Airworthiness Directives; BAE Systems (Operations) Limited (Jetstream) Model 4101 Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 73, Number 119 (Thursday, June 19, 2008)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 34847-34849]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E8-13563]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2008-0275; Directorate Identifier 2007-NM-335-AD; 
Amendment 39-15565; AD 2008-13-02]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; BAE Systems (Operations) Limited 
(Jetstream) Model 4101 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 the 
products listed above. 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 describes the unsafe condition as:

    Cracks have been found in the propeller blades and propeller 
hubs, for which ongoing controlling actions issued by the propeller 
TC [type certificate] holder (McCauley Propeller Systems) have been 
mandated by FAA Airworthiness Directive (AD) action.
    Current FAA ADs related to this subject are 2003-17-10 (which 
superseded AD 2003-15-01), 2004-23-16, 2005-24-08 and 2006-15-13.
    Cracking of the blade or hub can ultimately lead to blade 
release with potentially catastrophic consequences. * * *

* * * * *
    We are issuing this AD to require actions to correct the unsafe 
condition on these products.

DATES: This AD becomes effective July 24, 2008.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of July 24, 
2008.

ADDRESSES: You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov or in person at the U.S. Department of 
Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West Building, Ground Floor, 
Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Todd Thompson, Aerospace Engineer, 
International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356; telephone (425) 
227-1175; fax (425) 227-1149.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

[[Page 34848]]

Discussion

    We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR 
part 39 to include an AD that would apply to the specified products. 
That NPRM was published in the Federal Register on March 13, 2008 (73 
FR 13504). That NPRM proposed to correct an unsafe condition for the 
specified products. The MCAI states:

    Cracks have been found in the propeller blades and propeller 
hubs, for which ongoing controlling actions issued by the propeller 
TC [type certificate] holder (McCauley Propeller Systems) have been 
mandated by FAA Airworthiness Directive (AD) action.
    Current FAA ADs related to this subject are 2003-17-10 (which 
superseded AD 2003-15-01), 2004-23-16, 2005-24-08 and 2006-15-13.
    Cracking of the blade or hub can ultimately lead to blade 
release with potentially catastrophic consequences. BAE Systems has 
concluded that safety margins can be further improved by introducing 
operating limitations that will prevent damaging stresses in the 
propeller assembly, instructing flight crews to place the propeller 
condition levers in the Flight position during all ground 
maneuvering.
    EASA concurs with this conclusion and this AD therefore requires 
the replacement of the Propeller Limitations Placard with a new one.

    Corrective actions include revising the airplane flight manual. You 
may obtain further information by examining the MCAI in the AD docket.

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 available data and determined that air safety and 
the public interest require adopting the AD as proposed.

Differences Between This AD and the MCAI or Service Information

    We have reviewed the MCAI and related service information and, in 
general, agree with their substance. But we might have found it 
necessary to use different words from those in the MCAI to ensure the 
AD is clear for U.S. operators and is enforceable. In making these 
changes, we do not intend to differ substantively from the information 
provided in the MCAI and related service information.
    We might also have required different actions in this AD from those 
in the MCAI in order to follow our FAA policies. Any such differences 
are highlighted in a NOTE within the AD.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD will affect about 7 products of U.S. 
registry. We also estimate that it will take about 2 work-hours per 
product to comply with the basic requirements of this AD. The average 
labor rate is $80 per work-hour. Required parts will cost about $25 per 
product. Where the service information lists required parts costs that 
are covered under warranty, we have assumed that there will be no 
charge for these parts. As we do not control warranty coverage for 
affected parties, some parties may incur costs higher than estimated 
here. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of this AD to the 
U.S. operators to be $1,295, or $185 per product.

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); 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.
    We prepared a regulatory evaluation of the estimated costs to 
comply with this AD and placed it in the AD docket.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov; or in person at the Docket Operations office 
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 Operations 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

0
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, 
the FAA amends 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]

0
2. The FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by adding the following new AD:

2008-13-02 BAE Systems (Operations) Limited (Formerly British 
Aerospace Regional Aircraft): Amendment 39-15565. Docket No. FAA-
2008-0275; Directorate Identifier 2007-NM-335-AD.

Effective Date

    (a) This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective July 24, 
2008.

Affected ADs

    (b) None.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to BAE Systems (Operations) Limited 
(Jetstream) Model 4101 airplanes, all serial numbers, certificated 
in any category.

Subject

    (d) Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 11: Placards 
and Markings.

Reason

    (e) The mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) 
states:
    Cracks have been found in the propeller blades and propeller 
hubs, for which ongoing controlling actions issued by the propeller 
TC [type certificate] holder (McCauley Propeller Systems) have been 
mandated by FAA Airworthiness Directive (AD) action.

[[Page 34849]]

    Current FAA ADs related to this subject are 2003-17-10 (which 
superseded AD 2003-15-01), 2004-23-16, 2005-24-08 and 2006-15-13.
    Cracking of the blade or hub can ultimately lead to blade 
release with potentially catastrophic consequences. BAE Systems has 
concluded that safety margins can be further improved by introducing 
operating limitations that will prevent damaging stresses in the 
propeller assembly, instructing flight crews to place the propeller 
condition levers in the Flight position during all ground 
maneuvering.
    EASA concurs with this conclusion and this AD therefore requires 
the replacement of the Propeller Limitations Placard with a new one.
    Corrective actions include revising the airplane flight manual.

Actions and Compliance

    (f) Within 90 days after the effective date of this AD, unless 
already done, do the following actions.
    (1) Replace the existing Propeller Limitations Placard in the 
cockpit with a new placard, in accordance with the Accomplishment 
Instructions of BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Service Bulletin 
J41-11-027, dated March 29, 2007.
    (2) Revise the BAe Jetstream Series 4100 Flight Manual (FM) to 
include the information in BAe Jetstream Series 4100 General 
Amendment G12, approved January 2007, and BAe Jetstream Series 4100 
Advance Amendment Bulletin 13, approved April 4, 2007. General 
Amendment G12 describes a rolling take-off technique and the reduced 
possibility of landing with ice contaminating the wings, and adds a 
Gross Height/Pressure Altitude Conversion Chart. Advance Amendment 
Bulletin 13 introduces procedures for placing the propeller 
condition levers in the Flight position during all ground 
maneuvering. Operate the airplane according to the procedures in 
General Amendment G12 and Advance Amendment Bulletin 13.

    Note 1: This may be done by inserting copies of General 
Amendment G12 and Advance Amendment Bulletin 13 into the FM. When 
General Amendment G12 and Advance Amendment Bulletin 13 have been 
included in general revisions of the FM, the general revisions may 
be inserted in the FM, provided the relevant information in the 
general revision is identical to that in General Amendment G12 and 
Advance Amendment Bulletin 13.

FAA AD Differences

    Note 2: This AD differs from the MCAI and/or service information 
as follows: No differences.

Other FAA AD Provisions

    (g) The following provisions also apply to this AD:
    (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, 
International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, 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: Todd 
Thompson, Aerospace Engineer, International Branch, ANM-116, 
Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, 
Washington 98057-3356; telephone (425) 227-1175; fax (425) 227-1149. 
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, under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act, the 
Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has approved the information 
collection requirements and has assigned OMB Control Number 2120-
0056.

Related Information

    (h) Refer to MCAI European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) 
Airworthiness Directive 2007-0268, dated October 8, 2007; BAE 
Systems (Operations) Limited Service Bulletin J41-11-027, dated 
March 29, 2007; BAe Jetstream Series 4100 General Amendment G12, 
approved January 2007, to the Jetstream Series 4100 Flight Manual; 
and BAe Jetstream Series 4100 Advance Amendment Bulletin 13, 
approved April 4, 2007, to the Jetstream Series 4100 Flight Manual; 
for related information.

Material Incorporated by Reference

    (i) You must use the service information specified in Table 1 of 
this AD to do the actions required by this AD, as applicable, unless 
the AD specifies otherwise. (The approval date of BAe Jetstream 
Series 4100 General Amendment G12 is specified only on page 0-2-4.) 
BAe Jetstream Series 4100 General Amendment G12 contains the 
following effective pages:

Page

    List of Effective Pages
    Pages 0-4-1 through 0-4-6

Date

    January 2007

              Table 1.--Material Incorporated by Reference
------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Service information                         Date
------------------------------------------------------------------------
BAe Jetstream Series 4100 Advance Amendment       April 4, 2007.
 Bulletin 13 to the Jetstream Series 4100 Flight
 Manual.
BAe Jetstream Series 4100 General Amendment G12   January, 2007.
 to the Jetstream Series 4100 Flight Manual.
BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Service          March 29, 2007.
 Bulletin J41-11-027.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference of this service information under 5 
U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
    (2) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
British Aerospace Regional Aircraft American Support, 13850 Mclearen 
Road, Herndon, Virginia 20171.
    (3) You may review copies at the FAA, Transport Airplane 
Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or 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 Renton, Washington, on June 10, 2008.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
 [FR Doc. E8-13563 Filed 6-18-08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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