[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 216 (Wednesday, November 6, 1996)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 57299-57300]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-26956]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 95-NM-251-AD; Amendment 39-9794; AD 96-22-05]
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: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), 
applicable to certain British Aerospace Model BAe 146 series airplanes 
and Model Avro 146-RJ series airplanes, that requires 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 amendment 
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 this 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: 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 
BAe 146 series airplanes and Model Avro 146-RJ series airplanes was 
published in the Federal Register on August 9, 1996 (61 FR 41539). That 
action proposed to 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.
    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 10 British Aerospace Model BAe 146 series 
airplanes and Model Avro 146-RJ series airplanes of U.S. registry will 
be affected by this AD, that it will take approximately 1 work hour 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 $600, or $60 per airplane.
    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.

[[Page 57300]]

    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:

96-22-05  British Aerospace: Amendment 39-9794. 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 ``D'' 
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.

    (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 inspection and installation shall be done in accordance 
with Avro International Aerospace Inspection Service Bulletin S.B. 
24-107, dated January 25, 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.
    (e) 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. 96-26956 Filed 11-5-96; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U