Airworthiness directives: British Aerospace Regional Aircraft,

[Federal Register: July 6, 2007 (Volume 72, Number 129)]

[Proposed Rules]

[Page 36914-36916]

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

[DOCID:fr06jy07-22]

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2007-28115; Directorate Identifier 2007-CE-045-AD]

RIN 2120-AA64

Airworthiness Directives; British Aerospace Regional Aircraft Model HP.137 Jetstream Mk.1, Jetstream Series 200, Jetstream Series 3101, and Jetstream Model 3201 Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of Transportation (DOT).

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the products listed above. 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:

There has been a report of landing gear radius rods suffering cracks starting in the flashline near the microswitch boss. Such cracks can result in loss of the normal hydraulic system and may lead to a landing gear collapse. Main landing gear collapse is considered as potentially hazardous/catastrophic. This AD mandates additional inspections considered necessary to address the identified unsafe condition.

Note: The cause of this cracking is not related to previous cracking of the radius rod cylinder addressed by BAE Systems SB 32- JA040945 (CAA AD G-2005-0010), however, the consequences of a failure are the same.

The proposed AD would require actions that are intended to address the unsafe condition described in the MCAI.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by August 6, 2007.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments by any of the following methods:

DOT Docket Web Site: Go to http://dms.dot.gov and follow

the instructions for sending your comments electronically.

Fax: (202) 493-2251.

Mail: Docket Management Facility, 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.

[[Page 36915]]

Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.

Examining the AD Docket

You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://dms.dot.gov ; 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.

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-2007- 28115; Directorate Identifier 2007-CE-045-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://dms.dot.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

The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Community, has issued AD No: 2007-0087, dated March 30, 2007 (referred to after this as ``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for the specified products. The MCAI states:

There has been a report of landing gear radius rods suffering cracks starting in the flashline near the microswitch boss. Such cracks can result in loss of the normal hydraulic system and may lead to a landing gear collapse. Main landing gear collapse is considered as potentially hazardous/catastrophic. This AD mandates additional inspections considered necessary to address the identified unsafe condition.

Note: The cause of this cracking is not related to previous cracking of the radius rod cylinder addressed by BAE Systems SB 32- JA040945 (CAA AD G-2005-0010), however, the consequences of a failure are the same.

You may obtain further information by examining the MCAI in the AD docket.

Relevant Service Information

British Aerospace Regional Aircraft has issued British Aerospace Jetstream Series 3100 and 3200 Service Bulletin 32-JA060741, dated November 1, 2006. 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.

Differences Between This Proposed 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 proposed different actions in this AD from those in the MCAI in order to follow FAA policies. Any such differences are highlighted in a Note within the proposed AD.

Costs of Compliance

Based on the service information, we estimate that this proposed AD would affect about 190 products of U.S. registry. We also estimate that it would take about 14 work-hours per product to comply with the basic requirements of this proposed AD. The average labor rate is $80 per work-hour. Parts would cost approximately $10,000 per product. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of the proposed AD on U.S. operators to be $2,112,800, or $11,120 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 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); 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 proposed AD and placed it in the AD docket.

   List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

   Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, 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

1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:

   Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.

   [[Page 36916]]

   Sec. 39.13 [Amended]

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

   British Aerospace Regional Aircraft: Docket No. FAA-2007-28115; Directorate Identifier 2007-CE-045-AD.

   Comments Due Date

   (a) We must receive comments by August 6, 2007.

   Affected ADs

   (b) None.

   Applicability

   (c) This AD applies to HP.137 Jetstream Mk. 1, Jetstream Series 200, Jetstream Series 3101, and Jetstream Model 3201 airplanes, all serial numbers, certificated in any category.

   (d) Air Transport Association of America (ATA) Code 32: Landing Gear.

   Reason

   (e) The mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) states:

   There has been a report of landing gear radius rods suffering cracks starting in the flashline near the microswitch boss. Such cracks can result in loss of the normal hydraulic system and may lead to a landing gear collapse. Main landing gear collapse is considered as potentially hazardous/catastrophic. This AD mandates additional inspections considered necessary to address the identified unsafe condition.

   Note: The cause of this cracking is not related to previous cracking of the radius rod cylinder addressed by BAE Systems SB 32- JA040945 (CAA AD G-2005-0010), however, the consequences of a failure are the same.

   Actions and Compliance

   (f) Unless already done, do the following actions:

   (1) Initially within the next 3 months after the effective date of this AD and repetitively thereafter at intervals not to exceed 12 months until the replacement required by paragraph (f)(2) or (f)(3) of this AD is done, inspect the main landing gear radius rod forged cylinder flashline following the accomplishment instructions of British Aerospace Jetstream Series 3100 and 3200 Service Bulletin 32-JA060741, dated November 1, 2006.

   (2) If cracks are found during any inspection required by this AD, before further flight, replace the radius rod assembly with a serviceable unit.

   (i) If the radius rod assembly includes the parts described in paragraphs (f)(3)(i) and (f)(3)(ii) of this AD, then the repetitive inspections of this AD are no longer required.

   (ii) If the radius rod assembly does not include the parts described in paragraphs (f)(3)(i) and (f)(3)(ii) of this AD, then continue to repetitively inspect at intervals not to exceed 12 months until you comply with paragraph (f)(3) of this AD.

   (3) Upon accumulating 8,000 total landings TIS on the airplane or within the next 100 hours TIS after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later, replace the radius rod assembly by installing the following (this terminates the repetitive inspection requirement of this AD):

   (i) Part number (P/N) 1847/A to 1847/L with strike-off 12 or 13, or 1847/M or later; and

   (ii) P/N 1862/A to 1862/L with strike-off 12 or 13, or 1862/M or later.

   (4) For airplanes under 8,000 total landings: Before further flight after the initial inspection required by paragraph (f)(1) of this AD, do not install a radius rod assembly that is not of a part specified in paragraphs (f)(3)(i) and (f)(3)(ii) of this AD on an affected airplane, unless it has been inspected in accordance with the requirements of this directive.

   (5) For airplanes that have replaced or have the radius rod assembly replaced as required in paragraph (f)(3) of this AD: Before further flight after installing the parts in paragraphs (f)(3)(i) and (f)(3)(ii) of this AD, do not install any radius rod assembly that is not part number (P/N) 1847/A to 1847/L with strike-off 12 or 13, or 1847/M or later; and P/N 1862/A to 1862/L with strike-off 12 or 13, or 1862/M or later.

   Note 1: When a compliance time in this AD is presented in landings and you do not keep the total landings, you may multiply the total number of airplane hours TIS by 0.75 to calculate the number of landings for the purposes of doing the actions required by this AD.

   Note 2: Maintenance procedures for each radius rod overhaul are included in APPH Service Bulletin 1847-32-12 or 1862-32-12, both dated September 2006, as applicable. You may still perform such maintenance through a fluorescent dye penetrant inspection of the cylinder counterbore as specified in APPH Component Maintenance Manual (CMM) 32-10-16 at Revision 11 or higher.

   FAA AD Differences

   Note 3: This AD differs from the MCAI and/or service information as follows:

   (1) The MCAI and service bulletin allow the radius rod assembly to be repetitively inspected for the life of the airplane and the repetitive inspections terminated if improved design parts are installed. The affected airplanes are used in commuter operations (14 CFR part 135). The FAA's policy on aging commuter class aircraft states, when a modification exists that could eliminate or reduce the number of required critical inspections, the modification should be incorporated. Therefore, the FAA is mandating the replacement of the radius rod assembly with improved design parts no later than upon accumulating 8,000 landings on the airplane as terminating action for the repetitive inspections.

   (2) The MCAI includes procedures for a maintenance overhaul referencing APPH service bulletins. Because we do not require general maintenance in our ADs, we added a note referencing these bulletins.

   Other FAA AD Provisions

   (g) The following provisions also apply to this AD:

   (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, Standards Staff, 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. 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 (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.), 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 European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD No. 2007- 0087, dated March 30, 2007; and BAE SYSTEMS Jetstream Series 3100 and 3200 Service Bulletin 32-JA060741, dated November 1, 2006; for related information.

   Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on June 29, 2007. Kim Smith, Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.

   [FR Doc. E7-13091 Filed 7-5-07; 8:45 am]

   BILLING CODE 4910-13-P