Summary
This document proposes to reopen the comment period of an earlier proposed airworthiness directive (AD), which would have proposed to require modifying the shear fitting at the top of each escape hatch on certain Jetstream Aircraft Limited (JAL) Jetstream Models 3101 and 3201 airplanes. A report of interference between the shear fitting on an escape hatch and a ceiling panel found while removing the escape hatch on one of the affected airplanes prompted the earlier proposal. Since publication of that proposal, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has re-examined various service difficulty reports on the affected airplanes, and [[Page 7921]] determined that the proposed modification is still a valid safety issue (but not an urgent safety of flight issue). Since sufficient time has passed (more than 12 months) since the issuance of the original proposal, the FAA is allowing additional time for the public to comment on this action. The proposed actions are intended to prevent the inability to utilize an escape hatch during an emergency situation because of interference.