[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]


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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).

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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