[Federal Register: January 7, 2004 (Volume 69, Number 4)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 869-871]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr07ja04-6]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 2002-NM-144-AD; Amendment 39-13421; AD 2004-01-07]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Model
BAe 146 and Avro 146-RJ 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
and Avro 146-RJ series airplanes. This AD requires one-time inspections
of the inner webs and flanges at frames 15, 18, 41, and 43 for evidence
of corrosion or cracking; and corrective actions if necessary. This
action is necessary to detect and correct corrosion and cracking of the
inner webs and flanges at frames 15, 18, 41, and 43, which could result
in reduced structural integrity of the airplane. This action is
intended to address the identified unsafe condition.
DATES: Effective February 11, 2004.
The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as
of February 11, 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 Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol
Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC.
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 and Avro 146-RJ series
[[Page 870]]
airplanes was published in the Federal Register on November 13, 2003
(68 FR 64288). That action proposed to require one-time inspections of
the inner webs and flanges at frames 15, 18, 41, and 43 for evidence of
corrosion or cracking, and corrective actions if necessary.
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.
Conclusion
After careful review of the available data, 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 55 airplanes of U.S. registry will be
affected by this AD, that it will take approximately 10 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 this AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be $35,750, or $650
per airplane.
The cost impact figure discussed above is 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:
2004-01-07 BAE Systems (Operations) Limited (Formerly British
Aerospace Regional Aircraft): Amendment 39-13421. Docket 2002-NM-
144-AD.
Applicability: Model BAe 146 and Avro 146-RJ series airplanes,
certificated in any category; except those airplanes on which either
BAe Modification HCM30514A or HCM30514C, and either HCM30514B or
HCM30514D, have been accomplished.
Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished
previously.
To detect and correct corrosion and cracking of the inner webs
and flanges at frames 15, 18, 41, and 43, which could result in
reduced structural integrity of the airplane, accomplish the
following:
Inspection
(a) Except as provided by paragraph (c) of this AD: Do a
detailed inspection of frames 15, 18, 41, and 43 (including any
applicable repair) by accomplishing all actions specified in the
Accomplishment Instructions of BAE Systems (Operations) Limited
Inspection Service Bulletin ISB.53-165, dated December 11, 2001. Do
the inspection at the applicable time specified in paragraph (b) of
this AD.
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.''
Compliance Times
(b) Do the inspection required by paragraph (a) of this AD at
the applicable time specified in paragraph D., ``Compliance,'' of
the service bulletin, except where the service bulletin specifies
``time period from first flight'' or ``years of age,'' this AD
establishes the thresholds in terms of years after the date of
issuance of the original Airworthiness Certificate or the date of
issuance of the Export Certificate of Airworthiness, whichever is
earlier. Where the service bulletin specifies compliance times
relative to the date of the service bulletin, this AD requires
compliance times relative to the effective date of this AD.
Corrective Actions
(c) If any discrepancy is found during any inspection required
by paragraph (a) of this AD, before further flight, accomplish the
applicable repair in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions
of BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Inspection Service Bulletin
ISB.53-165, dated December 11, 2001. If the service bulletin
specifies to contact the manufacturer for appropriate action, before
further flight, repair per a method approved by the Manager,
International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate;
or the Civil Aviation Authority (or its delegated agent).
Submission of Inspection Results Not Required
(d) Although the service bulletin referenced in this AD
specifies to submit information to the manufacturer, this AD does
not include such a requirement.
Alternative Methods of Compliance
(e) In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, the Manager, International
Branch, ANM-116, FAA, is authorized to approve alternative methods
of compliance for this AD.
Incorporation by Reference
(f) Unless otherwise specified in this AD, the actions shall be
done in accordance with BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Inspection
Service Bulletin ISB.53-165, dated December 11, 2001. 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 Office of the
Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700,
Washington, DC.
Note 2: The subject of this AD is addressed in British
airworthiness directive 004-12-2001.
Effective Date
(g) This amendment becomes effective on February 11, 2004.
[[Page 871]]
Issued in Renton, Washington, on December 29, 2003.
Ali Bahrami,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 04-128 Filed 1-6-04; 8:45 am]
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