[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 147 (Friday, July 31, 1998)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 40856-40858]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-20430]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 97-NM-339-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; British Aerospace (Jetstream) Model 
4101 Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: This document proposes the supersedure of 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 action would add a requirement for replacement of the ``G'' lock 
rollers with new, improved ``G'' lock rollers. This proposal is 
prompted by issuance of mandatory continuing airworthiness information 
by a foreign civil airworthiness authority. The actions specified by 
the proposed 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: Comments must be received by August 31, 1998.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114, 
Attention: Rules Docket No. 97-NM-339-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., 
Renton, Washington 98055-4056. Comments may be inspected at this 
location between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, except 
Federal holidays.
    The service information referenced in the proposed rule 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.

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:

Comments Invited

    Interested persons are invited to participate in the making of the 
proposed 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 above. All 
communications received on or before the closing date for comments, 
specified above, will be considered before taking action on the 
proposed rule. The proposals contained in this notice may be changed in 
light of the comments received.
    Comments are specifically invited on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the proposed 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 summarizing each FAA-public contact concerned with 
the substance of this proposal will be filed in the Rules Docket.
    Commenters wishing the FAA to acknowledge receipt of their comments 
submitted in response to this notice must submit a self-addressed, 
stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: ``Comments 
to Docket Number 97-NM-339-AD.'' The postcard will be date stamped and 
returned to the commenter.

Availability of NPRMs

    Any person may obtain a copy of this NPRM by submitting a request 
to the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114, Attention: Rules 
Docket No. 97-NM-339-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 
98055-4056.

Discussion

    On September 3, 1997, the FAA issued AD 97-19-02, amendment 39-
10122 (62 FR 47362, September 9, 1997), applicable to all British 
Aerospace (Jetstream) Model 4101 airplanes, 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. 
That action was prompted by reports of flightcrews and ground crews 
being unable to open the main entrance door. The requirements of that 
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.

Actions Since Issuance of Previous Rule

    In the preamble to AD 97-19-02, the FAA specified that the actions 
required by that AD were considered ``interim action'' and that once a 
modification is developed, approved, and available, the FAA may 
consider additional rulemaking action. The manufacturer now has 
developed such a modification, and the FAA has determined that further 
rulemaking action is indeed necessary; this proposed AD follows from 
that determination.

Explanation of Relevant Service Information

    British Aerospace Regional Aircraft has issued Jetstream Alert 
Service Bulletins J41-A-52-059, dated September 12, 1997, and Revision 
2, dated January 23, 1998, which describe procedures for replacement of 
the ``G'' lock rollers with rollers having increased diameters. The 
installation of ``G'' lock rollers with increased diameters provides a 
means to prevent jamming of the main entrance door by increasing the 
mechanism clearance when the door handle is operated. The Civil 
Aviation Authority (CAA), which is the airworthiness authority for the 
United Kingdom, classified these alert service bulletins as mandatory 
and issued British airworthiness directive 001-09-97 in order to assure 
the continued airworthiness of these airplanes in the United Kingdom.

FAA's Conclusions

    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. Pursuant 
to this bilateral airworthiness agreement, the CAA has kept the FAA 
informed of the situation described above. The FAA has examined the 
findings of the CAA, reviewed all available information, and determined 
that AD action is necessary for products of this type design that are 
certificated for operation in the United States.

[[Page 40857]]

Explanation of Requirements of Proposed 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, the proposed AD would supersede AD 97-19-02 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 proposed AD would add a 
requirement for replacement of the ``G'' lock rollers with new, 
improved ``G'' lock rollers. The actions would be required to be 
accomplished in accordance with the alert service bulletins described 
previously.

Cost Impact

    There are approximately 57 airplanes of U.S. registry that would be 
affected by this proposed 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 proposed in this AD action would take 
approximately 3 work hours per airplane to accomplish, at an average 
labor rate of $60 per work hour. Required parts would be provided by 
the manufacturer at no cost to the operator. Based on these figures, 
the cost impact of the proposed 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 current or proposed 
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 proposed herein would 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 
proposal would not have sufficient federalism implications to warrant 
the preparation of a Federalism Assessment.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify that 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) if promulgated, 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 copy of the draft 
regulatory evaluation prepared for this action is contained in the 
Rules Docket. A copy of it may be obtained by contacting the Rules 
Docket at the location provided under the caption ADDRESSES.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Safety.

The Proposed Amendment

    Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration proposes to amend 
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), to read as follows:

British Aerospace Regional Aircraft [Formerly Jetstream Aircraft 
Limited; British Aerospace (Commercial Aircraft) Limited]: 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 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

[[Page 40858]]

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 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.

    Note 3: The subject of this AD is addressed in British 
airworthiness directive 001-09-97.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on July 24, 1998.
S. R. Miller,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 98-20430 Filed 7-30-98; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U