AD 94-10-04

This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to certain Jetstream Model 4101 airplanes, that requires a visual inspection of an area beneath the flooring for foreign objects and debris, removal of any foreign object or debris found, and installation of a protective guard on the rear cabin attendant seat. This amendment also requires a revision to the FAA-approved maintenance program to include repetitive visual inspections of the area above the protective guard for foreign objects and debris, and removal of any foreign object or debris found. This amendment is prompted by reports that foreign objects and debris have been found in the area around the elevator and rudder trim cables below the floor. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent foreign objects and debris from lodging in the control circuits and jamming the elevator and rudder trim systems.

Final rule

94-10-04 JETSTREAM AIRCRAFT LIMITED: Amendment 39-8911. Docket 93-NM-200-AD.
Applicability: Model 4101 airplanes; constructors numbers 41004 through 41023 inclusive; certificated in any category.

Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished previously.

To prevent jamming of the elevator and rudder trim systems, accomplish the following:

(a) Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD, accomplish paragraphs (a)(1) and (a)(2) of this AD in accordance with Jetstream Alert Service Bulletin J41-A25-034, Revision 1, dated October 30, 1993.

(1) Perform a visual inspection of the underfloor area for foreign objects and debris in accordance with the alert service bulletin. Prior to further flight, remove any foreign object or debris found during the inspection.

(2) Install a protective guard on the rear cabin attendant seat in accordance with the alert service bulletin.

(b) Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD, revise the FAA-approved maintenance program to require repetitive visual inspections of the area above the protective guard for foreign objects and debris, and removal of any foreign object or debris found, in accordance with the times and procedures specified in paragraph 2.C.(7) of Jetstream Alert Service Bulletin J41-A25-034, Revision 1, dated October 30, 1993, as applicable.

(c) 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, Standardization Branch, ANM-113, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate. Operators shall submit their requests through an appropriate FAA Principal Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send it to the Manager, Standardization Branch, ANM-113.

NOTE: Information concerning the existence of approved alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be obtained from the Standardization Branch, ANM-113.

(d) 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.

(e) The inspection, removal, and installation shall be done in accordance with Jetstream Alert Service Bulletin J41-A25-034, Revision 1, dated October 30, 1993, which contains the following list of effective pages:

Page Number
Revision Level
Shown on Page
Date
Shown on Page
1, 3, 7
1
October 30, 1993
2, 4-6, 8-11
Original
October 7, 1993

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, Inc., P.O. Box 16029, Dulles International Airport, Washington, DC 20041-6029. Copies may be inspected at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or at the Office of the FederalRegister, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC.

(f) This amendment becomes effective on June 15, 1994.

A proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal Aviation Regulations to include an airworthiness directive (AD) that is applicable to certain Jetstream Model 4101 airplanes was published in the Federal Register on January 25, 1994 (59 FR 3636). That action proposed to require a visual inspection of an area beneath the flooring for foreign objects and debris, removal of any foreign object or debris found, and installation of a protective guard on the rear cabin attendant seat. That action also proposed to require a revision to the FAA-approved maintenance program to include repetitive visual inspections of the area above the protective guard for foreign objects and debris, and removal of any foreign object or debris found.

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

Both commenters support the proposed rule.

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

The FAA estimates that 7 airplanes of U.S. registry will be affected by this AD, that it will take approximately 2 work hours per airplane to accomplish the required actions, and that the average labor rate is $55 per work hour. Required parts will be supplied by the manufacturer at no cost to operators. Based on these figures, the total cost impact of the AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be $770, or $110 per airplane.

The total cost impact figure discussed above is 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.

The regulations adopted herein will not have substantial direct effects on the States, on the relationship between the national government and theStates, 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, Aviationsafety, Incorporation by reference, Safety.

Adoption of the Amendment
Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration amends 14 CFR part 39 of the Federal Aviation Regulations as follows:

PART 39 - AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 49 U.S.C. App. 1354(a), 1421 and 1423; 49 U.S.C. 106(g); and 14 CFR 11.89.

39.13 - [Amended]
2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding the following new airworthiness directive: