AD 98-20-09

This amendment supersedes an existing airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to all British Aerospace (Jetstream) Model 4101 airplanes, that currently requires repetitive functional testing of the main entrance door, cleaning and lubricating of the "speed" lock and "G" lock systems, and repair, if necessary. This amendment adds a requirement for replacement of the "G" lock rollers with new, improved "G" lock rollers. This amendment is prompted by issuance of mandatory continuing airworthiness information by a foreign civil airworthiness authority. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent inability of the main entrance door to open, which could delay or impede passengers from exiting the airplane, or rescue personnel from entering the airplane during an emergency.

Final rule

98-20-09 BRITISH AEROSPACE REGIONAL AIRCRAFT [Formerly Jetstream Aircraft Limited; British Aerospace (Commercial Aircraft) Limited]: Amendment 39-10776. Docket 97-NM-339-AD. Supersedes AD 97-19-02, Amendment 39-10122.
Applicability: All Jetstream Model 4101 airplanes, certificated in any category.

NOTE 1: This AD applies to each airplane identified in the preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been modified, altered, or repaired in the area subject to the requirements of this AD. For airplanes that have been modified, altered, or repaired so that the performance of the requirements of this AD is affected, the owner/operator must request approval for an alternative method of compliance in accordance with paragraph (d) of this AD. The request should include an assessment of the effect of the modification, alteration, or repair on the unsafe condition addressed by this AD; and, if the unsafe condition has not been eliminated, the request should include specific proposed actions to address it.

Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished previously.

To prevent inability of the main entrance door to open, which could delay or impede passengers from exiting the airplane, or rescue personnel from entering the airplane during an emergency, accomplish the following: RESTATEMENT OF REQUIREMENTS OF AD 97-19-02, AMENDMENT 39-10122:

(a) Within 30 days after September 24, 1997 (the effective date of AD 97-19-02, amendment 39-10122), perform a functional test to verify proper operation of the main entrance door (including the "G" lock system) and the "speed" lock system of the main entrance door, in accordance with Section 52-10-05 of BAe Jetstream Series 4101 Maintenance Manual (MM).

(1) If the "speed" lock and the "G" lock function satisfactorily: Within 60 days after September 24, 1997, perform the actions specified in paragraphs (a)(1)(i) and (a)(1)(ii) of this AD.

(i) Clean (remove existing contaminants and lubricant) and re-lubricate (with a dry lubricant) the "speed" lock and main entrance door "G" lock systems in accordance with Jetstream Service Bulletin J41-52-058, dated July 14, 1997. And,

(ii) Following accomplishment of paragraph (a)(1)(i) of this AD, and prior to further flight, repeat the functional test specified in paragraph (a) of this AD.

(A) If the "G" lock and the "speed" lock function satisfactorily in the functional test required by paragraph (a)(1)(ii) of this AD, accomplish the requirements of paragraph (b) of this AD.

(B) If the "G" lock and the "speed" lock do not function satisfactorily in the functional test required by paragraph (a)(1)(ii) of this AD: Prior to further flight, repair the "G" lock and the "speed" lock in accordance with a method approved by the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate.

(2) If either the "speed" lock and/or the "G" lock do not function correctly: Prior tofurther flight, perform the actions specified in paragraphs (a)(2)(i) and (a)(2)(ii) of this AD.

(i) Clean (remove existing contaminants and lubricant) and re-lubricate (with a dry lubricant) the main entrance door "speed" lock and "G" lock systems in accordance with Jetstream Service Bulletin J41-52-058, dated July 14, 1997. And,

(ii) Following accomplishment of paragraph (a)(2)(i) of this AD, and prior to further flight, repeat the functional test of the main entrance door (including the "G" lock system) and the "speed" lock system, in accordance with the MM.

(A) If the "G" lock and "speed" lock function satisfactorily in the functional test required by paragraph (a)(2) of this AD, accomplish the requirements of paragraph (b) of this AD.

(B) If the "G" lock and "speed" lock do not function satisfactorily in the functional tests required by paragraph (a)(2) of this AD: Prior to further flight, repair the "G" lock and "speed" lock in accordance with a method approved by the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116.

(b) Perform the actions specified in paragraphs (b)(1) and (b)(2) of this AD within 1,500 hours time-in-service following accomplishment of the initial functional test of the main entrance door required by paragraph (a) of this AD. Repeat the actions specified in paragraphs (b)(1) and (b)(2) of this AD, thereafter, at intervals not to exceed 1,500 hours time-in-service. 2 98-20-09

(1) Clean (remove contaminants and dry lubricant) and re-lubricate (with dry lubricant) the main entrance door "speed" lock and "G" lock systems in accordance with Jetstream Service Bulletin J41-52-058, dated July 14, 1997.

(2) Following accomplishment of paragraph (b)(1) of this AD and prior to further flight, perform a functional test of the main entrance door (including the "G" lock system) and the "speed" lock system, in accordance with the MM. If the "G" lock or "speed" lock system do not perform satisfactorily: Prior to further flight, repair the "G" lock or "speed" lock system in accordance with a method approved by the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116. NEW REQUIREMENTS OF THIS AD:

(c) Within 60 days after the effective date of this AD, replace the "G" lock rollers on the main entrance door with new, improved "G" lock rollers in accordance with Jetstream Alert Service Bulletin J41-A-52-059, dated September 12, 1997, or Revision 2, dated January 23, 1998.

(d) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the compliance time that provides an acceptable level of safety may be used if approved by the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116. Operators shall submit their requests through an appropriate FAA Principal Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send it to the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116.

NOTE 2: Information concerning the existence of approved alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be obtained from the International Branch,ANM-116.

(e) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with sections 21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.197 and 21.199) to operate the airplane to a location where the requirements of this AD can be accomplished.

(f) Except as provided by paragraphs (a), (a)(1)(ii)(B), (a)(2)(ii)(B), and (b)(2) of this AD, the actions shall be done in accordance with Jetstream Service Bulletin J41-52-058, dated July 14, 1997; and Jetstream Alert Service Bulletin J41-A-52-059, dated September 12, 1997; or Jetstream Alert Service Bulletin J41-A-52-059, Revision 2, dated January 23, 1998.

(1) The incorporation by reference of Jetstream Alert Service Bulletin J41-A-52-059, dated September 12, 1997; and Jetstream Alert Service Bulletin J41-A-52-059, Revision 2, dated January 23, 1998, is approved by the Director of the Federal Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.

(2) The incorporation by reference of Jetstream Service Bulletin J41-52-058, dated July 14, 1997, was approved previously by the Director of the Federal Register as of September 24, 1997 (62 FR 47362, September 9, 1997).

(3) Copies may be obtained from AI(R) American Support, Inc., 13850 Mclearen Road, Herndon, Virginia 20171. Copies may be inspected at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC.

NOTE 3: The subject of this AD is addressed in British airworthiness directive 001-09-97.

(g) This amendment becomes effective on October 27, 1998.

A proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) by superseding AD 97-19-02, amendment 39-10122 (62 FR 47362, September 9, 1997), which is applicable to all British Aerospace (Jetstream) Model 4101 airplanes, was published in the Federal Register on July 31, 1998 (63 FR 40856). The action proposed to continue to require repetitive functional testing of the main entrance door, cleaning and lubricating of the "speed" lock and "G" lock systems, and repair, if necessary. The action also proposed to add a requirement for replacement of the "G" lock rollers with new, improved "G" lock rollers.

Comments
Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate in the making of this amendment. Due consideration has been given to the single comment received.

The commenter supports the proposed rule.

Conclusion
After careful review of the available data, including the comment noted above, the FAA has determined that air safety and the public interest require the adoption of the rule as proposed.

Cost Impact
There are approximately 57 airplanes of U.S. registry that will be affected by this AD.

The actions that are currently required by AD 97-19-02 take approximately 1 work hour per airplane to accomplish, at an average labor rate of $60 per work hour. Based on these figures, the cost impact of the currently required actions on U.S. operators is estimated to be $3,420, or $60 per airplane, per functional test cycle.

The new actions that are required by this new AD will take approximately 3 work hours per airplane to accomplish, at an average labor rate of $60 per work hour. Required parts will be provided by the manufacturer at no cost to the operators. Based on these figures, the cost impact of the new requirements of this AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be $10,260, or $180 per airplane.

The cost impact figures discussed above are based on assumptions that no operator has yet accomplished any of the requirements of this AD action, and that no operator would accomplish those actions in the future if this AD were not adopted.

Regulatory Impact
The regulations adopted herein will not have substantial direct effects 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, in accordance with Executive Order 12612, it is determined that this final rule does not have sufficient federalism implications to warrant the preparation of a Federalism Assessment.

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 final evaluation has been prepared for this action and it is contained in the Rules Docket. A copy of it may be obtained from 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
Accordingly, pursuant to 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
1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows: Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.

39.13 [Amended]
2. Section 39.13 is amended by removing amendment 39-10122 (62 FR 47362, September 9, 1997), and by adding a new airworthiness directive (AD), amendment 39-10776, to read as follows: