Airworthiness Directives; British Aerospace (Jetstream) Model 4101 Airplanes

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 97-NM-339-AD; Amendment 39-10776; AD 98-20-09]

RIN 2120-AA64

Airworthiness Directives; British Aerospace (Jetstream) Model

4101 Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This amendment supersedes an existing airworthiness directive

(AD), applicable to all British Aerospace (Jetstream) Model 4101

airplanes, that currently requires repetitive functional testing of the

main entrance door, cleaning and lubricating of the ``speed'' lock and

``G'' lock systems, and repair, if necessary. This amendment adds a

requirement for replacement of the ``G'' lock rollers with new,

improved ``G'' lock rollers. 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 inability of the main entrance door to open, which could

delay or impede passengers from exiting the airplane, or rescue

personnel from entering the airplane during an emergency.

DATES: Effective October 27, 1998.

The incorporation by reference of certain publications, as listed

in the regulations, is approved by the Director of the Federal Register

as of October 27, 1998.

The incorporation by reference of Jetstream Service Bulletin J41-

52-058, dated July 14, 1997, was approved previously by the Director of

the Federal Register as of September 24, 1997 (62 FR 47362, September

9, 1997).

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 97-19-02,

amendment 39-10122 (62 FR 47362, September 9, 1997), which is

applicable to all British Aerospace (Jetstream) Model 4101 airplanes,

was published in the Federal Register on July 31, 1998 (63 FR 40856).

The action proposed to continue to require repetitive functional

testing of the main entrance door, cleaning and lubricating of the

``speed'' lock and ``G'' lock systems, and repair, if necessary. The

action also proposed to add a requirement for replacement of the ``G''

lock rollers with new, improved ``G'' lock rollers.

[[Page 50491]]

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

There are approximately 57 airplanes of U.S. registry that will be

affected by this AD.

The actions that are currently required by AD 97-19-02 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 currently required actions on U.S. operators is estimated

to be $3,420, or $60 per airplane, per functional test cycle.

The new actions that are required by this new AD will take

approximately 3 work hours per airplane to accomplish, at an average

labor rate of $60 per work hour. Required parts will be provided by the

manufacturer at no cost to the operators. Based on these figures, the

cost impact of the new requirements of this AD on U.S. operators is

estimated to be $10,260, or $180 per airplane.

The cost impact figures discussed above are 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 39-10122 (62 FR

47362, September 9, 1997), and by adding a new airworthiness directive

(AD), amendment 39-10776, to read as follows:

98-20-09 British Aerospace Regional Aircraft [Formerly Jetstream

Aircraft Limited; British Aerospace (Commercial Aircraft) Limited]:

Amendment 39-10776. Docket 97-NM-339-AD. Supersedes AD 97-19-02,

Amendment 39-10122.

Applicability: All Jetstream Model 4101 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 (d) 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.

To prevent inability of the main entrance door to open, which

could delay or impede passengers from exiting the airplane, or

rescue personnel from entering the airplane during an emergency,

accomplish the following:

Restatement of Requirements of AD 97-19-02, Amendment 39-10122

(a) Within 30 days after September 24, 1997 (the effective date

of AD 97-19-02, amendment 39-10122), perform a functional test to

verify proper operation of the main entrance door (including the

``G'' lock system) and the ``speed'' lock system of the main

entrance door, in accordance with Section 52-10-05 of BAe Jetstream

Series 4101 Maintenance Manual (MM).

(1) If the ``speed'' lock and the ``G'' lock function

satisfactorily: Within 60 days after September 24, 1997, perform the

actions specified in paragraphs (a)(1)(i) and (a)(1)(ii) of this AD.

(i) Clean (remove existing contaminants and lubricant) and re-

lubricate (with a dry lubricant) the ``speed'' lock and main

entrance door ``G'' lock systems in accordance with Jetstream

Service Bulletin J41-52-058, dated July 14, 1997. And,

(ii) Following accomplishment of paragraph (a)(1)(i) of this AD,

and prior to further flight, repeat the functional test specified in

paragraph (a) of this AD.

(A) If the ``G'' lock and the ``speed'' lock function

satisfactorily in the functional test required by paragraph

(a)(1)(ii) of this AD, accomplish the requirements of paragraph (b)

of this AD.

(B) If the ``G'' lock and the ``speed'' lock do not function

satisfactorily in the functional test required by paragraph

(a)(1)(ii) of this AD: Prior to further flight, repair the ``G''

lock and the ``speed'' lock in accordance with a method approved by

the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport Airplane

Directorate.

(2) If either the ``speed'' lock and/or the ``G'' lock do not

function correctly: Prior to further flight, perform the actions

specified in paragraphs (a)(2)(i) and (a)(2)(ii) of this AD.

(i) Clean (remove existing contaminants and lubricant) and re-

lubricate (with a dry lubricant) the main entrance door ``speed''

lock and ``G'' lock systems in accordance with Jetstream Service

Bulletin J41-52-058, dated July 14, 1997. And,

(ii) Following accomplishment of paragraph (a)(2)(i) of this AD,

and prior to further flight, repeat the functional test of the main

entrance door (including the ``G'' lock system) and the ``speed''

lock system, in accordance with the MM.

(A) If the ``G'' lock and ``speed'' lock function satisfactorily

in the functional test required by paragraph (a)(2) of this AD,

accomplish the requirements of paragraph (b) of this AD.

(B) If the ``G'' lock and ``speed'' lock do not function

satisfactorily in the functional tests required by paragraph (a)(2)

of this AD: Prior to further flight, repair the ``G'' lock and

``speed'' lock in accordance with a method approved by the Manager,

International Branch, ANM-116.

(b) Perform the actions specified in paragraphs (b)(1) and

(b)(2) of this AD within 1,500 hours time-in-service following

accomplishment of the initial functional test of the main entrance

door required by paragraph (a) of this AD. Repeat the actions

specified in paragraphs (b)(1) and (b)(2) of this AD, thereafter, at

intervals not to exceed 1,500 hours time-in-service.

[[Page 50492]]

(1) Clean (remove contaminants and dry lubricant) and re-

lubricate (with dry lubricant) the main entrance door ``speed'' lock

and ``G'' lock systems in accordance with Jetstream Service Bulletin

J41-52-058, dated July 14, 1997.

(2) Following accomplishment of paragraph (b)(1) of this AD and

prior to further flight, perform a functional test of the main

entrance door (including the ``G'' lock system) and the ``speed''

lock system, in accordance with the MM. If the ``G'' lock or

``speed'' lock system do not perform satisfactorily: Prior to

further flight, repair the ``G'' lock or ``speed'' lock system in

accordance with a method approved by the Manager, International

Branch, ANM-116.

New Requirements of This AD:

(c) Within 60 days after the effective date of this AD, replace

the ``G'' lock rollers on the main entrance door with new, improved

``G'' lock rollers in accordance with Jetstream Alert Service

Bulletin J41-A-52-059, dated September 12, 1997, or Revision 2,

dated January 23, 1998.

(d) 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.

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.

(e) 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.

(f) Except as provided by paragraphs (a), (a)(1)(ii)(B),

(a)(2)(ii)(B), and (b)(2) of this AD, the actions shall be done in

accordance with Jetstream Service Bulletin J41-52-058, dated July

14, 1997; and Jetstream Alert Service Bulletin J41-A-52-059, dated

September 12, 1997; or Jetstream Alert Service Bulletin J41-A-52-

059, Revision 2, dated January 23, 1998.

(1) The incorporation by reference of Jetstream Alert Service

Bulletin 41-A-52-059, dated September 12, 1997; and Jetstream Alert

Service Bulletin J41-A-52-059, Revision 2, dated January 23, 1998,

is approved by the Director of the Federal Register in accordance

with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.

(2) The incorporation by reference of Jetstream Service Bulletin

J41-52-058, dated July 14, 1997, was approved previously by the

Director of the Federal Register as of September 24, 1997 (62 FR

47362, September 9, 1997).

(3) 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.

Note 3: The subject of this AD is addressed in British

airworthiness directive 001-09-97.

(g) This amendment becomes effective on October 27, 1998.

Issued in Renton, Washington, on September 14, 1998.

Dorenda D. Baker,

Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification

Service.

[FR Doc. 98-25029 Filed 9-21-98; 8:45 am]

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