[Federal Register: January 19, 2005 (Volume 70, Number 12)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Page 2987-2989]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr19ja05-21]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2005-20078; Directorate Identifier 2004-NM-210-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Model
Avro 146-RJ Series Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
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SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD)
for all BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Model Avro 146-RJ series
airplanes. This proposed AD would require an inspection of the Thales
Avionics distance bearing indicator (DBI) to determine part number (P/
N) and serial number (S/N), and replacement of the affected DBI with a
new or modified DBI. This proposed AD is prompted by a report of
defective electrical insulators in DBIs. We are proposing this AD to
prevent a short circuit in the DBI due to defective electrical
insulation, which could potentially cause a loss of primary navigation
instruments (such as airspeed indicator, altimeter, and global
positioning system (GPS) information).
DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by February 18,
2005.
ADDRESSES: Use one of the following addresses to submit comments on
this proposed AD.
DOT Docket Web site: Go to http://dms.dot.gov and follow
the instructions for sending your comments electronically.
Governmentwide 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.
By 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.
For service information identified in this proposed AD, contact
British Aerospace Regional Aircraft American Support, 13850 Mclearen
Road, Herndon, Virginia 20171.
You can examine the contents of this AD docket on the Internet at
http://dms.dot.gov, or in person at the Docket Management Facility,
U.S. Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street SW., room PL-401,
on the plaza level of the Nassif Building, Washington, DC. This docket
number is FAA-2005-20078; the directorate identifier for this docket is
2004-NM-210-AD.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Technical information: Dan Rodina, Aerospace Engineer,
International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate,
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056; telephone (425)
227-2125; fax (425) 227-1149.
Plain language information: Marcia Walters, marcia.walters@faa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Docket Management System (DMS)
The FAA has implemented new procedures for maintaining AD dockets
electronically. As of May 17, 2004, new AD actions are posted on DMS
and assigned a docket number. We track each action and assign a
corresponding directorate identifier. The DMS AD docket number is in
the form ``Docket No. FAA-2004-99999.'' The Transport Airplane
Directorate identifier is in the form ``Directorate Identifier 2004-NM-
999-AD.'' Each DMS AD docket also lists the directorate identifier
(``Old Docket Number'') as a cross-reference for searching purposes.
[[Page 2988]]
Comments Invited
We invite you to submit any relevant written data, views, or
arguments regarding this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address
listed under ADDRESSES. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2005-20078;
Directorate Identifier 2004-NM-210-AD'' at the beginning of your
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory,
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the proposed AD. We will
consider all comments submitted by the closing date and may amend the
proposed AD in light of those comments.
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 proposed AD. Using the search function of our
docket website, 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 can review the DOT's complete Privacy Act Statement in the
Federal Register published on April 11, 2000 (65 FR 19477-78), or you
can visit http://dms.dot.gov.
We are reviewing the writing style we currently use in regulatory
documents. We are interested in your comments on whether the style of
this document is clear, and your suggestions to improve the clarity of
our communications that affect you. You can get more information about
plain language at http://www.faa.gov/language and http://www.plainlanguage.gov.Examining
the Docket
You can 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 DMS receives them.
Discussion
The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), which is the airworthiness
authority for the United Kingdom, notified us that an unsafe condition
may exist on BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Model Avro 146-RJ series
airplanes equipped with certain Thales Avionics distance bearing
indicators (DBI). The CAA advises that a manufacturing fault with the
electrical insulation of the transformer in the DBI's power supply unit
could result in the propagation of the 115V AC input power supply
through the instrument and onto the DBI's Aeronautical Radio, Inc.
(ARINC) 429 Input/Output interfaces (a short circuit). An analysis of
this failure concluded that at the airplane level, the effect of this
insulation failure/short-circuit could be loss of all airplane primary
navigation instruments. Defective electrical insulation, if not
corrected, could result in a short circuit in the DBI, and potentially
cause a loss of primary navigation instruments (such as airspeed
indicator, altimeter, and global positioning system (GPS) information).
Relevant Service Information
BAE Systems (Operations) Limited has issued Modification Service
Bulletin SB.34-371-70671A, dated September 19, 2003. The modification
service bulletin describes procedures for replacing the DBI with a new
or modified DBI. Accomplishing the actions specified in the
modification service bulletin is intended to adequately address the
unsafe condition. The CAA mandated the modification service bulletin,
and an inspection of Thales Avionics DBIs to determine part number (P/
N) and serial number (S/N). The CAA issued British airworthiness
directive G-2004-0006, dated March 2, 2004, to ensure the continued
airworthiness of these airplanes in the United Kingdom.
The BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Modification Service Bulletin
SB.34-371-70671A, dated September 19, 2003 refers to Thales Avionics
Service Bulletin 354-34-052, dated September 1, 2003, as an additional
source of service information for replacing the DBI.
FAA's Determination and Requirements of the Proposed AD
This airplane model is manufactured in the United Kingdom and is
type certificated for operation in the United States under the
provisions of Sec. 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 proposing this AD, which would require
accomplishing the actions specified in the service information
described previously, except as discussed under ``Differences Between
the Proposed AD and the Service Bulletin.''
Differences Between the Proposed AD and the Service Bulletin
In addition to requiring certain actions in accordance with the
service bulletin, this proposed AD would require an inspection for
identifying the affected DBI's P/N and S/N. The Accomplishment
Instructions of the referenced modification service bulletin do not
specify to inspect the DBI for P/N and S/N.
Operators should note that, although the Accomplishment
Instructions of the referenced modification service bulletin describe
procedures for submitting an advice note related to recording
compliance with the service bulletin, this proposed AD would not
require that action. The FAA does not need this information from
operators.
Costs of Compliance
This proposed AD would affect about 54 airplanes of U.S. registry.
The proposed actions would take about 1 work hour per airplane, at an
average labor rate of $65 per work hour. Required parts would cost
about $728 per airplane. Based on these figures, the estimated cost of
the proposed AD for U.S. operators is $42,822, or $793 per airplane.
Authority for This Rulemaking
The FAA's authority to issue rules regarding aviation safety is
found in Title 49 of the United States Code. 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.
This rulemaking is promulgated under the authority described in
Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701, ``General
requirements.'' Under that section, the FAA is charged 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 AD.
[[Page 2989]]
Regulatory Findings
We have determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism
implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would 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 proposed
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 this proposed AD. 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, Safety.
The Proposed Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part 39 as follows:
PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
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]
2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new
airworthiness directive (AD):
BAE Systems (Operations) Limited (Formerly British Aerospace
Regional Aircraft): Docket No. FAA-2005-20078; Directorate
Identifier 2004-NM-210-AD.
Comments Due Date
(a) The Federal Aviation Administration must receive comments on
this AD action by February 18, 2005.
Affected ADs
(b) None.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to all BAE Systems (Operations) Limited
Model Avro 146-RJ series airplanes, certificated in any category.
Unsafe Condition
(d) This AD was prompted by a report of defective electrical
insulators in distance bearing indicators (DBI). We are issuing this
AD to prevent a short circuit in the DBI due to defective electrical
insulation, which could potentially cause a loss of primary
navigation instruments (such as airspeed indicator, altimeter, and
global positioning system (GPS) information).
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.
Part Number Inspection
(f) Within four months after the effective date of this AD,
inspect the Thales Avionics DBI to determine whether a part number
(P/N) and serial number (S/N) listed in the Effectivity of BAE
Systems (Operations) Limited Modification Service Bulletin SB.34-
371-70671A, dated September 19, 2003, is installed. Instead of
inspecting the DBI, a review of airplane maintenance records is
acceptable if the P/N and the S/N of the DBI can be positively
determined from that review.
(1) If the DBI P/N and S/N do not match those listed in the
service bulletin, no further action is required by this AD.
(2) If the DBI P/N and S/N do match those listed in the service
bulletin, do the actions required in paragraph (g) of this AD within
four months after the effective date of this AD.
Replacement
(g) Replace the DBI with a new DBI having P/N 63543-280-1 with a
S/N not listed in the service bulletin, or a DBI having P/N 63543-
280-2, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of BAE
Systems (Operations) Limited Modification Service Bulletin SB.34-
371-70671A, dated September 19, 2003.
Parts Installation
(h) As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install a
DBI with a part number (P/N) and serial number (S/N) listed in the
Effectivity of BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Modification Service
Bulletin SB.34-371-70671A, dated September 19, 2003, on any airplane
unless it has been modified in accordance with paragraph (g) of this
AD.
No Reporting
(i) Although the service bulletin references a reporting
requirement in paragraph 2.C.2, ``Documentation,'' that reporting is
not required by this AD.
Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(j) 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.
Related Information
(k) British airworthiness directive G-2004-0006, dated March 2,
2004, also addresses the subject of this AD.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on January 6, 2005.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 05-994 Filed 1-18-05; 8:45 am]
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