Document ID: FAA-2014-0020-0003
Agency: faa
Document Type: Rule
Title: Airworthiness Directives: British Aerospace (Operations) Limited Airplanes
Posted Date: 2014-04-29T04:00Z

[Federal Register Volume 79, Number 82 (Tuesday, April 29, 2014)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 23897-23900]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2014-09540]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2014-0020; Directorate Identifier 2013-CE-039-AD; 
Amendment 39-17821; AD 2014-07-07]
RIN 2120-AA64

Airworthiness Directives; British Aerospace (Operations) Limited 
Airplanes

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

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: We are superseding an airworthiness directive (AD) 87-02-04 
for British Aerospace (Operations) Limited Model HP.137 Jetstream MK.1, 
Jetstream Series 200, and Jetstream Series 3101 airplanes. This AD 
results from mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) 
issued 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 cracking of the forward main landing gear yoke 
pintle resulting from corrosion pits leading to stress corrosion. We 
are issuing this AD to require actions to address the unsafe condition 
on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective June 3, 2014.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in the AD as of June 3, 2014.

ADDRESSES: You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2014-
0020; or in person at the Docket Management Facility, U.S. Department 
of Transportation, Docket Operations, 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) Ltd, Customer Information Department, Prestwick 
International Airport, Ayrshire, KA9 2RW, Scotland, United Kingdom; 
phone: +44 1292 675207, fax: +44 1292 675704; email: 
RApublications@baesystems.com; Internet: http://www.jetstreamcentral.com. You may view 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.

[[Page 23898]]

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: 

Discussion

    We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR 
part 39 to add an AD that would apply to British Aerospace (Operations) 
Limited Model HP 137 Jetstream MK1, Jetstream Series 200, and Jetstream 
Series 3101 airplanes. The NPRM was published in the Federal Register 
on January 15, 2014 (79 FR 2593), and proposed to supersede AD 87-02-
04, Amendment 39-5497 (51 FR 47211, December 31, 1986).
    The NPRM (79 FR 2593, January 15, 2014) proposed to correct 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:

    Prompted by occurrences of the main landing gear (MLG) yoke 
pintle housing cracking, the United Kingdom Civil Aviation Authority 
(UK CAA) issued AD G-003-01-86 to require repetitive inspections to 
identify any crack in the yoke pintle housing on MLG fitted to 
Jetstream 3100 aeroplanes in accordance with BAE Systems 
(Operations) Ltd Service Bulletin (SB) 32-A-JA851226, and depending 
on findings, corrective action. After that AD was issued, an 
occurrence of Jetstream 3100 MLG failure was reported after landing. 
The subsequent investigation revealed stress corrosion cracking of 
the MLG yoke pintle housing as a root cause of the MLG failure. 
Furthermore, the investigation report recommended a review of the 
effectiveness of UK CAA AD G-003-01-86 in identifying cracks in the 
yoke pintle housing on MLG fitted to Jetstream 3100 aeroplanes.
    Degradation of the surface protection by abrasion can occur when 
the forward face of the yoke pintle rotates against the pintle 
bearing, which introduces corrosion pits and, consequently, stress 
corrosion cracking.
    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 provide protection of the affected area of the MLG assembly 
spigot housing, BAE Systems (Operations) Ltd issued SB 32-JM7862 to 
provide instructions for installation of a protective washer, fitted 
at the forward spigot on both, left hand (LH) and right hand (RH), 
MLG. Consequently, BAE Systems (Operations) Ltd issued SB 32-A-
JA851226 at Revision 5 to provide additional accomplishment 
instructions for Non-destructive testing inspection (NDT) of MLG 
equipped with the protective washer installed in accordance with BAE 
Systems (Operations) Ltd SB 32-JM7862 and to introduce reference to 
MLG manufacturer APPH Ltd SB 32-19 at Revision 4, providing 
instructions for re-protection of the yoke pintle.
    For the reasons described above, this AD retains the 
requirements of AD G-003-01-86, which is superseded, and requires 
implementation of revised inspection requirements, and depending on 
findings, corrective action. This AD introduces an optional 
modification, which constitutes terminating action for the 
inspections required by this AD.

    The MCAI can be found in the AD docket on the Internet at: http://www.regulations.gov/#!documentDetail;D=FAA-2014-0020-0002.

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 (79 FR 2593, January 15, 2014) for correcting the unsafe 
condition; and
     Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was 
already proposed in the NPRM.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD will affect 44 products of U.S. registry. 
We also estimate that it would take about 14 work-hours per product to 
comply with the inspection 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 $52,360, or $1,190 per product.
    In addition, we estimate that any necessary follow-on actions would 
take about 10 work-hours and require parts costing $5,000, for a cost 
of $5,850 per product for repairs. 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 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-2014-
0020; 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 the NPRM, 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.

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:

[[Page 23899]]

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 39-5497 (51 FR 
47211, December 31, 1986) and adding the following new AD:

2014-07-07 British Aerospace (Operations) Limited: Amendment 39-
17821; Docket No. FAA-2014-0020; Directorate Identifier 2013-CE-039-
AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective June 3, 
2014.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD supersedes AD 87-02-04, Amendment 39-5497 (51 FR 47211, 
December 31, 1986.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to British Aerospace (Operations) Limited Model 
HP.137 Jetstream Mk.1, Jetstream Series 200, and Jetstream Series 
3101 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 cracking of the 
forward main landing gear (MLG) yoke pintle that resulted from 
corrosion pits leading to stress corrosion. We are issuing this AD 
to prevent failure of the MLG, which could result in loss of control 
of the airplane during take-off or landing.

(f) Actions and Compliance

    Unless already done, do the following actions specified in 
paragraphs (f)(1) through (f)(11) of this AD:
    (1) For airplanes that were affected by AD 87-02-04, Amendment 
39-5497 (51 FR 47211, December 31, 1986): At the next 1,200 MLG 
flight cycle repetitive inspection that would have been required by 
AD 87-02-04 or within the next 12 months after the last 1,200 MLG 
flight cycle repetitive inspection that would have been required by 
AD 87-02-04, whichever occurs first, and repetitively thereafter at 
intervals not to exceed 1,200 MLG flight cycles or 12 months, 
whichever occurs first, do a nondestructive testing (NDT) inspection 
of each MLG assembly cylinder attachment spigot housing following 
the Accomplishment Instructions in APPH Ltd. Service Bulletin No. 
32-19, Revision 4, dated April 3, 2013, and British Aerospace 
Jetstream Series 3100 & 3200 Service Bulletin 32-A-JA851226, 
Revision 5, dated April 30, 2013.
    (2) For airplanes that were not affected by AD 87-02-04, 
Amendment 39-5497 (51 FR 47211, December 31, 1986): Within the next 
300 MLG flight cycles after June 3, 2014 (the effective date of this 
AD) or within the next 3 months after June 3, 2014 (the effective 
date of this AD) or at the next overhaul of the MLG after June 3, 
2014 (the effective date of this AD), whichever occurs first, and 
repetitively thereafter at intervals not to exceed 1,200 MLG flight 
cycles or 12 months, whichever occurs first, do a NDT inspection of 
each MLG assembly cylinder attachment spigot housing following the 
Accomplishment Instructions in APPH Ltd. Service Bulletin No. 32-19, 
Revision 4, dated April 3, 2013, and British Aerospace Jetstream 
Series 3100 & 3200 Service Bulletin 32-A-JA851226, Revision 5, dated 
April 30, 2013.
    (3) For all airplanes: Within 300 landings after a heavy or 
abnormal landing, conduct a NDT inspection of each MLG assembly 
cylinder attachment spigot following Accomplishment Instructions in 
APPH Ltd. Service Bulletin No. 32-19, Revision 4, dated April 3, 
2013, and British Aerospace Jetstream Series 3100 & 3200 Service 
Bulletin 32-A-JA851226, Revision 5, dated April 30, 2013.
    (4) For all airplanes: If any crack is found during any 
inspection required in paragraphs (f)(1), (f)(2), or (f)(3) of this 
AD, before further flight, take all necessary corrective actions 
following the Accomplishment Instructions in APPH Ltd. Service 
Bulletin No. 32-19, Revision 4, dated April 3, 2013, and British 
Aerospace Jetstream Series 3100 & 3200 Service Bulletin 32-A-
JA851226, Revision 5, dated April 30, 2013.
    (5) For all airplanes: Within 300 MLG flight cycles or 3 months, 
whichever occurs first after each NDT inspection required in 
paragraph (f)(1) or (f)(2) of this AD, as applicable, and 
repetitively thereafter at intervals not to exceed 300 MLG flight 
cycles or 3 months, whichever occurs first, do a visual inspection 
of each MLG following the Accomplishment Instructions in APPH Ltd. 
Service Bulletin No. 32-19, Revision 4, dated April 3, 2013, and 
British Aerospace Jetstream Series 3100 & 3200 Service Bulletin 32-
A-JA851226, Revision 5, dated April 30, 2013.
    (6) For all airplanes: If any discrepancy is found during any 
visual inspection required in paragraph (f)(5) of this AD, before 
further flight, take all necessary corrective actions following the 
Accomplishment Instructions in APPH Ltd. Service Bulletin No. 32-19, 
Revision 4, dated April 3, 2013, and British Aerospace Jetstream 
Series 3100 & 3200 Service Bulletin 32-A-JA851226, Revision 5, dated 
April 30, 2013.
    (7) For all airplanes with a MLG incorporating a microswitch 
hole: Within the next 10,600 MLG flight cycles since new and 
repetitively thereafter at intervals not to exceed 1,200 MLG flight 
cycles, do a NDT inspection of each MLG microswitch hole following 
the Accomplishment Instructions in APPH Ltd. Service Bulletin No. 
32-40, Revision 1, dated February 2003, and Part C, paragraph (2)(b) 
of British Aerospace Jetstream Series 3100 & 3200 Service Bulletin 
32-A-JA851226, Revision 5, dated April 30, 2013.
    (8) For all airplanes: If any crack is found during any NDT 
inspection required in paragraph (f)(7) of this AD, before further 
flight, take all necessary corrective actions following the 
Accomplishment Instructions in APPH Ltd. Service Bulletin No. 32-40, 
Revision 1, dated February 2003, and British Aerospace Jetstream 
Series 3100 & 3200 Service Bulletin 32-A-JA851226, Revision 5, dated 
April 30, 2013.
    (9) For all airplanes: Doing all necessary corrective actions 
required in paragraphs (f)(4), (f)(6), and (f)(8) of this AD does 
not constitute terminating action for the inspections required by 
this AD.
    (10) For all airplanes: Modification of each MLG cylinder 
following Jetstream Service Bulletin 32-JA880340, original issue, 
dated January 6, 1989, constitutes terminating action for the 
inspections required by this AD for that MLG.
    (11) For all airplanes: The compliance times in paragraphs 
(f)(2), (f)(3), (f)(5), and (f)(7) 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) Credit for Actions Done in Accordance With Previous Service 
Information

    This AD allows credit for the initial inspection required in 
paragraph (f)(7) of this AD if done before June 3, 2014 (the 
effective date of this AD) following APPH Ltd. Service Bulletin 32-
40, at Initial Issue dated June 21, 1989.

(h) 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

[[Page 23900]]

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.

(i) Related Information

    Refer to MCAI European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD No.: 
2013-0208, dated September 10, 2013, for related information. The 
MCAI can be found in the AD docket on the Internet at: http://www.regulations.gov/#!documentDetail;D=FAA-2014-0020-0002. For 
availability information about APPH Ltd. Service Bulletin 32-40, at 
Initial Issue dated June 21, 1989, which is not incorporated by 
reference, use the contact information in paragraphs (j)(4) and 
(j)(5).

(j) 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) APPH Ltd. Service Bulletin No. 32-19, Revision 4, dated 
April 3, 2013.
    (ii) APPH Ltd. Service Bulletin No. 32-40, Revision 1, dated 
February 2003.
    (iii) British Aerospace Jetstream Series 3100 & 3200 Service 
Bulletin 32-A-JA851226, Revision 5, dated April 30, 2013.
    (iv) Jetstream Service Bulletin 32-JA880340, original issue, 
dated January 6, 1989.
    (3) For British Aerospace (Operations) Limited and Jetstream 
service information identified in this AD, contact BAE Systems 
(Operations) Ltd, Customer Information Department, Prestwick 
International Airport, Ayrshire, KA9 2RW, Scotland, United Kingdom; 
phone: +44 1292 675207, fax: +44 1292 675704; email: 
RApublications@baesystems.com; Internet: http://www.jetstreamcentral.com.
    (4) For APPH Ltd. service information identified in this AD, 
contact APPH Ltd. Engineering Division, Unit 1, Pembroke Court, 
Chancellor Road, Manor Park, Runcorn, Cheshire, WA7 1TG, England; 
phone: +44 01928 532600; fax: +44 01928 579626; Internet: http://apph.com/contact-us/customer-support/.
    (5) You may view this service information at 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.
    (6) 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 April 4, 2014.
Earl Lawrence,
Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2014-09540 Filed 4-28-14; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P