[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 216 (Wednesday, November 6, 1996)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 57298-57299]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-26955]



[[Page 57298]]

-----------------------------------------------------------------------


DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 95-NM-213-AD; Amendment 39-9793; AD 96-22-04]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; British Aerospace Model Avro 146-RJ70A, 
-RJ85A, and -RJ100A Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), 
applicable to certain British Aerospace Model Avro 146-RJ70A, -RJ85A, 
and -RJ100A airplanes, that requires repetitive inspections for 
cracking of fuselage frame 29, and repair, if necessary. This amendment 
is prompted by results of fatigue testing, which revealed fatigue 
cracking in the web and inboard flange of frame 29. The actions 
specified by this AD are intended to prevent reduced structural 
integrity of the fuselage due to fatigue cracking in frame 29.

DATES: Effective December 11, 1996.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of December 11, 1996.

ADDRESSES: The service information referenced in this AD 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 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: 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: 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 
Avro 146-RJ70A, -RJ85A, and -RJ100A airplanes was published in the 
Federal Register on August 7, 1996 (61 FR 41037). That action proposed 
to require repetitive visual inspections to detect cracking of the 
fuselage at frame 29.
    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.

Conclusion

    The FAA has determined that air safety and the public interest 
require the adoption of the rule as proposed.

Cost Impact

    The FAA estimates that 11 British Aerospace Model Avro 146-4J70A, -
RJ85A, and -RJ100A airplanes of U.S. registry will be affected by this 
AD, that it will take approximately 9 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 cost impact of the AD on 
U.S. operators is estimated to be $5,940, or $540 per airplane, per 
inspection cycle.
    The 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.

Regulatory Impact

    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. 106(g), 40113, 44701.


Sec. 39.13  [Amended]

    2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding the following new 
airworthiness directive:

96-22-04  British Aerospace: Amendment 39-9793. Docket 95-NM-213-AD.

    Applicability: Model Avro 146-RJ70A, -RJ85A, and -RJ100A 
airplanes; as listed in Avro International Aerospace Inspection 
Service Bulletin S.B. 53-131, dated March 29, 1995; 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 (d) 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 reduced structural integrity of the fuselage of the 
airplane due to fatigue cracking in frame 29, accomplish the 
following:
    (a) Perform a detailed visual inspection for cracking of frame 
29 between stringers 12 and 18 on the left and right side of the 
fuselage, in accordance with Avro International Aerospace Inspection 
Service Bulletin S.B. 53-131, dated March 29, 1995. If the polymer 
coating on frame 29 prevents a detailed visual inspection, perform a 
surface eddy current inspection for cracking in accordance with the 
service bulletin. Perform the inspections at the time specified in 
paragraph (a)(1), (a)(2), or (a)(3) of this AD, as applicable.
    (1) For Model Avro 146-RJ100A airplanes on which British 
Aerospace Modification HCM01411A, HCM01411B, or HCM01411C has not 
been accomplished: Perform the inspection within 6 months after the 
effective date of this AD, or prior to the accumulation of 12,000 
total landings, whichever occurs later. Repeat the inspection 
thereafter at intervals not to exceed 4,000 landings.
    (2) For Model Avro 146-RJ70A and -RJ85A airplanes on which 
British Aerospace

[[Page 57299]]

Modification HCM01411A or HCM01411C has not been accomplished: 
Perform the inspection within 6 months after the effective date of 
this AD, or prior to the accumulation of 24,000 total landings, 
whichever occurs later. Repeat the inspection thereafter at 
intervals not to exceed 4,000 landings.
    (3) For Model Avro 146-RJ100A airplanes on which British 
Aerospace Modification HCM01411C has been accomplished, but on which 
British Aerospace Modification HCM01411A or HCM01411B has not been 
accomplished: Perform the inspection within 6 months after the 
effective date of this AD, or prior to the accumulation of 68,000 
total landings, whichever occurs later. Repeat the inspection 
thereafter at intervals not to exceed 4,000 landings.
    (b) If any cracking is found during any inspection required by 
paragraph (a) of this AD: Prior to further flight, repair in 
accordance with a method approved by the Manager, Standardization 
Branch, ANM-113, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate.
    (c) Accomplishment of the modification of each affected bolt 
position in accordance with Avro International Aerospace Inspection 
Service Bulletin S.B. 53-131, dated March 29, 1995, prior to the 
embodiment times shown in Table `A' of that service bulletin, 
constitutes terminating action for the repetitive inspections 
required by paragraph (a) of this AD.

    Note 2: Avro Repair Instruction Leaflet (RIL) HC536H9168 
provides detailed instructions for modification of all bolt 
positions in the affected areas of frame 29.

    (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 3: 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 inspection and modification shall be done in accordance 
with Avro International Aerospace Inspection Service Bulletin S.B. 
53-131, dated March 29, 1995. 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 Regional Aircraft Limited, Avro International 
Aerospace Division, Customer Support, Woodford Aerodrome, Woodford, 
Cheshire SK7 1QR, 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 December 11, 1996.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on October 15, 1996.
Darrell M. Pederson,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 96-26955 Filed 11-5-96; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U