Airworthiness Directives; British Aerospace Regional Aircraft Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 143 (Thursday, July 27, 2017)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 34846-34848]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2017-15224]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2017-0395; Directorate Identifier 2017-CE-011-AD; 
Amendment 39-18966; AD 2017-15-06]
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 Model HP.137 Jetstream Mk.1, Jetstream 
Series 200 and 3101, and Jetstream Model 3201 airplanes that would 
supersede AD 97-10-05. 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 cracks in 
the main landing gear (MLG) fitting at the pintle to cylinder 
interface, which could cause failure of the MLG during takeoff and 
landing. We are issuing this AD to require actions to address the 
unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective August 31, 2017.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in the AD as of August 31, 
2017.

ADDRESSES: You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2017-
0395; 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 the British Aerospace Jetstream Series 3100 and 3200 service 
information identified in this AD, contact BAE Systems (Operations) 
Ltd, Business Support Team--Technical Publications, Prestwick 
International Airport, Ayrshire, KA9 2RW, Scotland, United Kingdom; 
phone: +44 1292 675207; fax: +44 1292 675704; email: 
[email protected]; Internet: https://www.regional-services.com/spares_and_support/support/aircraft-technical-publications/. For the Heroux Devtek service information identified in 
this AD, contact Heroux Devtek Product Support, Unit 1, Pembroke Court, 
Chancellor Road, Manor Park, Runcorn, Cheshire, WA7 1TG, England; 
phone: +44 01928 530530; fax: +44 01928 579454; email: 
[email protected]; Internet: http://www.herouxdevtek.com/aog-product-support. 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-2017-0395.

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 by adding an AD that would apply to British Aerospace Regional 
Aircraft Model HP.137 Jetstream Mk.1, Jetstream Series 200 and 3101, 
and Jetstream Model 3201 airplanes. The NPRM was published in the 
Federal Register on April 28, 2017 (82 FR 19646), and proposed to 
supersede AD 97-10-05, Amendment 39-10017 (62 FR 28318; May 23, 1997). 
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:

    Cracks were found during early fatigue testing and in service on 
the main landing gear (MLG) main fitting at the pintle to cylinder 
interface.
    This condition, if not detected and corrected, could lead to 
structural failure of

[[Page 34847]]

the MLG, possibly resulting in loss of control of the aeroplane 
during take-off or landing runs.
    To address this unsafe condition, BAE Systems (Operations) Ltd 
published several Service Bulletins (SB) which, in 1996, were 
consolidated into a single SB 32-JA960142 to provide instructions 
for inspection. CAA UK issued AD 005-03-96 accordingly to require 
repetitive inspections of the MLG.
    Recently, a crack was found which was below the critical crack 
length, but unusually large compared to other similar cracks 
previously found in service. Further investigation into the subject 
determined that the existing inspection interval remains valid, but 
also showed that the assumed detectable defect size of 1.27 mm (0.05 
in) crack cannot be guaranteed using the current accomplishment 
instructions for high frequency eddy current (HFEC) or fluorescent 
dye penetrant (FDP) inspection.
    Consequently, BAE Systems (Operations) Ltd issued SB 32-JA960142 
Revision 04, which provides improved procedures for HFEC and FDP 
inspection to ensure the detection of cracks of 1.27 mm (0.05 in).
    For the reason described above, the [EASA] AD retains the 
requirements of CAA UK AD 005-03-96, which is superseded, and 
requires accomplishment of repetitive inspections in accordance with 
the improved procedures.

    The MCAI can be found in the AD docket on the Internet at: https://www.regulations.gov/document?D=FAA-2017-0395-0002.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this AD. We received no comments on the NPRM 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 for correcting the unsafe condition; and
    <bullet> Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was 
already proposed in the NPRM.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    We reviewed British Aerospace Jetstream Series 3100 and 3200 
Service Bulletin 32-JA960142, Revision No. 4, October 21, 2016, which 
describes procedures for doing non-destructive testing for cracks in 
the MLG and corrective actions if cracks found exceed a certain crack 
length. (The appendix to the service bulletin specifically describes 
fluorescent liquid penetrant testing.) We also reviewed Heroux Devtek 
Service Bulletin 32-56, Revision 4, dated August 16, 2016, which 
describes procedures for doing a non-destructive testing eddy current 
inspection for cracks in the MLG. 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 document.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD will affect 26 products of U.S. registry. 
We also estimate that it would 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 this AD on U.S. 
operators to be $13,260, or $510 per product.
    In addition, we estimate that any necessary follow-on actions would 
take about 1 work-hour and require parts costing $5,000, for a cost of 
$5,085 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-2017-
0395; 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 removing Airworthiness Directive (AD) 
97-10-05, Amendment 39-10017 (62 FR 28318; May 23, 1997), and adding 
the following new AD:

2017-15-06 British Aerospace Regional Aircraft: Amendment 39-18966; 
Docket No. FAA-2017-0395; Directorate Identifier 2017-CE-011-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective August 31, 
2017.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD replaces AD 97-10-05; Amendment 39-10017 (62 FR 28318; 
May 23, 1997) (``AD 97-10-05'').

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to British Aerospace Regional Aircraft Model 
HP.137 Jetstream Mk.1, Jetstream Series 200 and 3101, and

[[Page 34848]]

Jetstream 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 cracks in the 
main landing gear (MLG) fitting at the pintle to cylinder interface, 
which could cause failure of the MLG during takeoff and landing. We 
are issuing this AD to detect and correct cracks in the main landing 
gear (MLG), which could lead to structural failure of the MLG and 
could result in loss of control during takeoffs and landings.

(f) Actions and Compliance

    Unless already done, do the following actions listed in 
paragraphs (f)(1) through (3) of this AD:
    (1) Within the compliance times listed in paragraph (f)(1)(i) or 
(ii) of this AD, as applicable, inspect the MLG for cracks following 
Appendix 1 of British Aerospace Jetstream Series 3100 and 3200 
Service Bulletin 32-JA960142, Revision No. 4, October 21, 2016; or 
Heroux Devtek Service Bulletin 32-56, Revision 4, dated August 16, 
2016, as specified in British Aerospace Jetstream Series 3100 and 
3200 Service Bulletin 32-JA960142, Revision No. 4, October 21, 2016.
    (i) For airplanes that have been inspected following AD 97-10-
05: Do the initial inspection within 1,200 flight cycles (FC) after 
the last inspection required by AD 97-10-05 and repetitively 
thereafter at intervals not to exceed 1,200 FC.
    (ii) For airplanes that have not been inspected following AD 97-
10-05: Do the initial inspection within 8,000 FC after installation 
of the MLG or within the next 100 FC after August 31, 2017 (the 
effective date of this AD), whichever occurs later, and repetitively 
thereafter at intervals not to exceed 1,200 FC.
    (2) If any cracks are found during any of the inspections 
required in paragraph (f)(1) of this AD, before further flight, 
replace the MLG with an airworthy part following British Aerospace 
Jetstream Series 3100 and 3200 Service Bulletin 32-JA960142, 
Revision No. 4, October 21, 2016.
    (3) The compliance times in paragraphs (f)(1)(i) and (ii) of 
this AD are presented in FC (landings). If the total FC have not 
been kept, multiply the total number of airplane hours time-in-
service (TIS) by 0.75 to calculate the FC. For the purposes of this 
AD:
    (i) 100 hours TIS x .75 = 75 FC; and
    (ii) 1,000 hours TIS x .75 = 750 FC.

(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.
    (3) Reporting Requirements: For any reporting requirement in 
this AD, a federal agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person 
is not required to respond to, nor shall a person be subject to a 
penalty for failure to comply with a collection of information 
subject to the requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act unless 
that collection of information displays a current valid OMB Control 
Number. The OMB Control Number for this information collection is 
2120-0056. Public reporting for this collection of information is 
estimated to be approximately 5 minutes per response, including the 
time for reviewing instructions, completing and reviewing the 
collection of information. All responses to this collection of 
information are mandatory. Comments concerning the accuracy of this 
burden and suggestions for reducing the burden should be directed to 
the FAA at: 800 Independence Ave. SW., Washington, DC 20591, Attn: 
Information Collection Clearance Officer, AES-200.

(h) Related Information

    Refer to MCAI European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2017-
0053, dated March 24, 2017. The MCAI can be found in the AD docket 
on the Internet at: https://www.regulations.gov/document?D=FAA-2017-0395-0002.

 (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 and 3200 Service 
Bulletin 32-JA960142, Revision No. 4, October 21, 2016.
    (ii) Heroux Devtek Service Bulletin 32-56, Revision 4, dated 
August 16, 2016.
    (3) For British Aerospace Jetstream Series 3100 and 3200 service 
information related to this AD, contact BAE Systems (Operations) 
Ltd, Business Support Team-Technical Publications, Prestwick 
International Airport, Ayrshire, KA9 2RW, Scotland, United Kingdom; 
phone: +44 1292 675207; fax: +44 1292 675704; email: 
[email protected]; Internet: https://www.regional-services.com/spares_and_support/support/aircraft-technical-publications/. For Heroux Devtek service information identified in 
this proposed AD, contact Heroux Devtek Product Support, Unit 1, 
Pembroke Court, Chancellor Road, Manor Park, Runcorn, Cheshire, WA7 
1TG, England; phone: +44 01928 530530; fax: +44 01928 579454; email: 
[email protected]; Internet: http://www.herouxdevtek.com/aog-product-support.
    (4) You may review copies of the 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. In addition, you can access this 
service information on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by 
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2017-0395.
    (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 July 12, 2017.
Pat Mullen,
Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2017-15224 Filed 7-26-17; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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