incorporation by reference of Jetstream Alert Service 
Bulletin J41-A53-023, Revision 1, dated July 30, 1999, is approved 
by the Director of the Federal Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 
552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
    (2) The incorporation by reference of Jetstream Alert Service 
Bulletin J41-A53-023, dated December 2, 1996, was approved 
previously by the Director of the Federal Register as of December 
23, 1998 (63 FR 63975, November 18, 1998).
    (3) Copies may be obtained from British Aerospace Regional 
Aircraft American Support, 13850 Mclearen Road, Herndon, Virginia 
20171. 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.
    (g) This amendment becomes effective on March 2, 2000.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on January 19, 2000.
Donald L. Riggin,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 00-1713 Filed 1-26-00; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U

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