Document ID: FAA-2015-1744-0001
Agency: faa
Document Type: Proposed Rule
Title: Airworthiness Directives: British Aerospace Regional Aircraft Airplanes
Posted Date: 2015-05-26T04:00Z

[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 100 (Tuesday, May 26, 2015)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 29988-29990]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2015-12450]

 ========================================================================
 Proposed Rules
                                                 Federal Register
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 This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains notices to the public of 
 the proposed issuance of rules and regulations. The purpose of these 
 notices is to give interested persons an opportunity to participate in 
 the rule making prior to the adoption of the final rules.
 
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 

  Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 100 / Tuesday, May 26, 2015 / 
Proposed Rules  

[[Page 29988]]

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2015-1744; Directorate Identifier 2015-CE-016-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64

Airworthiness Directives; British Aerospace Regional Aircraft 
Airplanes

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

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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

SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
British Aerospace Regional Aircraft Model Jetstream Model 3201 
airplanes. This proposed 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 in-
service special detailed inspection technique required for the 
Jetstream 3200's life extension program was delayed; consequently, the 
in-service special detailed inspection technique is not formally part 
of the life extension program and may therefore not be accomplished as 
intended. 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 July 10, 2015.

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 this referenced service 
information at the FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 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-2015-
1744; 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: Taylor Martin, Aerospace Engineer, 
FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas City, 
Missouri 64106; telephone: (816) 329-4138; fax: (816) 329-4090; email: 
taylor.martin@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-2015-1744; 
Directorate Identifier 2015-CE-016-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

    The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical 
Agent for the Member States of the European Community, has issued AD 
No.: 2015-0063, dated April 22, 2015 (referred to after this as ``the 
MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for the specified products. The 
MCAI states:

    The Jetstream 3200 Life Extension Programme (LEP) permits the 
airframe life limit to be extended from 45,000 flight cycles (FC) to 
67,000 FC. Entry into the LEP requires operators to accomplish 
inspections specified in the Jetstream 3200 Supplemental Structural 
Inspections Document (SSID). SSID task 57-10-227 is the inspection 
requirement for the wing main spar at Rib 36. The threshold for task 
57-10-227 is 48,000 FC, with a repeat interval of 16,800 FC, using a 
Special Detailed Inspection (SDI). Development of the in-service SDI 
technique required for SSID task 57-10-227 was delayed by BAE 
Systems (Operations) Ltd, as a result of which it is not formally 
part of the LEP and may therefore not be accomplished as intended.
    This condition, if not corrected, could lead to cracks in the 
wing main spar remaining undetected, possibly resulting in failure 
of the wing and loss of the aeroplane.
    To address this potential unsafe condition, BAE Systems 
(Operations) Ltd issued SB 57-JA140140 to provide SDI instructions 
for the wing main spar at Rib 36, which includes a reduced repeat 
inspection interval.
    For the reasons described above, this AD requires repetitive 
inspections of the wing main spar around Rib 36 to detect cracks 
and, depending on findings, accomplishment of the applicable 
corrective action(s).
    The SSID will be revised in due course to include the SDI.

    You may examine the MCAI on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2015-
1744.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    British Aerospace Regional Aircraft has issued British Aerospace 
Jetstream

[[Page 29989]]

Series 3100 & 3200 Service Bulletin 57-JA140140, Original Issue, dated: 
June 26, 2014. The British Aerospace Jetstream Series 3100 & 3200 
Service Bulletin 57-JA140140, Original Issue, dated: June 26, 2014, 
describes procedures for inspections of the wing main spar around Rib 
36 to detect cracks and, depending on findings, accomplishment of the 
applicable corrective action(s). 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 22 products of U.S. 
registry. We also estimate that it would take about 96 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 $179,520, or $8,160 per product.
    We have no way of determining any necessary follow-on actions, 
costs, or the number of products that may need these actions.

Paperwork Reduction Act

    A federal agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not 
required to respond to, nor shall a person be subject to penalty for 
failure to comply with a collection of information subject to the 
requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act unless that collection of 
information displays a current valid OMB control number. The control 
number for the collection of information required by this AD is 2120-
0056. The paperwork cost associated with this AD has been detailed in 
the Costs of Compliance section of this document and includes time for 
reviewing instructions, as well as completing and reviewing the 
collection of information. Therefore, all reporting associated with 
this AD is mandatory. Comments concerning the accuracy of this burden 
and suggestions for reducing the burden should be directed to the FAA 
at 800 Independence Ave., SW., Washington, DC 20591. ATTN: Information 
Collection Clearance Officer, AES-200.

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.

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

0
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]

0
2. The FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by adding the following new AD:

British Aerospace Regional Aircraft: Docket No. FAA-2015-1744; 
Directorate Identifier 2015-CE-016-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by July 10, 2015.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to British Aerospace Regional Aircraft Jetstream 
Model 3201 airplanes, all serial numbers, that are:
    (1) Certificated in any category; and
    (2) Modified in service following BAE Systems (Operations) Ltd 
Service Bulletin (SB) 05-JM8229.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association of America (ATA) Code 57: Wings.

(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 in-service 
special detailed inspection technique required for the Jetstream 
3200's life extension program was delayed; consequently, the in-
service special detailed inspection (SDI) technique is not formally 
part of the life extension program and may therefore not be 
accomplished as intended. We are issuing this proposed AD to detect 
and correct cracking in the wing main spar, which could result in 
structural failure of the wing with consequent loss of control.

(f) Actions and Compliance

    Unless already done, do the following actions as specified in 
paragraphs (f)(1) through (f)(3) of this AD:
    (1) Before accumulating a total of 53,950 flight cycles (FC) on 
the airplane or within the next 50 FC after the effective date of 
this AD, whichever occurs later, and repetitively thereafter at 
intervals not to exceed 14,300 FC, accomplish an eddy current (EC) 
and an x-ray inspection of the wing main spar around rib 36 
following the instructions of British Aerospace Jetstream Series 
3100 & 3200 Service Bulletin 57-JA140140, Original Issue, dated June 
26, 2014. For the purposes of this AD, owner/operators who do not 
track total FC, multiply the total number of airplane hours time-in-
service (TIS) by 0.75 to calculate the cycles.

[[Page 29990]]

    (2) If any crack or corrosion is found during any inspection 
required by paragraph (f)(1) of this AD, before further flight, 
contact BAE Systems (Operations) Ltd for FAA-approved repair 
instructions approved specifically for this AD and accomplish those 
instructions. You can find contact information for BAE Systems 
(Operations) Ltd in paragraph (h) of this AD. Use the Operator 
Report Form and follow the instructions in British Aerospace 
Jetstream Series 3100 & 3200 Service Bulletin 57-JA140140, Original 
Issue, dated: June 26, 2014.
    (3) Repair of an airplane as required in paragraph (f)(2) of 
this AD does not terminate the repetitive inspections required in 
paragraph (f)(1) of this AD for that airplane, unless the approved 
repair instructions state otherwise.

(g) Other FAA AD Provisions

    The following provisions also apply to this AD:
    (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, 
Standards Office, 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: Taylor Martin, Aerospace Engineer, FAA, Small 
Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas City, Missouri 
64106; telephone: (816) 329-4138; fax: (816) 329-4090; email: 
taylor.martin@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) Airworthy Product: For any requirement in this AD to obtain 
corrective actions from a manufacturer or other source, use these 
actions if they are FAA-approved. Corrective actions are considered 
FAA-approved if they are approved by the State of Design Authority 
(or their delegated agent). You are required to assure the product 
is airworthy before it is returned to service.
    (3) Reporting Requirements: For any reporting requirement in 
this AD, a federal agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person 
is not required to respond to, nor shall a person be subject to a 
penalty for failure to comply with a collection of information 
subject to the requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act unless 
that collection of information displays a current valid OMB Control 
Number. The OMB Control Number for this information collection is 
2120-0056. Public reporting for this collection of information is 
estimated to be approximately 5 minutes per response, including the 
time for reviewing instructions, completing and reviewing the 
collection of information. All responses to this collection of 
information are mandatory. Comments concerning the accuracy of this 
burden and suggestions for reducing the burden should be directed to 
the FAA at: 800 Independence Ave. SW., Washington, DC 20591, Attn: 
Information Collection Clearance Officer, AES-200.

(h) Related Information

    Refer to MCAI European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD No.: 
2015-0063, dated April 22, 2015, for related information. You may 
examine the MCAI on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by 
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2015-1744. 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 this referenced service 
information at the FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 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 May 18, 2015.
Earl Lawrence,
Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2015-12450 Filed 5-22-15; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P