Document Headings

                    Document headings vary by document type but may contain                    the following:                  
                -                       the agency or agencies that issued and signed a document                    
                -                       the number of the CFR title and the number of each part                      the document amends, proposes to amend, or is directly                      related to                    
                -                       the agency docket number / agency internal file number                    
                -                       the RIN which identifies each regulatory action listed in                      the Unified Agenda of Federal Regulatory and Deregulatory                      Actions                    

                    See the                                          Document Drafting Handbook                                        for more details.                  

###### Department of Transportation

###### Federal Aviation Administration

          - 14 CFR Part 39
          - [Docket No. FAA-2017-0993; Product Identifier 2017-CE-026-AD]
          - RIN 2120-AA64

# AGENCY:

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

# ACTION:

Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

# SUMMARY:

We propose to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2007-08-06 for British Aerospace Regional Aircraft Models HP.137 Jetstream Mk.1, Jetstream Series 200 and 3101, and Jetstream Model 3201 airplanes. This 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 the need for airworthiness limitations for critical components in the main and nose landing gear assemblies. We are issuing this proposed AD to require actions to address the unsafe condition on these products.

# DATES:

We must receive comments on this proposed AD by December 8, 2017.

# ADDRESSES:

You may send comments by any of the following methods:
      -  Federal eRulemaking Portal:                          Go to                          http://www.regulations.gov.                          Follow the instructions for submitting comments.                    
      -  Fax:                          (202) 493-2251.                    
      -  Mail:                          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.                    

                        For service information identified in this proposed AD, contact BAE Systems (Operations) Limited, Customer Information Department, Prestwick International Airport, Ayrshire, KA9 2RW, Scotland, United Kingdom; telephone: +44 1292 675207; fax: +44 1292 675704; email:                         *RApublications@baesystems.com;*                         Internet:                         *http://www.baesystems.com/​Businesses/​RegionalAircraft/​.*                         You may review copies of the referenced service information at the FAA, Policy and Innovation Division, 901 Locust, Kansas City, Missouri 64106. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call (816) 329-4148.                    

## Examining the AD Docket

                    You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at                     *http://www.regulations.gov*                     by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2017-0993; 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:

                        Doug Rudolph, Aerospace Engineer, FAA, Small Airplane Standards Branch, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas City, Missouri 64106; telephone: (816) 329-4059; fax: (816) 329-4090; email:                         *doug.rudolph@faa.gov.*

# 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-2017-0993; Product Identifier 2017-CE-026-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://regulations.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

We issued AD 2007-08-06, Amendment 39-15023 (72 FR 18565; April 13, 2007) (“AD 2007-08-06”). That AD required actions intended to address an unsafe condition on British Aerospace Regional Aircraft Models HP.137 Jetstream Mk.1, Jetstream Series 200 and 3101, and Jetstream Model 3201 airplanes and was based on mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) originated by an aviation authority of another country.

Since we issued AD 2007-08-06, new part numbers have been introduced into service that allow for a change in the life limits requirements in the airworthiness limitations.

The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Community, has issued EASA AD No.: 2017-0157, dated August 25, 2017 (referred to after this as “the MCAI”), to correct an unsafe condition for the specified products. The MCAI states:

The airworthiness limitations for critical Main Landing Gear and Nose Landing Gear components installed on Jetstream 3100 and 3200 aeroplanes, which are approved by EASA, are currently defined and published in BAE Systems (Operations) Ltd Service Bulletin (SB) 32-JA981042. These instructions have been identified as mandatory actions for continued airworthiness. Failure to accomplish these instructions could result in an unsafe condition.

Previously, EASA issued AD 2006-0087 to require implementation of the airworthiness limitations for critical landing gear components as specified in BAE Systems (Operations) Ltd SB 32-JA981042 at Revision 5.

                        Since that AD was issued, two new Part Numbers (P/N) were introduced into service (alternative port and starboard axles P/N AIR141958 and P/N AIR141959 specific to Jetstream 3200). Consequently, BAE Systems (Operations) Ltd published SB 32-JA981042 Revision 7 (later revised) to introduce the associated life limits, and to introduce a life limit for the steering jack piston, which was found missing in the SB at Revision 5.                              ( print page 49145)    

For the reason described above, this [EASA] AD retains the requirements of AD 2006-0087, which is superseded, and requires implementation of the airworthiness limitations as specified in BAE Systems (Operations) Ltd SB 32-JA981042 at Revision 9 (hereafter referred to as `the SB' in this AD). 

## Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

                    BAE Systems (Operations) Limited has issued British Aerospace Jetstream Series 3100 & 3200 Service Bulletin 32-JA981042, Revision No. 9, dated July 11, 2017, which contains instructions for replacing main landing gear components within specified life limits. This service information is reasonably available because the interested parties have access to it through their normal course of business or by the means identified in the                     **ADDRESSES**                     section of this NPRM.                

## 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.

## Costs of Compliance

We estimate that this proposed AD will affect 26 products of U.S. registry. We also estimate that it would take about 2 work-hours per product to comply with the basic requirements of this proposed AD. The average labor rate is $85 per work-hour.

Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of the proposed AD on U.S. operators to be $4,420, or $170 per product.

In addition, we estimate that any necessary follow-on actions would take about 6 work-hours and require parts costing $5,000, for a cost of $5,510 per product. We have no way of determining the number of products that may need these actions.

## 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.

                    This AD is issued in accordance with authority delegated by the Executive Director, Aircraft Certification Service, as authorized by FAA Order 8000.51C. In accordance with that order, issuance of ADs is normally a function of the Compliance and Airworthiness Division, but during this transition period, the Executive Director has delegated the authority to issue ADs applicable to small airplanes and domestic business jet transport airplanes                    **                     to the Director of the Policy and Innovation Division.                

## 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),

(3) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and

(4) 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.

# List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

      - Air transportation
      - Aircraft
      - Aviation safety
      - Incorporation by reference
      - 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.

§ 39.13 

2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by removing Amendment 39-15023 ( 72 FR 18565; April 13, 2007), and adding the following new AD:

**British Aerospace Regional Aircraft:**                         Docket No. FAA-2017-0993; Product Identifier 2017-CE-026-AD.                    

## (a) Comments Due Date

We must receive comments by December 8, 2017.

## (b) Affected ADs

This AD replaces AD 2007-08-06, Amendment 39-15023 (72 FR 18565; April 13, 2007) (“2007-08-06”).

##  (c) Applicability

This AD applies to British Aerospace Regional Aircraft Models HP.137 Jetstream Mk.1, Jetstream Series 200 and 3101, and Jetstream Model 3201 airplanes, all serial numbers, certificated in any category.

## (d) Subject

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

## (e) Reason

This AD was prompted by 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 the need for airworthiness limitations for critical components in the main and nose landing gear assemblies. We are issuing this AD to introduce new replacement part numbers and incorporate new limitations for the replacement part numbers to prevent failure of the main and nose landing gear, which could result in loss of control.

## (f) Actions and Compliance

Unless already done, do the following actions listed in paragraphs (f)(1) through (4) of this AD:

                        (1)                         *For all affected airplane models:*                         Before further flight after the effective date of this AD, replace each component part in the main and nose landing gear assemblies as applicable to airplane model and configuration before exceeding the applicable life limit, following the Accomplishment Instructions in BAE Systems British Aerospace Jetstream Series 3100 and 3200 Service Bulletin 32-JA981042 Rev 9, dated July 11, 2017.                    

                        (2)                         *For the affected Model Jetstream 3201 airplanes:*                         Within 50 hours after the effective date of this AD, replace alternative port and starboard axles part numbers (P/N) AIR141958 and P/N AIR141959 that have exceeded the applicable life limits as shown in table 5 of BAE Systems British Aerospace Jetstream Series 3100 and 3200 Service                               ( print page 49146)                            Bulletin 32-JA981042 Rev 9, dated July 11, 2017.                    

                        (3)                         *For all affected airplane models:*                         Before further flight after the effective date of this AD, revise the FAA-approved maintenance program (instructions for continued airworthiness) on the basis of which the operator or the owner ensures the continuing airworthiness of each operated airplane, as applicable to the airplane model, by incorporating the limitations described in BAE Systems British Aerospace Jetstream Series 3100 and 3200 Service Bulletin 32-JA981042 Rev 9, dated July 11, 2017, as applicable to the airplane model and depending on the airplane configuration.                    

                        (4)                         *For all airplanes:*                         The compliance times in paragraphs (f)(1) and (2) of this AD are presented in flight cycles (landings). If the total flight cycles have not been kept, multiply the total number of airplane hours time-in-service (TIS) by 0.75 to calculate the cycles. For the purposes of this AD:                    

(i) 100 hours TIS × .75 = 75 cycles; and

(ii) 1,000 hours TIS × .75 = 750 cycles.

## (g) Other FAA AD Provisions

The following provisions also apply to this AD:

                        (1)                         *Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs):*                         The Manager, Small Airplane Standards Branch, 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: Doug Rudolph, Aerospace Engineer, FAA, Small Airplane Standards Branch, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas City, Missouri 64106; telephone: (816) 329-4059; fax: (816) 329-4090; email:                         *doug.rudolph@faa.gov.*                         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)                         *Contacting the Manufacturer:*                         For any requirement in this AD to obtain corrective actions from a manufacturer, the action must be accomplished using a method approved by the Manager, Small Airplane Standards Branch, FAA; or the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).                    

## (h) Related Information

                        (1) Refer to MCAI EASA AD 2017-0157, dated August 25, 2017, and BAE Systems British Aerospace Jetstream Series 3100 and 3200 Service Bulletin 32-JA981042 Rev 9, dated July 11, 2017, for related information. You may examine the MCAI on the Internet at                         *http://www.regulations.gov*                         by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2017-0993. For service information related to this AD, contact BAE Systems (Operations) Limited, Customer Information Department, Prestwick International Airport, Ayrshire, KA9 2RW, Scotland, United Kingdom; telephone: +44 1292 675207; fax: +44 1292 675704; email:                         *RApublications@baesystems.com;*                         Internet:                         *http://www.baesystems.com/​Businesses/​RegionalAircraft/​.*                         You may review copies of the referenced service information at the FAA, Policy and Innovation Division, 901 Locust, Kansas City, Missouri 64106. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call (816) 329-4148.                    

Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on October 12, 2017.

Melvin J. Johnson,

Acting Deputy Director, Policy & Innovation Division, Aircraft Certification Service.

[FR Doc. 2017-22708 Filed 10-23-17; 8:45 am]

 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P