Airworthiness Directives; British Aerospace Regional Aircraft Airplanes
Federal Register, Volume 79 Issue 250 (Wednesday, December 31, 2014)
Federal Register Volume 79, Number 250 (Wednesday, December 31, 2014)
Proposed Rules
Pages 78726-78729
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office www.gpo.gov
FR Doc No: 2014-30631
Page 78726
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
Docket No. FAA-2014-1093; Directorate Identifier 2014-CE-035-AD
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; British Aerospace Regional Aircraft Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
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SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for British Aerospace Regional Aircraft Model Jetstream Series 3101 and Jetstream Model 3201 airplanes that would supersede AD 2014-06-03. This proposed 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 stress corrosion cracking of the main landing gear spigot housing. We are issuing this proposed AD to require actions to address the unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by February 17, 2015.
ADDRESSES: You may send comments by any of the following methods:
Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
Fax: (202) 493-2251.
Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590.
Hand Delivery: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
For service information identified in this proposed AD, contact BAE Systems (Operations) Ltd, Customer Information Department, Prestwick International Airport, Ayrshire, KA9 2RW, Scotland, United Kingdom; phone: +44 1292 675207, fax: +44 1292 675704; email: RApublications@baesystems.com; Internet: http://www.jetstreamcentral.com. You may review copies of the referenced service information at the FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Kansas City, Missouri 64106. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call (816) 329-4148.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2014-
1093; or in person at the Docket Management Facility between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains this proposed AD, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and other information. The street address for the Docket Office (telephone (800) 647-5527) is in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Taylor Martin, Aerospace Engineer, FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas City, Missouri 64106; telephone: (816) 329-4138; fax: (816) 329-4090; email: taylor.martin@faa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or arguments about this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2014-1093; Directorate Identifier 2014-CE-035-AD'' at the beginning of your comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this proposed AD. We will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend this proposed AD because of those comments.
We will post all comments we receive, without change, to http://regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. We will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact we receive about this proposed AD.
Discussion
On March 14, 2014, we issued AD 2014-06-03, Amendment 39-17807 (79 FR 17395; March 28, 2014) (``AD 2014-06-03''). That AD required actions intended to address an unsafe condition on British Aerospace Regional Aircraft Model Jetstream Series 3101 and Jetstream Model 3201 airplanes and was based on mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) originated by an aviation authority of another country.
Since we issued AD 2014-06-03, corrosion was found on an airplane at the top outer edge of the forward spigot housing and extended along the top of the spigot housing. BAE Systems (Operations) Limited issued new service information to ensure the spigot cap is positioned correctly and to include inspection instructions for movement of the special washer and instructions for addressing any corrosion that may be found.
The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Community, has issued EASA AD No. 2014-0239, dated November 3, 2014 (referred to after this as ``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for the specified products. The MCAI states:
Several cases of stress corrosion cracking of DTD 5094 standard Main Landing Gear (MLG) cylinders have been reported on Jetstream Series 3200 and 3100 aeroplanes.
Prompted by these findings, The United Kingdom (UK) Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) issued AD 003-01-86 to require visual and non-
destructive testing (NDT) inspections of the MLG assembly cylinder attachment spigot housing in accordance with BAE Systems (Operations) Ltd SB 32-A-JA851226. In 2012 an additional occurrence of Jetstream 3100 MLG failure after landing was reported, the subsequent investigation revealed stress corrosion cracking of the yoke pintle housing as a root cause of the MLG failure. Consequently EASA issued EASA AD 2013-0208 to require inspection of the MLG in accordance with BAE Systems (Operations) Ltd SB 32-A-JA851226 Revision 5 or later approved revisions to detect any crack, however, SB 32-A-JA851226 did not apply to aeroplanes
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equipped with MLG cylinders manufactured from L161 material, since that is not susceptible to stress corrosion, BAE Systems (Operations) Ltd issued SB 32-JM7862 to address degradation of the surface protection by placing a special washer over the forward face of the MLG spigot housing, which rotates with the spigot housing. EASA issued AD 2013-0206 to require modification of the left (LH) and right hand (RH) MLG in accordance with this SB.
In 2014 a further event was reported, where the LH MLG of a Jetstream 3100 aeroplane collapsed during landing, this resulted in the aeroplane departing from the runway. The accident is still under investigation by the UK Air Accident Investigation Branch. Preliminary results of the investigation determined that cracking, which caused the MLG collapse, was initiated from a corrosion pit at the top outer edge of the forward spigot housing and extended along the top of the spigot housing. The spigot housing material was DTD 5094. The affected LH MLG had been modified in accordance with BAE Systems (Operations) Ltd SB 32-JM7862 Revision 1. Further investigation discovered that the instructions provided in BAE Systems (Operations) Ltd SB 32-JM7862 Revision 1 did not effectively prevent stress corrosion cracking because, under certain circumstances, it allows the rotation of the special washer and consequent damage of the end face of the spigot housing.
This condition, if not corrected, could lead to structural failure of the MLG, possibly resulting in loss of control of the aeroplane during take-off or landing runs.
To address this potential unsafe condition, BAE Systems (Operations) Ltd issued SB 32-JM7862 Revision 2 to clarify the orientation of the spigot bearing cap, later revised to SB 32-JM7862 Revision 3 to ensure the spigot bearing cap is correctly positioned. Additionally, BAE Systems (Operations) Ltd issued SB 32-A-JA140940 to provide inspection instructions to detect migration of the special washer and any potential corrosion resulting from that unwanted migration for MLG installations modified earlier in accordance with BAE Systems (Operations) Ltd SB 32-JM7862 up to Revision 2.
For the reasons described above, this AD partially retains the requirements of EASA AD 2013-0206, which is superseded, and requires a one-time inspection of pre-SB 32-JM7862 Revision 3 MLG installations and, depending on findings, applicable corrective action(s).
You may examine the MCAI on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2014-1093.
Relevant Service Information
British Aerospace Regional Aircraft has issued British Aerospace Jetstream Series 3100 and 3200 Service Bulletin No. 32-JM7862, Revision 3, dated October 3, 2014; and British Aerospace Jetstream Series 3100 and 3200 Service Bulletin No. 32-A-JA140940, Original Issue, dated October 3, 2014. The actions described in this service information are intended to correct the unsafe condition identified in the MCAI.
FAA's Determination and Requirements of the Proposed AD
This product has been approved by the aviation authority of another country, and is approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant to our bilateral agreement with this State of Design Authority, they have notified us of the unsafe condition described in the MCAI and service information referenced above. We are proposing this AD because we evaluated all information and determined the unsafe condition exists and is likely to exist or develop on other products of the same type design.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this proposed AD will affect 44 products of U.S. registry. We also estimate that it would take about 2 work-hours per product to comply with the basic requirements of this proposed AD. The average labor rate is $85 per work-hour. Required parts would cost about $170 per product.
Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of the proposed AD on U.S. operators to be $14,960, or $340 per product.
We accept modification of the MLG, if done before the effective date of this proposed AD, using earlier versions of the service information. However, the earlier versions of the service information require additional inspections with possible corrective actions.
In addition, we estimate that any necessary follow-on actions that may be required if using an earlier version of the service information would take about 1 work-hour to inspect for special washer migration and corrosion damage and require parts costing $100 for replacement of the special washer and application of witness paint, if necessary, for a cost of $185 per product. We have no way of determining the number of products that may need these actions.
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 proposed AD would not have federalism implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would 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 proposed regulation:
(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),
(3) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
(4) 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.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by reference, Safety.
The Proposed Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part 39 as follows:
PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
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The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
Sec. 39.13 Amended
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The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by removing Amendment 39-17806 (79 FR 17395; March 28, 2014), and adding the following new AD:
British Aerospace Regional Aircraft: Docket No. FAA-2014-1093; Directorate Identifier 2014-CE-035-AD.
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(a) Comments Due Date
We must receive comments by February 17, 2015.
(b) Affected ADs
This AD supersedes AD 2014-06-03, Amendment 39-17806 (79 FR 17395; March 28, 2014).
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to British Aerospace Regional Aircraft Jetstream Series 3101 and Jetstream Model 3201 airplanes, all serial numbers, certificated in any category.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association of America (ATA) Code 32: Landing Gear.
(e) Reason
This AD was prompted by 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 stress corrosion cracking of the main landing gear (MLG) spigot housing. We are issuing this AD to prevent corrosion cracking of the MLG spigot housing. This condition, if not corrected, could cause structural failure of the MLG resulting in loss of control of the airplane during take-off or landing.
(f) Actions and Compliance
Unless already done, do the following actions in paragraphs (f)(1) through (f)(11), including all subparagraphs, as applicable.
(1) At the next scheduled MLG removal, modify the installation of the left hand (LH) and right hand (RH) MLG at the forward spigot following British Aerospace Jetstream Series 3100 and 3200 Service Bulletin No. 32-JM7862, Revision 3, dated October 3, 2014.
Note to paragraph (f)(1) of this AD: The next scheduled MLG removal may be for non-destructive testing or overhaul, as applicable.
(2) If done before the effective date of this AD, we will accept modification of the LH or RG MLG following British Aerospace Jetstream Series 3100 & 3200 Service Bulletin SB 32-JM7862, Revision 2, dated June 13, 2014; or British Aerospace Jetstream Series 3100 & 3200 Service Bulletin 32-JM7862, Revision 1, dated May 7, 2013, for compliance with paragraph (f)(1) of this AD.
(3) For airplanes that, before the effective date of this AD, have been modified following British Aerospace Jetstream Series 3100 & 3200 Service Bulletin 32-JM7862, Revision 2, dated June 13, 2014, visually inspect the LH and RH MLG to detect migration of a special washer following the instructions in Part 1 of British Aerospace Jetstream Series 3100 & 3200 Service Bulletin 32-A-JA140940, Original Issue, dated October 3, 2014, at the compliance time listed in paragraph (f)(3)(i) or (f)(3)(ii) of this AD, as applicable.
(i) For MLG configuration equipped with DTD5094 cylinder: Within the next 200 flight cycles after the effective date of this AD or within the next 2 months after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first.
(ii) For MLG configuration equipped with L161 cylinder: Within the next 600 flight cycles after the effective date of this AD or within the next 6 months after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first.
(4) If evidence of migration of the special washer was detected during the inspection required in paragraph (f)(3) of this AD, within the applicable compliance time specified in paragraph (f)(3)(i) or (f)(3)(ii) of this AD, do the corrective actions on the LH or RH MLG, as applicable, following Part 2 of British Aerospace Jetstream Series 3100 & 3200 Service Bulletin 32-A-JA140940, Original Issue, dated October 3, 2014.
(5) If no evidence of migration of the special washer was detected during the inspection required in paragraph (f)(3) of this AD, before further flight, apply a witness paint over the special washer tab and onto the MLG spigot housing (LH and RH MLG) following Part 1 of British Aerospace Jetstream Series 3100 & 3200 Service Bulletin 32-A-JA140940, Original Issue, dated October 3, 2014.
(6) For airplanes that, before the effective date of this AD, have been modified following British Aerospace Jetstream Series 3100 & 3200 Service Bulletin 32-JM7862, Revision 1, dated May 7, 2013, do all of the actions on the MLG cylinder (LH and/or RH, as applicable) following the instructions in Part 2 of British Aerospace Jetstream Series 3100 & 3200 Service Bulletin 32-A-JA140940, Original Issue, dated October 3, 2014, at the compliance time listed in paragraph (f)(6)(i) or (f)(6)(ii), as applicable.
(i) For MLG configuration equipped with DTD5094 cylinder: Within the next 200 flight cycles after the effective date of this AD or within the next 2 months after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first.
(ii) For MLG configuration equipped with L161 cylinder: Within the next 600 flight cycles after the effective date of this AD or within the next 6 months after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first.
(7) If any wear, corrosion, or damage is detected during the inspection required in either paragraph (f)(3) or (f)(6), as applicable, of this AD, before further flight, do all of the corrective actions (including application of the a witness paint) following the instructions in Part 2 of British Aerospace Jetstream Series 3100 & 3200 Service Bulletin 32-A-JA140940, Original Issue, dated October 3, 2014.
(8) Between 30 and 45 days after doing the action required in either paragraph (f)(3) or (f)(6) of this AD or between the next 20 to 30 flight cycles after doing the action required in either paragraph (f)(3) or (f)(6) of this AD, whichever occurs first, inspect the witness paint applied as required in either paragraph (f)(5) or (f)(7) of this AD following the instructions in Part 3 of British Aerospace Jetstream Series 3100 & 3200 Service Bulletin 32-
A-JA140940, Original Issue, dated October 3, 2014.
(9) If any damaged paint is detected during the inspection required in paragraph (f)(8) of this AD, before further flight, contact British Aerospace Regional Aircraft to obtain FAA-approved repair instructions approved specifically for this AD and incorporate those instructions. You may find the contact information for British Aerospace Regional Aircraft in paragraph (h) of this AD.
(10) As of the effective date of this AD, do not install a LH or RH MLG on any of the applicable airplanes unless it has passed all of the inspections required by this AD.
(11) For all airplanes: The compliance times for paragraphs (f)(3)(i), (f)(3)(ii), (f)(6)(i), (f)(6)(ii), and (f)(8) of this AD are presented in flight cycles (landings). If the total flight cycles have not been kept, multiply the total number of airplane hours time-in-service (TIS) by 0.75 to calculate the cycles. You may use the following as an example for this AD:
(i) 200 hours TIS x .75 = 150 cycles; or
(ii) 600 hours TIS x .75 = 450 cycles.
(g) Other FAA AD Provisions
The following provisions also apply to this AD:
(1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, Standards Office, 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: Taylor Martin, Aerospace Engineer, FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas City, Missouri 64106; telephone: (816) 329-4138; fax: (816) 329-4090; email: taylor.martin@faa.gov. 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.
(h) Related Information
Refer to MCAI European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Community, AD No. 2014-0239, dated November 3, 2014; and British Aerospace Jetstream Series 3100 & 3200 Service Bulletin SB 32-JA851226, Revision 5, dated April 30, 2013; British Aerospace Jetstream and British Aerospace Jetstream Series 3100 & 3200 Service Bulletin 32-
JM7862, Revision 1, dated May 7, 2013, for related information. You may examine the MCAI on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2014-1093. For service information related to this AD, contact BAE Systems (Operations) Ltd, Customer Information Department, Prestwick International Airport, Ayrshire, KA9 2RW, Scotland, United Kingdom; phone: +44 1292 675207, fax: +44 1292 675704; email: RApublications@baesystems.com; Internet: http://www.jetstreamcentral.com. You may review copies of the referenced service information at the FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Kansas City, Missouri 64106. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call (816) 329-4148.
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Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on December 22, 2014.
Robert Busto,
Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
FR Doc. 2014-30631 Filed 12-30-14; 8:45 am
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
