[Federal Register: December 20, 2007 (Volume 72, Number 244)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Page 72270-72272]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr20de07-16]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2007-0368; Directorate Identifier 2007-NM-050-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Model
BAe 146-100A, -200A, and -300A Series Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
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SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the
products listed above. This proposed AD results from mandatory
continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) originated by an aviation
authority of another country to identify and correct an unsafe
condition on an aviation product. The MCAI describes the unsafe
condition as:
Cracking has been found on the centre fuselage top aft longeron
at Rib `0,' on an in-service aircraft. * * *
This condition could result in reduced structural integrity of the
airplane. The proposed AD would require actions that are intended to
address the unsafe condition described in the MCAI.
DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by January 22,
2008.
ADDRESSES:
Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to http://www.regulations.gov.
Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
Fax: (202) 493-2251.
Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New
Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590.
Hand Delivery: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-40, 1200 New
Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday
through Friday, except Federal holidays.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov
; or in person at the Docket Operations office
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal
holidays. The AD docket contains this proposed AD, the regulatory
evaluation, any comments received, and other information. The street
address for the Docket Operations office (telephone (800) 647-5527) is
in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available in the AD docket
shortly after receipt.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Todd Thompson, Aerospace Engineer,
International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate,
1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356; telephone (425)
227-1175; fax (425) 227-1149.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or
arguments about this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address
listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2007-0368;
Directorate Identifier 2007-NM-050-AD'' at the beginning of your
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory,
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this proposed AD. We
will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend
this proposed AD based on those comments.
We will post all comments we receive, without change, to http://www.regulations.gov
, including any personal information you provide. We
will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact we
receive about this proposed AD.
Discussion
The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical
Agent for the Member States of the European Community, has issued EASA
Airworthiness Directive 2006-0215, dated July 14, 2006 (referred to
after this as ``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for the
specified products. The MCAI states:
Cracking has been found on the centre fuselage top aft longeron at
Rib `0' on an in-service aircraft. Subsequent investigation has
indicated that the currently defined threshold and repeat inspection
period must be reduced, and the area of inspection expanded for the
BAe 146 series 100 and 200. For the BAe146 series 300, only the
repeat inspection period must be reduced, and the area of inspection
expanded.
Cracking on the center fuselage top aft longeron at Rib `0,' could
result in reduced structural integrity of the airplane. Corrective
actions include repetitive inspections of the center fuselage top aft
longeron for cracking and repair/replacement if necessary. You may
obtain further information by examining the MCAI in the AD docket.
Relevant Service Information
BAE Systems (Operations) Limited has issued Service Bulletin
ISB.53-173, Revision 2, dated March 28, 2006. The actions described in
this service information are intended to correct the unsafe condition
identified in the MCAI.
FAA's Determination and Requirements of This Proposed AD
This product has been approved by the aviation authority of another
country, and is approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant
to our bilateral agreement with the State of Design Authority, we have
been notified of the unsafe condition described in the MCAI and service
information referenced above. We are proposing this AD because we
evaluated all pertinent information and determined an unsafe condition
exists and is likely to exist or develop on other products of the same
type design.
Differences Between This AD and the MCAI or Service Information
We have reviewed the MCAI and related service information and, in
general, agree with their substance. But we might have found it
necessary to use different words from those in the MCAI to ensure the
AD is clear for U.S. operators and is enforceable. In making these
changes, we do not intend to differ substantively from the information
provided in the MCAI and related service information.
We might also have proposed different actions in this AD from those
in the MCAI in order to follow FAA policies. Any such differences are
highlighted in a NOTE within the proposed AD.
Costs of Compliance
Based on the service information, we estimate that this proposed AD
would affect about 1 product of U.S. registry. We also estimate that it
would take about 8 work-hours per product to comply with the basic
requirements of this proposed AD. The average labor rate is $80 per
work-hour. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of the proposed
AD on U.S. operators to be $640, or $640 per product.
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
[[Page 72271]]
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 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 this 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 and placed it in the AD docket.
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 AD:
BAE Systems (Operations) Limited (Formerly British Aerospace
Regional Aircraft): Docket No. FAA-2007-0368; Directorate Identifier
2007-NM-050-AD.
Comments Due Date
(a) We must receive comments by January 22, 2008.
Affected ADs
(b) None.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to all BAE Systems (Operations) Limited
Model BAE 146-100A, -200A, and -300A series airplanes; certificated
in any category.
Subject
(d) Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 53:
Fuselage.
Reason
(e) The mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI)
states:
Cracking has been found on the centre fuselage top aft longeron
at Rib `0' on an in-service aircraft. Subsequent investigation has
indicated that the currently defined threshold and repeat inspection
period must be reduced, and the area of inspection expanded for the
BAe146 series 100 and 200. For the BAe146 series 300, only the
repeat inspection period must be reduced, and the area of inspection
expanded.
Cracking on the center fuselage top aft longeron at Rib `0' could
result in reduced structural integrity of the airplane. Corrective
actions include repetitive inspections of the center fuselage top
aft longeron for cracking and repair/replacement if necessary.
Actions and Compliance
(f) Unless already done, do the following actions.
(1) For all BAE 146-100A and BAE 146-200A series airplanes pre-
mod HCM01709B or HCM01709C that have not been inspected in
accordance with Maintenance Review Board Report (MRBR) SSI/SII Task
No. 53-20-140A (Maintenance Planning Document (MPD) task 532040-SDI-
10000-3) or BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Service Bulletin
ISB.53-173 Revision 1, dated May 19, 2004, as of the effective date
of this AD: Do the actions in paragraphs (f)(1)(i) and (f)(1)(ii) of
this AD at the applicable compliance time, and do all applicable
repairs and replacements before further flight.
(i) Inspect and repair cracking of the forward six bolt bores
between the subframe and frame 30 in accordance with paragraph 2.B
of BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Service Bulletin ISB.53-173,
Revision 2, dated March 28, 2006, before the accumulation of 17,000
total flight cycles, or within 500 flight cycles after the effective
date of this AD, whichever occurs later. If the damage exceeds
limits specified in the structural repair manual (SRM), before
further flight, contact BAE Systems and repair. Repeat the
inspection thereafter at intervals not to exceed 5,000 flight
cycles, except as provided by paragraph (f)(3) of this AD.
(ii) Inspect and repair cracking of the remaining fastener bores
between the sub-frame and frame 30 in accordance with paragraph 2.B
of BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Service Bulletin ISB.53-173,
Revision 2, dated March 28, 2006, before the accumulation of 17,000
total flight cycles, or within 4,000 flight cycles after the
effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later. If the damage
exceeds limits specified in the SRM, before further flight, contact
BAE Systems and repair. Repeat the inspection thereafter at
intervals not to exceed 11,900 flight cycles, except as provided by
paragraph (f)(3) of this AD.
(2) For all BAe 146-100A and BAe 146-200A series airplanes pre-
mod HCM01709B or HCM01709C that have been inspected in accordance
with MRBR SSI/SII Task No. 53-20-140A (MPD task 532040-SDI-10000-3)
or BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Service Bulletin ISB.53-173
Revision 1, May 19, 2004, as of the effective date of this AD: Do
the actions in paragraphs (f)(2)(i), (f)(2)(ii), and (f)(2)(iii) of
this AD at the applicable compliance time, and do all applicable
repairs and replacements before further flight.
(i) Do an ultrasonic inspection and repair cracking of the
forward six bolt bores between the subframe and frame 30 in
accordance with paragraph 2.B and Appendix 2 of BAE Systems
(Operations) Limited Service Bulletin ISB.53-173, Revision 2, dated
March 28, 2006, before the accumulation of 5,400 flight cycles since
last inspection, or within 500 flight cycles after the effective
date of this AD, whichever occurs later. If the damage exceeds
limits specified in the SRM, before further flight, contact BAE
Systems and repair. Repeat the inspection thereafter at intervals
not to exceed 5,000 flight cycles, except as provided by paragraph
(f)(3) of this AD.
(ii) Do a high frequency eddy current inspection and repair
cracking of the forward six bolt bores between the subframe and
frame 30 in accordance with paragraph 2.B and Appendix 3 of BAE
Systems (Operations) Limited Service Bulletin ISB.53-173, Revision
2, dated March 28, 2006, within 4,000 flight cycles after the
effective date of this AD. If the damage exceeds limits specified in
the SRM, before further flight, contact BAE systems and repair.
Repeat the inspection thereafter at intervals not to exceed 5,000
flight cycles, except as provided by paragraph (f)(3) of this AD.
(iii) Do a rotating eddy current inspection and repair cracking
of the remaining fastener bores between the sub-frame and frame 30
in accordance with paragraph 2.B of BAE Systems (Operations) Limited
Service Bulletin ISB.53-173, Revision 2, dated March 28, 2006, and
Nondestructive Test Manual (NTM) Part 6 20-00-03, within 4,000
flight cycles after the effective date of this AD. If the damage
exceeds limits specified in the SRM, before further flight, contact
BAE Systems and repair. Repeat the inspection thereafter at
intervals not to exceed 11,900 flight cycles, except as provided by
paragraph (f)(3) of this AD.
(3) For all BAe 146-100A and BAe 146-200A series airplanes pre-
mod HCM01709B or HCM01709C that have had a replacement aft longeron
installed: Prior to the accumulation of 17,000 flight cycles after
the
[[Page 72272]]
aft longeron replacement, or within 500 flight cycles after the
effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later, inspect for
cracking of the forward six bolt bores and the fastener bores
between the sub-frame and frame 30, and repair any crack before
further flight in accordance with paragraph 2.B of BAE Systems
(Operations) Limited Service Bulletin ISB.53-173, Revision 2, dated
March 28, 2006. If the damage exceeds limits specified in the SRM,
before further flight, contact BAE Systems and repair. Repeat the
inspection thereafter at intervals not to exceed 5,000 flight cycles
for the forward six bolt bores, and 11,900 flight cycles for the
remaining fastener bores between the sub-frame and frame 30.
Replacing the longeron terminates the repetitive inspection
requirements of paragraph (f)(1) and (f)(2) of this AD; post-
replacement inspections must be done in accordance with this
paragraph.
Note 1: The threshold for an aircraft is reset if a replacement
longeron is fitted.
(4) For all BAe 146-300A series airplanes pre-mod HCM01709A that
have not been inspected in accordance with MRBR SSI/SII Task No. 53-
20-140A (MPD (Maintenance Planning Document) task 532040-SDI-10000-
3) or BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Service Bulletin ISB.53-173,
Revision 1, dated May 19, 2004, as of the effective date of this AD:
Do the actions in paragraphs (f)(4)(i) and (f)(4)(ii) of this AD at
the applicable compliance time, and do all applicable repairs and
replacements before further flight.
(i) Inspect and repair cracking of the forward six bolt bores
between the subframe and frame 30 in accordance with paragraph 2.B
of BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Service Bulletin ISB.53-173,
Revision 2, dated March 28, 2006, prior to the accumulation of
24,000 total flight cycles, or within 500 flight cycles after the
effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later. If the damage
exceeds limits specified in the SRM, before further flight, contact
BAE Systems and repair. Repeat the inspection thereafter at
intervals not to exceed 4,000 flight cycles, except as provided by
paragraph (f)(6) of this AD.
(ii) Inspect and repair cracking of the remaining fastener bores
between the sub-frame and frame 30 in accordance with paragraph 2.B
of BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Service Bulletin ISB.53-173,
Revision 2, dated March 28, 2006, at the later of 24,000 total
flight cycles, or within 4,000 flight cycles after the effective
date of this AD. If the damage exceeds limits specified in the SRM,
before further flight, contact BAE Systems and repair. Repeat the
inspection thereafter at intervals not to exceed 11,900 flight
cycles, except as provided by paragraph (f)(6) of this AD.
(5) For all BAe 146-300A series airplanes pre-mod HCM01709A that
have been inspected in accordance with MRBR SSI/SII Task No. 53-20-
140A (MPD task 532040-SDI-10000-3) or BAE Systems (Operations)
Limited Service Bulletin ISB.53-173, Revision 1, May 19, 2004, as of
the effective date of this AD: Do the actions in paragraphs
(f)(5)(i), (f)(5)(ii), and (f)(5)(iii) of this AD at the applicable
compliance time, and do all applicable repairs and replacements
before further flight.
(i) Do an ultrasonic inspection and repair cracking of the
forward six bores between the subframe and frame 30 in accordance
with paragraph 2.B and Appendix 2 of BAE Systems (Operations)
Limited Service Bulletin ISB.53-173, Revision 2, dated March 28,
2006, within 4,000 flight cycles since last inspection, or within
500 flight cycles after the effective date of this AD, whichever
occurs later. If the damage exceeds limits specified in the SRM,
before further flight, contact BAE Systems and repair. Repeat the
inspection thereafter at intervals not to exceed 4,000 flight cycles
except as provided by paragraph (f)(6) of this AD.
(ii) Do a high frequency eddy current inspection and repair
cracking of the forward six bolt bores between the subframe and
frame 30 in accordance with paragraph 2.B and Appendix 3 of BAE
Systems (Operations) Limited Service Bulletin ISB.53-173, Revision
2, dated March 28, 2006, within 4,000 flight cycles after the
effective date of this AD. If the damage exceeds limits specified in
the SRM, before further flight, contact BAE Systems and repair.
Repeat the inspection thereafter at intervals not to exceed 4,000
flight cycles, except as provided by paragraph (f)(6) of this AD.
(iii) Do a rotating eddy current inspection and repair cracking
of the remaining fastener bores between the sub-frame and frame 30
in accordance with paragraph 2.B of BAE Systems (Operations) Limited
Service Bulletin ISB.53-173, Revision 2, dated March 28, 2006, and
NTM Part 6 20-00-03 within 4,000 flight cycles after the effective
date of this AD. If the damage exceeds limits specified in the SRM,
before further flight, contact BAE Systems and repair. Repeat the
inspection thereafter at intervals not to exceed 11,900 flight
cycles, except as provided by paragraph (f)(6) of this AD.
(6) For all BAe 146-300A series airplanes pre-mod HCM01709A that
have had a replacement aft longeron installed: Prior to the
accumulation of 24,000 flight cycles after the aft longeron
replacement, or within 500 flight cycles after the effective date of
this AD, whichever occurs later, inspect for cracking of the
fastener bores between the sub-frame and frame 30, and repair any
crack before further flight in accordance with paragraph 2.B. of BAE
Systems (Operations) Limited Service Bulletin ISB.53-173, Revision
2, March 28, 2006. If the damage exceeds limits specified in the
SRM, before further flight, contact BAE Systems and repair. Repeat
the inspection thereafter at intervals not to exceed 4,000 flight
cycles for the forward six bolt bores, and 11,900 flight cycles for
the remaining fastener bores between the sub-frame and frame 30.
Replacing the longeron terminates the repetitive inspection
requirements of paragraph (f)(4) and (f)(5) of this AD; new
inspections must be done in accordance with this paragraph.
Note 2:
The threshold for an aircraft is reset if a replacement longeron
is fitted.
FAA AD Differences
Note 3: This AD differs from the MCAI and/ or service
information as follows: The MCAI specifies doing repetitive
inspections until the airplane enters the life extension program
(LEP). This program is not defined by the FAA. Operators of
airplanes that enter the LEP may request an alternative method of
compliance (AMOC) for the repetitive inspections in accordance with
the procedures specified in paragraph (g) of this AD.
Other FAA AD Provisions
(g) The following provisions also apply to this AD:
(1) AMOCs: The Manager, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate,
International Branch, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for
this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19.
Send information to ATTN: Todd Thompson, Aerospace Engineer,
International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate,
1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356; telephone (425)
227-1175; fax (425) 227-1149. Before using any approved AMOC on any
airplane to which the AMOC applies, notify your appropriate
principal inspector (PI) in the FAA Flight Standards District Office
(FSDO), or lacking a PI, your local FSDO.
(2) Airworthy Product: For any requirement in this AD to obtain
corrective actions from a manufacturer or other source, use these
actions if they are FAA-approved. Corrective actions are considered
FAA-approved if they are approved by the State of Design Authority
(or their delegated agent). You are required to assure the product
is airworthy before it is returned to service.
(3) Reporting Requirements: For any reporting requirement in
this AD, under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act, the
Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has approved the information
collection requirements and has assigned OMB Control Number 2120-
0056.
Related Information
(h) Refer to MCAI EASA Airworthiness Directive 2006-0215, dated
July 14, 2006, and BAe Systems (Operations) Limited Service Bulletin
ISB.53-173, Revision 2, dated March 28, 2006, for related
information.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on December 12, 2007.
Michael J. Kaszycki,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. E7-24699 Filed 12-19-07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P