[Federal Register: April 3, 2003 (Volume 68, Number 64)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 16195-16197]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr03ap03-6]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 2002-CE-56-AD; Amendment 39-13102; AD 2003-07-06]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; British Aerospace Model HP.137
Jetstream Mk.1, Jetstream Series 200, Jetstream Series 3101, and
Jetstream Model 3201 Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) that
applies to all British Aerospace Model HP.137 Jetstream Mk.1, Jetstream
Series 200, Jetstream Series 3101, and Jetstream Model 3201 airplanes.
This AD requires you to inspect the steering jack piston rod for cracks
and replace if necessary; measure the torque setting of the steering
jack piston rod end fitting and stop bolt; and measure the thickness of
the tab washers. This AD also requires you to calculate a new safe life
limit for the steering jack piston rod based on the results of the
inspection and the measurements. 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, correct, and prevent cracks in the steering jack
piston rod, which could result in failure of the steering jack piston
rod. Such failure could lead to loss of steering control of the
airplane during takeoff, landing, and taxi operations.
DATES: This AD becomes effective on May 22, 2003.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of certain publications listed in the regulations as of May
22, 2003.
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) 672345;
facsimile: (01292) 671625. You may view this information at the Federal
Aviation Administration (FAA), Central Region, Office of the Regional
Counsel, Attention: Rules Docket No. 2002-CE-56-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: 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 FAA that an unsafe
condition may exist on all British Aerospace Model HP.137 Jetstream
Mk.1, Jetstream Series 200, Jetstream Series 3101, and Jetstream Model
3201 airplanes. The CAA reports that the steering jack piston rod
failed on one of the affected airplanes while in service. The CAA
determined that the failure of the piston rod was caused by fatigue
cracking on the piston rod end fitting. Fatigue cracking was caused by
applying excessive torque to the steering jack piston rod end fitting
during assembly.
The safe life limit for the steering jack piston rod is currently
45,000 ground-air-ground (GAG) cycles. Failure of the above-mentioned
steering jack piston rod occurred at 2,132 GAG cycles. Because of the
possibility that excessive torque had been applied to the steering jack
piston rod during assembly, the safe life limit for this part has been
reduced.
What Is the Potential Impact if FAA Took No Action?
This condition, if not detected and corrected, could result in
failure of the steering jack piston rod. Such failure could lead to
loss of steering control of the airplane during takeoff, landing, and
taxi operations.
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 Model HP.137 Jetstream Mk.1, Jetstream Series 200,
Jetstream Series 3101, and Jetstream Model 3201 airplanes. This
proposal was published in the Federal Register as a notice of proposed
rulemaking (NPRM) on January 27, 2003 (68 FR 3832). The NPRM proposed
to require you to inspect the steering jack piston rod for cracks and
replace if necessary; measure the torque setting of the steering jack
piston rod end fitting and stop bolt; and measure the thickness of the
tab washers. The NPRM also proposed to require you to calculate a new
safe life limit for the steering jack piston rod based on the results
of the proposed inspection and the proposed measurements.
Was the Public Invited to Comment?
The FAA encouraged interested persons to participate in the making
of this amendment. We did not receive any comments on the proposed rule
or on our 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 have determined that these minor
corrections:
--Provide 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.
How Does the Revision to 14 CFR Part 39 Affect This AD?
On July 10, 2002, FAA published a new version of 14 CFR part 39 (67
FR 47997, July 22, 2002), which governs
[[Page 16196]]
FAA's AD system. This regulation now includes material that relates to
special flight permits, alternative methods of compliance, and altered
products. This material previously was included in each individual AD.
Since this material is included in 14 CFR part 39, we will not include
it in future AD actions.
Cost Impact
How Many Airplanes Does This AD Impact?
We estimate that this AD affects 250 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:
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Total cost per
Labor cost Parts cost airplane Total cost on U.S. operators
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1 workhour x $60 = $60.............. No parts required..... $60 $60 x 250 = $15,000
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We estimate the following costs to accomplish any necessary
replacements of the steering jack piston rod that would be required
based on the results of the inspection and/or measurements. We have no
way of determining the number of airplanes that may need such
replacement:
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Labor cost Parts cost Total cost per airplane
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8 workhours x $60 = $240...................... $5,300 $240 + $5,300 = $5,540
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Compliance Time of This AD
What Will Be the Compliance Time of This AD?
The compliance time of this AD is ``within the next 90 days or 200
ground-air-ground (GAG) cycles after the effective date of this AD,
whichever occurs first.''
Why Is the Compliance Time Presented in Calendar Time and Operational
Time?
Failure of the steering jack piston rod is only unsafe during
airplane operation; this condition is not a result of the number of
times the airplane is operated. The cause of the unsafe condition is
the result of incorrect torque settings used on the steering jack
piston rod end fitting during assembly. We have no way of determining
when the unsafe condition occurred on the affected airplanes. For this
reason, the FAA has determined that a compliance time based on calendar
time and operational time should be utilized in this AD in order to
assure that the unsafe condition is not allowed to go uncorrected over
time.
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
0
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
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. FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding a new AD to read as follows:
2003-07-06 British Aerospace: Amendment 39-13102; Docket No. 2002-
CE-56-AD.
(a) What airplanes are affected by this AD? This AD affects
Model HP.137 Jetstream Mk.1, Jetstream Series 200, Jetstream Series
3101, and Jetstream Model 3201 airplanes, all serial numbers, that
are certificated in any category.
(b) Who must comply with this AD? Anyone who wishes to operate
any of the airplanes identified in paragraph (a) of this AD must
comply with this AD.
(c) What problem does this AD address? The actions specified by
this AD are intended to detect, correct, and prevent cracks in the
steering jack piston rod, which could result in failure of the
steering jack piston rod. Such failure could lead to loss of
steering control of the airplane during takeoff, landing, and taxi
operations.
(d) What actions must I accomplish to address this problem? To
address this problem, you must accomplish the following:
[[Page 16197]]
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Actions Compliance Procedures
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(1) Inspect the steering Inspect within the In accordance with
jack piston rod for cracks. next 90 days or 200 the procedures in
(i) If cracks are found, ground-air-ground APPH Ltd. Service
replace the cracked (GAG) cycles after Bulletin 32-76
steering jack piston rod. May 22, 2003 (the (pages 1, 2, and 4
Install the new steering effective date of through 7, dated
jack piston rod using a this AD), whichever October 2002; and
torque setting of 175 lbf occurs first. page 3, Erratum 1,
(pound force) inch or 20 Nm Replace cracked dated November
(Newton meters) when steering jack 2002), as
tightening the end fitting piston rods or referenced in
and stop bolt.. determine torque British Aerospace
(ii) If no cracks are found, settings prior to Jetstream Mandatory
determine the torque further flight. Service Bulletin 32-
setting of the steering JA020741, Original
jack piston rod end fitting Issue: November 2,
and stop bold.. 2002.
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(2) If the torque setting of Prior to further In accordance with
the steering jack piston flight after the the procedures in
rod end fitting or stop inspection required APPH Ltd. Service
bolt is greater than 175 in paragraph (d)(1) Bulletin 32-76,
lbf inch or 20 Nm and is of this AD. (pages 1, 2, and 4
equal to or less than 435 through 7, dated
lbf inch or 49 Nm: October 2002; and
(i) calculate the new safe page 3, Erratum 1,
life limit for the steering dated November
jack piston rod; and. 2002), as
(ii) incorporate the referenced in
following into the Aircraft British Aerospace
Logbook: ``In accordance Jetstream Mandatory
with AD 2003-07-06, the Service Bulletin 32-
steering jack piston rod is JA020741, Original
life limited to ------.''. Issue: November 2,
2002.
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(3) If the torque setting of Prior to further In accordance with
the steering jack piston flight after the the procedures in
rod end fitting or stop inspection required APPH Ltd. Service
bolt is greater than 435 in paragraph (d)(1) Bulletin 32-76,
lbf inch or 49 Nm, measure of this AD. (pages 1, 2, and 4
the deformation thickness through 7, dated
of the tab washers. October 2002; and
(i) If the tab washer page 3, Erratum 1,
deformation thickness is dated November
greater than 0.001 inch and 2002), as
is equal to or less than referenced in
0.005 inch, calculate a new British Aerospace
safe life limit for the Jetstream Mandatory
steering jack piston rod, Service Bulletin 32-
and incorporate the JA020741, Original
following into the Aircraft Issue: November 2,
Logbook: ``In accordance 2002.
with AD 2003-07-06, the
steering jack piston rod is
life limited to ------.''.
(ii) If the tab washer
deformation thickness is
greater than 0.005 inch,
replace the steering jack
piston rod using the torque
settings specified in
paragraph (d)(1) of this
AD..
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(4) Do not install any As of May 22, 2003 In accordance with
steering jack piston rod (the effective date the procedures in
unless it has been of this AD). APPH Ltd. Service
inspected, determined to be Bulletin 32-76,
free of cracks, and the (pages 1, 2, and 4
safe life limit has been through 7, dated
established. October 2002; and
page 3, Erratum 1,
dated November
2002), as
referenced in
British Aerospace
Jetstream Mandatory
Service Bulletin 32-
JA020741, Original
Issue: November 2,
2002.
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Note 1: If the owners/operators of the affected airplanes have
not kept track of ground-air-ground (GAG) cycles, hours time-in-
service (TIS) may be substituted by calculating 1.5 GAG cycles per
hour TIS. For example, 3,000 GAG cycles would equal 2,000 hours TIS.
(e) Can I comply with this AD in any other way? To use an
alternative method of compliance or adjust the compliance time, use
the procedures in 14 CFR 39.19. Send these requests to the Standards
Office Manager, Small Airplane Directorate. For information on any
already approved alternative methods of compliance, contact Doug
Rudolph, Aerospace Engineer, FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 901
Locust, Room 301, Kansas City, Missouri 64106; telephone: (816) 329-
4059; facsimile: (816) 329-4090.
(f) Are any service bulletins incorporated into this AD by
reference? Actions required by this AD must be done in accordance
with APPH Ltd. Service Bulletin 32-76 (pages 1, 2, and 4 through 7,
dated October 2002; and page 3, Erratum 1, dated November 2002), as
referenced in British Aerospace Jetstream Mandatory Service Bulletin
32-JA020741, Original Issue: November 2, 2002. The Director of the
Federal Register approved this incorporation by reference under 5
U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. You may get copies from British
Aerospace Regional Aircraft, Prestwick International Airport,
Ayrshire, KA9 2RW, Scotland; telephone: (01292) 672345; facsimile:
(01292) 671625. You may view 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.
Note 2: The subject of this AD is addressed in British Aerospace
Jetstream Mandatory Service Bulletin 32-JA020741, Original Issue:
November 2, 2002. This service bulletin is classified as mandatory
by the United Kingdom Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).
(g) When does this amendment become effective? This amendment
becomes effective on May 22, 2003.
Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on March 25, 2003.
Michael Gallagher,
Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 03-7746 Filed 4-2-03; 8:45 am]
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