AD 96-11-01

This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) that applies to Jetstream Aircraft Limited (JAL) Jetstream Models 3101 and 3201 airplanes. This action requires modifying the automatic airframe de-ice system to allow the wing and tail de-ice boots to automatically operate through one cycle. The present system repeats the wing de-ice boot inflation cycle before starting to inflate the tail de-ice boots. Reports of ice accumulating on the tail faster than the automatic tail de-ice boots inflate on the affected airplanes prompted this action. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent excessive ice accretion on the tail or wings of the affected airplanes, which could result in loss of control of the airplane.

Final rule

96-11-01 JETSTREAM AIRCRAFT LIMITED: Amendment 39-9626; Docket No. 95-CE-18-AD.
Applicability: Jetstream Models 3101 and 3201 airplanes (all serial numbers), 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 (c) 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 within the next 1,000 hours time-in-service after the effective date of this AD, unless already accomplished.

To prevent excessive ice accretion on the tail or wings of the affected airplanes, which could result in loss of control of the airplane, accomplish the following:

(a) Modify the automatic airframe de-ice system in accordance with the ACCOMPLISHMENT INSTRUCTIONS section of Jetstream Service Bulletin No. 30-JK 12033, Revision No. 1, dated October 20, 1995.

(b) 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.

(c) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the compliance time that provides an equivalent level of safety may be approved by the Manager, Brussels Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), Europe, Africa, Middle East office, FAA, c/o American Embassy, B-1000 Brussels, Belgium. The request should be forwarded through an appropriate FAA Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send it to the Manager, Brussels ACO.

NOTE 2: Information concerning the existence of approved alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be obtained from the Brussels ACO.

(d) The inspections required by this AD shall be done in accordance with Jetstream Service Bulletin No. 30-JK 12033, Revision No. 1, dated October 20, 1995. This incorporation by reference was approved by the Director of the Federal Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. Copies may be obtained from Jetstream Aircraft Limited, Manager Product Support, Prestwick Airport, Ayrshire, KA9 2RW Scotland; or Jetstream Aircraft Inc., Librarian, P.O. Box 16029, Dulles International Airport, Washington, DC, 20041-6029. Copies may be inspected at the FAA, Central Region, Office of the Assistant Chief Counsel, Room 1558, 601 E. 12th Street, Kansas City, Missouri, or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC.

(e) This amendment becomes effective on July 2, 1996.

Events Leading to the AD
A proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) to include an AD that would apply to JAL Jetstream Models 3101 and 3201 airplanes was published in the Federal Register on February 21, 1996 (61 FR 6583). The action proposed to require modifying the automatic airframe de-ice system to allow the wing and tail de-ice boot systems to automatically operate through one cycle. Accomplishment of the proposed modification would be in accordance with Jetstream Service Bulletin 30-JK 12033, Revision No. 1, dated October 20, 1995.

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

Comment Resolution
The commenter supports the proposal, but recommends that the final rule not become effective until after May 1, 1996. The commenter explains that this is necessary to ensure parts delivery and subsequent scheduling of the modification within the compliance time. The issuance of this AD is well after May 1, 1996, and the subsequent effective date of the final rule gives this commenter ample time to accomplish the modification.

No comments were received regarding the FAA's determination of the cost impact on the public.

After careful review of all available information related to the subject presented above, the FAA has determined that air safety and the public interest require the adoption of the rule as proposed except for minor editorial corrections. The FAA has determined that these minor corrections will not change the meaning of the AD and will not add any additional burden upon the public than was already proposed.

Cost Impact
The FAA estimates that 260 airplanes in the U.S. registry will be affected by this AD, that it will take approximately 5 workhours per airplane to accomplish the required action, and that the average labor rate is approximately $60 an hour. Parts cost approximately $50 per airplane. Based on these figures, the total cost impact of the AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be $91,000. This figure is based on the assumption that no owner/operator of the affected airplanes has accomplished the required modification.

Jetstream has informed the FAA that parts have been distributed to owners/operators to equip approximately 22 of the affected airplanes. Assuming that each set of parts is installed on an affected airplane, the cost impact of this AD upon U.S. owners/operators of the affected airplanes is reduced $7,700 from $91,000 to $83,300.

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 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
Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration amends part39 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 USC 106(g), 40113, 44701.

Section 39.13 - [AMENDED]
2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding a new airworthiness directive (AD) to read as follows: