Airworthiness directives: British Aerospace,

[Federal Register: September 21, 1998 (Volume 63, Number 182)]

[Rules and Regulations]

[Page 50138-50139]

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

[DOCID:fr21se98-7]

[[Page 50138]]

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 98-NM-152-AD; Amendment 39-10774; AD 98-20-07]

RIN 2120-AA64

Airworthiness Directives; British Aerospace (Jetstream) Model 4101 Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

SUMMARY: This amendment supersedes an existing airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to certain British Aerospace (Jetstream) Model 4101 airplanes, that currently requires an inspection to determine the data on the label of certain hose assemblies, and replacement of all hose assemblies from any discrepant batch with certain new hose assemblies. This amendment requires a one-time inspection for different data on the label of certain hose assemblies, and replacement of all hose assemblies from any discrepant batch with certain new hose assemblies. This action also adds airplanes to the applicability of the existing AD. This amendment is prompted by a report of the failure of a hose assembly in the fire extinguisher system of the engine nacelle due to cracks, caused during manufacture of the hose assemblies, in the swaged ferrule that attaches the hose to the end fitting. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent failure of hose assemblies, which could prevent the proper distribution of fire extinguishing agent within the engine nacelle in the event of a fire.

DATES: Effective October 26, 1998.

The incorporation by reference of Jetstream Alert Service Bulletin J41-A26-007, Revision 1, dated May 21, 1997, as listed in the regulations, is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as of October 26, 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) by superseding AD 97-15-05, amendment 39-10078 (62 FR 38015, July 16, 1997), which is applicable to certain British Aerospace (Jetstream) Model 4101 airplanes, was published in the Federal Register on July 14, 1998 (63 FR 37793). That action proposed to add a one-time inspection for different data on the label of certain hose assemblies, and replacement of all hose assemblies from any discrepant batch with certain new hose assemblies. That action also proposed to add airplanes to the applicability of the existing AD.

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.

The commenter supports the proposed 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 as proposed.

Cost Impact

The FAA estimates that approximately 57 airplanes of U.S. registry will be affected by this AD.

The new inspection that is required in this AD will take approximately 1 work hour per airplane to accomplish, at an average labor rate of $60 per work hour. Based on these figures, the cost impact of the inspection required by this AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be $3,420, 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 removing amendment 39-10078 (62 FR 38015, July 16, 1997), and by adding a new airworthiness directive (AD), amendment 39-10774, to read as follows:

   98-20-07 British Aerospace Regional Aircraft [Formerly Jetstream Aircraft Limited; British Aerospace (Commercial Aircraft) Limited]: Amendment 39-10774. Docket 98-NM-152-AD. Supersedes AD 97-15-05, Amendment 39-10078.

   Applicability: Model Jetstream 4101 airplanes, constructors numbers 41004 through 41100 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 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

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   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 hose assemblies, which could prevent the proper distribution of fire extinguishing agent within the engine nacelle in the event of a fire, accomplish the following:

   (a) Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD, perform a one-time detailed visual inspection to determine the data on the label of the two hose assemblies having part number 14191001-56, in accordance with Jetstream Alert Service Bulletin J41-A26-007, Revision 1, dated May 21, 1997.

   (1) If the data on any hose assembly are not identical to the data shown on either Label 1 or Label 2 of Figure 2 of the Accomplishment Instructions of the alert service bulletin, no further action is required by this AD.

   (2) If the data on any hose assembly are identical to the data shown on either Label 1 or Label 2 of Figure 2 of the Accomplishment Instructions of the alert service bulletin, prior to the accumulation of 60 flight hours following accomplishment of the inspection required by paragraph (a) of this AD, replace the hose assembly with a new hose assembly that has different data on the identification label, in accordance with the alert 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 inspection and replacement shall be done in accordance with Jetstream Alert Service Bulletin J41-A26-007, Revision 1, dated May 21, 1997. This incorporation by reference is 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.

   (e) This amendment becomes effective on October 26, 1998.

   Issued in Renton, Washington, on September 11, 1998. Dorenda D. Baker, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.

   [FR Doc. 98-24907Filed9-18-98; 8:45 am]

   BILLING CODE 4910-13-U