[Federal Register: September 27, 2005 (Volume 70, Number 186)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 56347-56349]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr27se05-3]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2005-22482; Directorate Identifier 2003-NM-009-AD;
Amendment 39-14291; AD 2005-19-26]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Model
ATP Airplanes and Model HS 748 Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.
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SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all
BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Model ATP airplanes and Model HS 748
airplanes. This AD requires doing a detailed inspection of the drain
pipes of the fuel cross feed system and certain electrical cables for
chafe damage; doing an inspection to determine the clearance between
the cable loom and the cross feed drain pipe; and doing corrective
actions if necessary. This AD results from a fire in the dry area of
the wing due to severe chafe damage between an electrical cable and the
fuel cross feed drain pipe. We are issuing this AD to prevent chafe
damage of the electrical cable and fuel cross feed drain pipe that
could lead to fuel leakage from the drain pipe and an ignition source
from the electrical cable, which could result in a fire in the dry area
of the airplane wing.
DATES: This AD becomes effective October 12, 2005.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of certain publications listed in the AD as of October 12,
2005.
We must receive comments on this AD by November 28, 2005.
ADDRESSES: Use one of the following addresses to submit comments on
this AD.
DOT Docket Web site: Go to http://dms.dot.gov and follow
the instructions for sending your comments electronically.
Government-wide rulemaking Web site: Go to http://www.regulations.gov
and follow the instructions for sending your
comments electronically.
Mail: Docket Management Facility; U.S. Department of
Transportation, 400 Seventh Street SW., Nassif Building, room PL-401,
Washington, DC 20590.
Fax: (202) 493-2251.
Hand Delivery: Room PL-401 on the plaza level of the
Nassif Building, 400 Seventh Street SW., Washington, DC, between 9 a.m.
and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
Contact British Aerospace Regional Aircraft American Support, 13850
Mclearen Road, Herndon, Virginia 20171, for service information
identified in this AD.
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:
Discussion
The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), which is the airworthiness
authority for the United Kingdom, notified us that an unsafe condition
may exist on all BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Model ATP airplanes
and Model HS 748 airplanes. The CAA advises that an operator reported
finding a fire in the dry area of the wing on a Model ATP airplane
before takeoff. Severe chafe damage between an electrical cable and the
drain pipe of the fuel cross feed system caused a small leakage of fuel
from the drain pipe. Electrical sparks from the damaged electrical
cable most likely ignited the fuel leakage. Chafe damage of the
electrical cable and fuel cross feed drain pipe, if not prevented,
could result in a fire in the dry area of the airplane wing.
The fuel cross feed pipe drain on certain Model ATP airplanes is
identical to those on the affected Model HS 748 airplanes. Therefore,
all of these models may be subject to the same unsafe condition.
Relevant Service Information
BAE Systems (Operations) Limited has issued Alert Service Bulletin
ATP-
[[Page 56348]]
A28-021, Revision 1, dated September 26, 2002 (for Model ATP
airplanes); and Alert Service Bulletin HS748-A28-44, dated September
26, 2002 (for Model HS 748 airplanes). The service bulletins describe
procedures for accomplishing the following actions:
Inspecting the cross feed drain pipe of the left and right
wings between the fuel drain valve and the cross feed drain pipe for
chafe damage, and doing the corrective action if necessary. The
corrective action is replacing the cross feed drain pipe with a new
drain pipe if material is lost from the wall thickness. If a
replacement drain pipe is unavailable, the corrective action is
removing the drain pipe and blanking the cross feed stub pipe.
Inspecting the electrical cables on the terminal block of
the left and right wings for chafe damage, and doing corrective actions
if necessary. The corrective action is to replace the electrical wire
with new electrical wire, if insulation has been lost; and to replace
any damaged protective convoluted or spiral tubing with new tubing.
Checking the clearance between the cable loom and the
cross feed drain pipe on the left and right wings, and doing corrective
actions if necessary. The corrective action is re-routing the cable
loom for adequate clearance of the cross feed drain pipe.
Accomplishing the actions specified in the service information is
intended to adequately address the unsafe condition. The CAA mandated
the service information and issued British airworthiness directives
001-09-2002 and 002-09-2002 to ensure the continued airworthiness of
these airplanes in the United Kingdom.
FAA's Determination and Requirements of This AD
These airplane models manufactured in the United Kingdom and are
type certificated for operation in the United States under the
provisions of section 21.29 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR
21.29) and the applicable bilateral airworthiness agreement. Pursuant
to this bilateral airworthiness agreement, the CAA has kept the FAA
informed of the situation described above. We have examined the CAA's
findings, evaluated all pertinent information, and determined that we
need to issue an AD for products of this type design that are
certificated for operation in the United States.
Therefore, we are issuing this AD to prevent chafe damage of the
electrical cable and fuel cross feed drain pipe that could lead to fuel
leakage from the drain pipe and an ignition source from the electrical
cable, which could result in a fire in the dry area of the airplane
wing. This AD requires accomplishing the actions specified in the
service information described previously.
Costs of Compliance
None of the airplanes affected by this action are on the U.S.
Register. All airplanes affected by this AD are currently operated by
non-U.S. operators under foreign registry; therefore, they are not
directly affected by this AD action. However, we consider this AD
necessary to ensure that the unsafe condition is addressed if any
affected airplane is imported and placed on the U.S. Register in the
future.
If an affected airplane is imported and placed on the U.S. Register
in the future, the required inspections would take about 2 work hours
per airplane, at an average labor rate of $65 per work hour. Based on
these figures, the estimated cost of the AD would be $130 per airplane.
FAA's Determination of the Effective Date
No airplane affected by this AD is currently on the U.S. Register.
Therefore, providing notice and opportunity for public comment is
unnecessary before this AD is issued, and this AD may be made effective
in less than 30 days after it is published in the Federal Register.
Comments Invited
This AD is a final rule that involves requirements that affect
flight safety and was not preceded by notice and an opportunity for
public comment; however, we invite you to submit any relevant written
data, views, or arguments regarding this AD. Send your comments to an
address listed in the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2005-
22482; Directorate Identifier 2003-NM-009-AD'' at the beginning of your
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory,
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the AD that might
suggest a need to modify it.
We will post all comments we receive, without change, to http://dms.dot.gov
, including any personal information you provide. We will
also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact with FAA
personnel concerning this AD. Using the search function of that Web
site, anyone can find and read the comments in any of our dockets,
including the name of the individual who sent the comment (or signed
the comment on behalf of an association, business, labor union, etc.).
You may review the DOT's complete Privacy Act Statement in the Federal
Register published on April 11, 2000 (65 FR 19477-78), or you may visit
http://dms.dot.gov.
Examining the Docket
You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://dms.dot.gov
, or in person at the Docket Management Facility office
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal
holidays. The Docket Management Facility office (telephone (800) 647-
5227) is located on the plaza level of the Nassif Building at the DOT
street address stated in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be
available in the AD docket shortly after the Docket Management System
receives them.
Authority for This Rulemaking
Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the
authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII, Aviation Programs,
describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's authority.
We are issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in
subtitle VII, part A, subpart III, section 44701, ``General
requirements.'' Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with
promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing
regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator
finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within
the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition
that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this
rulemaking action.
Regulatory Findings
We have determined that this AD will not have federalism
implications under Executive Order 13132. This AD 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.
For the reasons discussed above, I certify that the regulation:
1. Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order
12866;
2. Is not a ``significant rule'' under the 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.
We prepared a regulatory evaluation of the estimated costs to
comply with
[[Page 56349]]
this AD and placed it in the AD docket. See the ADDRESSES section for a
location to examine the regulatory evaluation.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.
Adoption of the Amendment
0
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator,
the FAA amends 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. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) amends Sec. 39.13 by
adding the following new airworthiness directive (AD):
2005-19-26 BAE Systems (Operations) Limited (Formerly British
Aerospace Regional Aircraft): Amendment 39-14291. Docket No. FAA-
2005-22482; Directorate Identifier 2003-NM-009-AD.
Effective Date
(a) This AD becomes effective October 12, 2005.
Affected ADs
(b) None.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to all BAE Systems (Operations) Limited
Model ATP airplanes and Model HS 748 series 2A and series 2B
airplanes, certificated in any category.
Unsafe Condition
(d) This AD results from a fire in the dry area of the wing due
to severe chafe damage between an electrical cable and the fuel
cross feed drain pipe. We are issuing this AD to prevent chafe
damage of the electrical cable and fuel cross feed drain pipe that
could lead to fuel leakage from the drain pipe and an ignition
source from the electrical cable, which could result in a fire in
the dry area of the airplane wing.
Compliance
(e) You are responsible for having the actions required by this
AD performed within the compliance times specified, unless the
actions have already been done.
Detailed Inspections
(f) Within 48 hours after the effective date of this AD, do the
actions specified in paragraphs (f)(1), (f)(2), and (f)(3) of this
AD, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of BAE
Systems (Operations) Limited Alert Service Bulletin ATP-A28-021,
Revision 1, dated September 26, 2002 (for Model ATP airplanes); or
BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Alert Service Bulletin HS748-A28-
44, dated September 26, 2002 (for Model HS 748 airplanes); as
applicable.
(1) Do a detailed inspection of the cross feed drain pipe of the
left and right wings between the fuel drain valve and the cross feed
pipe for chafe damage. Before further flight, do any corrective
action if applicable.
(2) Do a detailed inspection of the electrical cable between the
terminal block and fuel boost pump of the left and right wings for
chafe damage. Before further flight, do any corrective action if
applicable.
(3) Do an inspection to determine the clearance between the
cable loom and the cross feed drain pipe on the left and right
wings. Before further flight, do any corrective action if
applicable.
No Reporting Requirement
(g) Although the service bulletin referenced in this AD
specifies to submit certain information to the manufacturer, this AD
does not include that requirement.
Special Flight Permit
(h) Prohibited.
Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(i)(1) The Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport
Airplane Directorate, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for
this AD, if requested in accordance with the procedures found in 14
CFR 39.19.
(2) Before using any AMOC approved in accordance with 14 CFR
39.19 on any airplane to which the AMOC applies, notify the
appropriate principal inspector in the FAA Flight Standards
Certificate Holding District Office.
Related Information
(j) British airworthiness directives 001-09-2002 and 002-09-2002
also address the subject of this AD.
Material Incorporated by Reference
(k) You must use BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Alert Service
Bulletin ATP-A28-021, Revision 1, dated September 26, 2002; or BAE
Systems (Operations) Limited Alert Service Bulletin HS748-A28-44,
dated September 26, 2002; as applicable, to perform the actions that
are required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise. The
Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of these documents in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and
1 CFR part 51. Contact British Aerospace Regional Aircraft American
Support, 13850 Mclearen Road, Herndon, Virginia 20171, for a copy of
this service information. You may review copies at the Docket
Management Facility, U.S. Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh
Street SW., room PL-401, Nassif Building, Washington, DC; on the
Internet at http://dms.dot.gov; or at the National Archives and
Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability
of this material at the NARA, call (202) 741-6030, or go to http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html
.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on September 15, 2005.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 05-18909 Filed 9-26-05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P