Airworthiness Directives; British Aerospace Regional Aircraft Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 158 (Monday, August 17, 2015)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 49132-49134]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2015-19776]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2015-2048; Directorate Identifier 2015-CE-015-AD; 
Amendment 39-18230; AD 2015-16-05]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; British Aerospace Regional Aircraft 
Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of 
Transportation (DOT).

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for British 
Aerospace Regional Aircraft Jetstream Series 3101 and Jetsream Model 
3201 airplanes. This AD results from mandatory continuing airworthiness 
information (MCAI) issued by an aviation authority of another country 
to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an aviation product. The 
MCAI describes the unsafe condition as missing countersunk washers 
under the head of the main landing gear trunnion cap tension bolts that 
could cause fatigue in the bolt shanks. We are issuing this AD to 
require actions to address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective September 21, 2015.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in the AD as of September 21, 
2015.

ADDRESSES: You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2015-
2048; or in person at Document Management Facility, 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 service information identified in this AD, contact BAE Systems 
(Operations) Limited, Customer Information Department, Prestwick 
International Airport, Ayrshire, KA9 2RW, Scotland, United Kingdom; 
telephone: +44 1292 675207; fax: +44 1292 675704; email: 
[email protected]; Internet: http://www.baesystems.com/Businesses/RegionalAircraft/. You may review this referenced service 
information at the FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Kansas 
City, Missouri 64106. You may view this referenced service information 
at the FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Kansas City, 
Missouri 64106. For information on the availability of this material at 
the FAA, call (816) 329-4148. It is also available on the Internet at 
http://www.regulations.gov by searching for Docket No. FAA-2015-2048.

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

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Discussion

    We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR 
part 39 to adding an AD that would apply to British Aerospace Regional 
Aircraft Model Jetstream Series 3101 and Jetstream Model 3201 
airplanes. The NPRM was published in the Federal Register on June 9, 
2015 (80 FR 32510). The NPRM proposed to correct an unsafe condition 
for the specified products and was based on mandatory continuing 
airworthiness information (MCAI) originated by an aviation authority of 
another country.
    The MCAI states:

    The review of the BAE production drawing for main landing gear 
(MLG) fitting installation identified a risk of omitting 
installation of a countersunk washer under the head of the MLG 
trunnion cap tension bolts, potentially causing fatigue in the bolt 
shank under the head of such tension bolt(s).
    This condition, if not detected and corrected, could lead to 
failure of the bolt(s), thereby compromising the structural 
integrity of the other MLG tension bolts holding the MLG in place, 
possibly resulting in collapse of the MLG on take-off or landing 
with consequent damage to the aeroplane and injury to occupants.
    Although so far, no in-service bolt head failures have been 
reported since entry in to service of the type design in 1986, to 
address this potential unsafe condition, BAE Systems (Operations) 
Ltd issued Service Bulletin (SB) 57-JA120141 to provide inspection 
instructions.
    For the reasons described above, this AD requires inspection 
and, depending on findings, replacement of the MLG trunnion cap 
tension bolts.

    The MCAI can be found in the AD docket on the Internet at: http://
www.regulations.gov/

[[Page 49133]]

#!documentDetail;D=FAA-2015-2048-0003.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this AD. We received no comments on the NPRM (80 FR 32510, June 9, 
2015) or on the determination of the cost to the public.

Conclusion

    We reviewed the relevant data and determined that air safety and 
the public interest require adopting the AD as proposed except for 
minor editorial changes. We have determined that these minor changes:
    <bullet> Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the 
NPRM (80 FR 32510, June 9, 2015) for correcting the unsafe condition; 
and
    <bullet> Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was 
already proposed in the NPRM (80 FR 32510, June 9, 2015).

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    We reviewed British Aerospace Regional Aircraft British Aerospace 
Jetstream Series 3100 & 3200 Service Bulletin 57-JA120141, REVISION 1, 
dated April 8, 2014. The service information describes procedures for 
inspection and replacement of main landing gear trunnion cap tension 
bolts. 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 of this 
AD.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD will affect 66 products of U.S. registry. 
We also estimate that it will take about 6 work-hours per product to 
comply with the basic requirements of this AD. The average labor rate 
is $85 per work-hour.
    Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of the AD on U.S. 
operators to be $33,660, or $510 per product.
    In addition, we estimate that any necessary follow-on actions will 
take about 1 work-hour and require parts costing $1,200, for a cost of 
$1,285 per product. We have no way of determining the number of 
products that may need these actions.

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.
    We are 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

    We determined that 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 this AD:
    (1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive 
Order 12866,
    (2) Is not a ``significant rule'' under the DOT Regulatory Policies 
and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979),
    (3) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
    (4) 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.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2015-
2048; or in person at the Docket Management Facility between 9 a.m. and 
5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket 
contains the NPRM, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, 
and other information. The street address for the Docket Office 
(telephone (800) 647-5527) is in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will 
be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt.

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 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 AD:

2015-16-05 British Aerospace Regional Aircraft: Amendment 39-18230; 
Docket No. FAA-2015-2048; Directorate Identifier 2015-CE-015-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective September 
21, 2015.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to British Aerospace Regional Aircraft Jetstream 
Series 3101 and Jetsream Model 3201 airplanes, all serial numbers, 
certificated in any category.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association of America (ATA) Code 32: Landing 
Gear.

(e) Reason

    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 describes the unsafe condition as missing 
countersunk washers under the head of the main landing gear (MLG) 
trunnion cap tension bolts that could cause fatigue in the bolt 
shanks. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct missing 
countersunk washers, which could lead to failure of the bolt(s), 
thereby compromising the structural integrity of the other MLG 
tension bolts holding the MLG in place, possibly resulting in 
collapse of the MLG on take-off or landing with consequent damage to 
the airplane and injury to occupants.

(f) Actions and Compliance

    Unless already done, do the actions in paragraphs (f)(1) through 
(f)(4) of this AD, including all subparagraphs, following the 
Accomplishment Instructions in British Aerospace Jetstream Series 
3100 & 3200 Service Bulletin 57-JA120141, REVISION 1, dated April 8, 
2014:
    (1) This AD allows credit for the actions required in paragraphs 
(f)(3) and (f)(4), including all subparagraphs, of this AD if done 
before September 21, 2015 (the effective date of this AD) following 
the Accomplishment Instructions of British Aerospace Jetstream 
Series 3100 & 3200 Service Bulletin 57-JA120141, Original Issue, 
dated: July 31, 2012.
    (2) For the purposes of this AD, owner/operators who do not 
track total flight cycles (FC) must multiply the total number of 
airplane hours time-in-service by 0.75 to calculate the FC.
    (3) For Pre-Mod JM5218 airplanes: Within 250 FC after September 
21, 2015 (the

[[Page 49134]]

effective date of this AD), do a magnetic particle inspection (MPI) 
of each MLG trunnion cap tension bolt.
    (i) If no crack is found during the MPI required by paragraph 
(f)(1) of this AD, before further flight, either re-install the 
crack-free bolt(s) or install a replacement bolt(s) having the same 
part number (P/N) as the original bolt. Install a countersunk washer 
under the bolt(s) ensuring the washer P/N is applicable to the 
diameter bolt installed as specified in figure 1 of paragraph 
(f)(3)(i) of this AD.

    Figure 1 of Paragraph (f)(3)(i)--Pre-Mod JM5218 Replacement Parts
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                 Bolt P/N                            Washer P/N
------------------------------------------------------------------------
MS21250H06040.............................  PKS1000-6-2-S (washer).
MS21250H07040.............................  PKS1000-7-2-S (washer).
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (ii) If a cracked bolt is found during the inspection required 
by paragraph (f)(3) of this AD, before further flight, replace each 
cracked bolt with a replacement bolt having the same P/N as the 
original bolt. Install a countersunk washer under the bolt ensuring 
the washer P/N is applicable to the diameter bolt installed as 
specified in figure 1 of paragraph (f)(3)(i) of this AD.
    (4) For Post-Mod JM5218 airplanes: Within 250 FC after September 
21, 2015 (the effective date of this AD), visually inspect each MLG 
trunnion cap tension bolt to determine which type of bolt is 
installed.
    (i) If it is determined the installed bolts are P/N 
MS21134H07045 or P/N MS21134H07059 during the inspection required in 
paragraph (f)(4) of this AD, before further flight (except as 
specified in paragraph (f)(4)(i)(A) of this AD), replace each `old' 
bolt P/N with a `new' bolt P/N as specified in figure 2 of paragraph 
(f)(4)(i) of this AD and install a washer having P/N PKS1000-7-2-S 
under each bolt.

   Figure 2 of Paragraph (f)(4)(i)--Post-Mod JM5218 Replacement Parts
------------------------------------------------------------------------
              Bolt P/N `Old'                       Bolt P/N `New'
------------------------------------------------------------------------
MS21134H07045.............................  MS21134H07046, or
                                             MS21250H07046.
MS21134H07059.............................  MS21134H07060, or
                                             MS21250H07060.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (A) If no `new' replacement bolt is available to comply with 
paragraph (f)(4)(i) of this AD, the `old' bolt may be reinstalled 
without a countersunk washer, provided that within 500 FC after 
reinstallation and repetitively thereafter at intervals not to 
exceed 500 FC, each affected bolt is inspected by MPI.
    (B) Within 2,000 FC after reinstallation of a bolt as allowed by 
paragraph (f)(4)(i)(A) of this AD or before further flight if a 
crack was found during any MPI as required by paragraph (f)(4)(i)(A) 
of this AD, whichever occurs first, replace the `old' bolt P/N with 
a `new' bolt P/N as specified in figure 2 of paragraph (f)(4)(i) of 
this AD and install a washer having P/N PKS1000-7-2-S under each 
bolt.
    (ii) If it is determined the installed bolts are P/N 
MS21250H07046 or P/N MS21250H07060 and no countersunk washer is 
installed during the inspection required in paragraph (f)(4) of this 
AD, before further flight, do an MPI of each MLG trunnion cap 
tension bolt.
    (A) If no crack is found during the MPI required by paragraph 
(f)(4)(ii) of this AD, before further flight, either re-install the 
crack-free bolts or install replacement bolts having a `new' bolt P/
N as specified in figure 2 of paragraph (f)(4)(i) of this AD and 
install a countersunk washer P/N PKS1000-7-2-S under each bolt.
    (B) If any crack is found during the MPI required by paragraph 
(f)(4)(ii) of this AD, before further flight, replace each cracked 
bolt with a serviceable one having a `new' bolt P/N as specified in 
figure 2 of paragraph (f)(4)(i) of this AD and install a countersunk 
washer P/N PKS1000-7-2-S under each bolt.

(g) Other FAA AD Provisions

    The following provisions also apply to this AD:
    (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, 
Standards Office, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this 
AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. Send 
information to ATTN: Doug Rudolph, Aerospace Engineer, FAA, Small 
Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas City, Missouri 
64106; telephone: (816) 329-4059; fax: (816) 329-4090; email: 
[email protected]. Before using any approved AMOC on any airplane 
to which the AMOC applies, notify your appropriate principal 
inspector (PI) in the FAA Flight Standards District Office (FSDO), 
or lacking a PI, your local FSDO.
    (2) Airworthy Product: For any requirement in this AD to obtain 
corrective actions from a manufacturer or other source, use these 
actions if they are FAA-approved. Corrective actions are considered 
FAA-approved if they are approved by the State of Design Authority 
(or their delegated agent). You are required to assure the product 
is airworthy before it is returned to service.

(h) Related Information

    Refer to MCAI European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD No.: 
2015-0061, dated April 20, 2015; and British Aerospace Jetstream 
Series 3100 & 3200 Service Bulletin 57-JA120141, Original Issue, 
dated: July 31, 2012, for related information. The MCAI can be found 
in the AD docket on the Internet at: http://www.regulations.gov/#!documentDetail;D=FAA-2015-2048-0003.

(i) 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 57-JA120141, REVISION 1, dated April 8, 2014.
    (ii) Reserved.
    (3) For British Aerospace Regional Aircraft service information 
identified in this AD, contact BAE Systems (Operations) Limited, 
Customer Information Department, Prestwick International Airport, 
Ayrshire, KA9 2RW, Scotland, United Kingdom; telephone: +44 1292 
675207; fax: +44 1292 675704; email: [email protected]; 
Internet: http://www.baesystems.com/Businesses/RegionalAircraft/.
    (4) You may view this service information at the FAA, Small 
Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Kansas City, Missouri 64106. For 
information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 
(816) 329-4148. In addition, you can access this service information 
on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and 
locating Docket No. FAA-2015-2048.
    (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, call 202-741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on August 6, 2015.
Earl Lawrence,
Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2015-19776 Filed 8-14-15; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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