Airworthiness Directives; British Aerospace (Jetstream) Model 4100 Series Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 160 (Wednesday, August 19, 1998)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 44371-44372]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-21992]



[[Page 44371]]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 98-NM-86-AD; Amendment 39-10714; AD 98-17-12]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; British Aerospace (Jetstream) Model 
4100 Series Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), 
applicable to certain British Aerospace (Jetstream) Model 4100 series 
airplanes, that requires an eddy current conductivity test to measure 
the conductivity of the upper splice plate of the wing, and follow-on 
actions, if necessary. This amendment is prompted by issuance of 
mandatory continuing airworthiness information by a foreign civil 
airworthiness authority. The actions specified by this AD are intended 
to correct corrosion of the upper splice plate of the wing, which could 
result in reduced structural integrity of the airplane.

DATES: Effective September 23, 1998.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of September 23, 1998.

ADDRESSES: 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 
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, 
Rules Docket, 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: Norman B. Martenson, Manager, 
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: A proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal 
Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) to include an airworthiness 
directive (AD) that is applicable to certain British Aerospace 
(Jetstream) Model 4100 airplanes was published in the Federal Register 
on April 21, 1998 (63 FR 19680). That action proposed to require an 
eddy current conductivity test to measure the conductivity of the upper 
splice plate of the wing, and follow-on actions, if necessary.

Comments

    Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate 
in the making of this amendment. No comments were submitted in response 
to the proposal or the FAA's determination of the cost to the public.

Issuance of Additional Service Information

    Since the issuance of the proposed AD, the manufacturer has issued 
British Aerospace Regional Aircraft Service Bulletin J41-57-021, dated 
May 7, 1998, which provides service information for replacement of the 
upper splice plate of the wing with a new upper splice plate, as 
conditionally required by paragraph (b)(1)(ii) of this AD. Although 
British Aerospace Regional Aircraft Service Bulletin J41-57-020, dated 
March 20, 1997, was referenced in the proposed AD as the appropriate 
source of service information for this replacement, the FAA has been 
advised that Service Bulletin J41-57-021 provides complete instructions 
for accomplishment of the replacement. Paragraph (b)(1)(ii) of the 
final rule has been revised to cite Service Bulletin J41-57-021, dated 
May 7, 1998, as an additional source of service information for 
accomplishment of this action.

Conclusion

    After careful review of the available data, the FAA has determined 
that air safety and the public interest require the adoption of the 
rule with the change described previously. The FAA has determined that 
this change will neither increase the economic burden on any operator 
nor increase the scope of the AD.

Cost Impact

    The FAA estimates that 54 airplanes of U.S. registry will be 
affected by this AD, and that it will take approximately 1 work hour 
per airplane to accomplish the required eddy current conductivity test, 
at an average labor rate of $60 per work hour. Based on these figures, 
the cost impact of the test required by this AD on U.S. operators is 
estimated to be $3,240, or $60 per airplane.
    The cost impact figure discussed above is based on assumptions that 
no operator has yet accomplished any of the requirements of this AD 
action, and that no operator would accomplish those actions in the 
future if this AD were not adopted.

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:

98-17-12  British Aerospace Regional Aircraft [Formerly Jetstream 
Aircraft Limited; British Aerospace (Commercial Aircraft) Limited]: 
Amendment 39-10714. Docket 98-NM-86-AD.

    Applicability: Jetstream Model 4100 series airplanes, 
constructor's numbers 41004 through 41096 inclusive; certificated in 
any category.

    Note 1: This AD applies to each airplane identified in the 
preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been 
modified, altered, or repaired in the area subject to the 
requirements of this AD. For airplanes that have been modified, 
altered, or

[[Page 44372]]

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 (c) 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 correct corrosion of the upper splice plate of the 
wing, which could result in reduced structural integrity of the 
airplane, accomplish the following:
    (a) Within 6 months after the effective date of this AD, perform 
an eddy current conductivity test to measure the conductivity of the 
upper splice plate of the wing, in accordance with British Aerospace 
Regional Aircraft Service Bulletin J41-57-019, Revision 1, dated 
November 26, 1997. If the conductivity measurement is greater than 
or equal to 35.0% of the International Aluminum and Copper Standards 
(IACS), no further action is required by this AD.
    (b) During the inspection required by paragraph (a) of this AD, 
if the conductivity measurement is less than 35.0% of the IACS: 
Prior to further flight, use a boroscope to perform a detailed 
visual inspection to detect corrosion along the full length of the 
upper splice plate of the wing, in accordance with British Aerospace 
Regional Aircraft Service Bulletin J41-57-020, dated March 20, 1997. 
Thereafter, repeat the inspection at intervals not to exceed 1 year.
    (1) During any inspection required by paragraph (b) of this AD, 
if any corrosion is detected that is within the allowable limits 
specified in British Aerospace Regional Aircraft Service Bulletin 
J41-57-020, dated March 20, 1997: Accomplish the actions required by 
paragraphs (b)(1)(i) and (b)(1)(ii) of this AD, at the times 
specified in those paragraphs.
    (i) Prior to further flight, repair the upper splice plate of 
the wing in accordance with Appendix 2 of British Aerospace Regional 
Aircraft Service Bulletin J41-57-020, dated March 20, 1997. And
    (ii) Within 3 years after the detection of corrosion, replace 
the upper splice plate of the wing with a new upper splice plate in 
accordance with British Aerospace Regional Aircraft Service Bulletin 
J41-57-020, dated March 20, 1997; or British Aerospace Regional 
Aircraft Service Bulletin J41-57-021, dated May 7, 1998. Such 
replacement constitutes terminating action for the requirements of 
this AD.
    (2) During any inspection required by paragraph (b) of this AD, 
if any corrosion is detected that is outside the allowable limits 
specified inBritish Aerospace Regional Aircraft Service Bulletin 
J41-57-020, dated March 20, 1997: Prior to further flight, repair in 
accordance with a method approved by the Manager, International 
Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate.
    (c) 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. 
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.

    (d) 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.
    (e) Except as provided by paragraph (b)(2) of this AD, the 
actions shall be done in accordance with British Aerospace Regional 
Aircraft Service Bulletin J41-57-019, Revision 1, dated November 26, 
1997, British Aerospace Regional Aircraft Service Bulletin J41-57-
020, dated March 20, 1997, and British Aerospace Regional Aircraft 
Service Bulletin J41-57-021, dated May 7, 1998. 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 AI(R) American Support, 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.

    Note 3: The subject of this AD is addressed in British 
airworthiness directive 005-03-97.

    (f) This amendment becomes effective on September 23, 1998.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on August 11, 1998.
Darrell M. Pederson,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 98-21992 Filed 8-18-98; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U

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