Airworthiness Directives; British Aerospace (Operations) Limited and British Aerospace Regional Aircraft Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 30 (Monday, February 14, 2022)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 8150-8152]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2022-03030]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2021-0961; Project Identifier MCAI-2021-00924-A; 
Amendment 39-21935; AD 2022-03-18]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; British Aerospace (Operations) Limited 
and British Aerospace Regional Aircraft Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
certain British Aerospace (Operations) Limited and British Aerospace 
Regional Aircraft Model Jetstream Series 200, Jetstream Model 3101, and 
Jetstream Model 3201 airplanes. This AD results from 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 identifies the unsafe 
condition as a bent control rod within the gust lock system, which may 
enable both power levers to be pushed into the flight range with the 
gust lock lever fully engaged. This AD requires replacing the push rod 
assembly with a modified push rod assembly. The FAA is issuing this AD 
to address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective March 21, 2022.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of March 21, 
2022.

ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule, 
contact BAE Systems (Operations) Ltd., Customer Information Department, 
Prestwick International Airport, Ayrshire, KA9 2RW, Scotland, United 
Kingdom; phone: +44 3300 488727; fax: +44 1292 675704; email: 
[email protected]; website: https://www.baesystems.com/Businesses/RegionalAircraft/. You may view this service information at 
the FAA, Airworthiness Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 901 
Locust, Kansas City, MO 64106. For information on the availability of 
this material at the FAA, call (817) 222-5110. It is also available at 
https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. 
FAA-2021-0961.

[[Page 8151]]

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket at https://www.regulations.gov by 
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2021-0961; or in person at 
Docket Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, 
except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains this final rule, the 
MCAI, any comments received, and other information. The address for 
Docket Operations is 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 FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Doug Rudolph, Aviation Safety 
Engineer, General Aviation & Rotorcraft Section, International 
Validation Branch, FAA, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas City, MO 64106; 
phone: (816) 329-4059; email: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

    The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 
CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to certain serial-numbered 
British Aerospace (Operations) Limited and British Aerospace Regional 
Aircraft Model Jetstream Series 200, Jetstream Model 3101, and 
Jetstream Model 3201 airplanes. The NPRM published in the Federal 
Register on November 12, 2021 (86 FR 62742). The NPRM was prompted by 
MCAI originated by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), which is the 
aviation authority for the United Kingdom. CAA has issued CAA AD G-
2021-0005, dated August 3, 2021 (referred to after this as ``the 
MCAI''), to address an unsafe condition on certain serial-numbered BAE 
Systems (Operations) Ltd. Model Jetstream Series 3100 and Series 3200 
airplanes. The MCAI states:

    On 8 October 2019, a Jetstream Series 3200 aircraft aborted 
take-off at a speed of approximately 130 kt and veered off the 
runway. The investigation into the serious incident concluded the 
take-off was initiated with an engaged Gust Lock Mechanism, 
resulting in a temporary loss of aircraft control. Damage was 
identified in the Gust Lock mechanism, which allowed both power 
levers to be moved beyond flight idle with the gust locks engaged.
    The serious incident investigation determined that a bent 
control rod within the gust lock system made it possible to move 
both power levers simultaneously to the max position, even though 
the gust locks were still engaged.
    The gust-lock system is designed to lock and prevent damage to 
the control surfaces when the aircraft is parked during gusting wind 
conditions. The system contains a mechanical baulk which prevents 
both power levers from being moved beyond the flight idle position 
when the gust locks are engaged.
    Three previous occurrences in which a bent control rod enabled 
both power levers to be moved simultaneously beyond the flight idle 
position while the gust lock system was engaged have been identified 
by the Type Certificate Holder. Service Bulletin 27-JM 5350 was 
first published in 1992 to introduce a stronger control rod.
    This condition, if not prevented, could lead to partial or total 
loss of aircraft control. To address this potential unsafe 
condition, this [CAA] AD mandates the installation of a modified 
push rod assembly.
    BAE Systems operating manuals contain pre-flight checks that are 
designed to ensure the gust locks are not engaged during take-off.

    You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2021-
0961.
    In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to require replacing the push rod 
assembly with a modified push rod assembly. The FAA is issuing this AD 
to address the unsafe condition on this product.

Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive

Comments

    The FAA received no comments on the NPRM or on the determination of 
the costs.

Conclusion

    This product has been approved by the aviation authority of another 
country and is approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant to 
the FAA's bilateral agreement with this State of Design Authority, it 
has notified the FAA of the unsafe condition described in the MCAI and 
service information referenced above. The FAA reviewed the relevant 
data and determined that air safety and the public interest require 
adopting this AD as proposed. Accordingly, the FAA is issuing this AD 
to address the unsafe condition on these products. This AD is adopted 
as proposed in the NPRM.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    The FAA reviewed Jetstream Series 3100/3200 Service Bulletin 27-JM 
5350, Revision 1, dated May 6, 1994. This service information specifies 
procedures for replacing push rod assembly part number (P/N) 137201E419 
with push rod assembly P/N 137201E429. 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.

Differences Between This AD and the MCAI

    The MCAI does not apply to the Model Jetstream Series 200, whereas 
this AD includes the Model Jetstream Series 200 because this model has 
an FAA type certificate and shares a similar type design in the 
affected area. The MCAI and service information apply to Model 
Jetstream Series 3100 and Jetstream Series 3200 airplanes, which are 
identified on the FAA type certificates as Jetstream Model 3101 and 
Jetstream Model 3201 airplanes, respectively.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this AD affects 43 airplanes of U.S. 
registry.
    The FAA estimates that it would take about 6 work-hours per 
airplane to replace the push rod assembly. The average labor rate is 
$85 per work-hour. Required parts would cost about $300 per airplane.
    Based on these figures, the FAA estimates the cost on U.S. 
operators to be $34,830 or $810 per airplane.

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.
    The FAA is 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

    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 that this AD:

[[Page 8152]]

    (1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive 
Order 12866,
    (2) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, 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.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by 
reference, Safety.

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 airworthiness 
directive:

2022-03-18 British Aerospace (Operations) Limited and British 
Aerospace Regional Aircraft: Amendment 39-21935; Docket No. FAA-
2021-0961; Project Identifier MCAI-2021-00924-A.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective March 21, 2022.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to British Aerospace (Operations) Limited and 
British Aerospace Regional Aircraft Model Jetstream Series 200, 
Jetstream Model 3101, and Jetstream Model 3201 airplanes, serial 
numbers 1 through 927 and 929 through 936 inclusive, certificated in 
any category.

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 2770, Gust Lock/
Damper System.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    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 a bent control 
rod within the gust lock system, which may enable both power levers 
to be pushed into the flight range with the gust lock lever fully 
engaged. The FAA is issuing this AD to detect and correct bent push 
rod assemblies of the power lever baulk system. The unsafe 
condition, if not addressed, could result in loss of airplane 
control.

(f) Compliance

    Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, 
unless already done.

(g) Action

    Within 2 years after the effective date of this AD, replace push 
rod assembly part number (P/N) 137201E419 with push rod assembly P/N 
137201E429 by following the Accomplishment Instructions, sections 
2.A. through 2.C. in Jetstream Series 3100/3200 Service Bulletin 27-
JM 5350, Revision 1, dated May 6, 1994.

(h) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, International Validation Branch, FAA, has the 
authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the 
procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, 
send your request to your principal inspector or local Flight 
Standards District Office, as appropriate. If sending information 
directly to the manager of the certification office, send it to the 
attention of the person identified in paragraph (i)(1) of this AD 
and email to: [email protected].
    (2) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate 
principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager 
of the local flight standards district office/certificate holding 
district office.

(i) Related Information

    (1) For more information about this AD, contact Doug Rudolph, 
Aviation Safety Engineer, General Aviation & Rotorcraft Section, 
International Validation Branch, FAA, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas 
City, MO 64106; phone: (816) 329-4059; email: [email protected].
    (2) Refer to Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) AD G-2021-0005, 
dated August 3, 2021, for more information. You may examine the CAA 
AD at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating 
Docket No. FAA-2021-0961.

(j) Material Incorporated by Reference

    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference 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) Jetstream Series 3100/3200 Service Bulletin 27-JM 5350, 
Revision 1, dated May 6, 1994.
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (3) For service information identified in this AD, contact BAE 
Systems (Operations) Ltd., Customer Information Department, 
Prestwick International Airport, Ayrshire, KA9 2RW, Scotland, United 
Kingdom; phone: +44 3300 488727; fax: +44 1292 675704; email: 
[email protected]; website: https://www.baesystems.com/Businesses/RegionalAircraft/.
    (4) You may view this service information at the FAA, 
Airworthiness Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 901 
Locust, Kansas City, MO 64106. For information on the availability 
of this material at the FAA, call (817) 222-5110.
    (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, email: [email protected], or go to: https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued on January 26, 2022.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2022-03030 Filed 2-11-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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