[Federal Register Volume 59, Number 154 (Thursday, August 11, 1994)]
[Unknown Section]
[Page 0]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 94-19478]


[[Page Unknown]]

[Federal Register: August 11, 1994]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 94-NM-115-AD; Amendment 39-8997; AD 94-17-02]

 

Airworthiness Directives; British Aerospace Model BAC 1-11 200 
and 400 Series Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

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SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) that 
is applicable to all British Aerospace Model BAC 1-11 200 and 400 
series airplanes. This action requires a one-time inspection to 
determine the tension of the control cables of the thrust reversers, 
and correction of the tension, if necessary; a one-time inspection of 
the cables to detect breakage, damage, wear, or signs of corrosion, and 
replacement of discrepant cables with serviceable cables; lubrication 
of the cables; and reporting the results of the inspections to the 
manufacturer. This amendment is prompted by a report of a frayed and 
corroded control cable. The actions specified in this AD are intended 
to prevent failure of the control cables, which may lead to the 
inability of the thrust reversers to deploy, and subsequently, 
adversely affect stopping distances and controllability of the airplane 
on the runway during landing.

DATES: Effective August 26, 1994.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of August 26, 1994.
    Comments for inclusion in the Rules Docket must be received on or 
before October 11, 1994.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-103, 
Attention: Rules Docket No. 94-NM-115-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., 
Renton, Washington 98055-4056.
    The service information referenced in this AD may be obtained from 
British Aerospace, Inc., 22070 Broderick Drive, Sterling, Virginia 
20166. This information may be examined at the FAA, Transport Airplane 
Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or at the 
Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 
700, Washington, DC.

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: The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), which is 
the airworthiness authority for the United Kingdom, recently notified 
the FAA that an unsafe condition may exist on all British Aerospace 
Model BAC 1-11 200 and 400 series airplanes. The CAA advises that it 
has received a report from an operator of Model BAC 1-11 500 series 
airplanes that the control cable of the thrust reverser was severely 
corroded and frayed. Severely corroded and frayed control cables of the 
thrust reverser could result in failure of the control cable. This 
condition, if not corrected, could result in the inability of the 
thrust reversers to deploy, and subsequently, adversely affect stopping 
distances and controllability of the airplane on the runway during 
landing.
    Since the thrust reverser system on Model BAC 1-11 500 series 
airplanes is similar in design to that on the Model BAC 1-11 200 and 
400 series airplanes, these airplanes are also subject to the same 
unsafe condition.
    British Aerospace Airbus, Ltd., has issued Campaign Wire 76-CW-
PM6031, dated May 12, 1994, which describes procedures for performing 
an inspection to determine the tension of the control cables of the 
thrust reversers and correction of the tension, if necessary; a 
detailed visual inspection of the control cables to detect breakage, 
damage, wear, or signs of corrosion (swelling), and replacement of 
discrepant control cables with serviceable cables; lubrication of the 
cables; and reporting the results of the inspections to the 
manufacturer. The CAA classified this campaign wire 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 (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. 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, this AD is being issued to prevent failure of the 
control cables, which may lead to the inability of the thrust reversers 
to deploy, and subsequently, adversely affect stopping distances and 
controllability of the airplane on the runway during landing. This AD 
requires a one-time inspection of the control cables of the thrust 
reversers to determine the tension of the control cable, and correction 
of the tension, if necessary; a one-time inspection of the control 
cables to detect breakage, damage, wear, or signs of corrosion, and 
replacement of discrepant control cables with serviceable cables; 
lubrication of the cables; and reporting the results of the inspections 
to the manufacturer. The actions are required to be accomplished in 
accordance with the campaign wire described previously.
    This is considered to be interim action until final action is 
identified, at which time the FAA may consider further rulemaking.
    Since a situation exists that requires the immediate adoption of 
this regulation, it is found that notice and opportunity for prior 
public comment hereon are impracticable, and that good cause exists for 
making this amendment effective in less than 30 days.

Comments Invited

    Although this action is in the form of a final rule that involves 
requirements affecting flight safety and, thus, was not preceded by 
notice and an opportunity for public comment, comments are invited on 
this rule. Interested persons are invited to comment on this 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 under the caption ``ADDRESSES.'' 
All communications received on or before the closing date for comments 
will be considered, and this rule may be amended in light of the 
comments received. Factual information that supports the commenter's 
ideas and suggestions is extremely helpful in evaluating the 
effectiveness of the AD action and determining whether additional 
rulemaking action would be needed.
    Comments are specifically invited on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the rule that might 
suggest a need to modify the 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 that 
summarizes each FAA-public contact concerned with the substance of this 
AD will be filed in the Rules Docket.
    Commenters wishing the FAA to acknowledge receipt of their comments 
submitted in response to this rule must submit a self-addressed, 
stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: ``Comments 
to Docket Number 94-NM-115-AD.'' The postcard will be date stamped and 
returned to the commenter.
    The regulations adopted herein will 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 final 
rule does not have sufficient federalism implications to warrant the 
preparation of a Federalism Assessment.
    The FAA has determined that this regulation is an emergency 
regulation that must be issued immediately to correct an unsafe 
condition in aircraft, and that it is not a ``significant regulatory 
action'' under Executive Order 12866. It has been determined further 
that this action involves an emergency regulation under DOT Regulatory 
Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979). If it is 
determined that this emergency regulation otherwise would be 
significant under DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures, a final 
regulatory evaluation will be prepared and placed in the Rules Docket. 
A copy of it, if filed, may be obtained from the Rules Docket at the 
location provided under the caption ADDRESSES.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by 
reference, Safety.

Adoption of the Amendment

    Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration amends part 39 of 
the Federal Aviation Regulations (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. 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 adding the following new 
airworthiness directive:

94-17-02 British Aerospace Airbus Limited (Formerly British 
Aerospace, PLC): Amendment 39-8997. Docket 94-NM-115-AD.

    Applicability: All Model BAC 1-11 200 and 400 series airplanes, 
certificated in any category.
    Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished 
previously.
    To prevent failure of the control cables, which may lead to the 
inability of the thrust reversers to deploy, and subsequently, 
adversely affect stopping distances and controllability of the 
airplane on the runway during landing, accomplish the following:
    (a) Within 100 hours time-in-service or 1 month after the 
effective date of this AD, whichever occurs earlier, perform an 
inspection to determine the tension of the control cables of the 
thrust reverser, in accordance with British Aerospace Airbus, Ltd., 
Campaign Wire 76-CW-PM6031, dated May 12, 1994. If the tension of 
any control cable is outside the limits specified in Chapter 76-11-0 
of the Airplane Maintenance Manual (AMM), prior to further flight, 
correct the tension of that cable, in accordance with the campaign 
wire.
    (b) Within 100 hours time-in-service or 1 month after the 
effective date of this AD, whichever occurs earlier, perform an 
inspection to detect breakage, damage, wear, or signs of corrosion 
(swelling) of the control cable of the thrust reverser, in 
accordance with British Aerospace Airbus, Ltd., Campaign Wire 76-CW-
PM6031, dated May 12, 1994.
    (1) If the control cables are free of discrepancies, prior to 
further flight, lubricate the cables in accordance with the campaign 
wire.
    (2) If any control cable is broken, damaged, worn beyond the 
limits specified in Chapter 27-00, Figure 201, of the AMM, or 
corroded, prior to further flight, replace the discrepant cable with 
a serviceable cable and lubricate the cables, in accordance with 
British Aerospace Airbus, Ltd. Campaign Wire 76-CW-PM6031, dated May 
12, 1994.
    (c) Within 72 hours after completion of the inspections required 
by this AD, submit a report of the findings of those inspections to: 
British Aerospace Airbus, Ltd., Manager, Service Support, Bristol BS 
99 7AR, England; fax 44-272-364491. Information collection 
requirements contained in this regulation have been approved by the 
Office of Management and Budget (OMB) under the provisions of the 
Paperwork Reduction Act of 1980 (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.) and have 
been assigned OMB Control Number 2120-0056.
    (d) 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: Information concerning the existence of approved 
alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be 
obtained from the Standardization Branch, ANM-113.

    (e) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with 
sections 21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 
CFR 21.197 and 21.199) to operate the airplane to a location where 
the requirements of this AD can be accomplished.
    (f) The tightening, inspections, lubrication, and replacement 
shall be done in accordance with British Aerospace Airbus, Ltd., 
Campaign Wire 76-CW-PM6031, dated May 12, 1994. This incorporation 
by reference was approved by the Director of the Federal Register in 
accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. Copies may be 
obtained from British Aerospace, Inc., 22070 Broderick Drive, 
Sterling, Virginia 20166. Copies may be inspected at the FAA, 
Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, 
Washington; or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North 
Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC.
    (g) This amendment becomes effective on August 26, 1994.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on August 4, 1994.
James V. Devany,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 94-19478 Filed 8-10-94; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U