Airworthiness directives: British Aerospace,

[Federal Register: September 22, 1999 (Volume 64, Number 183)]

[Rules and Regulations]

[Page 51198-51199]

From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

[DOCID:fr22se99-8]

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 98-NM-344-AD; Amendment 39-11322; AD 99-19-35]

RIN 2120-AA64

Airworthiness Directives; British Aerospace BAe Model ATP Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to all British Aerospace BAe Model ATP airplanes, that requires repetitive tests for the serviceability of the nose landing gear compensator; and corrective action, 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 prevent a nose wheel shimmy, which could lead to the collapse of the nose landing gear during landing.

DATES: Effective October 27, 1999.

The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as of October 27, 1999.

ADDRESSES: The service information referenced in this AD may be obtained from British Aerospace Regional Aircraft, 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 all British Aerospace BAe Model ATP airplanes was published in the Federal Register on July 15, 1999 (64 FR 38152). That action proposed to require repetitive tests for the serviceability of the nose landing gear compensator; and corrective action, if necessary.

Comments

Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate in the making of this amendment. Due consideration has been given to the single comment received.

Correction of Manufacturer's Title

One commenter, the manufacturer, informs the FAA that its title has changed and requests that the proposed AD be revised to provide the correct title of the manufacturer for obtaining service information. The FAA has made this change in the final rule.

Conclusion

After careful review of the available data, including the comment noted above, 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 10 airplanes of U.S. registry will be affected by this AD, that it will take approximately 2 work hours per airplane to accomplish the required test, and that the average labor rate is $60 per work hour. Required parts will cost approximately $50 per airplane. Based on these figures, the cost impact of the required AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be $1,700, or $170 per airplane, per test.

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:

   99-19-35 British Aerospace Regional Aircraft [Formerly Jetstream Aircraft Limited; British Aerospace (Commercial Aircraft) Limited]: Amendment 39-11322. Docket 98-NM-344-AD.

   Applicability: All BAe Model ATP airplanes, 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 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.

   [[Page 51199]]

   To prevent a nose wheel shimmy, which could lead to the collapse of the nose landing gear during landing, accomplish the following:

   Serviceability Test

   (a) Within 250 flight cycles after the effective date of this AD, perform a test for the serviceability of the nose landing gear compensator in accordance with British Aerospace Alert Service Bulletin ATP-A32-94, dated October 3, 1998. Thereafter, repeat the test at intervals not to exceed 4,000 flight cycles. If the compensator does not pass the serviceability test, within 50 flight cycles after the accomplishment of the test, replace the compensator with a new or serviceable compensator in accordance with the service bulletin.

   Alternative Methods of Compliance

   (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.

   Special Flight Permits

   (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.

   Incorporation by Reference

   (d) The actions shall be done in accordance with British Aerospace Alert Service Bulletin ATP-A32-94, dated October 3, 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 British Aerospace Regional Aircraft, 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 016-10-98.

   (e) This amendment becomes effective on October 27, 1999.

   Issued in Renton, Washington, on September 10, 1999. D.L. Riggin, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.

   [FR Doc. 99-24149Filed9-21-99; 8:45 am]

   BILLING CODE 4910-13-P