Summary
The FAA proposes to supersede an existing airworthiness directive (AD) that applies to all BAE Systems (Operations) Limited (Jetstream) Model 4101 airplanes. The existing AD requires operators to determine the number of flight cycles accumulated on each component of the main landing gear (MLG) and the nose landing gear (NLG), and to replace each component that reaches its life limit with a serviceable component. The existing AD also requires operators to revise the Airworthiness Limitations section (ALS) of the Instructions for Continued Airworthiness in the aircraft maintenance manual to reflect the new life limits. This proposed AD would require revising the ALS to incorporate extended and more restrictive life limits for structurally significant items. This proposed AD is prompted by engineering analysis of fleet operations which resulted in more restrictive life limits. We are proposing this AD to prevent failure of certain structurally significant items, including the MLGand the NLG, which could result in reduced structural integrity of the airplane.