[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 174 (Tuesday, September 9, 1997)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 47362-47364]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 97-23861]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 97-NM-164-AD; Amendment 39-10122; AD 97-19-02]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; British Aerospace (Jetstream) Model 
4101 Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

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SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) that 
is applicable to all British Aerospace (Jetstream) Model 4101 
airplanes. This action 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 is 
prompted by reports of flight crews and ground crews being unable to 
open the main entrance door. The actions specified in this AD are 
intended to prevent inability of the main entrance door to open, which 
could delay or impede passengers exiting the airplane, or rescue 
personnel from entering the airplane during an emergency.

DATES: Effective September 24, 1997.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of September 24, 1997.
    Comments for inclusion in the Rules Docket must be received on or 
before October 9, 1997.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-103, 
Attention: Rules Docket No. 97-NM-164-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., 
Renton, Washington 98055-4056.
    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 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.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: William Schroeder, Aerospace Engineer, 
Standardization Branch, ANM-113, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056; telephone (425) 
227-2148; fax (425) 227-1149.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The FAA has received several reports 
indicating that flight crews and/or ground crews were unable to open 
the main entrance door from either the inside or outside of British 
Aerospace (Jetstream) Model 4101 airplanes. Investigation revealed 
excessive friction in the main entrance door ``speed'' lock and ``G'' 
lock systems due to impurities (dirt) at mechanical linkage points of 
movement in these locking systems. Additionally, excessive friction in 
the ``speed'' lock and ``G'' lock systems has been attributed to the 
use of a certain type of lubricant currently specified by the airplane 
manufacturer. Such excessive friction, if not corrected, could result 
in the main entrance door being ``stuck,'' and consequently, unable to 
be opened from the inside or the outside of the airplane. The FAA has 
reviewed the available information and has determined that the 
inability to open the main entrance door during an emergency may cause 
delay or impede passengers exiting the airplane, or rescue personnel 
from entering the airplane during an emergency.

Explanation of Relevant Service Information

    Jetstream has issued Service Bulletin J41-52-058, dated July 14, 
1997, which describes procedures for performing repetitive functional 
checks of the main entrance door, and cleaning and lubricating of 
``speed'' lock and ``G'' lock systems.
    Accomplishment of these actions will ensure that the ``speed'' lock 
and ``G'' lock systems will not prevent the main entrance door from 
being opened when the airplane is on the ground.

U.S. Type Certification of the Airplane

    This airplane model is manufactured in the United Kingdom and is 
type certificated for operation in the United States under the 
provisions of section 21.29 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 
21.29) and the applicable bilateral airworthiness agreement.

Explanation of Requirements of Rule

    Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to 
exist or develop on other airplanes of the same type design registered 
in the United States, this AD is being issued to prevent excessive 
friction in the main entrance door ``speed'' lock and ``G'' lock 
systems, which could prohibit the door from being opened, and 
consequently delay or impede passengers when exiting the airplane, or 
rescue personnel from entering the airplane during an emergency. This 
AD

[[Page 47363]]

requires initial functional testing of the main entrance door and 
``speed'' lock system, cleaning, and lubrication of the ``speed'' lock 
and ``G'' lock systems of the main entrance door, and repair, if 
necessary. This AD also requires follow-on repetitive cleaning, 
lubrication, and functional testing of the ``speed'' lock and ``G'' 
lock systems of the main entrance door. The initial functional test of 
the main entrance door is required to be accomplished in accordance 
with the Jetstream Model 4101 Airplane Maintenance Manual. Other 
actions are required to be accomplished in accordance with the service 
bulletin described previously.

Interim Action

    This action is considered to be interim action until final action 
is identified, at which time the FAA may consider further rulemaking.

Determination of Rule's Effective Date

    Since a situation exists that requires the immediate adoption of 
this regulation, it is found that notice and opportunity for prior 
public comment hereon are impracticable, and that good cause exists for 
making this amendment effective in less than 30 days.

Comments Invited

    Although this action is in the form of a final rule that involves 
requirements affecting flight safety and, thus, was not preceded by 
notice and an opportunity for public comment, comments are invited on 
this rule. Interested persons are invited to comment on this rule by 
submitting such written data, views, or arguments as they may desire. 
Communications shall identify the Rules Docket number and be submitted 
in triplicate to the address specified under the caption ADDRESSES. All 
communications received on or before the closing date for comments will 
be considered, and this rule may be amended in light of the comments 
received. Factual information that supports the commenter's ideas and 
suggestions is extremely helpful in evaluating the effectiveness of the 
AD action and determining whether additional rulemaking action would be 
needed.
    Comments are specifically invited on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the rule that might 
suggest a need to modify the rule. All comments submitted will be 
available, both before and after the closing date for comments, in the 
Rules Docket for examination by interested persons. A report that 
summarizes each FAA-public contact concerned with the substance of this 
AD will be filed in the Rules Docket.
    Commenters wishing the FAA to acknowledge receipt of their comments 
submitted in response to this rule must submit a self-addressed, 
stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: ``Comments 
to Docket Number 97-NM-164-AD.'' The postcard will be date stamped and 
returned to the commenter.

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.
    The FAA has determined that this regulation is an emergency 
regulation that must be issued immediately to correct an unsafe 
condition in aircraft, and that it is not a ``significant regulatory 
action'' under Executive Order 12866. It has been determined further 
that this action involves an emergency regulation under DOT Regulatory 
Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979). If it is 
determined that this emergency regulation otherwise would be 
significant under DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures, a final 
regulatory evaluation will be prepared and placed in the Rules Docket. 
A copy of it, if filed, 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:

97-19-02  British Aerospace Regional Aircraft [Formerly Jetstream 
Aircraft Limited, British Aerospace (Commercial Aircraft) Limited]: 
Amendment 39-10122. Docket 97-NM-164-AD.

    Applicability: All Model Jetstream 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 (c) 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 exiting the airplane, or rescue 
personnel from entering the airplane during an emergency, accomplish 
the following:
    (a) Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD, 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 the effective date of the AD, 
perform the actions specified in paragraphs (a)(1)(i) and (a)(1)(ii) 
of this AD.
    (i) Clean (remove existing contaminents 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, Standardization Branch, ANM-113, 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

[[Page 47364]]

in paragraphs (a)(2)(i) and (a)(2)(ii) of this AD.
    (i) Clean (remove existing contaminents 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, 
Standardization Branch, ANM-113.
    (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.
    (1) Clean (remove contaminents 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, Standardization 
Branch, ANM-113.
    (c) 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, Standardization Branch, ANM-113. 
Operators shall submit their requests through an appropriate FAA 
Principal Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send 
it to the Manager, Standardization Branch, ANM-113.

    Note 2: Information concerning the existence of approved 
alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be 
obtained from the Standardization Branch, ANM-113.

    (d) 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.
    (e) Certain actions shall be done in accordance with Jetstream 
Service Bulletin J41-52-058, dated July 14, 1997. 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 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.
    (f) This amendment becomes effective on September 24, 1997.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on September 3, 1997.
Darrell M. Pederson,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 97-23861 Filed 9-8-97; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U