[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 52 (Tuesday, March 18, 1997)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 12740-12743]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 97-6717]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 96-NM-26-AD; Amendment 39-9969; AD 97-06-12]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; British Aerospace Model BAe 146 and
Avro 146-RJ Series Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: This amendment supersedes two existing airworthiness
directives (AD), applicable to British Aerospace Model BAe 146 and Avro
146-RJ series airplanes, that currently require inspections to detect
cracking of the upper main fitting of the nose landing gear (NLG), and
replacement or repair of cracked parts, if necessary. Those actions
were prompted by reports of cracking in the main fittings of the NLG.
This amendment requires that, for certain airplanes, the inspections be
accomplished at reduced intervals. This amendment is prompted by the
results of new analyses of the cracking that were conducted by the
manufacturer of the NLG. The actions specified by this AD are intended
to prevent failure of the main fitting, which could lead to collapse of
the NLG during landing.
DATES: Effective April 21, 1997.
[[Page 12741]]
The incorporation by reference of British Aerospace Service
Bulletin S.B. 32-131, Revision 3, dated October 18, 1995, as listed in
the regulations, is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as
of April 21, 1997.
The incorporation by reference of British Aerospace Service
Bulletin S.B. 32-131, Revision 2, dated July 10, 1993, as listed in the
regulations, was approved previously by the Director of the Federal
Register as of April 6, 1995 (60 FR 12413, March 7, 1995).
The incorporation by reference of British Aerospace Service
Bulletin S.B. 32-131, Revision 1, dated November 12, 1992, as listed in
the regulations, was approved previously by the Director of the Federal
Register as of October 7, 1993 (58 FR 47036, September 7, 1993).
The incorporation by reference of British Aerospace Service
Bulletin S.B. 32-131, dated December 6, 1991, as listed in the
regulations, was approved previously by the Director of the Federal
Register as of January 12, 1993 (57 FR 57883, December 8, 1992).
ADDRESSES: The service information referenced in this AD may be
obtained from British Aerospace Holding, Inc., Avro International
Aerospace Division, P.O. Box 16039, Dulles International Airport,
Washington DC 20041-6039. 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) by superseding AD 93-17-04,
amendment 39-8674 (58 FR 47036, September 7, 1993), and AD 95-04-06,
amendment 39-9158 (60 FR 12413, March 7, 1995), which are applicable to
British Aerospace Model BAe 146 and Avro 146-RJ series airplanes, was
published in the Federal Register on October 18, 1996 (61 FR 54366).
The action proposed to supersede AD 93-17-04 and AD 95-04-06 to
continue to require either eddy current or ultra high sensitivity
penetrant inspections to detect cracking of the upper main fitting of
the nose landing gear (NLG), and replacement or repair of cracked
parts, if necessary. It also proposed to require that inspections of
certain airplanes equipped with specific NLG's be conducted at reduced
intervals.
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
There are approximately 52 Model BAe 146 and Model Avro 146-RJ
series airplanes of U.S. registry that will be affected by this
proposed AD.
The inspections that are currently required by AD 93-17-04 and AD
95-04-06, and retained in this proposal, take approximately 3 work
hours per airplane to accomplish, at an average labor rate of $60 per
work hour. Based on these figures, the cost impact of the previously
required actions on U.S. operators is estimated to be $9,360, or $180
per airplane, per inspection cycle.
Although this amendment adds no new actions, the associated costs
for some operators will increase somewhat since certain inspections
will be required to be performed more frequently.
The cost impact figures discussed above are 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 removing amendment 39-8674 (58 FR
47036, September 7, 1993) and amendment 39-9158 (60 FR 12413, March 7,
1995), by adding a new airworthiness directive (AD), amendment 39-9969,
to read as follows:
97-06-12 British Aerospace Regional Aircraft Limited, Avro
International: Amendment 39-9969. Docket 96-NM-26-AD. Supersedes AD
93-17-04, amendment 39-8674; and AD 95-04-06, amendment 39-9158.
Applicability: Model BAe 146 and Avro 146-RJ series airplanes,
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 request approval for an
alternative method of compliance in accordance with paragraph (f) 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 failure of the main fitting, which could lead to
collapse of the nose landing gear (NLG) during landing, accomplish
the following:
Restatement of Continuing Requirements
(a) For Model BAe 146 series airplanes on which NLG part number
200876002, 200876004, or 201138002 has been installed:
(1) Prior to the accumulation of 16,000 total landings or within
30 days after October
[[Page 12742]]
7, 1993 (the effective date of AD 93-17-04, Amendment 39-8674),
whichever occurs later, conduct an eddy current or ultra sensitivity
penetrant inspection of the NLG, in accordance with British
Aerospace Service Bulletin S.B. 32-131, dated December 6, 1991;
Revision 1, dated November 12, 1992; Revision 2, dated July 10,
1993; or Revision 3, dated October 18, 1995. Repeat the inspection
thereafter at intervals not to exceed 8,000 landings.
(2) If cracking is detected during any inspection required by
this paragraph, prior to further flight, replace the currently
installed NLG with a new or serviceable unit, or repair the crack,
in accordance with a method approved by the Manager, Standardization
Branch, ANM-113, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate. After
replacement or repair, repeat the inspection at intervals not to
exceed 8,000 landings.
(b) For Model Avro 146-RJ series airplanes on which NLG part
number 200876002, 200876004, or 201138002 has been installed:
(1) Prior to the accumulation of 16,000 total landings or within
30 days after April 6, 1995 (the effective date of AD 95-04-06,
Amendment 39-9158), whichever occurs later, conduct an eddy current
or ultra sensitivity penetrant inspection of the NLG, in accordance
with British Aerospace Service Bulletin S.B. 32-131, dated December
6, 1991; Revision 1, dated November 12, 1992; Revision 2, dated July
10, 1993; or Revision 3, dated October 18, 1995. Repeat the
inspection thereafter at intervals not to exceed 8,000 landings.
(2) If cracking is detected during any inspection required by
this paragraph, prior to further flight, replace the currently
installed NLG with a new or serviceable unit, or repair the crack,
in accordance with a method approved by the Manager, Standardization
Branch, ANM-113, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate. After
replacement or repair, repeat the inspection at intervals not to
exceed 8,000 landings.
(c) For Model BAe 146 series airplanes on which NLG part number
200876001 or 200876003 has been installed:
(1) Prior to the accumulation of 4,000 total landings or within
30 days after October 7, 1993 (the effective date of AD 93-17-04,
Amendment 39-8674), whichever occurs later, conduct an eddy current
or ultra high sensitivity penetrant inspection of the NLG, in
accordance with British Aerospace Service Bulletin S.B. 32-131,
dated December 6, 1991; Revision 1, dated November 12, 1992;
Revision 2, dated July 10, 1993; or Revision 3, dated October 18,
1995. Repeat the inspection thereafter at intervals not to exceed
4,000 landings until the inspection required by paragraph (e) of
this AD is accomplished.
(2) If cracking is detected during any inspection required by
this paragraph, prior to further flight, replace the currently
installed NLG with a new or serviceable unit, or repair the crack,
in accordance with a method approved by the Manager, Standardization
Branch, ANM-113, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate. After
replacement or repair, repeat the inspection at intervals not to
exceed 4,000 landings until the inspection required by paragraph (e)
of this AD is accomplished.
(d) For Model Avro 146-RJ series airplanes on which NLG part
number 200876001 or 200876003 has been installed:
(1) Prior to the accumulation of 4,000 total landings or within
30 days after April 6, 1995 (the effective date of AD 95-04-06,
Amendment 39-9158), whichever occurs later, conduct an eddy current
or ultra high sensitivity penetrant inspection of the NLG, in
accordance with British Aerospace Service Bulletin S.B. 32-131,
dated December 6, 1991; Revision 1, dated November 12, 1992;
Revision 2, dated July 10, 1993; or Revision 3, dated October 18,
1995. Repeat the inspection thereafter at intervals not to exceed
4,000 landings until the inspection required by paragraph (e) of
this AD is accomplished.
(2) If cracking is detected during any inspection required by this
paragraph, prior to further flight, replace the currently installed NLG
with a new or serviceable unit, or repair the crack, in accordance with
a method approved by the Manager, Standardization Branch, ANM-113, FAA,
Transport Airplane Directorate. After replacement or repair, repeat the
inspection at intervals not to exceed 4,000 landings until the
inspection required by paragraph (e) of this AD is accomplished.
New Requirements
(e) For Model BAe 146 and Avro 146-RJ series airplanes on which
NLG part number 200876001 or 200876003 has been installed: Within
2,000 landings from the immediately preceding inspection conducted
in accordance with paragraph (c) or (d) of this AD, or within 3
months after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later,
accomplish the following:
(1) Conduct an eddy current or ultra high sensitivity penetrant
inspection of the NLG, in accordance with British Aerospace Service
Bulletin S.B. 32-131, Revision 3, dated October 18, 1995. Repeat the
inspection thereafter at intervals not to exceed 2,000 landings.
Accomplishment of this inspection terminates the requirements of
paragraph (c) and (d) of this AD.
Note 2: The British Aerospace service bulletin references a
Messier-Dowty Service Bulletin 145-32-109, Revision 2, dated August
2, 1995, as an additional source of service information.
(2) If cracking is detected during any inspection required by
this paragraph, prior to further flight, replace the currently
installed NLG with a new or serviceable unit, or repair the crack,
in accordance with a method approved by the Manager, Standardization
Branch, ANM-113. After replacement or repair, repeat the inspection
at intervals not to exceed 2,000 landings.
(f) 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, 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.
(g) 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.
(h) The inspections shall be done in accordance with the
following British Aerospace service bulletins:
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Service bulletin number Revision level Date
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S.B. 32-131........................ (Original)............ December 6, 1991.
S.B. 32-131........................ Revision 1............ November 12, 1992.
S.B. 32-131........................ Revision 2............ July 10, 1993.
S.B. 32-131........................ Revision 3............ October 18, 1995.
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The incorporation by reference (IBR) of certain of these service
bulletins was approved previously by the Director of the Federal
Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51, as
follows:
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Service bulletin number/revision IBR approval date Federal Register citation
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S.B. 32-131, (original)............ January 12, 1993...... (57 FR 57883, December 8, 1992).
S.B. 32-131, Revision 1............ October 7, 1993....... (58 FR 47036, September 7, 1993).
S.B. 32-131, Revision 2............ April 6, 1995......... (60 FR 12413, March 7, 1995).
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The incorporation by reference of British Aerospace Service
Bulletin S.B. 32-131, Revision 3, dated October 18, 1995, is
approved by the Director of the Federal Register in accordance with
5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. Copies of any of these service
bulletins
[[Page 12743]]
may be obtained from British Aerospace Holding, Inc., Avro
International Aerospace Division, P.O. Box 16039, Dulles
International Airport, Washington DC 20041-6039. 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.
(i) This amendment becomes effective on April 21, 1997.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on March 11, 1997.
Darrell M. Pederson,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 97-6717 Filed 3-17-97; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U