[Federal Register: May 21, 2004 (Volume 69, Number 99)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 29217-29218]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr21my04-10]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 2003-NM-171-AD; Amendment 39-13639; AD 2004-10-09]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Model
BAe 146 Series Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD),
applicable to certain BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Model BAe 146
series airplanes, that requires repetitive detailed inspections for
heat damage to any in-line splice in the auxiliary power unit (APU) and
integrated drive generator (IDG) feeder cable circuits, and corrective
action if necessary. This AD also provides for optional terminating
action for the repetitive inspections. This action is necessary to
prevent overheating of the in-line splices of the APU and IDG feeder
cables, which can lead to smoke, fumes, and possible fire in the flight
deck and cabin. This action is intended to address the identified
unsafe condition.
DATES: Effective June 25, 2004.
The incorporation by reference of a certain publication listed in
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as
of June 25, 2004.
ADDRESSES: The service information referenced in this AD may be
obtained from British Aerospace Regional Aircraft American Support,
13850 Mclearen Road, Herndon, Virginia 20171. This information may be
examined at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Transport
Airplane Directorate, Rules Docket, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton,
Washington; or 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
.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Todd Thompson, Aerospace Engineer,
International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate,
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056; telephone (425)
227-1175; fax (425) 227-1149.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: A proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal
Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) to include an airworthiness
directive (AD) that is applicable to certain BAE Systems (Operations)
Limited Model BAe 146 series airplanes was published in the Federal
Register on March 17, 2004 (69 FR 12592). That action proposed to
require repetitive detailed inspections for heat damage to any in-line
splice in the auxiliary power unit (APU) and integrated drive generator
(IDG) feeder cable circuits, and corrective action if necessary. The
proposed AD also provided for optional terminating action for the
repetitive inspections.
Comments
Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate
in the making of this amendment. No comments were submitted in response
to the proposal or the FAA's determination of the cost to the public.
Correction to Cost Information
The cost information specified in the proposed AD inadvertently
contained an erroneous figure. The estimated cost of the optional
terminating action was understated as ``between $1,069 and $2,847 per
airplane.'' The cost information, below, has been revised to show the
correct figure.
Conclusion
The FAA has determined that air safety and the public interest
require the adoption of the rule as proposed.
Cost Impact
The FAA estimates that 17 airplanes of U.S. registry will be
affected by this AD, that it will take approximately 6 work hours per
airplane to accomplish the required inspections, and that the average
labor rate is $65 per work hour. Based on these figures, the cost
impact of the AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be $6,630, or $390
per airplane, per inspection cycle.
The optional terminating action, if done, will take approximately
between 5 and 30 work hours per airplane, at an average labor rate of
$65 per work hour. Required parts will cost approximately between $744
and $1,379 per airplane.
[[Page 29218]]
Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of the optional
terminating action to be between $1,069 and $3,329 per airplane.
The cost impact figures discussed above are based on assumptions
that no operator has yet accomplished any of the requirements of this
AD action, and that no operator would accomplish those actions in the
future if this AD were not adopted. The cost impact figures discussed
in AD rulemaking actions represent only the time necessary to perform
the specific actions actually required by the AD. These figures
typically do not include incidental costs, such as the time required to
gain access and close up, planning time, or time necessitated by other
administrative actions.
Regulatory Impact
The regulations adopted herein 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. Therefore, it
is determined that this final rule does not have federalism
implications under Executive Order 13132.
For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this action (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. A final evaluation has been prepared for this action
and it is contained in the Rules Docket. A copy of it 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
0
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:
PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
0
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]
0
2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding the following new airworthiness
directive:
2004-10-09 Bae Systems (Operations) Limited (Formerly British
Aerospace Regional Aircraft): Amendment 39-13639. Docket 2003-NM-
171-AD.
Applicability: Model BAe 146 series airplanes, as identified in
BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Inspection Service Bulletin ISB.24-
139, dated April 2, 2003; certificated in any category.
Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished
previously.
To prevent overheating of the in-line splices of the auxiliary
power unit (APU) and integrated drive generator (IDG) feeder cables,
which can lead to smoke, fumes, and possible fire in the flight deck
and cabin, accomplish the following:
Inspection
(a) Within 6 months after the effective date of this AD, do a
detailed inspection for heat damage to any in-line splice in the APU
and IDG feeder cables, per the Accomplishment Instructions of BAE
Systems (Operations) Limited Inspection Service Bulletin ISB.24-139,
dated April 2, 2003. If no heat damage is found, repeat the
inspections thereafter at intervals not to exceed 12 months.
Although the service bulletin specifies to report inspection
findings to the airplane manufacturer, this AD does not include such
a requirement.
Note 1: For the purposes of this AD, a detailed inspection is
defined as: ``An intensive visual examination of a specific
structural area, system, installation, or assembly to detect damage,
failure, or irregularity. Available lighting is normally
supplemented with a direct source of good lighting at intensity
deemed appropriate by the inspector. Inspection aids such as mirror,
magnifying lenses, etc., may be used. Surface cleaning and elaborate
access procedures may be required.''
Corrective Action
(b) If any heat damage is found during any inspection done per
paragraph (a) of this AD: Prior to further flight, modify the
damaged in-line splices in the APU and/or IDG feeder cable circuits,
per paragraph 2.F., ``Terminating Action,'' of the Accomplishment
Instructions of BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Inspection Service
Bulletin ISB.24-139, dated April 2, 2003, as applicable.
Optional Terminating Action
(c) Modifying the in-line splices in the APU and/or the IDG
feeder cable circuits, per the Terminating Action instructions of
the Accomplishment Instructions of BAE Systems (Operations) Limited
Inspection Service Bulletin ISB.24-139, dated April 2, 2003,
constitutes terminating action for this AD.
Alternative Methods of Compliance
(d) In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, the Manager, International
Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, is authorized
to approve alternative methods of compliance for this AD.
Incorporation by Reference
(e) The actions shall be done in accordance with BAE Systems
(Operations) Limited Inspection Service Bulletin ISB.24-139, dated
April 2, 2003. 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 British Aerospace
Regional Aircraft American Support, 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 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
.
Note 2: The subject of this AD is addressed in British
airworthiness directive 005-04-2003.
Effective Date
(f) This amendment becomes effective on June 25, 2004.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on May 10, 2004.
Kalene C. Yanamura,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 04-11286 Filed 5-20-04; 8:45 am]
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