Summary
This document proposes the adoption of a new airworthiness directive (AD) that is applicable to all British Aerospace (Jetstream) Model 4101 airplanes. This proposal would require manufacture and installation of a placard on the left-hand instrument panel in the cockpit to prohibit push-backs of the airplane while the engines are running. In lieu of accomplishing the placard installation, this proposal would require repetitive installation of a new tow bracket sub-assembly that has the serial number and date of installation vibro etched on it. This proposal is prompted by issuance of mandatory continuing airworthiness information by a foreign civil airworthiness authority. The actions specified by the proposed AD are intended to prevent fatigue failure of the towing bracket. Failure of the towing bracket could cause a towing vehicle to collide into the propeller while the airplane engines are running, and consequently, cause damage to the airplane, and injure ground personnel, flight crew, or passengers.