Airworthiness Directives; British Aerospace HP137 Mk1, Jetstream Series 200, and Jetstream Models 3101 and 3201 Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 66, Number 35 (Wednesday, February 21, 2001)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 10955-10957]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 01-3799]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2000-CE-54-AD; Amendment 39-12115; AD 2001-03-11]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; British Aerospace HP137 Mk1, Jetstream 
Series 200, and Jetstream Models 3101 and 3201 Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) that 
applies to all British Aerospace HP137 Mk1, Jetstream series 200, and 
Jetstream Models 3101 and 3201 airplanes that are equipped with certain 
main landing gear (MLG) radius rods. This AD requires inspection of the 
MLG radius rods for cracks and replacement of any cracked rod. This AD 
is the result of mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) 
issued by the airworthiness authority for the United Kingdom. The 
actions specified by this AD are intended to detect and correct cracks 
in the MLG radius rods. Such cracks could result in MLG failure during 
takeoff, landing, or taxi operations, with consequent loss of airplane 
control.

DATES: This AD becomes effective on April 6, 2001.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in the regulations as of April 
6, 2001.

ADDRESSES: You may get the service information referenced in this AD 
from British Aerospace Regional Aircraft, Prestwick International 
Airport, Ayrshire, KA9 2RW, Scotland; telephone: (01292) 479888; 
facsimile: (01292) 479703. You may examine this information at the 
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Central Region, Office of the 
Regional Counsel, Attention: Rules Docket No. 2000-CE-54-AD, 901 
Locust, Room 506, Kansas City, Missouri 64106; or at the Office of the 
Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW, suite 700, Washington, 
DC.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Doug Rudolph, Aerospace Engineer, 
FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas City, 
Missouri 64106; telephone: (816) 329-4059; facsimile: (816) 329-4090.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Discussion

    What events have caused this AD? The Civil Aviation Authority 
(CAA), which is the airworthiness authority for the United Kingdom, 
recently notified the FAA that an unsafe condition may exist on certain 
British Aerospace HP137 Mk1, Jetstream series 200, and Jetstream Models 
3101 and 3201 airplanes. The CAA reports an incident where a MLG radius 
rod cylinder cracked, which allowed the gland nut to separate from the 
housing and caused the MLG unit to move 30 degrees outboard.
    The cause has been traced to a quality control problem with the MLG 
manufacturer, APPH Ltd. In particular, the cause is inadequate 
countersinking of a drilled hole for the attachment of a flexible hose 
on a batch of MLG radius rods, part numbers 1847 and 1862, all 
suffixes.
    What are the consequences if the condition is not corrected? Cracks 
in the MLG radius rods, if not detected and corrected, could result in 
MLG failure during takeoff, landing, or taxi operations, with 
consequent loss of airplane control.

[[Page 10956]]

    Has FAA taken any action to this point? We issued a proposal to 
amend part 39 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) to 
include an AD that would apply to all British Aerospace HP137 Mk1, 
Jetstream series 200, and Jetstream Models 3101 and 3201 airplanes that 
are equipped with certain main landing gear (MLG) radius rods. This 
proposal was published in the Federal Register as a notice of proposed 
rulemaking (NPRM) on November 2, 2000 (65 FR 65800). The NPRM proposed 
to require inspection of the MLG radius rods for cracks, with 
replacement of any cracked rod.
    Was the public invited to comment? Interested persons were afforded 
an opportunity to participate in the making of this amendment. No 
comments were received on the proposed rule or the FAA's determination 
of the cost to the public.

FAA's Determination

    What is FAA's final determination on this issue? After careful 
review of all available information related to the subject presented 
above, we have determined that air safety and the public interest 
require the adoption of the rule as proposed except for minor editorial 
corrections. We determined that these minor corrections:

--Will not change the meaning of the AD; and
--Will not add any additional burden upon the public than was already 
proposed.

Cost Impact

    How many airplanes does this AD impact? We estimate that this AD 
affects 264 airplanes in the U.S. registry.
    What is the cost impact of this AD on owners/operators of the 
affected airplanes? We estimate the following costs to accomplish the 
inspection:

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                                                          Total cost per
           Labor cost                  Parts cost            airplane           Total cost on U.S.  operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
10 workhours  x  $60 per = $600.  No parts required    $600 per airplane..  $600  x  264 = $158,400.
                                   for inspection.
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    We estimate the following costs to accomplish any necessary MLG 
radius rod replacements that will be required based on the results of 
the inspection. We have no way of determining the number of airplanes 
that may need MLG radius rod replacement:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                       Total cost per
           Labor cost               Parts cost            airplane
------------------------------------------------------------------------
2 workhours  x  $60 per hour =   $7,315 per MLG    $120 + $7,315 =
 $120 to accomplish each MLG      radius rod.       $7,435 per MLG
 radius rod replacement.                            radius rod that
                                                    needs replaced.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Regulatory Impact

    Does this AD impact various entities? 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.
    Does this AD involve a significant rule or regulatory action? 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 copy 
of the final evaluation prepared for this action is contained 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, Incorporation by 
reference, Safety.

Adoption of the Amendment

    Accordingly, under 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. FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding a new AD to read as follows:

2001-03-11  British Aerospace: Amendment 39-12115; Docket No. 2000-
CE-54-AD.

    (a) What airplanes are affected by this AD? This AD affects 
HP137 Mk1, Jetstream series 200, and Jetstream Models 3101 and 3201 
airplanes, all serial numbers, that are:
    (1) Certificated in any category; and
    (2) Equipped with a main landing gear (MLG) radius rod, APPH 
Ltd. part number 1847 or 1862, all suffixes.
    (b) Who must comply with this AD? Anyone who wishes to operate 
any of the above airplanes must comply with this AD.
    (c) What problem does this AD address? The actions specified by 
this AD are intended to detect and correct cracks in the MLG radius 
rods. Such cracks could result in MLG failure during takeoff, 
landing, or taxi operations, with consequent loss of airplane 
control.
    (d) What actions must I accomplish to address this problem? To 
address this problem, you must accomplish the following:

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                  Actions                                Compliance                        Procedures
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) Check the maintenance records to         Within the next 200 hours time-in- As specified in British
 determine whether one of the affected MLG    service (TIS) after April 6,       Aerospace Mandatory Service
 radius rods is installed.                    2001 (the effective date of this   Bulletin 32-JA 991140, Issued:
                                              AD), unless already accomplished.  April 14, 2000.

[[Page 10957]]

 
(2) If, by checking the maintenance          Prior to further flight after      Not Applicable.
 records, you can positively show that one    checking the maintenance records.
 of the affected MLG radius rods is not
 installed, then the inspection and
 possible replacement requirements of this
 AD do not apply. Make an entry into the
 aircraft records that shows compliance
 with this portion of the AD, in accordance
 with section 43.9 of the Federal Aviation
 Regulations (14 CFR 43.9).
(3) If, by checking the maintenance          Prior to further flight after      In accordance with procedures in
 records, you find that one of the affected   checking the maintenance           APPH Ltd. Service Bulletin 1847-
 MLG radius rods is installed or you cannot   records, unless already            32-07, dated February 2000; or
 positively show that one of the affected     accomplished.                      APPH Ltd. Service Bulletin 1862-
 MLG radius rods is not installed, inspect                                       32-07, dated February 2000, as
 any affected MLG radius rod for cracks.                                         applicable.
(4) If any MLG radius rod is found cracked,  Prior to further flight after the  In accordance with the
 replace it with an FAA-approved MLG radius   inspection.                        procedures in the applicable
 rod that is crack free.                                                         maintenance manual.
(5) Do not install, on any affected          As of April 6, 2001 (the           Not Applicable.
 airplane, a part number 1847 or 1862 MLG     effective date of this AD).
 radius rod (all suffixes), unless it has
 been inspected and if found to be free of
 cracks as specified in paragraph (d)(3).
(6) The owner/operator holding at least a    Not Applicable...................  Not Applicable.
 private pilot certificate as authorized by
 section 43.7 of the Federal Aviation
 Regulations (14 CFR 43.7) may accomplish
 the actions required in paragraphs (d)(1)
 and (d)(2) of this AD.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


    Note 1: British Aerospace Mandatory Service Bulletin 32-JA 
991140, Issued: April 14, 2000; APPH Ltd. Service Bulletin 1847-32-
07, dated February 2000; and APPH Ltd. Service Bulletin 1862-32-07, 
dated February 2000, state if no cracks are found during the 
inspection required in paragraph (d)(3), check the edge of the one-
way restrictor bore and radius sharp edge with a 0.010 to 0.020 inch 
radius if required. The FAA highly recommends that this be 
accomplished.


    Note 2: British Aerospace Mandatory Service Bulletin 32-JA 
991140, Issued: April 14, 2000; APPH Ltd. Service Bulletin 1847-32-
07, dated February 2000; and APPH Ltd. Service Bulletin 1862-32-07, 
dated February 2000, specify reporting the results of the 
inspections to British Aerospace Regional Aircraft. The FAA highly 
recommends that each owner/operator submit this information. British 
Aerospace and the British Civil Airworthiness Authority (CAA) will 
use this information to determine whether further action is 
necessary. The FAA will evaluate the information from the British 
CAA and may initiate further rulemaking action.

    (e) Can I comply with this AD in any other way? You may use an 
alternative method of compliance or adjust the compliance time if:
    (1) Your alternative method of compliance provides an equivalent 
level of safety; and
    (2) The Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, approves your 
alternative. Submit your request through an FAA Principal 
Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send it to the 
Manager, Small Airplane Directorate.

    Note 3: This AD applies to each airplane identified in paragraph 
(a) of this AD, 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 (e) 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 you have not eliminated the unsafe condition, specific 
actions you propose to address it.

    (f) Where can I get information about any already-approved 
alternative methods of compliance? Contact Mr. Doug Rudolph, 
Aerospace Engineer, FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, 
Room 301, Kansas City, Missouri 64106; telephone: (816) 329-4059; 
facsimile: (816) 329-4090.
    (g) What if I need to fly the airplane to another location to 
comply with this AD? The FAA can issue a special flight permit under 
sections 21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 
CFR 21.197 and 21.199) to operate your airplane to a location where 
you can accomplish the requirements of this AD.
    (h) Are any service bulletins incorporated into this AD by 
reference? Actions required by this AD must be done in accordance 
with British Aerospace Mandatory Service Bulletin 32-JA 991140, 
Issued: April 14, 2000, APPH Ltd. Service Bulletin 1847-32-07, dated 
February 2000, and APPH Ltd. Service Bulletin 1862-32-07, dated 
February 2000. The Director of the Federal Register approved this 
incorporation by reference under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. 
You can get copies from British Aerospace Regional Aircraft, 
Prestwick International Airport, Ayrshire, KA9 2RW, Scotland. You 
can look at copies at the FAA, Central Region, Office of the 
Regional Counsel, 901 Locust, Room 506, Kansas City, Missouri, or at 
the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW, 
suite 700, Washington, DC.
    (i) When does this amendment become effective? This amendment 
becomes effective on April 6, 2001.

    Note 4: The subject of this AD is addressed in British AD 002-
04-2000, not dated.


    Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on February 7, 2001.
William J. Timberlake,
Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 01-3799 Filed 2-20-01; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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