Document ID: FAA-2017-0395-0001
Agency: faa
Document Type: Proposed Rule
Title: Airworthiness Directives: British Aerospace Regional Aircraft Airplanes
Posted Date: 2017-04-28T04:00Z

[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 81 (Friday, April 28, 2017)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 19646-19648]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2017-08536]

 ========================================================================
 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. 82, No. 81 / Friday, April 28, 2017 / 
Proposed Rules  

[[Page 19646]]

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2017-0395; Directorate Identifier 2017-CE-011-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 HP.137 Jetstream Mk.1, 
Jetstream Series 200 and 3101, and Jetstream Model 3201 airplanes that 
would supersede AD 97-10-05. 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 cracks in the main landing gear (MLG) fitting at the 
pintle to cylinder interface, which could cause failure of the MLG 
during takeoff and landing. 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 June 12, 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 the British Aerospace Jetstream Series 3100 and 3200 service 
information identified in this proposed AD, contact BAE Systems 
(Operations) Ltd, Business Support Team-Technical Publications, 
Prestwick International Airport, Ayrshire, KA9 2RW, Scotland, United 
Kingdom; phone: +44 1292 675207; fax: +44 1292 675704; email: 
RApublications@baesystems.com; Internet: https://www.regional-services.com/spares_and_support/support/aircraft-technical-publications/. For the Heroux Devtek service information identified in 
this proposed AD, contact Heroux Devtek Product Support, Unit 1, 
Pembroke Court, Chancellor Road, Manor Park, Runcorn, Cheshire, WA7 
1TG, England; phone: +44 01928 530530; fax: +44 01928 579454; email: 
technical_support@herouxdevtek.com; Internet: http://www.herouxdevtek.com/aog-product-support. You may review copies of the 
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-2017-
0395; 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 Directorate, 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-2017-0395; 
Directorate Identifier 2017-CE-011-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

    On December 9, 1996, we issued AD 97-10-05, Amendment 39-10017 (62 
FR 28318; May 23, 1997) (``AD 97-10-05''). That AD required actions 
intended to address an unsafe condition on British Aerospace Regional 
Aircraft Model 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.
    The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical 
Agent for the Member States of the European Community, has issued EASA 
AD 2017-0053, dated March 24, 2017 (referred to after this as ``the 
MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for the specified products. The 
MCAI states:

    Cracks were found during early fatigue testing and in service on 
the main landing gear (MLG) main fitting at the pintle to cylinder 
interface.
    This condition, if not detected and corrected, could lead to 
structural failure of the MLG, possibly resulting in loss of control 
of the aeroplane during take-off or landing runs.
    To address this unsafe condition, BAE Systems (Operations) Ltd 
published several Service Bulletins (SB) which, in 1996, were 
consolidated into a single SB 32-JA960142 to provide instructions 
for inspection. CAA UK issued AD 005-03-96 accordingly to require 
repetitive inspections of the MLG.
    Recently, a crack was found which was below the critical crack 
length, but unusually large compared to other similar cracks

[[Page 19647]]

previously found in service. Further investigation into the subject 
determined that the existing inspection interval remains valid, but 
also showed that the assumed detectable defect size of 1.27 mm (0.05 
in) crack cannot be guaranteed using the current accomplishment 
instructions for high frequency eddy current (HFEC) or fluorescent 
dye penetrant (FDP) inspection.
    Consequently, BAE Systems (Operations) Ltd issued SB 32-JA960142 
Revision 04, which provides improved procedures for HFEC and FDP 
inspection to ensure the detection of cracks of 1.27 mm (0.05 in).
    For the reason described above, the [EASA] AD retains the 
requirements of CAA UK AD 005-03-96, which is superseded, and 
requires accomplishment of repetitive inspections in accordance with 
the improved procedures.

    You may examine the MCAI on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2017-
0395.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    We reviewed British Aerospace Jetstream Series 3100 and 3200 
Service Bulletin 32-JA960142, Revision No. 4, October 21, 2016, which 
describes procedures for doing non-destructive testing for cracks in 
the MLG and corrective actions if cracks found exceed a certain crack 
length. (The appendix to the service bulletin specifically describes 
fluorescent liquid penetrant testing.) We reviewed Heroux Devtek 
Service Bulletin 32-56, Revision 4, dated August 16, 2016, which 
describes procedures for doing a non-destructive testing eddy current 
inspection for cracks in the MLG. 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 6 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 $13,260, or $510 per product.
    In addition, we estimate that any necessary follow-on actions would 
take about 1 work-hour and require parts costing $5,000, for a cost of 
$5,085 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.

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 removing Amendment 39-10017 (62 FR 
28318; May 23, 1997), and adding the following new AD:

British Aerospace Regional Aircraft: Docket No. FAA-2017-0395; 
Directorate Identifier 2017-CE-011-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by June 12, 2017.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD replaces AD 97-10-05; Amendment 39-10017 (62 FR 28318; 
May 23, 1997) (``AD 97-10-05'').

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to British Aerospace Regional Aircraft Model 
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 cracks in the 
main landing gear (MLG) fitting at the pintle to cylinder interface, 
which could cause failure of the MLG during takeoff and landing. We 
are issuing this proposed AD to detect and correct cracks in the 
main landing gear (MLG), which could lead to structural failure of 
the MLG and could result in loss of control during takeoffs and 
landings.

 (f) Actions and Compliance

    Unless already done, do the following actions listed in 
paragraphs (f)(1) through (3) of this AD:
    (1) Within the compliance times listed in paragraph (f)(1)(i) or 
(ii) of this AD, as applicable, inspect the MLG for cracks following 
Appendix 1 of British Aerospace Jetstream Series 3100 and 3200 
Service Bulletin 32-JA960142, Revision No. 4, October 21, 2016; or 
Heroux Devtek Service

[[Page 19648]]

Bulletin 32-56, Revision 4, dated August 16, 2016, as specified in 
British Aerospace Jetstream Series 3100 and 3200 Service Bulletin 
32-JA960142, Revision No. 4, October 21, 2016.
    (i) For airplanes that have been inspected following AD 97-10-
05: Do the initial inspection within 1,200 flight cycles (FC) after 
the last inspection required by AD 97-10-05 and repetitively 
thereafter at intervals not to exceed 1,200 FC.
    (ii) For airplanes that have not been inspected following AD 97-
10-05: Do the initial inspection within 8,000 FC after installation 
of the MLG or within the next 100 FC after the effective date of 
this AD, whichever occurs later, and repetitively thereafter at 
intervals not to exceed 1,200 FC.
    (2) If any cracks are found during any of the inspections 
required in paragraph (f)(1) of this AD, before further flight, 
replace the MLG with an airworthy part following British Aerospace 
Jetstream Series 3100 and 3200 Service Bulletin 32-JA960142, 
Revision No. 4, October 21, 2016.
    (3) The compliance times in paragraphs (f)(1)(i) and (ii) 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 x .75 = 75 cycles; and
    (ii) 1,000 hours TIS x .75 = 750 cycles.

(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: Doug Rudolph, Aerospace Engineer, FAA, Small 
Airplane Directorate, 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) 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.

(h) Related Information

    (1) Refer to MCAI European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 
2017-0053, dated March 24, 2017. You may examine the MCAI on the 
Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating 
Docket No. FAA-2017-0395.
    (2) For the British Aerospace Jetstream Series 3100 and 3200 
service information related to this AD, contact BAE Systems 
(Operations) Ltd, Business Support Team-Technical Publications, 
Prestwick International Airport, Ayrshire, KA9 2RW, Scotland, United 
Kingdom; phone: +44 1292 675207; fax: +44 1292 675704; email: 
RApublications@baesystems.com; Internet: https://www.regional-services.com/spares_and_support/support/aircraft-technical-publications/. For the Heroux Devtek service information identified 
in this proposed AD, contact Heroux Devtek Product Support, Unit 1, 
Pembroke Court, Chancellor Road, Manor Park, Runcorn, Cheshire, WA7 
1TG, England; phone: +44 01928 530530; fax: +44 01928 579454; email: 
technical_support@herouxdevtek.com; Internet: http://www.herouxdevtek.com/aog-product-support.
    (3) You may review copies of the 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 April 20, 2017.
Melvin Johnson,
Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2017-08536 Filed 4-27-17; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P