AD 2009-19-03

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the products listed above that will supersede an existing AD. This AD results from mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) issued by the aviation authority of another country to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an aviation product. The MCAI describes the unsafe condition as:

BAE Systems have been notified by the main landing gear (MLG) radius rod manufacturer, APPH Ltd, that a batch of incorrectly manufactured Buffer Springs (part number 184818) has been supplied to their parts distributor and maintenance and repair organisation (MRO) facilities in North America.
There is a risk that any radius rod fitted with one of these incorrectly manufactured Buffer Springs could jam in an unlocked position. This condition, if not corrected, could result in MLG collapse and consequent injury to occupants of the aeroplane. EASA issued AD 2009-0121-E to require the replacement of the affected radius rods.
BAE Systems (Operations) Ltd Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) 32-A- JA090640 Revision 2 (the ASB) has now been issued, which identifies an additional seven affected radius rods by serial number (s/n).

This AD requires actions that are intended to address the unsafe condition described in the MCAI.

DATES: This AD becomes effective October 5, 2009.
On October 5, 2009, the Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of British Aerospace Jetstream Series 3100 and 3200 Alert Service Bulletin 32-A-JA090640, Revision 2, dated August 11, 2009, listed in this AD.
As of June 26, 2009 (74 FR 29936, June 24, 2009), the Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of British Aerospace Jetstream Series 3100 and 3200 Alert Service Bulletin 32-A- JA090640, dated June 2009 (includes an attached Accomplishment Report), and APPH Ltd. Service Bulletins 1847-32-14 and 1862-32-14, as applicable, both dated June 2009, listed in this AD.We must receive comments on this AD by October 29, 2009.

Final rule; request for comments.

2009-19-03 British Aerospace Regional Aircraft: Amendment 39-16020; Docket No. FAA-2009-0817; Directorate Identifier 2009-CE-046-AD.

Effective Date

(a) This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective October 5, 2009.

Affected ADs

(b) This AD supersedes AD 2009-13-10; Amendment 39-15949.

Applicability

(c) This AD applies to Model HP.137 Jetstream Mk.1, Jetstream Series 200 and 3101, and Jetstream Model 3201 airplanes, all serial numbers, certificated in any category.

Subject

(d) Air Transport Association of America (ATA) Code 32: Landing Gear.

Reason

(e) The mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) states:

BAE Systems have been notified by the main landing gear (MLG) radius rod manufacturer, APPH Ltd, that a batch of incorrectly manufactured Buffer Springs (part number 184818) has been supplied to their parts distributor and maintenance- and repair organisation (MRO) facilities in North America.
There is a risk thatany radius rod fitted with one of these incorrectly manufactured Buffer Springs could jam in an unlocked position. This condition, if not corrected, could result in MLG collapse and consequent injury to occupants of the aeroplane. EASA issued AD 2009-0121-E to require the replacement of the affected radius rods.
BAE Systems (Operations) Ltd Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) 32-A- JA090640 Revision 2 (the ASB) has now been issued, which identifies an additional seven affected radius rods by serial number (s/n).
For the reasons described above, this AD retains the requirements of AD 2009-0121-E, which is superseded, and expands the applicability to include the replacement of the additional units.

Actions and Compliance

(f) Unless already done, do the following actions:
(1) Before further flight after October 5, 2009 (the effective date of this AD) inspect the main landing gear (MLG) radius rods to identify if you have part number (P/N) 1847/D through 1847/N and 1862/D through 1862/N with one of the affected serial numbers listed in British Aerospace Jetstream Series 3100 and 3200 Alert Service Bulletin 32-A-JA090640, Revision 2, dated August 11, 2009. Perform the inspection following British Aerospace Jetstream Series 3100 and 3200 Alert Service Bulletin 32-A-JA090640, Revision 2, dated August 11, 2009. Only paragraphs (f)(3) and (f)(4) of this AD apply to you if one or both of the following exists:
(i) If you do not have one of the affected P/Ns installed; and/ or
(ii) If you can positively show (maintenance records) that, during the inspection required by AD 2009-13-10, none of the serial number radius rods listed in British Aerospace Jetstream Series 3100 and 3200 Alert Service Bulletin 32-A-JA090640, Revision 2, dated August 11, 2009, are installed.
(2) If as a result of the inspection required in paragraph (f)(1) of this AD you find one of the affected P/N MLG radius rods installed on the airplane, before further flight, install one of thefollowing MLG radius rods:
(i) A serviceable MLG radius rod that is not in one of the following P/N ranges: 1847/D through 1847/N or 1862/D through 1862/ N; or
(ii) An affected P/N MLG radius rod that has already been inspected following APPH Ltd. Service Bulletin 1847-32-14 or 1862- 32-14, as applicable, both dated June 2009, and found to be serviceable.
(3) As of October 5, 2009 (the effective date of this AD), do not install an affected part number MLG radius rod unless it has been inspected following APPH Ltd. Service Bulletin 1847-32-14 or 1862-32-14, as applicable, both dated June 2009, and found to be serviceable.

Note 1: The inspection requirements of paragraph (f)(3) above apply to any replacement required per AD 2007-21-17.

(4) Within 30 days after the inspection required in paragraph (f)(1) of this AD, send an Accomplishment (Inspection) Report to BAE Systems following the instructions in paragraph 2.C of British Aerospace Jetstream Series 3100 and 3200 Alert Service Bulletin 32- A-JA090640, Revision 2, dated August 11, 2009. Include the details of any radius rods removed.

FAA AD Differences

Note 2: This AD differs from the MCAI and/or service information as follows: No differences.

Other FAA AD Provisions

(g) The following provisions also apply to this AD:
(1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, Standards Office, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. Send information to ATTN: Taylor Martin, Aerospace Engineer, FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas City, Missouri 64106; telephone: (816) 329-4138; fax: (816) 329-4090. Before using any approved AMOC on any airplane to which the AMOC applies, notify your appropriate principal inspector (PI) in the FAA Flight Standards District Office (FSDO), or lacking a PI, your local FSDO.
(2) Airworthy Product: For any requirement in this AD to obtain corrective actions from a manufacturer or other source, use these actions if they are FAA-approved. Corrective actions are considered FAA-approved if they are approved by the State of Design Authority (or their delegated agent). You are required to assure the product is airworthy before it is returned to service.
(3) Reporting Requirements: For any reporting requirement in this AD, under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.), the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has approved the information collection requirements and has assigned OMB Control Number 2120-0056.

Special Flight Permit

(h) Under 14 CFR 39.23, we are limiting special flight permits for the purpose of compliance with this AD under the following conditions:
(1) Operate the airplane only with the MLG in the down and verified locked position throughout the entire flight; and
(2) Coordinate additional flight restrictions with British Aerospace Regional Aircraft using the contact information provided in paragraph (j)(2) of this AD.

Related Information

(i) Refer to MCAI EASA Emergency AD No. 2009-0181-E, dated August 12, 2009; British Aerospace Jetstream Series 3100 and 3200 Alert Service Bulletin 32-A-JA090640, Revision 2, dated August 11, 2009 (includes an attached Accomplishment Report); and APPH Ltd. Service Bulletins 1847-32-14 and 1862-32-14, both dated June 2009, for related information.

Material Incorporated by Reference

(j) You must use British Aerospace Jetstream Series 3100 and 3200 Alert Service Bulletin 32-A-JA090640, Revision 2, dated August 11, 2009 (includes an attached Accomplishment Report); and APPH Ltd. Service Bulletins 1847-32-14 and 1862-32-14, both dated June 2009, to do the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of British Aerospace Jetstream Series 3100 and 3200 Alert Service Bulletin 32-A-JA090640, Revision 2, dated August 11, 2009 (includes an attached Accomplishment Report) under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
(2) On June 26, 2009 (74 FR 29936, June 24, 2009), the Director of the Federal Register previously approved the incorporation by reference of APPH Ltd. Service Bulletins 1847-32-14 and 1862-32-14, both dated June 2009.
(3) For service information identified in this AD, contact BAE Systems (Operations) Ltd., Customer Information Department, Prestwick International Airport, Ayrshire, KA9 2RW, Scotland, United Kingdom; telephone: +44 1292 675207; fax: +44 1292 675704; e-mail: RApublications@baesystems.com; Internet: http://www.baesystems.com/ Capabilities/Air/.
(4) You may review copies of the service information incorporated by reference for this AD at the FAA, Central Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, 901 Locust, Kansas City, Missouri 64106. For information on the availability of this material at the Central Region, call (816) 329-3768.
(5) You may also review copies ofthe service information incorporated by reference for this AD at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at NARA, call (202) 741-6030, or go to: http:// www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ ibr_locations.html.

Discussion

On June 18, 2009, we issued AD 2009-13-10, Amendment 39-15949 (74 FR 29936; June 24, 2009). That AD required actions intended to address an unsafe condition on the products listed above.
Since we issued AD 2009-13-10, British Aerospace Regional Aircraft has issued revised service information which identifies an additional seven affected radius rods by serial number.
The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Community, has issued EASA Emergency AD No. 2009-0181-E, dated August 12, 2009 (referred to after this as "the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for the specified products. The MCAI states:

BAE Systems have been notified by the main landing gear (MLG) radius rod manufacturer, APPH Ltd, that a batch of incorrectly manufactured Buffer Springs (part number 184818) has been supplied to their parts distributor and maintenance and repair organisation (MRO) facilities in North America.
There is a risk that any radius rod fitted with one of these incorrectly manufactured Buffer Springs could jam in an unlocked position. This condition, if not corrected, could result in MLG collapse and consequent injury to occupants of the aeroplane. EASA issued AD 2009-0121-E to require the replacement of the affected radius rods.
BAE Systems (Operations) Ltd Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) 32-A- JA090640 Revision 2 (the ASB) has now been issued, which identifies an additional seven affected radius rods by serial number (s/n).
For the reasons described above, this AD retains the requirements of AD 2009-0121-E, which is superseded, and expands the applicability to include the replacement of the additional units.

You may obtain further information by examining the MCAI in the AD docket.

Relevant Service Information

British Aerospace Regional Aircraft has issued:
British Aerospace Jetstream Series 3100 and 3200 Alert Service Bulletin 32-A-JA090640, dated June 2009 (includes an attached Accomplishment Report);
British Aerospace Jetstream Series 3100 and 3200 Alert Service Bulletin 32-A-JA090640, Revision 2, dated August 11, 2009 (includes an attached Accomplishment Report); and
APPH Ltd. Service Bulletins 1847-32-14 and 1862-32-14, both dated June 2009.
The actions described in this service information are intended to correct the unsafe condition identified in the MCAI.

FAA's Determination and Requirements of the AD

This product has been approved by the aviation authority of another country, and is approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant to our bilateral agreement with this State of Design Authority, they have notified us of the unsafe condition described in the MCAI and service information referenced above. We are issuing this AD because we evaluated all information provided by the State of Design Authority and determined the unsafe condition exists and is likely to exist or develop onother products of the same type design.

Differences Between This AD and the MCAI or Service Information

We have reviewed the MCAI and related service information and, in general, agree with their substance. But we might have found it necessary to use different words from those in the MCAI to ensure the AD is clear for U.S. operators and is enforceable. In making these changes, we do not intend to differ substantively from the information provided in the MCAI and related service information.
We might have also required different actions in this AD from those in the MCAI in order to follow FAA policies. Any such differences are described in a separate paragraph of the AD. These requirements take precedence over those copied from the MCAI.

FAA's Determination of the Effective Date

An unsafe condition exists that requires the immediate adoption of this AD. The FAA has found that the risk to the flying public justifies waiving notice and comment prior to adoption of this rule because we evaluated all information provided by the State of Design Authority and determined the unsafe condition exists and is likely to exist or develop on other products of the same type design. Therefore, we determined that notice and opportunity for public comment before issuing this AD are impracticable and that good cause exists for making this amendment effective in fewer than 30 days.

Comments Invited

This AD is a final rule that involves requirements affecting flight safety, and we did not precede it by notice and opportunity for public comment. We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or arguments about this AD. Send your comments to an address listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include "Docket No. FAA-2009-0817; Directorate Identifier 2009-CE-046-AD'' at the beginning of your comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this AD. We will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend this AD because of those comments.
We will post all comments we receive, without change, to http:// www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. We will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact we receive about this AD.

Authority for This Rulemaking

Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the authority of the FAA Administrator. "Subtitle VII: Aviation Programs,'' describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's authority.
We are issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in "Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: General requirements.'' Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this rulemaking action.

Regulatory Findings

We determined that this AD will not have federalism implications under Executive Order 13132. This AD 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.
For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this AD:
(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.
We prepared a regulatory evaluation of the estimated costs to comply with this AD and placed it in the AD docket.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by reference, Safety.

Adoption of the Amendment

Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the FAA amends 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.

Sec. 39.13 [Amended]

2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by removing Amendment 39-15949 (74 FR 29936; June 24, 2009), and adding the following new AD: