Airworthiness Directives; British Aerospace (Jetstream) Model HS 748 Series Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 213 (Tuesday, November 4, 1997)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 59566-59568]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 97-29113]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 97-NM-225-AD; Amendment 39-10191; AD 97-23-03]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; British Aerospace (Jetstream) Model HS 
748 Series Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.


[[Page 59567]]


ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

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SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), 
applicable to certain British Aerospace (Jetstream) Model HS 748 series 
airplanes. This action requires a one-time visual inspection of the 
retraction jack mounting brackets in the nose landing gear bay to 
determine the type of attachment bolts installed on the bracket bearing 
caps, and replacement of any incorrect bolt with a serviceable bolt of 
the correct type. This amendment is prompted by the issuance of 
mandatory continuing airworthiness information by a foreign civil 
airworthiness authority. The actions specified in this AD are intended 
to prevent failure of the bearing cap attachment bolts, which could 
result in detachment of the bearing caps and consequent collapse of the 
nose landing gear on landing.

DATES: Effective November 19, 1997.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of November 19, 1997.
    Comments for inclusion in the Rules Docket must be received on or 
before December 4, 1997.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-103, 
Attention: Rules Docket No. 97-NM-225-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., 
Renton, Washington 98055-4056.
    The service information referenced in this AD may be obtained from 
Ai(R) American Support, Inc., 13850 McLearen Road, Herndon, Virginia 
20171. This information may be examined at the FAA, Transport Airplane 
Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or at the 
Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 
700, Washington, DC.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, 
Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, 
Washington 98055-4056; telephone (425) 227-2110; fax (425) 227-1149.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), which is 
the airworthiness authority for the United Kingdom, notified the FAA 
that an unsafe condition may exist on certain British Aerospace 
(Jetstream) Model HS 748 series airplanes. The CAA advises that it 
received reports indicating that mounting bracket assemblies of several 
replacement retraction jack mounting brackets in the nose landing gear 
bay were installed with incorrect ``transport'' bolts, rather than the 
required high-strength bolts. The actions specified in this AD are 
intended to prevent failure of the bearing cap attachment bolts, which 
could result in detachment of the bearing caps and consequent collapse 
of the nose landing gear on landing.

Explanation of Relevant Service Information

    Jetstream has issued Service Bulletin HS748-53-59-INSP, dated May 
4, 1994, which describes procedures for a one-time visual inspection of 
the retraction jack mounting brackets in the nose landing gear bay to 
determine the type of attachment bolts installed on the bracket bearing 
caps, and replacement of any incorrect bolt with a serviceable bolt of 
the correct type. Accomplishment of the actions specified in the 
service bulletin is intended to adequately address the identified 
unsafe condition. The CAA classified this service bulletin as mandatory 
and issued British airworthiness directive 007-05-94 in order to assure 
the continued airworthiness of these airplanes in the United Kingdom.

FAA's Conclusions

    This airplane model is manufactured in the United Kingdom and is 
type certificated for operation in the United States under the 
provisions of section 21.29 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 
21.19) and the applicable bilateral airworthiness agreement. Pursuant 
to this bilateral airworthiness agreement, the CAA has kept the FAA 
informed of the situation described above. The FAA has examined the 
findings of the CAA, reviewed all available information, and determined 
that AD action is necessary for products of this type design that are 
certificated for operation in the United States.

Explanation of Requirements of the Rule

    Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to 
exist or develop on other airplanes of the same type design registered 
in the United States, this AD requires accomplishment of the actions 
specified in the service bulletin described previously, except as 
described below.

Differences Between this AD and the Service Information

    Operators should note that, unlike the procedures described in the 
referenced service bulletin and the British airworthiness directive, 
this AD will not permit further flight with any incorrect bolt 
installed on a bracket bearing cap. The FAA has determined that, due to 
the safety implications and consequences associated with the 
installation of such incorrect parts, all incorrect bolts must be 
replaced prior to further flight.

Cost Impact

    None of the Jetstream Model HS 748 series airplanes affected by 
this action are on the U.S. Register. All airplanes included in the 
applicability of this rule currently are operated by non-U.S. operators 
under foreign registry; therefore, they are not directly affected by 
this AD action. However, the FAA considers that this rule is necessary 
to ensure that the unsafe condition is addressed in the event that any 
of these subject airplanes are imported and placed on the U.S. Register 
in the future.
    Should an affected airplane be imported and placed on the U.S. 
Register in the future, it would require approximately 1 work hour per 
airplane to accomplish the required actions, at an average labor rate 
of $60 per work hour. Based on these figures, the cost impact of this 
AD would be $60 per airplane.

Determination of Rule's Effective Date

    Since this AD action does not affect any airplane that is currently 
on the U.S. register, it has no adverse economic impact and imposes no 
additional burden on any person. Therefore, prior notice and public 
procedures hereon are unnecessary and the amendment may be made 
effective in less than 30 days after publication in the Federal 
Register.

Comments Invited

    Although this action is in the form of a final rule and was not 
preceded by notice and opportunity for public comment, comments are 
invited on this rule. Interested persons are invited to comment on this 
rule by submitting such written data, views, or arguments as they may 
desire. Communications shall identify the Rules Docket number and be 
submitted in triplicate to the address specified under the caption 
ADDRESSES. All communications received on or before the closing date 
for comments will be considered, and this rule may be amended in light 
of the comments received. Factual information that supports the 
commenter's ideas and suggestions is extremely helpful in evaluating 
the effectiveness of the AD action and determining whether additional 
rulemaking action would be needed.
    Comments are specifically invited on the overall regulatory, 
economic,

[[Page 59568]]

environmental, and energy aspects of the rule that might suggest a need 
to modify the rule. All comments submitted will be available, both 
before and after the closing date for comments, in the Rules Docket for 
examination by interested persons. A report that summarizes each FAA-
public contact concerned with the substance of this AD will be filed in 
the Rules Docket.
    Commenters wishing the FAA to acknowledge receipt of their comments 
submitted in response to this rule must submit a self-addressed, 
stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: ``Comments 
to Docket Number 97-NM-225-AD.'' The postcard will be date stamped and 
returned to the commenter.

Regulatory Impact

    The regulations adopted herein will not have substantial direct 
effects 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, in 
accordance with Executive Order 12612, it is determined that this final 
rule does not have sufficient federalism implications to warrant the 
preparation of a Federalism Assessment.
    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 final evaluation has been prepared for this action 
and it is contained in the Rules Docket. A copy of it may be obtained 
from 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, pursuant to 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. Section 39.13 is amended by adding the following new 
airworthiness directive:

97-23-03  British Aerospace Regional Aircraft [Formerly Jetstream 
Aircraft Limited, British Aerospace (Commercial Aircraft] Limited]: 
Amendment 39-10191. Docket 97-NM-225-AD.

    Applicability: Jetstream Model HS 748 series airplanes on which 
Modification 7513 has been accomplished; certificated in any 
category.

    Note 1: This AD applies to each airplane identified in the 
preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been 
otherwise 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 (b) 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 the unsafe condition has not been 
eliminated, the request should include specific proposed actions to 
address it.

    Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished 
previously.
    To prevent failure of the bearing cap attachment bolts, which 
could result in detachment of the bearing caps and consequent 
collapse of the nose landing gear on landing, accomplish the 
following:
    (a) Within 100 landings after the effective date of this AD, 
perform a one-time visual inspection of the retraction jack mounting 
brackets in the nose landing gear bay to determine the type of 
attachment bolts installed on the bracket bearing caps, in 
accordance with Jetstream Service Bulletin HS748-53-59-INSP, dated 
May 4, 1994. If any series A111 bolt or any other hexagonal head 
bolt is found, prior to further flight, replace that bolt with a new 
12-point, star-shaped bolt having part number A228E18H or 
MS21250H04018, and washer having part number 8D14776; in accordance 
with the service bulletin.
    (b) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the 
compliance time that provides an acceptable level of safety may be 
used if approved by the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, 
Transport Airplane Directorate. Operators shall submit their 
requests through an appropriate FAA Principal Maintenance Inspector, 
who may add comments and then send it to the Manager, International 
Branch, ANM-116.
    Note 2: Information concerning the existence of approved 
alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be 
obtained from the International Branch, ANM-116.
    (c) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with 
sections 21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 
CFR 21.197 and 21.199) to operate the airplane to a location where 
the requirements of this AD can be accomplished.
    (d) The actions shall be accomplished in accordance with 
Jetstream Service Bulletin HS748-53-59-INSP, dated May 4, 1994. This 
incorporation by reference was approved by the Director of the 
Federal Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 
51. Copies may be obtained from Jetstream Aircraft, Inc., 13850 
McLearen Road, Herndon, Virginia 20171. Copies may be inspected at 
the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., 
Renton, Washington; or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 
North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC.
    (e) This amendment becomes effective on November 19, 1997.

    Note 3: The subject of this AD is addressed in British 
airworthiness directive 007-05-94.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on October 29, 1997.
Darrell M. Pederson,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 97-29113 Filed 11-3-97; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U

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