[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 82 (Wednesday, April 29, 1998)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 23376-23377]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-11069]


-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 97-NM-217-AD; Amendment 39-10502; AD 98-09-21]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; British Aerospace (Jetstream) Model 
4101 Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), 
applicable to certain British Aerospace (Jetstream) Model 4101 
airplanes, that requires a one-time inspection for corrosion of 
electrical connectors in certain areas on the pressure bulkhead and 
rear baggage bay areas, and repair, if necessary; and installation of 
improved sealing. 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 the 
accumulation of moisture inside the electrical connectors, which could 
result in a short circuit and consequent autopilot disconnect, or a 
latent failure of the stick pusher system.

DATES: Effective June 3, 1998.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of June 3, 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) to include an airworthiness 
directive (AD) that is applicable to certain British Aerospace 
(Jetstream) Model 4101 airplanes was published in the Federal Register 
on February 23, 1998 (63 FR 8883). That action proposed to require a 
one-time inspection for corrosion of electrical connectors in certain 
areas on the pressure bulkhead and rear baggage bay areas, and repair, 
if necessary; and installation of improved sealing.

Comments

    Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate 
in the making of this amendment. No comments were submitted in response 
to the proposal or the FAA's determination of the cost to the public.

Conclusion

    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 37 airplanes of U.S. registry will be 
affected by this AD, that it will take approximately 30 work hours per 
airplane to accomplish the required actions, and that the average labor 
rate is $60 per work hour. Required parts will cost approximately $714 
per airplane. Based on these figures, the cost impact of the AD on U.S. 
operators is estimated to be $93,018, or $2,514 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

[[Page 23377]]

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 adding the following new 
airworthiness directive:


98-09-21  British Aerospace Regional Aircraft [Formerly Jetstream 
Aircraft Limited; British Aerospace (Commercial Aircraft) Limited]: 
Amendment 39-10502. Docket 97-NM-217-AD.

    Applicability: Jetstream Model 4101 airplanes, constructors 
numbers 41004 through 41079 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 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 the accumulation of moisture inside the electrical 
connectors, which could result in a short circuit and consequent 
autopilot disconnect, or a latent failure of the stick pusher 
system, accomplish the following:
    (a) Within 6 months after the effective date of this AD, perform 
a one-time inspection for corrosion of the electrical connectors on 
the rear pressure bulkhead, the ceiling area of the rear baggage 
bay, and the auxiliary power unit area; and improve the sealing of 
the electrical connectors for these areas; in accordance with 
Jetstream Service Bulletin J41-24-027, dated July 8, 1997, as 
revised by Erratum No. 1, dated August 8, 1997. If any corrosion is 
found, prior to further flight, repair in accordance with the 
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 actions shall be done in accordance with Jetstream 
Service Bulletin J41-24-027, dated July 8, 1997, as revised by 
Erratum No. 1, dated August 8, 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.

    Note 3: The subject of this AD is addressed in British 
airworthiness directive 004-07-97 (undated).

    (e) This amendment becomes effective on June 3, 1998.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on April 21, 1998.
Darrell M. Pederson,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 98-11069 Filed 4-28-98; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U