Document ID: FAA-2017-0993-0003
Agency: faa
Document Type: Rule
Title: Airworthiness Directives: British Aerospace Regional Aircraft Airplanes
Posted Date: 2018-01-29T05:00Z

[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 19 (Monday, January 29, 2018)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 3937-3939]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-01310]

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 Rules and Regulations
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  Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 19 / Monday, January 29, 2018 / Rules 
and Regulations  

[[Page 3937]]

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2017-0993; Product Identifier 2017-CE-026-AD; Amendment 
39-19168; AD 2018-02-15 ]
RIN 2120-AA64

Airworthiness Directives; British Aerospace Regional Aircraft 
Airplanes

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

ACTION: Final rule.

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

SUMMARY: We are superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2007-08-06 for 
British Aerospace Regional Aircraft Models HP.137 Jetstream Mk.1, 
Jetstream Series 200, Jetstream Series 3101, and Jetstream Model 3201 
airplanes. This AD results from mandatory continuing airworthiness 
information (MCAI) issued by an aviation authority of another country 
to identify and address 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 require actions to address the 
unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective March 5, 2018.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in the AD as of March 5, 
2018.

ADDRESSES: 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 Operations, U.S. Department of 
Transportation M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590.
    For service information identified in 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: 
[email protected]; internet: http://www.baesystems.com/Businesses/RegionalAircraft/. You may view this 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. It is also available on 
the internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for Docket No. 
FAA-2017-0993.

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: 
[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Discussion

    We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR 
part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to British Aerospace Regional 
Aircraft Models HP.137 Jetstream Mk.1, Jetstream Series 200, Jetstream 
Series 3101, and Jetstream Model 3201 airplanes. That NPRM was 
published in the Federal Register on October 24, 2017 (82 FR 49144), 
and proposed to supersede AD 2007-08-06, Amendment 39-15023 (72 FR 
18565; April 13, 2007) (``AD 2007-08-06'').
    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 NPRM proposed to address an unsafe condition for the specified 
products and was based on mandatory continuing airworthiness 
information (MCAI) originated by an aviation authority of another 
country. The MCAI states that:

    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 [EASA] 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.
    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).

The MCAI can be found in the AD docket on the internet at: https://www.regulations.gov/document?D=FAA-2017-0993-0002.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this AD. We received no comments on the NPRM or on the determination of 
the cost to the public.

Conclusion

    We reviewed the relevant data and determined that air safety and 
the public interest require adopting the AD as proposed except for 
minor editorial changes. We have determined that these minor changes:
     Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the 
NPRM for correcting the unsafe condition; and
     Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was 
already proposed in the NPRM.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    We reviewed British Aerospace Jetstream Series 3100 & 3200 Service 
Bulletin 32-JA981042, Revision No. 9, dated July 11, 2017. The service 
information describes airworthiness limitations for landing gear 
components

[[Page 3938]]

and procedures for replacement of those components as necessary. 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 the AD.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this 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 AD. The average labor rate 
is $85 per work-hour.
    Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of this 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, gliders, 
balloons, airships, domestic business jet transport airplanes, and 
associated appliances to the Director of the Policy and Innovation 
Division.

Regulatory Findings

    We determined that this AD will not have federalism implications 
under Executive Order 13132. This AD 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.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify this AD:
    (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.

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 Docket Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., 
Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains 
the NPRM, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and other 
information. The street address for Docket Operations (telephone (800) 
647-5527) is in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available in 
the AD docket shortly after receipt.

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 FAA amends 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 39-15023 (72 FR 
18565; April 13, 2007) and adding the following new AD:

2018-02-15 British Aerospace Regional Aircraft: Amendment 39-19168; 
Docket No. FAA-2017-0993; Product Identifier 2017-CE-026-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective March 5, 
2018.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD supersedes AD 2007-08-06, Amendment 39-15023 (72 FR 
18565; April 13, 2007) (``AD 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 address 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 airplanes: Before further flight after 
March 5, 2018 (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 the 
next 50 hours after March 5, 2018 (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 Bulletin 32-JA981042 Rev 9, 
dated July 11, 2017.
    (3) For all affected airplanes: Before further flight after 
March 5, 2018 (the effective date of this AD), revise the FAA-
approved maintenance program (instructions for continued 
airworthiness) that the operator or the owner uses to ensure 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 affected airplanes: The compliance times in 
paragraphs (f)(1) and (2)

[[Page 3939]]

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, 
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: [email protected]. 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, 
for related information. The MCAI can be found in the AD docket on 
the internet at: https://www.regulations.gov/document?D=FAA-2017-0993-0002.

(i) Material Incorporated by Reference

    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference (IBR) of the service information listed 
in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
    (2) You must use this service information as applicable to do 
the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
    (i) BAE Systems British Aerospace Jetstream Series 3100 and 3200 
Service Bulletin 32-JA981042 Rev 9, dated July 11, 2017.
    (ii) Reserved.
    (3) For BAE Systems (Operations) Limited service information 
identified in 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: [email protected]; 
internet: http://www.baesystems.com/Businesses/RegionalAircraft/.
    (4) You may view this service information at 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. In addition, you can access this service information 
on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and 
locating Docket No. FAA-2017-0993.
    (5) You may view this service information that is incorporated 
by reference at the National Archives and Records Administration 
(NARA). For information on the availability of this material at 
NARA, call 202-741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on January 16, 2018.
Melvin J. Johnson,
Deputy Director, Policy & Innovation Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2018-01310 Filed 1-26-18; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P