[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 106 (Tuesday, June 3, 1997)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 30230-30232]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 97-14190]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 96-NM-193-AD; Amendment 39-10043; AD 97-11-14]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; British Aerospace Model BAC 1-11 200 
and 400 Series 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 BAC 1-11 200 and 400 
series airplanes, that requires inspections of the main landing gear 
(MLG) A-frame attachment fittings to detect corrosion or cracking, and 
repair or replacement of cracked or corroded components with new 
components. This amendment is prompted by findings of corroded and 
cracked A-frame components of the MLG. The actions specified by this AD 
are intended to prevent corrosion and cracking of MLG A-frame 
components, which could result in collapse of the MLG.

DATES: Effective July 8, 1997.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of July 8, 1997.

ADDRESSES: The service information referenced in this AD may be 
obtained from British Aerospace, Airbus Limited, P.O. Box 77, Bristol 
BS99 7AR, 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

[[Page 30231]]

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 (425) 
227-2797; fax (425) 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 
BAC 1-11 200 and 400 series airplanes was published in the Federal 
Register on March 25, 1997 (62 FR 14047). That action proposed to 
require repetitive detailed visual inspections of the main landing gear 
(MLG) A-frame attachment fittings to detect corrosion or cracking, and 
repair or replacement of cracked or corroded components with new 
components.
    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 25 Model BAC 1-11 200 and 400 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 $1,500, or $60 per airplane, per inspection.
    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:

97-11-14 British Aerospace Airbus Limited (Formerly British 
Aerospace Commercial Aircraft Limited, British Aerospace Aircraft 
Group): Amendment 39-10043. Docket 96-NM-193-AD.

    Applicability: Model BAC 1-11 200 and 400 series airplanes; 
equipped with main landing gear (MLG) A-frame attachment fittings 
having the part numbers listed in British Aerospace Alert Service 
Bulletin 53-A-PM6036, Issue 1, dated November 24, 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 (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 corrosion or cracking of MLG A-frame fittings, which 
could result in collapse of the MLG, accomplish the following:
    (a) Conduct a detailed visual inspection to detect corrosion or 
cracking of the MLG A-frame attachment fittings, in accordance with 
British Aerospace Alert Service Bulletin 53-A-PM6036, Issue 1, dated 
November 24, 1995, and at the applicable time specified in paragraph 
(a)(1) or (a)(2) of this AD:
    (1) For airplanes that have accumulated 16,000 or fewer total 
landings as of the effective date of this AD: Conduct the initial 
inspection at the later of the times specified in paragraphs 
(a)(1)(i) and (a)(1)(ii).
    (i) Prior to the accumulation of 16,000 total landings or within 
8 years since new, whichever occurs first; or
    (ii) Within 6 months after the effective date of this AD.
    (2) For airplanes that have accumulated more than 16,000 total 
landings as of the effective date of this AD: Conduct the initial 
inspection within 4,000 landings or 2 years after the effective date 
of this AD, whichever occurs first.
    (b) If no corrosion or cracking is found, repeat the inspection 
required by paragraph (a) of this AD thereafter at intervals of 
4,000 landings or 2 years, whichever occurs first.
    (c) If corrosion is found and it is within the limits specified 
in British Aerospace Alert Service Bulletin 53-A-PM6036, Issue 1, 
dated November 24, 1995, prior to further flight, repair the 
component in accordance with the alert service bulletin. After 
repair, repeat the inspection required by paragraph (a) of this AD 
thereafter at intervals of 4,000 landings or 2 years, whichever 
occurs first.
    (d) If corrosion is found and it is outside the limits specified 
in British Aerospace Alert Service Bulletin 53-A-PM6036, Issue 1, 
dated November 24, 1995, prior to further flight, replace the 
corroded component with a new component in accordance with the alert 
service bulletin. After replacement, repeat the inspection required 
by paragraph (a) of this AD thereafter at intervals of 4,000 
landings or 2 years, whichever occurs first.
    (e) If any cracking is found, prior to further flight, replace 
the cracked component with a new component in accordance with 
British Aerospace Alert Service Bulletin 53-A-PM6036, Issue 1, dated 
November 24, 1995. After replacement, repeat the inspection required 
by paragraph (a) of this AD thereafter at intervals of 4,000 
landings or 2 years, whichever occurs first.
    (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, 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 30232]]


    (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 actions shall be done in accordance with British 
Aerospace Alert Service Bulletin 53-A-PM6036, Issue 1, dated 
November 24, 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, Airbus Limited, P.O. Box 77, Bristol BS99 7AR, 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.
    (i) This amendment becomes effective on July 8, 1997.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on May 23, 1997.
Darrell M. Pederson,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 97-14190 Filed 6-2-97; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-O