# AD 97-19-02: Airworthiness Directives; British Aerospace (Jetstream) Model 4101 Airplanes - Type: Airworthiness directive - Effective: September 24, 1997 - Published: September 9, 1997, 62 FR 47362–47364 - Issued as: Final rule; request for comments - Superseded by: Nothing supersedes this AD - Amendment: 39-10122 - Docket: 97-NM-164-AD - Official PDF: https://openairdocs.org/files/sha256/a6/cd/a6cd7bb8711a044a3e9661a5a2721361bc6288d14f2a04e24d8d3a822387838b (from https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-1997-09-09/pdf/97-23861.pdf) - Federal Register: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/1997/09/09/97-23861/airworthiness-directives-british-aerospace-jetstream-model-4101-airplanes - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ad/97-19-02 ## Summary This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) that is applicable to all British Aerospace (Jetstream) Model 4101 airplanes. This action requires repetitive functional testing of the main entrance door, cleaning and lubricating of the ``speed'' lock and ``G'' lock systems, and repair, if necessary. This amendment is prompted by reports of flight crews and ground crews being unable to open the main entrance door. The actions specified in this AD are intended to prevent inability of the main entrance door to open, which could delay or impede passengers exiting the airplane, or rescue personnel from entering the airplane during an emergency. ## The airworthiness directive ### 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. Section 39.13 is amended by adding the following new airworthiness directive: 97-19-02 British Aerospace Regional Aircraft [Formerly Jetstream Aircraft Limited, British Aerospace (Commercial Aircraft) Limited]: Amendment 39-10122. Docket 97-NM-164-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 inability of the main entrance door to open, which could delay or impede passengers exiting the airplane, or rescue personnel from entering the airplane during an emergency, accomplish the following: ### (a) (a) Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD, perform a functional test to verify proper operation of the main entrance door (including the ``G'' lock system) and the ``speed'' lock system of the main entrance door, in accordance with Section 52-10-05 of BAe Jetstream Series 4101 Maintenance Manual (MM). (1) If the ``speed'' lock and the ``G'' lock function satisfactorily: Within 60 days after the effective date of the AD, perform the actions specified in paragraphs (a)(1)(i) and (a)(1)(ii) of this AD. (i) Clean (remove existing contaminents and lubricant) and re-lubricate (with a dry lubricant) the ``speed'' lock and main entrance door ``G'' lock systems in accordance with Jetstream Service Bulletin J41-52-058, dated July 14, 1997. And, (ii) Following accomplishment of paragraph (a)(1)(i) of this AD, and prior to further flight, repeat the functional test specified in paragraph (a) of this AD. (A) If the ``G'' lock and the ``speed'' lock function satisfactorily in the functional test required by paragraph (a)(1)(ii) of this AD, accomplish the requirements of paragraph (b) of this AD. (B) If the ``G'' lock and the ``speed'' lock do not function satisfactorily in the functional test required by paragraph (a)(1)(ii) of this AD: Prior to further flight, repair the ``G'' lock and the ``speed'' lock in accordance with a method approved by the Manager, Standardization Branch, ANM-113, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate. (2) If either the ``speed'' lock and/or the ``G'' lock do not function correctly: Prior to further flight, perform the actions specified in paragraphs (a)(2)(i) and (a)(2)(ii) of this AD. (i) Clean (remove existing contaminents and lubricant) and re-lubricate (with a dry lubricant) the main entrance door ``speed'' lock and ``G'' lock systems in accordance with Jetstream Service Bulletin J41-52-058, dated July 14, 1997. And, (ii) Following accomplishment of paragraph (a)(2)(i) of this AD, and prior to further flight, repeat the functional test of the main entrance door (including the ``G'' lock system) and the ``speed'' lock system, in accordance with the MM. (A) If the ``G'' lock and speed lock function satisfactorily in the functional test required by paragraph (a)(2) of this AD, accomplish the requirements of paragraph (b) of this AD. (B) If the ``G'' lock and speed lock do not function satisfactorily in the functional tests required by paragraph (a)(2) of this AD: Prior to further flight, repair the ``G'' lock and speed lock in accordance with a method approved by the Manager, Standardization Branch, ANM-113. ### (b) (b) Perform the actions specified in paragraphs (b)(1) and (b)(2) of this AD within 1,500 hours time-in-service following accomplishment of the initial functional test of the main entrance door required by paragraph (a) of this AD. Repeat the actions specified in paragraphs (b)(1) and (b)(2) of this AD, thereafter, at intervals not to exceed 1,500 hours time-in-service. (1) Clean (remove contaminents and dry lubricant) and re-lubricate (with dry lubricant) the main entrance door ``speed'' lock and ``G'' lock systems in accordance with Jetstream Service Bulletin J41-52-058, dated July 14, 1997. (2) Following accomplishment of paragraph (b)(1) of this AD and prior to further flight, perform a functional test of the main entrance door (including the ``G'' lock system) and the ``speed'' lock system, in accordance with the MM. If the ``G'' lock or ``speed'' lock system do not perform satisfactorily: Prior to further flight, repair the ``G'' lock or ``speed'' lock system in accordance with a method approved by the Manager, Standardization Branch, ANM-113. ### (c) (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. 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 2: 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) (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) (e) Certain actions shall be done in accordance with Jetstream Service Bulletin J41-52-058, dated July 14, 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. ### (f) (f) This amendment becomes effective on September 24, 1997. Issued in Renton, Washington, on September 3, 1997. Darrell M. Pederson, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. ## Rule preamble ### Dates Effective September 24, 1997. The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as of September 24, 1997. Comments for inclusion in the Rules Docket must be received on or before October 9, 1997. ### Addresses Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-103, Attention: Rules Docket No. 97-NM-164-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056. The service information referenced in this AD may be obtained from AI(R) American Support, Inc., 13850 Mclearen Road, Herndon, Virginia 20171. This information may be examined 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. ### For further information contact William Schroeder, Aerospace Engineer, Standardization Branch, ANM-113, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056; telephone (425) 227-2148; fax (425) 227-1149. ### Supplementary information The FAA has received several reports indicating that flight crews and/or ground crews were unable to open the main entrance door from either the inside or outside of British Aerospace (Jetstream) Model 4101 airplanes. Investigation revealed excessive friction in the main entrance door ``speed'' lock and ``G'' lock systems due to impurities (dirt) at mechanical linkage points of movement in these locking systems. Additionally, excessive friction in the ``speed'' lock and ``G'' lock systems has been attributed to the use of a certain type of lubricant currently specified by the airplane manufacturer. Such excessive friction, if not corrected, could result in the main entrance door being ``stuck,'' and consequently, unable to be opened from the inside or the outside of the airplane. The FAA has reviewed the available information and has determined that the inability to open the main entrance door during an emergency may cause delay or impede passengers exiting the airplane, or rescue personnel from entering the airplane during an emergency. ### Explanation of Relevant Service Information Jetstream has issued Service Bulletin J41-52-058, dated July 14, 1997, which describes procedures for performing repetitive functional checks of the main entrance door, and cleaning and lubricating of ``speed'' lock and ``G'' lock systems. Accomplishment of these actions will ensure that the ``speed'' lock and ``G'' lock systems will not prevent the main entrance door from being opened when the airplane is on the ground. ### U.S. Type Certification of the Airplane This airplane model is manufactured in the United Kingdom and is type certificated for operation in the United States under the provisions of section 21.29 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.29) and the applicable bilateral airworthiness agreement. ### Explanation of Requirements of Rule Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to exist or develop on other airplanes of the same type design registered in the United States, this AD is being issued to prevent excessive friction in the main entrance door ``speed'' lock and ``G'' lock systems, which could prohibit the door from being opened, and consequently delay or impede passengers when exiting the airplane, or rescue personnel from entering the airplane during an emergency. This AD requires initial functional testing of the main entrance door and ``speed'' lock system, cleaning, and lubrication of the ``speed'' lock and ``G'' lock systems of the main entrance door, and repair, if necessary. This AD also requires follow-on repetitive cleaning, lubrication, and functional testing of the ``speed'' lock and ``G'' lock systems of the main entrance door. The initial functional test of the main entrance door is required to be accomplished in accordance with the Jetstream Model 4101 Airplane Maintenance Manual. Other actions are required to be accomplished in accordance with the service bulletin described previously. ### Interim Action This action is considered to be interim action until final action is identified, at which time the FAA may consider further rulemaking. ### Determination of Rule's Effective Date Since a situation exists that requires the immediate adoption of this regulation, it is found that notice and opportunity for prior public comment hereon are impracticable, and that good cause exists for making this amendment effective in less than 30 days. ### Comments Invited Although this action is in the form of a final rule that involves requirements affecting flight safety and, thus, was not preceded by notice and an opportunity for public comment, comments are invited on this rule. Interested persons are invited to comment on this rule by submitting such written data, views, or arguments as they may desire. Communications shall identify the Rules Docket number and be submitted in triplicate to the address specified under the caption ADDRESSES. All communications received on or before the closing date for comments will be considered, and this rule may be amended in light of the comments received. Factual information that supports the commenter's ideas and suggestions is extremely helpful in evaluating the effectiveness of the AD action and determining whether additional rulemaking action would be needed. Comments are specifically invited on the overall regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the rule that might suggest a need to modify the rule. All comments submitted will be available, both before and after the closing date for comments, in the Rules Docket for examination by interested persons. A report that summarizes each FAA-public contact concerned with the substance of this AD will be filed in the Rules Docket. Commenters wishing the FAA to acknowledge receipt of their comments submitted in response to this rule must submit a self-addressed, stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: ``Comments to Docket Number 97-NM-164-AD.'' The postcard will be date stamped and returned to the commenter. ### 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. The FAA has determined that this regulation is an emergency regulation that must be issued immediately to correct an unsafe condition in aircraft, and that it is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order 12866. It has been determined further that this action involves an emergency regulation under DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979). If it is determined that this emergency regulation otherwise would be significant under DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures, a final regulatory evaluation will be prepared and placed in the Rules Docket. A copy of it, if filed, 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: No proposed rule in this release led to it. Its text cites no advisory circulars or STCs. --- OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.