[Federal Register: January 12, 2006 (Volume 71, Number 8)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 1939-1941]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr12ja06-9]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2005-22791; Directorate Identifier 2005-NM-083-AD;
Amendment 39-14448; AD 2006-01-09]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Model
BAe 146-100A and -200A Series Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Final rule.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all
BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Model BAe 146-100A and -200A series
airplanes. This AD requires inspecting the nose landing gear (NLG)
assembly to determine the part number of the NLG main fitting
subassembly. For subject NLG main fitting subassemblies, this AD also
requires determining the total number of accumulated landings on a
subject NLG main fitting subassembly, and eventually replacing the NLG
assembly. This AD results from a report indicating that the airplane
maintenance manual contains incorrect safe-life limit information for
certain NLG assemblies. We are issuing this AD to ensure that affected
NLG fitting subassemblies are removed from service before they reach
their approved safe-life limit. Operating with an NLG fitting
subassembly that is beyond its approved safe-life limit could result in
failure of the NLG and consequent loss of directional control on the
ground and major structural damage to the airplane.
DATES: This AD becomes effective February 16, 2006.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in the AD as of February 16,
2006.
ADDRESSES: You may examine the 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., Nassif Building,
Room PL-401, Washington, DC.
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, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA,
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056; telephone (425)
227-1175; fax (425) 227-1149.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Examining the Docket
You may examine the airworthiness directive (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 street address stated in the ADDRESSES section.
Discussion
The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14
CFR part 39 to include an AD that would apply to all BAE Systems
(Operations) Limited Model BAe 146-100A and -200A series airplanes.
That NPRM was published in the Federal Register on October 27, 2005 (70
FR 61916). That NPRM proposed to require inspecting the nose landing
gear (NLG) assembly to determine the part number of the NLG main
fitting subassembly. For subject NLG main fitting subassemblies, that
NPRM also proposed to require determining the total number of
accumulated landings on a subject NLG main fitting subassembly, and
eventually replacing the NLG assembly.
Comments
We provided the public the opportunity to participate in the
development of this AD. We received no comments on the NPRM or on the
determination of the cost to the public.
Conclusion
We have carefully reviewed the available data and determined that
air safety and the public interest require adopting the AD as proposed.
Costs of Compliance
This AD will affect about 18 airplanes of U.S. registry. The
required inspection will take about 1 work hour per airplane, at an
average labor rate of $65 per work hour. Based on these figures, the
estimated cost of the AD for U.S. operators is $1,170, or $65 per
airplane.
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
[[Page 1940]]
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 this AD:
(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.
We prepared a regulatory evaluation of the estimated costs to
comply with 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):
2006-01-09 BAE Systems (Operations) Limited (Formerly British
Aerospace Regional Aircraft): Amendment 39-14448. Docket No. FAA-
2005-22791; Directorate Identifier 2005-NM-083-AD.
Effective Date
(a) This AD becomes effective February 16, 2006.
Affected ADs
(b) None.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to all BAE Systems (Operations) Limited
Model BAe 146-100A and -200A series airplanes, certificated in any
category.
Unsafe Condition
(d) This AD results from a report indicating that the airplane
maintenance manual contains incorrect safe-life limit information
for certain nose landing gear (NLG) assemblies. We are issuing this
AD to ensure that affected NLG fitting subassemblies are removed
from service before they reach their approved safe-life limit.
Operating with an NLG fitting subassembly that is beyond its
approved safe-life limit could result in failure of the NLG and
consequent loss of directional control on the ground and major
structural damage to the airplane.
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.
Service Bulletin Reference
(f) The term ``service bulletin,'' as used in this AD, means the
Accomplishment Instructions of BAE Systems (Operations) Limited
Model BAe 146 Modification Service Bulletin ISB.32-169, dated
October 4, 2004.
(1) The service bulletin refers to Messier-Dowty Service
Bulletin 146-32-155, dated July 16, 2004, as an additional source of
service information for inspecting to determine the part number of
the NLG main fitting subassembly, determining the number of
accumulated landings on the NLG main fitting subassembly, and
replacing the NLG assembly.
(2) Although the service bulletin specifies to submit certain
information to the manufacturer and to return replaced NLG
assemblies to the manufacturer or other overhaul facility, this AD
does not require those actions.
Inspection To Determine Part Number
(g) Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD: Inspect
the NLG assembly to determine the part number of the NLG main
fitting subassembly, in accordance with the service bulletin. If the
part number of the NLG main fitting subassembly is not listed in
paragraph 1.A.(2) of the service bulletin, then this paragraph
requires no further action. A review of airplane maintenance records
is acceptable in lieu of this inspection if the part number of the
NLG main fitting subassembly can be conclusively determined from
that review.
Replacement of NLG
(h) If the part number of the NLG main fitting subassembly is
listed in paragraph 1.A.(2) of the service bulletin: Determine the
total accumulated landings on the subassembly (since the subassembly
was new or overhauled), and replace the NLG with a new, serviceable,
or overhauled subassembly, in accordance with the service bulletin.
(For the purposes of this AD, a serviceable NLG is one on which the
NLG main fitting subassembly has been identified, the number of
landings has been determined, and the number of landings does not
exceed the limits specified in paragraphs (h), (h)(1) or (h)(2) of
this AD, as applicable.) Do the actions specified in this paragraph
at the applicable time specified in paragraph (h)(1) or (h)(2) of
this AD, or within 500 landings after the effective date of this AD,
whichever is later. A review of airplane maintenance records is
acceptable in lieu of this inspection if the total accumulated
landings on the subassembly (since the subassembly was new or
overhauled) can be conclusively determined from that review.
(1) If the NLG has not been overhauled previously: Prior to the
accumulation of 35,000 total landings on the NLG.
(2) If the NLG has been overhauled previously: Within 8,000
landings since the most recent overhaul.
Parts Installation
(i) After the effective date of this AD, no person may install
an NLG that is equipped with a main fitting subassembly having a
part number identified in paragraph 1.A.(2) of the service bulletin,
unless all of the applicable actions in paragraphs (g) and (h) of
this AD have been done.
Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(j)(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
(k) British airworthiness directive G-2005-0001, dated January
12, 2005, also addresses the subject of this AD.
Material Incorporated by Reference
(l) You must use BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Model BAe 146
Modification Service Bulletin ISB.32-169, dated October 4, 2004, 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 this document 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,
[[Page 1941]]
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 December 30, 2005.
Linda Navarro,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 06-184 Filed 1-11-06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P