[Federal Register Volume 59, Number 91 (Thursday, May 12, 1994)]
[Unknown Section]
[Page 0]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 94-11358]


[[Page Unknown]]

[Federal Register: May 12, 1994]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 94-NM-42-AD]

 

Airworthiness Directives; British Aerospace Model BAe 146-100A, -
200A, and -300A Series Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: This document proposes the supersedure of an existing 
airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to certain British Aerospace 
Model BAe 146-100A, -200A, and -300A series airplanes, that currently 
requires replacing the quick release coupling halves on each end of the 
pump case drain line on the hydraulic engine driven pump (EDP) on the 
number 2 and number 3 engines with improved fire resistant coupling 
halves. This action would revise the applicability of the existing AD. 
This proposal is prompted by the identification of additional airplanes 
that are subject to the addressed unsafe condition. The actions 
specified by the proposed AD are intended to prevent hydraulic fluid 
leakage from the pump case drain line quick release coupling, which 
could fuel the flames in the event of an engine fire.

DATES: Comments must be received by June 13, 1994.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-103, 
Attention: Rules Docket No. 94-NM-42-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, 
Washington 98055-4056. Comments may be inspected at this location 
between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal 
holidays.
    The service information referenced in the proposed rule may be 
obtained from British Aerospace, PLC, Librarian for Service Bulletins, 
P.O. Box 17414, Dulles International Airport, Washington, DC 20041-
0414. This information may be examined at the FAA, Transport Airplane 
Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: William Schroeder, Aerospace Engineer, 
Standardization Branch, ANM-113, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 
1601 Lind Avenue, SW. , Renton, Washington 98055-4056; telephone (206) 
227-2148; fax (206) 227-1320.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

    Interested persons are invited to participate in the making of the 
proposed rule by submitting such written data, views, or arguments as 
they may desire. Communications shall identify the Rules Docket number 
and be submitted in triplicate to the address specified above. All 
communications received on or before the closing date for comments, 
specified above, will be considered before taking action on the 
proposed rule. The proposals contained in this notice may be changed in 
light of the comments received.
    Comments are specifically invited on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the proposed rule. All 
comments submitted will be available, both before and after the closing 
date for comments, in the Rules Docket for examination by interested 
persons. A report summarizing each FAA-public contact concerned with 
the substance of this proposal will be filed in the Rules Docket.
    Commenters wishing the FAA to acknowledge receipt of their comments 
submitted in response to this notice must submit a self-addressed, 
stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: ``Comments 
to Docket Number 94-NM-42-AD.'' The postcard will be date stamped and 
returned to the commenter

Availability of NPRMs -

    Any person may obtain a copy of this NPRM by submitting a request 
to the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-103, Attention: Rules 
Docket No. 94-NM-42-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 
98055-4056.

Discussion

    On November 29, 1993, the FAA issued AD 93-24-05, Amendment 39-8754 
(58 FR 67310), applicable to certain British Aerospace Model BAe 146-
100A, -200A, and -300A series airplanes, to require replacement of the 
quick release coupling halves on each end of the pump case drain line 
on the hydraulic engine driven pump (EDP) on the number 2 and number 3 
engines with improved fire resistant coupling halves. That action was 
prompted by a fire resistance test of the hydraulic EDP, associated 
hoses, and couplings installed on the number 2 and number 3 engines, 
which revealed that the pump case drain line quick release couplings 
leaked hydraulic fluid. The requirements of that AD are intended to 
prevent hydraulic fluid leakage from the pump case drain line quick 
release coupling, which could fuel the flames in the event of an engine 
fire.
    Since issuance of that AD, British Aerospace has issued Service 
Bulletin SB.29-31-01339A, Revision 1, dated July 8, 1993, which revises 
the effectivity listing of the original issue of the service bulletin 
by adding the serial numbers of affected Model BAe 146-100A and -200A 
series airplanes. In addition, one Model BAe 146-300A series airplane, 
serial number E3220, is removed from the service bulletin effectivity. 
The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), which is the airworthiness 
authority for the United Kingdom, classified this service bulletin as 
mandatory in order to assure the continued airworthiness of these 
airplanes in the United Kingdom. -
    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 and the 
applicable bilateral airworthiness agreement. Pursuant to this 
bilateral airworthiness agreement, the CAA has kept the FAA informed of 
the situation described above. The FAA has examined the findings of the 
CAA, reviewed all available information, and determined that AD action 
is necessary for products of this type design that are certificated for 
operation in the United States.
    Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to 
exist or develop on other airplanes of the same type design registered 
in the United States, the proposed AD would supersede AD 93-24-05 to 
continue to require replacement of the quick release coupling halves on 
each end of the pump case drain line on the hydraulic EDP on the number 
2 and number 3 engines with improved fire resistant coupling halves. 
The proposed AD would revise the applicability of the existing AD, and 
would reflect the latest revision of the service bulletin as the 
appropriate source of service information.
    The FAA estimates that 46 airplanes of U.S. registry would be 
affected by this proposed AD, that it would take approximately 3 work 
hours per airplane to accomplish the proposed actions, and that the 
average labor rate is $55 per work hour. Required parts would be 
provided by the manufacturer at no cost to operators. Based on these 
figures, the total cost impact of the proposed AD on U.S. operators is 
estimated to be $7,590, or $165 per airplane. -
    The total cost impact figure discussed above is based on 
assumptions that no operator has yet accomplished any of the proposed 
requirements of this AD action, and that no operator would accomplish 
those actions in the future if this AD were not adopted.
    The regulations proposed herein would not have substantial direct 
effects 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, in 
accordance with Executive Order 12612, it is determined that this 
proposal would not have sufficient federalism implications to warrant 
the preparation of a Federalism Assessment.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify that 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) if promulgated, 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 copy of the draft 
regulatory evaluation prepared for this action is contained in the 
Rules Docket. A copy of it may be obtained by contacting the Rules 
Docket at the location provided under the caption ADDRESSES.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Safety.

The Proposed Amendment

    Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration proposes to amend 14 
CFR part 39 of the Federal Aviation Regulations as follows:

PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

    1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:


    Authority: 49 U.S.C. App. 1354(a), 1421 and 1423; 49 U.S.C. 
106(g); and 14 CFR 11.89.


Sec. 39.13  [Amended]

    2. Section 39.13 is amended by removing amendment 39-8754 (58 FR 
67310), and by adding a new airworthiness directive (AD), to read as 
follows:


British Aerospace: Docket 94-NM-42-AD. Supersedes AD 93-24-05, 
Amendment 39-8754.

    Applicability: Model BAe 146-100A series airplanes, serial 
numbers E1002 through E1199 inclusive; Model BAe 146-200A series 
airplanes, serial numbers E2008 through E2204 inclusive, E2210 
through E2220 inclusive; and Model BAe 146-300A series airplanes, 
serial numbers E3001 through E3219 inclusive, and E3222; 
certificated in any category.
    Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished 
previously.

    Note 1: Paragraph (a) of this AD merely restates the requirement 
of paragraph (a) of AD 93-24-05, Amendment 39-8754. As allowed by 
the phrase, ``unless accomplished previously,'' if that requirement 
of AD 93-24-05 has already been accomplished, this AD does not 
require that the action be repeated.

    To prevent hydraulic fluid leakage from the pump case drain line 
quick release couplings, which could fuel the flames in the event of 
an engine fire, accomplish the following:
    (a) For airplane serial numbers E3001 through E3207 inclusive, 
E3209 through E3219 inclusive, and E3222: Within 6 months after 
January 20, 1994 (the effective date of AD 93-24-05, Amendment 39-
8754), replace the quick release coupling halves on each end of the 
pump case drain line on the hydraulic engine driven pump (EDP) on 
the number 2 and number 3 engines with improved fire resistant 
coupling halves, in accordance with British Aerospace Service 
Bulletin SB.29-31-01339A, dated May 24, 1993, or SB.29-31-01339A, 
Revision 1, dated July 8, 1993.
    (b) For airplane serial numbers E1002 through E1199 inclusive, 
E2008 through E2204 inclusive, E2210 through E2220 inclusive, and 
E3208: Within 6 months after the effective date of this AD, replace 
the quick release coupling halves on each end of the pump case drain 
line on the hydraulic EDP on the number 2 and number 3 engines with 
improved fire resistant coupling halves, in accordance with British 
Aerospace Service Bulletin SB.29-31-01339A, Revision 1, dated July 
8, 1993.
    (c) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the 
compliance time that provides an acceptable level of safety may be 
used if approved by the Manager, Standardization Branch, ANM-113, 
FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate. Operators shall submit their 
requests through an appropriate FAA Principal Maintenance Inspector, 
who may add comments and then send it to the Manager, 
Standardization Branch, ANM-113.

    Note 2: Information concerning the existence of approved 
alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be 
obtained from the Standardization Branch, ANM-113.

    (d) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with 
Federal Aviation Regulations (FAR) Sec. 21.197 and Sec. 21.199 to 
operate the airplane to a location where the requirements of this AD 
can be accomplished.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on May 5, 1994.
Darrell M. Pederson,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 94-11358 Filed 5-11-94; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U