[Federal Register: December 8, 2004 (Volume 69, Number 235)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Page 70938-70940]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr08de04-22]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2004-19766; Directorate Identifier 2002-NM-161-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; BAE Systems (Operations) Limited
(Jetstream) Model 4101 Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
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SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD)
for all BAE Systems (Operations) Limited (Jetstream) Model 4101
airplanes. This proposed AD would require replacing the aileron trim
chain with a new, improved aileron trim chain, and modifying the
installation of the aileron trim chain. This proposed AD is prompted by
a report that the aileron trim cables were connected incorrectly on a
correctly installed aileron trim chain. We are proposing this AD to
prevent incorrect connection of the aileron trim cables, which could
result in failure of the aileron trim system and consequent reduced
controllability of the airplane.
DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by January 7, 2005.
ADDRESSES: Use one of the following addresses to submit comments on
this proposed AD.
DOT Docket Web site: Go to http://dms.dot.gov and follow
the instructions for sending your comments electronically.
Government-wide rulemaking Web site: Go to http://www.regulations.gov
and follow the instructions for sending your
comments electronically.
Mail: Docket Management Facility, U.S. Department of
Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Nassif Building, room PL-401,
Washington, DC 20590.
By fax: (202) 493-2251.
Hand Delivery: Room PL-401 on the plaza level of the
Nassif Building, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC, between 9
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
For service information identified in this proposed AD, contact
British Aerospace Regional Aircraft American Support, 13850 Mclearen
Road, Herndon, Virginia 20171.
You can examine the contents of this AD docket on the Internet at
http://dms.dot.gov, or in person at the Docket Management Facility,
U.S. Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, SW., room PL-
401, on the plaza level of the Nassif Building, Washington, DC. This
docket number is FAA-2004-19766; the directorate identifier for this
docket is 2002-NM-161-AD.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Technical information: Todd Thompson, Aerospace Engineer,
International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate,
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056; telephone (425)
227-1175; fax (425) 227-1149.
Plain language information: Marcia Walters, marcia.walters@faa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Docket Management System (DMS)
The FAA has implemented new procedures for maintaining AD dockets
electronically. As of May 17, 2004, new AD actions are posted on DMS
and assigned a docket number. We track each action and assign a
corresponding directorate identifier. The DMS AD docket number is in
the form ``Docket No. FAA-2004-99999.'' The Transport Airplane
Directorate identifier is in the form ``Directorate Identifier 2004-NM-
999-AD.'' Each DMS AD docket also lists the directorate identifier
(``Old Docket Number'') as a cross-reference for searching purposes.
Comments Invited
We invite you to submit any relevant written data, views, or
arguments regarding this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address
listed under ADDRESSES. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2004-19766;
Directorate Identifier 2002-NM-161-AD'' at the beginning of your
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory,
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the proposed AD. We will
consider all comments submitted by the closing date and may amend the
proposed AD in light of those comments.
We will post all comments we receive, without change, to http://dms.dot.gov
, including any personal information you provide. We will
also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact with FAA
personnel concerning this proposed AD. Using the search function of our
docket Web site, anyone can find and read the comments in any of our
dockets, including the name of the individual who sent the comment (or
signed the comment on behalf of an association, business, labor union,
etc.). You can review the DOT's complete Privacy Act Statement in the
Federal Register published on April 11, 2000 (65 FR 19477-78), or you
can visit http://dms.dot.gov.
We are reviewing the writing style we currently use in regulatory
documents. We are interested in your comments on whether the style of
this document is clear, and your suggestions to improve the clarity of
our communications that affect you. You can get more information about
plain language at http://www.faa.gov/language and http://www.plainlanguage.gov.Examining
the Docket
You can examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://dms.dot.gov
, or in person at the Docket Management
[[Page 70939]]
Facility office between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday,
except Federal holidays. The Docket Management Facility office
(telephone (800) 647-5227) is located on the plaza level of the Nassif
Building at the DOT street address stated in the ADDRESSES section.
Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after the DMS
receives them.
Discussion
The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), which is the airworthiness
authority for the United Kingdom, notified us that an unsafe condition
may exist on all BAE Systems (Operations) Limited (Jetstream) Model
4101 airplanes. The CAA advises that, during a test flight following
maintenance work, the aileron trim system did not function correctly.
Investigation revealed that the aileron trim cables were connected
incorrectly (cross-connected), though the aileron trim chain was
installed correctly. This condition, if not corrected, could result in
failure of the aileron trim system and consequent reduced
controllability of the airplane.
Relevant Service Information
BAE Systems (Operations) Limited has issued Service Bulletin J41-
27-061, Revision 1, dated July 12, 2002. The service bulletin describes
procedures for replacing the aileron trim chain with a new, improved
aileron trim chain, and modifying the installation of the aileron trim
chain. The aileron trim cables cannot be cross-connected on the new
aileron trim chain. Thus, accomplishing the actions specified in the
service information is intended to adequately address the unsafe
condition. The CAA mandated the service information and issued British
airworthiness directive 006-11-2001 to ensure the continued
airworthiness of these airplanes in the United Kingdom.
FAA's Determination and Requirements of the Proposed AD
This airplane model is manufactured in the United Kingdom and is
type certificated for operation in the United States under the
provisions of section 21.29 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR
21.29) and the applicable bilateral airworthiness agreement. Pursuant
to this bilateral airworthiness agreement, the CAA has kept the FAA
informed of the situation described above. We have examined the CAA's
findings, evaluated all pertinent information, and determined that we
need to issue an AD for products of this type design that are
certificated for operation in the United States.
Therefore, we are proposing this AD, which would require
accomplishing the actions specified in the service information
described previously, except as discussed under ``Differences Among the
Proposed AD, Service Information, and British Action.''
Differences Among the Proposed AD, Service Information, and British
Action
British airworthiness directive 006-11-2001 specifies a compliance
time of ``not later than the next aileron trim circuit break down, or
by 31 March 2005, whichever is the sooner.'' This proposed AD specifies
a compliance time of 30 months after the effective date of this AD. We
find that this is a compliance time that is comparable in length to
that in the British airworthiness directive, will allow the majority of
operators sufficient time to accomplish the proposed action during a
regularly scheduled maintenance visit, and will not compromise safety.
The Accomplishment Instructions of the referenced service bulletin
describe procedures for reporting compliance with the service bulletin.
This proposed AD would not require that action.
Costs of Compliance
This proposed AD would affect about 57 airplanes of U.S. registry.
The proposed actions would take about 36 work hours per airplane, at an
average labor rate of $65 per work hour. Required parts would cost
about $2,500 per airplane. Based on these figures, the estimated cost
of the proposed AD for U.S. operators is $275,880, or $4,840 per
airplane.
Authority for this Rulemaking
The FAA's authority to issue rules regarding aviation safety is
found in Title 49 of the United States Code. 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.
This rulemaking is promulgated under the authority described in
Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701, ``General
requirements.'' Under that section, the FAA is charged 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 AD.
Regulatory Findings
We have 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 that the 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); 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.
We prepared a regulatory evaluation of the estimated costs to
comply with this proposed AD. See the ADDRESSES section for a location
to examine the regulatory evaluation.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, 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
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]
2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new
airworthiness directive (AD):
BAE Systems (Operations) Limited (Formerly British Aerospace
Regional Aircraft): Docket No. FAA-2004-19766; Directorate
Identifier 2002-NM-161-AD.
Comments Due Date
(a) The Federal Aviation Administration must receive comments on
this AD action by January 7, 2005.
Affected ADs
(b) None.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to all BAE Systems (Operations) Limited
(Jetstream) Model 4101 airplanes, certificated in any category.
Unsafe Condition
(d) This AD was prompted by a report that the aileron trim
cables can be connected
[[Page 70940]]
incorrectly on a correctly installed aileron trim chain. We are
issuing this AD to prevent incorrect connection of the aileron trim
cables, which could result in failure of the aileron trim system and
consequent reduced controllability of the airplane.
Compliance
(e) You are responsible for having the actions required by this
AD performed within the compliance times specified, unless the
actions have already been done.
Replacement of Aileron Trim Chain and Modification of Installation
(f) Within 30 months after the effective date of this AD:
Replace the aileron trim chain, part number (P/N) 14127003-401, with
a new, improved aileron trim chain, P/N 14127003-403; and modify the
installation of the aileron trim chain; according to the
Accomplishment Instructions of BAE Systems (Operations) Limited
Service Bulletin J41-27-061, Revision 1, dated July 12, 2002.
Actions Accomplished According to Previous Issue of Service Bulletin
(g) Replacements and modifications accomplished before the
effective date of this AD according to of BAE Systems (Operations)
Limited Service Bulletin J41-27-061, dated November 7, 2001, are
considered acceptable for compliance with the corresponding actions
specified in this AD.
No Reporting Requirement
(h) Although the service bulletin referenced in this AD
specifies to report compliance information to the manufacturer, this
AD does not include that requirement.
Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(i) The Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport
Airplane Directorate, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for
this AD, if requested in accordance with the procedures found in 14
CFR 39.19.
Related Information
(j) British airworthiness directive 006-11-2001 also addresses
the subject of this AD.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on November 30, 2004.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 04-26919 Filed 12-7-04; 8:45 am]
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