[Federal Register Volume 60, Number 141 (Monday, July 24, 1995)] [Rules and Regulations] [Pages 37816-37817] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 95-17160] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. 95-NM-27-AD; Amendment 39-9308; AD 95-15-05] Airworthiness Directives; British Aerospace Model BAe 146-100A, -200A, and -300A Airplanes AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT. ACTION: Final rule. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to certain British Aerospace Model BAe 146-100A, -200A, and -300A airplanes, that requires modification of the elevator control system of the flight controls. This amendment is prompted by reports of low frequency constant amplitude oscillations of the elevator control system and non-centering of the pitch control upon autopilot disconnect. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent uncommanded descent upon autopilot disconnect and reduced controllability of the airplane due to low frequency constant amplitude oscillations. DATES: Effective August 23, 1995. The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as of August 23, 1995. ADDRESSES: The service information referenced in this AD may be obtained from AVRO International Aerospace, Inc., 22111 Pacific Blvd., Sterling, Virginia 20166. 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 certain British Aerospace Model BAe 146-100A, -200A, and -300A airplanes was published in the Federal Register on April 26, 1995 (60 FR 20459). That action proposed to require modification of the elevator control system of the flight controls. 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 38 airplanes of U.S. registry will be affected by this AD, that it will take approximately 4 work hours per airplane to accomplish the required actions, and that the average labor rate is $60 per work hour. Required parts will be supplied by the manufacturer at no cost to the operators. Based on these figures, the total cost impact of the AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be $9,120, or $240 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: 95-15-05 British Aerospace Regional Aircraft Limited, Avro International Aerospace Division (Formerly British Aerospace, plc; British Aerospace Commercial Aircraft Limited): Amendment 39-9308. Docket 95-NM-27-AD. Applicability: Model BAe 146-100A, -200A, and -300A airplanes, as listed in British Aerospace Service Bulletin SB.27-77- [[Page 37817]] 00955A&C, Revision 2, dated March 10, 1989, 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) 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 uncommanded descent of the airplane and reduced controllability of the airplane, accomplish the following: (a) Within 60 days after the effective date of this AD, modify the elevator control system of the flight controls in accordance with British Aerospace Service Bulletin SB.27-77-00955A&C, Revision 2, dated March 10, 1989. (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. (d) The modification shall be done in accordance with British Aerospace Service Bulletin SB.27-77-00955A&C, Revision 2, dated March 10, 1989. 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 AVRO International Aerospace, Inc., 22111 Pacific Blvd., 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. (e) This amendment becomes effective on August 23, 1995. Issued in Renton, Washington, on July 7, 1995. Darrell M. Pederson, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 95-17160 Filed 7-21-95; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-U