[Federal Register Volume 60, Number 130 (Friday, July 7, 1995)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 35323-35324]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 95-15994]



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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 94-NM-161-AD; Amendment 39-9295; AD 95-14-03]


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

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), 
applicable to all British Aerospace Model BAC 1-11-200 and -400 series 
airplanes, that requires repetitive radiographic inspections to detect 
corrosion of the center torque shaft of the wing spoiler, and 
replacement, if necessary. This amendment is prompted by a report of 
the wing spoiler failing to retract fully after deployment, which 
caused the wing to drop significantly. Subsequent investigation 
revealed that the torque shaft assembly of the wing spoiler had failed 
due to severe corrosion. The actions specified by this AD are intended 
to prevent such failures, which can result in an adverse effect on 
controllability of the airplane.

DATES: Effective August 7, 1995.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of August 7, 1995.

ADDRESSES: The service information referenced in this AD may be 
obtained from British Aerospace, Airbus Limited, P.O. Box 77, Bristol 
BS99 7AR, England. This information may be examined at the Federal 
Aviation Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, Rules 
Docket, 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) 227-1149.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: A proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal 
Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) to include an airworthiness 
directive (AD) that is applicable to all British Aerospace Model BAC 1-
11-200 and -400 series airplanes was published in the Federal Register 
on April 26, 1995 (60 FR 20461). That action proposed to require 
repetitive radiographic inspections to detect corrosion of the center 
torque shaft of the wing spoiler, and replacement of the torque shaft 
assembly, if necessary.

    Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate 
in the making of this amendment. No comments were submitted in response 
to the proposal or the FAA's determination of the cost to the public. 
The FAA has determined that air safety and the public interest require 
the adoption of the rule as proposed.
    The FAA estimates that 31 airplanes of U.S. registry will be 
affected by this AD, that it will take approximately 40 work hours per 
airplane to accomplish the required actions, and that the average labor 
rate is $60 per work hour. Based on these figures, the total cost 

[[Page 35324]]
impact of the AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be $74,400, or 
$2,400 per airplane.
    Should an operator be required to accomplish the replacement of the 
torque shaft assembly, it will take approximately 40 work hours per 
airplane to accomplish, at an average labor rate of $60 per work hour. 
Required parts will cost approximately $2,950 per airplane. Based on 
these figures, the total cost impact of any necessary replacement 
action is estimated to be $5,350 per airplane.
    The total cost impact figure discussed above is based on 
assumptions that no operator has yet accomplished any of the 
requirements of this AD action, and that no operator would accomplish 
those actions in the future if this AD were not adopted.
    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.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this action (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. A final evaluation has been prepared for this action 
and it is contained in the Rules Docket. A copy of it 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:

95-14-03 British Aerospace Airbus Limited (Formerly British 
Aerospace Commercial Aircraft Limited, British Aerospace Aircraft 
Group): Amendment 39-9295. Docket 94-NM-161-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 (d) of this AD 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 prevent failure of the center torque shaft of the spoiler on 
the left and right wing, accomplish the following:
    (a) Perform a radiographic inspection to detect internal 
corrosion of the center torque shaft on the left and right wing 
spoilers, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of 
British Aerospace BAC 1-11 Alert Service Bulletin 27-A-PM6007, Issue 
1, dated April 10, 1992, at the time specified in paragraph (a)(1) 
or (a)(2) of this AD, as applicable. If the date of installation of 
a center torque shaft cannot be determined, the radiographic 
inspection of that shaft must be accomplished within 9 months after 
the effective date of this AD.
    (1) For the center torque shaft on the left wing spoiler: 
Inspect within 10 years after the date of installation of that 
center torque shaft, or within 9 months after the effective date of 
this AD, whichever occurs later.
    (2) For the center torque shaft on the right wing spoiler: 
Inspect within 10 years after the date of installation of that 
center torque shaft, or within 9 months after the effective date of 
this AD, whichever occurs later.
    (b) If no internal corrosion is detected, repeat the 
radiographic inspection required by paragraph (a) of this AD 
thereafter at intervals not to exceed 4 years.
    (c) If any internal surface corrosion is detected, prior to 
further flight, replace that shaft assembly with either a used 
serviceable assembly or a new assembly, in accordance with British 
Aerospace Alert Service Bulletin 27-A-PM6007, Issue 1, dated April 
10, 1992. Perform the radiographic inspection in accordance with 
that service bulletin at the applicable time specified in paragraph 
(c)(1) or (c)(2) of this AD.
    (1) If a new shaft assembly is installed: Perform the inspection 
within 10 years after installation. Thereafter, repeat the 
inspection at intervals not to exceed 4 years.
    (2) If a used serviceable shaft is installed: Prior to 
installation, perform an initial radiographic inspection of that 
shaft in accordance with the service bulletin. Thereafter, repeat 
the inspection at intervals not to exceed 4 years.
    (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 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.

    (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 inspections and replacement shall be done in accordance 
with British Aerospace Alert Service Bulletin 27-A-PM6007, Issue 1, 
dated April 10, 1992. 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, Airbus Limited, P.O. Box 77, Bristol BS99 7AR, England. 
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 7, 1995.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on June 23, 1995.
James V. Devany,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 95-15994 Filed 7-6-95; 8:45 am]
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