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

[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 116 (Thursday, June 16, 2022)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 36216-36219]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2022-12870]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2022-0291; Project Identifier MCAI-2021-01321-A; 
Amendment 39-22081; AD 2022-12-09]
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 superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2017-15-06 
for all British Aerospace Regional Aircraft Model HP.137 Jetstream 
Mk.1, Jetstream Series 200 and 3101, and Jetstream Model 3201 
airplanes. AD 2017-15-06 required repetitively inspecting the main 
landing gear (MLG) for cracks and, if cracks were found, replacing the 
MLG with an airworthy part. Since the FAA issued AD 2017-15-06, the 
Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) of the United Kingdom (UK) superseded 
the mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) issued by the 
European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) to correct an unsafe condition 
on these products. This AD retains the initial inspection and the 
calculation of hours time-in-service to flight cycle actions required 
by AD 2017-15-06, but decreases the repetitive inspection interval time 
from 1,200 flight cycles to 900 flight cycles. The FAA is issuing this 
AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective July 21, 2022.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of July 21, 
2022.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain other publication listed in this AD as of August 
31, 2017 (82 FR 34846).

ADDRESSES: For British Aerospace service information identified in this 
final rule, contact BAE Systems (Operations) Ltd., Customer Information 
Department, Prestwick International Airport, Ayrshire, KA9 2RW, United 
Kingdom; phone: +44 3300 488727; fax: +44 1292 675704; email: 
[email protected]; website: https://www.baesystems.com/Businesses/RegionalAircraft/. For H[eacute]roux Devtek service 
information identified in this final rule, contact H[eacute]roux Devtek 
Product Support, 8, Pembroke Court, Manor Park, Runcorn, Cheshire, WA7 
1TG, United Kingdom; phone: (855) 679-5450; email: 
[email protected]; website: https://www.herouxdevtek.com/en/contact-us. You may view this service 
information at the Airworthiness Products Section, Operational Safety 
Branch, FAA, 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-2022-0291.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket at https://www.regulations.gov by 
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2022-0291; 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.

[[Page 36217]]

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 to supersede AD 2017-15-06, Amendment 39-18966 (82 FR 
34846, July 27, 2017) (AD 2017-15-06). AD 2017-15-06 applied to all 
British Aerospace Regional Aircraft Model HP.137 Jetstream Mk.1, 
Jetstream Series 200 and 3101, and Jetstream Model 3201 airplanes. AD 
2017-15-06 required repetitively inspecting the MLG and, if cracks were 
found, replacing the MLG with an airworthy part. The FAA issued AD 
2017-15-06 to detect and correct cracks in the MLG fitting at the 
pintle to cylinder interface, which could cause failure of the MLG.
    The NPRM published in the Federal Register on March 28, 2022 (87 FR 
17211). The NPRM was prompted by CAA UK AD G-2021-0015, dated November 
24, 2021 (referred to after this as ``the MCAI''). 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 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 (ISB) which, in 1996, were 
consolidated into a single bulletin, SB 32-JA960142, to provide 
instructions for inspection. CAA issued AD 005-03-96 accordingly to 
require repetitive inspections of the MLG.
    In 2014 a crack was found which was below the critical crack 
length, but unusually large compared to similar cracks previously 
found in service. Further investigation into the subject determined 
that the existing inspection intervals remain valid but also showed 
that the assumed detectable defect size of a 1.27mm [millimeters] 
(0.05 in) [inch] crack could not be guaranteed using the then 
defined accomplishment instructions for a high frequency eddy 
current (HFEC) or fluorescent dye penetrant (FDP) inspection.
    Consequently, BAE Systems (Operations) Ltd issued SB 32-JA960142 
Revision 4, which provided an improved procedure for HFEC and FDP 
inspection to ensure the detection of cracks of 1.27 mm (0.05 in) 
length.
    In response to this revision, EASA issued AD 2017-0053 
(corrected 24 March 2017) addressing the need for revised inspection 
procedures.
    Recently, an operator performing [EASA] AD 2017-0053 
(referencing SB 32-JA960142 rev 4) identified 3 crack indications 
(13 mm, 3 mm & 8 mm) in close proximity, the total length of which 
was approximately 38 mm. This was an unusual report based of 
reported findings over the 24 years since the SB was initially 
released. In depth laboratory investigation of the discrepant part 
was undertaken, which found that the material was to specification 
and the cracks were fatigue in nature. The investigation was unable 
to establish a reason for the cracks being different in nature to 
those previously reported.
    In response, a further damage tolerance analysis was performed, 
which identified the need to reduce the repeat inspection interval 
defined in [EASA] AD 2017-0053. That is, a reduction from a repeat 
of 1,200 flight cycles (FC) to a repeat of 900 FC.
    For the reasons described above, this [CAA UK] AD retains the 
requirements of CAA UK AD 005-03-96 (superseded by EASA AD) and EASA 
AD 2017-0053 (superseded by this CAA AD) and requires the 
accomplishment of repetitive inspections in accordance with new 
repetitive inspection requirements.

    You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2022-
0291.
    In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to retain the initial inspection, the 
calculation of hours time-in-service to flight cycle action, and 
replacement as necessary required by AD 2017-15-06, but proposed to 
decrease the repetitive inspection interval time from 1,200 flight 
cycles to 900 flight cycles. The FAA is issuing this AD to detect and 
correct cracks in the MLG. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, 
could cause failure of the MLG, which could result in loss of control 
of the airplane during takeoffs and landings.

Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive

Comments

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

Conclusion

    These products have been approved by the aviation authority of 
another country and are 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 referenced above. The FAA reviewed the relevant data and 
determined that air safety requires adopting the 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 British Aerospace Jetstream Series 3100 & 3200 
Service Bulletin 32-JA960142, Revision 5, dated December 13, 2019. This 
service information specifies procedures for doing a fluorescent 
penetrant inspection for cracks in the MLG. Alternatively, this service 
information specifies conducting an eddy current inspection for cracks 
in the MLG in accordance with H[eacute]roux Devtek Service Bulletin 32-
56, Revision 4, dated August 16, 2016, which the Director of the 
Federal Register approved for incorporation by reference as of August 
31, 2017 (82 FR 34846). 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.

Other Related Service Information

    The FAA reviewed British Aerospace Jetstream Series 3100 & 3200 
Service Bulletin 32-JA960142, Revision 4, dated October 21, 2016. This 
service information specifies procedures for doing a fluorescent 
penetrant inspection for cracks in the MLG. Alternatively, this service 
information specifies conducting an eddy current inspection for cracks 
in the MLG in accordance with H[eacute]roux Devtek Service Bulletin 32-
56, Revision 4, dated August 16, 2016, which the Director of the 
Federal Register approved for incorporation by reference as of August 
31, 2017 (82 FR 34846).

Differences Between This AD and the MCAI

    The MCAI does not apply to the Model HP.137 Jetstream Mk.1 
airplanes or Model Jetstream Series 200 airplanes, whereas this AD does 
include those models because they have an FAA type certificate and 
share 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 airplanes and Jetstream 
Model 3201 airplanes, respectively.
    The MCAI gives credit for inspections and corrective actions 
accomplished

[[Page 36218]]

before the effective date of the MCAI using ``BAE Systems (Operations) 
Ltd SB 32-JA960142 at Revision 5, Revision 4, or Revision 3.'' This AD 
does not give credit for Revision 3, dated August 31, 2016, as AD 2017-
15-06 did not provide credit and the FAA did not receive any requests 
to use Revision 3 as an alternative method of compliance.
    The MCAI requires compliance with all of the accomplishment 
instructions in the service information, which includes reporting the 
inspection results (if there is a crack) to the manufacturer. This AD 
does not require reporting information to the manufacturer.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this AD affects 18 airplanes of U.S. 
registry.
    The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                  Cost on U.S.
             Action                  Labor cost           Parts cost        Cost per airplane      operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inspection.....................  6 work-hours x     Not applicable........  $510 per           $9,180 per
                                  $85 per hour =                             inspection cycle.  inspection
                                  $510 per                                                      cycle.
                                  inspection cycle.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The FAA estimates the following costs to replace the MLG based on 
the results of the inspection. The FAA has no way of determining the 
number of airplanes that might need this replacement:

                                               On-Condition Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Cost per
                    Action                                 Labor cost               Parts cost       airplane
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Replace the MLG...............................  1 work-hour x $85 per hour = $85          $5,000          $5,085
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

    The FAA has 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 that this AD:
    (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:
0
a. Removing Airworthiness Directive 2017-15-06, Amendment 39-18966 (82 
FR 34846, July 27, 2017); and
0
b. Adding the following new airworthiness directive:

2022-12-09 British Aerospace (Operations) Limited and British 
Aerospace Regional Aircraft: Amendment 39-22081; Docket No. FAA-
2022-0291; Project Identifier MCAI-2021-01321-A.

(a) Effective Date

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

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD replaces AD 2017-15-06, Amendment 39-18966 (82 FR 34846, 
July 27, 2017) (AD 2017-15-06).

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to British Aerospace (Operations) Limited Model 
HP.137 Jetstream Mk.1, Jetstream Series 200, and Jetstream Model 
3101 airplanes and British Aerospace Regional Aircraft Model 
Jetstream Model 3201 airplanes, all serial numbers, certificated in 
any category.

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 3211, Main Landing 
Gear Attach Section.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by cracks found on the main landing gear 
(MLG) main fitting at the pintle to cylinder interface. The FAA is 
issuing this AD to detect and correct cracks in the MLG. The unsafe 
condition, if not addressed, could cause failure of the MLG, which 
could result in loss of control of the airplane during takeoffs and 
landings.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Actions

    (1) Within the compliance times listed in paragraph (g)(1)(i) or 
(ii) of this AD, as applicable, inspect the MLG for cracks by 
following Appendix 1, sections A through G, of British Aerospace 
Jetstream Series 3100 & 3200 Service Bulletin 32-JA960142, Revision 
5, dated December 13, 2019; or the Accomplishment Instructions, 
sections A through D(6), in H[eacute]roux Devtek Service

[[Page 36219]]

Bulletin 32-56, Revision 4, dated August 16, 2016.
    (i) For airplanes that have been inspected in accordance with AD 
2017-15-06: Before the MLG accumulates 900 flight cycles since the 
last inspection or within 150 flight cycles after the effective date 
of this AD, whichever occurs later, and thereafter at intervals not 
to exceed 900 flight cycles.
    (ii) For airplanes that have not been inspected in accordance 
with AD 2017-15-06: Before the MLG accumulates 8,000 flight cycles 
since first installation on an airplane or within 50 flight cycles 
after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later, and 
thereafter at intervals not to exceed 900 flight cycles.
    (2) If any crack is found during any inspection required by 
paragraph (g)(1) of this AD, before further flight, replace the MLG 
with an airworthy MLG and continue the inspections as required by 
paragraph (g)(1) of this AD.
    (3) The compliance times in paragraphs (g)(1)(i) and (ii) of 
this AD are presented in flight cycles (landings). If the number of 
total flight cycles is unknown, for purposes of this AD, the number 
of flight cycles is the hours time-in-service (TIS) accumulated on 
the airplane multiplied by 0.75. For example:
    (i) 100 hours TIS x 0.75 = 75 flight cycles.
    (ii) 1,000 hours TIS x 0.75 = 750 flight cycles.

(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, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas City, 
MO 64106; phone: (816) 329-4059; email: [email protected].
    (2) Refer to Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) United Kingdom (UK) 
AD G-2021-0015, dated November 24, 2021, for more information. You 
may examine the CAA UK AD at https://www.regulations.gov in Docket 
No. FAA-2022-0291.

(j) 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.
    (3) The following service information was approved for IBR on 
July 21, 2022.
    (i) British Aerospace Jetstream Series 3100 & 3200 Service 
Bulletin 32-JA960142, Revision 5, dated December 13, 2019.
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (4) The following service information was approved for IBR on 
August 31, 2017 (82 FR 34846).
    (i) H[eacute]roux Devtek Service Bulletin 32-56, Revision 4, 
dated August 16, 2016.
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (5) For British Aerospace service information identified in this 
AD, contact BAE Systems (Operations) Ltd., Customer Information 
Department, Prestwick International Airport, Ayrshire, KA9 2RW, 
United Kingdom; phone: +44 3300 488727; fax: +44 1292 675704; email: 
[email protected]; website: https://www.baesystems.com/Businesses/RegionalAircraft/. For H[eacute]roux Devtek service 
information identified in this AD, contact H[eacute]roux Devtek 
Product Support, 8, Pembroke Court, Manor Park, Runcorn, Cheshire, 
WA7 1TG, United Kingdom; phone: (855) 679-5450; email: 
[email protected]; website: https://www.herouxdevtek.com/en/contact-us.
    (6) 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.
    (7) 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 June 6, 2022.
Gaetano A. Sciortino,
Deputy Director for Strategic Initiatives, Compliance & Airworthiness 
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2022-12870 Filed 6-15-22; 8:45 am]
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