Federal Register / Vol. 66, No. 35 / Wednesday, February 21, 2001 / Rules and Regulations 10955

Restatement of Certain Actions Required by

AD 99–26–18

Inspection

(a) Within 7 weeks after February 1, 2000

(the effective date of AD 99–26–18,

amendment 39–11478), perform a detailed

visual inspection of the elevator cable

tension regulator lever assembly to detect

discrepancies (including looseness and

migration along the splines of the elevator

cable tension regulator assembly), in

accordance with Jetstream Alert Service

Bulletin J41–A–27–053, dated September 14,

1999. Repeat the inspection thereafter at

intervals not to exceed 1,500 flight hours

until accomplishment of paragraph (c) of this

AD.

Note 2: For the purposes of this AD, a

detailed visual inspection is defined as: ‘‘An

intensive visual examination of a specific

structural area, system, installation, or

assembly to detect damage, failure, or

irregularity. Available lighting is normally

supplemented with a direct source of good

lighting at intensity deemed appropriate by

the inspector. Inspection aids such as mirror,

magnifying lenses, etc., may be used. Surface

cleaning and elaborate access procedures

may be required.’’

New Actions Required by This AD

Modification

(b) If any discrepancy is detected during

any inspection required by paragraph (a) of

this AD: Prior to further flight, perform the

requirements of paragraph (c) of this AD.

(c) Except as required by paragraph (b) of

this AD: Within 12 months after the effective

date of this AD, modify the elevator cable

tension regulators in accordance with

Jetstream Service Bulletin J41–27–059, dated

May 31, 2000.

(d) As of the effective date of this AD, no

person shall install any elevator cable tension

regulator lever assembly, unless that

assembly has been modified in accordance

with the requirements of paragraph (c) of this

AD.

Alternative Methods of Compliance

(e) 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 3: Information concerning the

existence of approved alternative methods of

compliance with this AD, if any, may be

obtained from the International Branch,

ANM–116.

Special Flight Permits

(f) 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.

Incorporation by Reference

(g) The actions shall be done in accordance

with Jetstream Alert Service Bulletin J41–A–

27–053, dated September 14, 1999; and

Jetstream Service Bulletin J41–27–059, dated

May 31, 2000; as applicable.

(1) This incorporation by reference of

Jetstream Service Bulletin J41–27–059, dated

May 31, 2000, 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 Alert Service Bulletin J41–A–27–

053, dated September 14, 1999, was

approved previously by the Director of the

Federal Register as of February 1, 2000 (64

FR 72531, December 28, 1999).

(3) Copies may be obtained from British

Aerospace Regional Aircraft American

Support, 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 4: The subject of this AD is addressed

in British airworthiness directive 006–05–

2000.

Effective Date

(h) This amendment becomes effective on

March 28, 2001.

Issued in Renton, Washington, on February

8, 2001.

Vi L. Lipski,

Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate,

Aircraft Certification Service.

[FR Doc. 01–3696 Filed 2–20–01; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 4910–13–U

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2000–CE–54–AD; Amendment

39–12115; AD 2001–03–11]

RIN 2120–AA64

Airworthiness Directives; British

Aerospace HP137 Mk1, Jetstream

Series 200, and Jetstream Models 3101

and 3201 Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation

Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a

new airworthiness directive (AD) that

applies to all British Aerospace HP137

Mk1, Jetstream series 200, and Jetstream

Models 3101 and 3201 airplanes that are

equipped with certain main landing

gear (MLG) radius rods. This AD

requires inspection of the MLG radius

rods for cracks and replacement of any

cracked rod. This AD is the result of

mandatory continuing airworthiness

information (MCAI) issued by the

airworthiness authority for the United

Kingdom. The actions specified by this

AD are intended to detect and correct

cracks in the MLG radius rods. Such

cracks could result in MLG failure

during takeoff, landing, or taxi

operations, with consequent loss of

airplane control.

DATES: This AD becomes effective on

April 6, 2001.

The Director of the Federal Register

approved the incorporation by reference

of certain publications listed in the

regulations as of April 6, 2001.

ADDRESSES: You may get the service

information referenced in this AD from

British Aerospace Regional Aircraft,

Prestwick International Airport,

Ayrshire, KA9 2RW, Scotland;

telephone: (01292) 479888; facsimile:

(01292) 479703. You may examine this

information at the Federal Aviation

Administration (FAA), Central Region,

Office of the Regional Counsel,

Attention: Rules Docket No. 2000–CE–

54–AD, 901 Locust, Room 506, Kansas

City, Missouri 64106; or at the Office of

the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol

Street, NW, suite 700, Washington, DC.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr.

Doug Rudolph, Aerospace Engineer,

FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 901

Locust, Room 301, Kansas City,

Missouri 64106; telephone: (816) 329–

4059; facsimile: (816) 329–4090.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Discussion

What events have caused this AD?

The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA),

which is the airworthiness authority for

the United Kingdom, recently notified

the FAA that an unsafe condition may

exist on certain British Aerospace

HP137 Mk1, Jetstream series 200, and

Jetstream Models 3101 and 3201

airplanes. The CAA reports an incident

where a MLG radius rod cylinder

cracked, which allowed the gland nut to

separate from the housing and caused

the MLG unit to move 30 degrees

outboard.

The cause has been traced to a quality

control problem with the MLG

manufacturer, APPH Ltd. In particular,

the cause is inadequate countersinking

of a drilled hole for the attachment of

a flexible hose on a batch of MLG radius

rods, part numbers 1847 and 1862, all

suffixes.

What are the consequences if the

condition is not corrected? Cracks in the

MLG radius rods, if not detected and

corrected, could result in MLG failure

during takeoff, landing, or taxi

operations, with consequent loss of

airplane control.

10956 Federal Register / Vol. 66, No. 35 / Wednesday, February 21, 2001 / Rules and Regulations

Has FAA taken any action to this

point? We issued a proposal to amend

part 39 of the Federal Aviation

Regulations (14 CFR part 39) to include

an AD that would apply to all British

Aerospace HP137 Mk1, Jetstream series

200, and Jetstream Models 3101 and

3201 airplanes that are equipped with

certain main landing gear (MLG) radius

rods. This proposal was published in

the Federal Register as a notice of

proposed rulemaking (NPRM) on

November 2, 2000 (65 FR 65800). The

NPRM proposed to require inspection of

the MLG radius rods for cracks, with

replacement of any cracked rod.

Was the public invited to comment?

Interested persons were afforded an

opportunity to participate in the making

of this amendment. No comments were

received on the proposed rule or the

FAA’s determination of the cost to the

public.

FAA’s Determination

What is FAA’s final determination on

this issue? After careful review of all

available information related to the

subject presented above, we have

determined that air safety and the

public interest require the adoption of

the rule as proposed except for minor

editorial corrections. We determined

that these minor corrections:

—Will not change the meaning of the

AD; and

—Will not add any additional burden

upon the public than was already

proposed.

Cost Impact

How many airplanes does this AD

impact? We estimate that this AD affects

264 airplanes in the U.S. registry.

What is the cost impact of this AD on

owners/operators of the affected

airplanes? We estimate the following

costs to accomplish the inspection:

Labor cost Parts cost Total cost per airplane Total cost on U.S.

operators

10 workhours × $60 per = $600 ..................................... No parts required for inspection.$600 per airplane .............. $600 × 264 = $158,400.

We estimate the following costs to

accomplish any necessary MLG radius

rod replacements that will be required

based on the results of the inspection.

We have no way of determining the

number of airplanes that may need MLG

radius rod replacement:

Labor cost Parts cost Total cost per airplane

2 workhours × $60 per hour = $120 to accomplish each MLG radius rod replacement.$7,315 per MLG radius rod ....... $120 + $7,315 = $7,435 per MLG radius

rod that needs replaced.

Regulatory Impact

Does this AD impact various entities?

The regulations adopted herein will 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. Therefore, it is

determined that this final rule does not

have federalism implications under

Executive Order 13132.

Does this AD involve a significant rule

or regulatory action? 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 copy of the final

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, Incorporation by reference,

Safety.

Adoption of the Amendment

Accordingly, under 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.

§ 39.13 [Amended]

2. FAA amends § 39.13 by adding a

new AD to read as follows:

2001–03–11 British Aerospace:

Amendment 39–12115; Docket No.

2000–CE–54–AD.

(a) What airplanes are affected by this AD?

This AD affects HP137 Mk1, Jetstream series

200, and Jetstream Models 3101 and 3201

airplanes, all serial numbers, that are:

(1) Certificated in any category; and

(2) Equipped with a main landing gear

(MLG) radius rod, APPH Ltd. part number

1847 or 1862, all suffixes.

(b) Who must comply with this AD?

Anyone who wishes to operate any of the

above airplanes must comply with this AD.

(c) What problem does this AD address?

The actions specified by this AD are intended

to detect and correct cracks in the MLG

radius rods. Such cracks could result in MLG

failure during takeoff, landing, or taxi

operations, with consequent loss of airplane

control.

(d) What actions must I accomplish to

address this problem? To address this

problem, you must accomplish the following:

Actions Compliance Procedures

(1) Check the maintenance records to determine whether

one of the affected MLG radius rods is installed.

Within the next 200 hours time-in-service (TIS) after April 6, 2001 (the effective date of this AD), unless already accomplished.As specified in British Aerospace Mandatory Service Bulletin 32–JA

991140, Issued: April 14, 2000.

Federal Register / Vol. 66, No. 35 / Wednesday, February 21, 2001 / Rules and Regulations 10957

Actions Compliance Procedures

(2) If, by checking the maintenance records, you can positively show that one of the affected MLG radius rods is not

installed, then the inspection and possible replacement requirements of this AD do not apply. Make an entry into the

aircraft records that shows compliance with this portion of

the AD, in accordance with section 43.9 of the Federal

Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 43.9).

Prior to further flight after checking the

maintenance records.

Not Applicable.

(3) If, by checking the maintenance records, you find that

one of the affected MLG radius rods is installed or you

cannot positively show that one of the affected MLG radius

rods is not installed, inspect any affected MLG radius rod

for cracks.

Prior to further flight after checking the

maintenance records, unless already

accomplished.

In accordance with procedures in

APPH Ltd. Service Bulletin 1847–32–

07, dated February 2000; as applicable.

(4) If any MLG radius rod is found cracked, replace it with an

FAA-approved MLG radius rod that is crack free.

Prior to further flight after the inspection.In accordance with the procedures in

the applicable maintenance manual.

(5) Do not install, on any affected airplane, a part number

1847 or 1862 MLG radius rod (all suffixes), unless it has

been inspected and if found to be free of cracks as specified in paragraph (d)(3).

As of April 6, 2001 (the effective date

of this AD).

Not Applicable.

(6) The owner/operator holding at least a private pilot certificate as authorized by section 43.7 of the Federal Aviation

Regulations (14 CFR 43.7) may accomplish the actions required in paragraphs (d)(1) and (d)(2) of this AD.

Not Applicable ....................................... Not Applicable.

Note 1: British Aerospace Mandatory

Service Bulletin 32–JA 991140, Issued: April

14, 2000; APPH Ltd. Service Bulletin 1847–

32–07, dated February 2000; and APPH Ltd.

Service Bulletin 1862–32–07, dated February

2000, state if no cracks are found during the

inspection required in paragraph (d)(3),

check the edge of the one-way restrictor bore

and radius sharp edge with a 0.010 to 0.020

inch radius if required. The FAA highly

recommends that this be accomplished.

Note 2: British Aerospace Mandatory

Service Bulletin 32–JA 991140, Issued: April

14, 2000; APPH Ltd. Service Bulletin 1847–

32–07, dated February 2000; and APPH Ltd.

Service Bulletin 1862–32–07, dated February

2000, specify reporting the results of the

inspections to British Aerospace Regional

Aircraft. The FAA highly recommends that

each owner/operator submit this information.

British Aerospace and the British Civil

Airworthiness Authority (CAA) will use this

information to determine whether further

action is necessary. The FAA will evaluate

the information from the British CAA and

may initiate further rulemaking action.

(e) Can I comply with this AD in any other

way? You may use an alternative method of

compliance or adjust the compliance time if:

(1) Your alternative method of compliance

provides an equivalent level of safety; and

(2) The Manager, Small Airplane

Directorate, approves your alternative.

Submit your request through an FAA

Principal Maintenance Inspector, who may

add comments and then send it to the

Manager, Small Airplane Directorate.

Note 3: This AD applies to each airplane

identified in paragraph (a) of this AD,

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 (e)

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 you have not

eliminated the unsafe condition, specific

actions you propose to address it.

(f) Where can I get information about any

already-approved alternative methods of

compliance? Contact Mr. Doug Rudolph,

Aerospace Engineer, FAA, Small Airplane

Directorate, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas

City, Missouri 64106; telephone: (816) 329–

4059; facsimile: (816) 329–4090.

(g) What if I need to fly the airplane to

another location to comply with this AD? The

FAA can issue a special flight permit under

sections 21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal

Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.197 and

21.199) to operate your airplane to a location

where you can accomplish the requirements

of this AD.

(h) Are any service bulletins incorporated

into this AD by reference? Actions required

by this AD must be done in accordance with

British Aerospace Mandatory Service

Bulletin 32–JA 991140, Issued: April 14,

2000, APPH Ltd. Service Bulletin 1847–32–

07, dated February 2000, and APPH Ltd.

Service Bulletin 1862–32–07, dated February

2000. The Director of the Federal Register

approved this incorporation by reference

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

can get copies from British Aerospace

Regional Aircraft, Prestwick International

Airport, Ayrshire, KA9 2RW, Scotland. You

can look at copies at the FAA, Central

Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, 901

Locust, Room 506, Kansas City, Missouri, or

at the Office of the Federal Register, 800

North Capitol Street, NW, suite 700,

Washington, DC.

(i) When does this amendment become

effective? This amendment becomes effective

on April 6, 2001.

Note 4: The subject of this AD is addressed

in British AD 002–04–2000, not dated.

Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on

February 7, 2001.

William J. Timberlake,

Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate,

Aircraft Certification Service.

[FR Doc. 01–3799 Filed 2–20–01; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 4910–13–P

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2000–NM–47–AD; Amendment

39–12118; AD 2001–03–14]

RIN 2120–AA64

Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model

A300 B4 Series Airplanes, and Model

A300 B4–600, A300 B4–600R, and A300

F4–600R (Collectively Called A300–

600) Series Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation

Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a

new airworthiness directive (AD),

applicable to certain Airbus Model

A300 series airplanes and all Airbus

Model A300–600 series airplanes, that

requires a one-time high frequency eddy

current inspection to detect cracking of

the splice fitting at fuselage frame (FR)

47 between stringers 24 and 25; and

corrective actions, if necessary. 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

detect and correct cracking of the splice