[Federal Register Volume 59, Number 240 (Thursday, December 15, 1994)]
[Unknown Section]
[Page 0]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 94-30804]


[[Page Unknown]]

[Federal Register: December 15, 1994]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 94-NM-165-AD]

 

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

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: This document proposes the adoption of a new airworthiness 
directive (AD) that is applicable to all British Aerospace Model BAC 1-
11-200 and -400 series airplanes. This proposal would require 
inspections of the bearings of the aileron control system, and 
correction of discrepancies. This proposal is prompted by a report 
indicating that an operator experienced difficulties wherein 
considerable pressure was required to manually input roll control due 
to seized bearings in the aileron control system. The actions specified 
by the proposed AD are intended to prevent such seizure of bearings, 
which could reduce the pilot's ability to initiate roll control during 
critical phases of flight.

DATES: Comments must be received by January 26, 1995.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-103, 
Attention: Rules Docket No. 94-NM-165-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., 
Renton, Washington 98055-4056. Comments may be inspected at this 
location between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, except 
Federal holidays.
    The service information referenced in the proposed rule may be 
obtained from British Aerospace, Airbus Limited, P.O. Box 77, Bristol 
BS99 7AR, England. 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, 
ANM-113, 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-165-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-165-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 
98055-4056.

Discussion

    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 it has received a report 
indicating that an operator experienced handling difficulties wherein 
considerable pressure was required to manually input roll control. 
Investigation revealed that these handling difficulties were caused by 
seized bearings in the starboard servo tab input and trim tab input 
control rods of the aileron control system. Further investigation 
revealed that the bearing seals had deteriorated. Such deterioration 
allowed the pre-packed bearing lubricant to escape and moisture to 
enter, which caused heavy corrosion and subsequent seizure of the rod 
end bearings. This condition, if not corrected, could reduce the 
pilot's ability to initiate roll control during critical phases of 
flight. -
    British Aerospace has issued Alert Service Bulletin 27-A-PM6023, 
Issue No. 2, dated November 23, 1992, which describes procedures for 
repetitive detailed visual and physcial inspections of the bearings of 
the aileron control system, and correction of discrepancies. The CAA 
classified this service bulletin as mandatory.
    This airplane model is manufactured in the United Kingdom and is 
type certificated for operation in the United States under the 
provisions of section 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, the proposed AD would require repetitive detailed 
visual and physical inspections of the bearings of the aileron control 
system, and correction of discrepancies. The actions would be required 
to be accomplished in accordance with the service bulletin described 
previously.
    As a result of recent communications with the Air Transport 
Association (ATA) of America, the FAA has learned that, in general, 
some operators may misunderstand the legal effect of AD's on airplanes 
that are identified in the applicability provision of the AD, but that 
have been altered or repaired in the area addressed by the AD. The FAA 
points out that all airplanes identified in the applicability provision 
of an AD are legally subject to the AD. If an airplane has been altered 
or repaired in the affected area in such a way as to affect compliance 
with the AD, the owner or operator is required to obtain FAA approval 
for an alternative method of compliance with the AD, in accordance with 
the paragraph of each AD that provides for such approvals. A note has 
been included in this notice to clarify this requirement.
    The FAA estimates that 31 airplanes of U.S. registry would be 
affected by this proposed AD, that it would take approximately 1 work 
hour per airplane, per inspection to accomplish the proposed actions, 
and that the average labor rate is $60 per work hour. Based on these 
figures, the total cost impact of the proposed AD on U.S. operators is 
estimated to be $1,860, or $60 per airplane, per inspection.
    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 
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:

British Aerospace Airbus Limited (Formerly British Aerospace 
Commercial Aircraft Limited, British Aerospace Aircraft Group): 
Docket 94-NM-165-AD.

    Applicability: All Model BAC 1-11-200 and -400 series airplanes, 
certificated in any category.

    Note 1: This AD applies to each airplane identified in the 
preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been 
modified, altered, or repaired in the area subject to the 
requirements of this AD. For airplanes that have been modified, 
altered, or repaired so that the performance of the requirements of 
this AD is affected, the owner/operator must use the authority 
provided in paragraph (b) to request approval from the FAA. This 
approval may address either no action, if the current configuration 
eliminates the unsafe condition; or different actions necessary to 
address the unsafe condition described in this AD. Such a request 
should include an assessment of the effect of the changed 
configuration on the unsafe condition addressed by this AD. In no 
case does the presence of any modification, alteration, or repair 
remove any airplane from the applicability of this AD.
    Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished 
previously.
    To ensure the pilot's ability to initiate roll control during 
critical phases of the flight, accomplish the following:
    (a) Within 5 years from the date of installation of the aileron 
control bearings or within 6 months after the effective date of this 
AD, whichever occurs later, perform a detailed visual and physical 
inspection to detect missing or damaged sealing rings, corrosion, or 
restricted movement of the bearings of the aileron control system, 
in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of British 
Aerospace Alert Service Bulletin 27-A-PM6023, Issue No. 2, dated 
November 23, 1992.
    (1) If no discrepancies are found, repeat the inspection 
requirements thereafter at intervals not to exceed 14 months.
    (2) If any discrepancy is found, prior to further flight, 
replace the bearing with a new bearing in accordance with the 
service bulletin. Repeat the inspection required by this paragraph 
within 5 years after replacement of the bearings, and thereafter at 
intervals not to exceed 14 months.
    (b) 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.

    (c) 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.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on December 9, 1994.
Darrell M. Pederson,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 94-30804 Filed 12-14-94; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U