[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 155 (Friday, August 9, 1996)] [Proposed Rules] [Pages 41539-41541] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 96-20290] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. 95-NM-251-AD] RIN 2120-AA64 Airworthiness Directives; British Aerospace Model BAe 146-100A, - 200A, and -300A Series Airplanes, and Model Avro 146-RJ70A, -RJ85A, and RJ-100A Airplanes AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT. ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: This document proposes the adoption of a new airworthiness directive (AD) that is applicable to certain British Aerospace Model BAe 146 series airplanes, and Model Avro 146-RJ series airplanes. This proposal would require a one-time inspection of terminal block ``D'' to ensure that a two-way link is installed, and installation of a new link, if necessary. This proposal is prompted by a report indicating that a two-way link that should be installed on direct current (DC) panel No. 1 may be missing from certain airplanes. The actions specified by the proposed AD are intended to ensure that a two-way link is installed. If the link is not installed, it could result in loss of the emergency electrical system and, consequently, increased pilot workload and possible reduced controllability of the airplane. DATES: Comments must be received by September 17, 1996. ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-103, Attention: Rules Docket No. 95-NM-251-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 Regional Aircraft Limited, Avro International Aerospace Division, Customer Support, Woodford Aerodrome, Woodford, Cheshire SK7 1QR, England. This information may be examined at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Tim Backman, Aerospace Engineer, Standardization Branch, ANM-113, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056; telephone (206) 227-2797; fax (206) 227-1149. 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 95-NM-251-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. 95-NM-251-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 certain British Aerospace Model BAe 146- 100A, -200A, and -300A series airplanes, and Model Avro 146-RJ70A, - RJ85A, and RJ-100A airplanes. The CAA advises that it received a report indicating that a two-way link that should be installed between terminals ``D8'' and ``D9'' of terminal block ``D'' on direct current (DC) panel No. 1 may be missing from airplanes having a dual lead-acid battery installation. The No. 1 battery is off-line when the standby generator is operating. Installation of the two-way link ensures that the No. 2 battery also is isolated, which preserves the battery charge to ensure that emergency electrical power [[Page 41540]] can be sustained from the batteries during flights for a minimum duration of one hour. If the electrical system fails totally, use of battery power would be required; however, if the two-way link is missing, the No. 2 battery would have insufficient capacity to power the electrical system. This condition, if not corrected, could result in loss of the emergency electrical system, and consequent increased pilot workload and possible reduced controllability of the airplane. Explanation of Relevant Service Information The manufacturer has issued Avro International Aerospace Inspection Service Bulletin S.B. 24-107, dated January 25, 1995, which describes procedures for a one-time visual inspection of terminal block ``D'' on DC panel No. 1 to ensure that a two-way link is installed between terminals ``D8'' and ``D9,'' and installation of a new link, if necessary. The CAA classified this service bulletin as mandatory in order to assure the continued airworthiness of these airplanes in the United Kingdom. FAA's Conclusions These airplane models are manufactured in the United Kingdom and are 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. Explanation of Requirements of Proposed Rule Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to exist or develop on other airplanes of the same type design, the proposed AD would require a one-time visual inspection of terminal block ``D'' on DC panel No. 1 to ensure that a two-way link is installed between terminals ``D8'' and ``D9,'' and installation of a new link, if necessary. The actions would be required to be accomplished in accordance with the service bulletin described previously. Cost Impact The FAA estimates that 10 airplanes of U.S. registry would be affected by this proposed AD, that it would take approximately 1 work hour per airplane to accomplish the proposed actions, and that the average labor rate is $60 per work hour. Based on these figures, the cost impact of the proposed AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be $600, or $60 per airplane. The 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. Regulatory Impact 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. 106(g), 40113, 44701. Sec. 39.13 [Amended] 2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding the following new airworthiness directive: British Aerospace: Docket 95-NM-251-AD. Applicability: Model BAe 146-100A, -200A, and -300A series airplanes and Model Avro 146-RJ70A, -RJ85A, and RJ-100A airplanes equipped with a dual lead-acid battery installation (British Aerospace Modification HCM40028B or D) accomplished during production or in accordance with British Aerospace Modification Service Bulletin 24-45-40028D; certificated in any category. Note 1: This AD applies to each airplane identified in the preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been otherwise 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 request approval for an alternative method of compliance in accordance with paragraph (b) of this AD. The request should include an assessment of the effect of the modification, alteration, or repair on the unsafe condition addressed by this AD; and, if the unsafe condition has not been eliminated, the request should include specific proposed actions to address it. Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished previously. To prevent loss of the emergency electrical system, and consequent increased pilot workload and possible reduced controllability of the airplane due to insufficient capacity of the No. 2 battery to power the electrical system; accomplish the following: (a) Within 3 months after the effective date of this AD: Perform a one-time visual inspection of terminal block ``D'' on DC panel No. 1 to ensure that a two-way link is installed between terminals ``D8'' and ``D9,'' in accordance with Avro International Aerospace Inspection Service Bulletin S.B. 24-107, dated January 25, 1995. (1) If a two-way link is installed, no further action is required by this AD. (2) If no two-way link is installed, prior to further flight, install a new two-way link having part number S3403-102 on terminals ``D8'' and ``D9'' on terminal block ``D'' on DC panel No. 1 in accordance with the service bulletin. (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. [[Page 41541]] (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 August 2, 1996. Gary L. Killion, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 96-20290 Filed 8-8-96; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P