AD 2000-22-16

This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to all British Aerospace (Jetstream) Model 4101 airplanes, that requires a functional check of the rudder pedals to ensure full and free movement at all rudder pedal positions, and modification of the forward rudder pedal boxes. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent restricted movement of the rudder pedals due to structural interference, which could result in reduced controllability of the airplane. This action is intended to address the identified unsafe condition.

Final rule.

2000-22-16 BRITISH AEROSPACE REGIONAL AIRCRAFT [Formerly Jetstream Aircraft Limited; British Aerospace (Commercial Aircraft) Limited]: Amendment 39-11963. Docket 2000-NM-152-AD.

Applicability: All Model Jetstream 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 (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 as indicated, unless accomplished previously.

To prevent restricted movement of the rudder pedals due to structural interference, which could result in reduced controllability of the airplane, accomplish the following:

Functional Check
(a) Within 60 days after the effective date of this AD, perform a functional check of the left and right rudder pedals to ensure full and free movement at all rudder pedal positions, in accordance with Part 1 of the Accomplishment Instructions of Jetstream Alert Service Bulletin J41-A27-055, dated March 10, 2000. If any restriction in rudder pedal movement is found, prior to further flight, accomplish the modification required by paragraph (b) of this AD.

Modification
(b) Within 8 months after the effective date of this AD, modify the forward pedal boxes [including moving the rudder pedals and measuring clearances between the rod attachment bolt and the flange of the floor channel; correcting any incorrect clearances; and repeating the functional check of the rudder pedals specified in paragraph (a) of this AD] in accordance with Part 2 of the Accomplishment Instructions of Jetstream Alert Service Bulletin J41-A27-055, dated March 10, 2000.

Alternative Methods of Compliance
(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, International Branch, ANM-116, 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, 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.

Special Flight Permits
(d) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with sections 21.197 and 21.199 of theFederal 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.

Incorporation by Reference
(e) The actions shall be done in accordance with Jetstream Alert Service Bulletin J41-A27-055, dated March 10, 2000. 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 British Aerospace Regional Aircraft American Support, 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 002-03-2000.

Effective Date
(f) This amendment becomes effective on December 13, 2000.

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 all British Aerospace (Jetstream) Model 4101 airplanes was published in the Federal Register on August 29, 2000 (65 FR 52373). That action proposed to require a functional check of the rudder pedals to ensure full and free movement at all rudder pedal positions, and modification of the forward rudder pedal boxes.

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.

Cost Impact
The FAA estimates that 58 British Aerospace (Jetstream) Model 4101 airplanes of U.S. registry will be affected by this AD.

It will take approximately 1 work hour per airplane to accomplish the functional check, at an average labor rate of $60 per work hour. Based on these figures, the cost impact of the AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be $3,480, or $60 per airplane.

It will take approximately 6 work hours per airplane to accomplish the modification, at an average labor rate of $60 per work hour. Based on these figures, the cost impact of the AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be $20,880, or $360 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 will accomplish those actions in the future if this AD were not adopted. The cost impact figures discussed in AD rulemaking actions represent only the time necessary to perform the specific actions actually required by the AD. These figures typically do not include incidental costs, such as the time required to gain access andclose up, planning time, or time necessitated by other administrative actions.

Regulatory Impact
The regulations adopted herein will 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. Therefore, it is determined that this final rule does not have federalism implications under Executive Order 13132.

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 itmay 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: