AD 98-10-02

This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to certain British Aerospace (Jetstream) Model 4101 airplanes, that requires replacement of certain wheel tie bolts with new bolts; and placing a life limit on these wheel tie bolts. 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 metal fatigue failure of the wheel tie bolts, which could result in a tire burst or loss of the main wheel/tire assembly, and consequent reduced controllability of the airplane.

Final rule

98-10-02 BRITISH AEROSPACE REGIONAL AIRCRAFT [Formerly Jetstream Aircraft Limited; British Aerospace (Commercial Aircraft) Limited]: Amendment 39-10513. Docket 97-NM-199-AD.
Applicability: Jetstream Model 4101 airplanes equipped with main wheels having part number (P/N) AHA1837, 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 (b) 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 requestshould include specific proposed actions to address it.

Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished previously.

To prevent metal fatigue failure of the wheel tie bolts, which could result in a tire burst or loss of the main wheel/tire assembly, and consequent reduced controllability of the airplane, accomplish the following:

(a) At the next tire change after the effective date of this AD, remove main wheel tie bolts having P/N BAC-B30M516 (DSR4528-1216), and replace them with new tie bolts in accordance with Jetstream Service Bulletin J41-32-058, dated May 9, 1997. Repeat this replacement thereafter at every fifth tire change.

(b) 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, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate. Operators shall submit their requests through an appropriate FAA Principal Maintenance Inspector, whomay 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.

(c) 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.

(d) The actions shall be done in accordance with Jetstream Service Bulletin J41-32-058, dated May 9, 1997. 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 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 CAA airworthiness directive 002-05-97.

(e) This amendment becomes effective on June 10, 1998.

A proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) to include an airworthiness directive (AD) that is applicable to certain British Aerospace (Jetstream) Model 4101 airplanes was published in the Federal Register on February 23, 1998 (63 FR 8881). That action proposed to require replacement of certain wheel tie bolts with new bolts; and placing a life limit on these wheel tie bolts.

Comments
Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate in the making of this amendment. No comments were submitted in response to the proposal or the FAA's determination of the cost to the public.

Conclusion
The FAA has determined that air safety and the public interest require the adoption of the rule as proposed.

Interim Action
This is considered to be interim action until final action is identified, at which time the FAA may consider further rulemaking.

Cost Impact
The FAA estimates that 57 airplanes of U.S. registry will be affected by this AD; however, wheel tie bolts must be removed and reinstalled during each tire change, therefore no additional work hours would be required as a result of this AD. Required parts will be supplied by the manufacturer at no charge. Based on this information, the cost impact of the AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be negligible.

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 significantrule 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 adding the following new airworthiness directive: