[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 64 (Friday, April 3, 1998)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 16447-16448]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-8706]
[[Page 16447]]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 98-NM-52-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; British Aerospace Model BAe 146 Series
Airplanes and Model Avro 146-RJ Series 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 to detect corrosion of the
threads of the eyebolt and piston rod on the retraction jack of the
main landing gear (MLG); and repair, if necessary. This proposal is
prompted by issuance of mandatory continuing airworthiness information
by a foreign civil airworthiness authority. The actions specified by
the proposed AD are intended to prevent corrosion of the threads of the
eyebolt and piston rod on the retraction jack of the MLG, which may
cause the eyebolt to detach from the jack, and consequent unrestrained
MLG deployment or inability to retract the MLG.
DATES: Comments must be received by May 4, 1998.
ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114,
Attention: Rules Docket No. 98-NM-52-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 AI(R) American Support, Inc., 13850 Mclearen Road,
Herndon, Virginia 20171. This information may be examined at the FAA,
Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton,
Washington.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Norman B. Martenson, Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, FAA,
Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton,
Washington 98055-4056; telephone (425) 227-2110; fax (425) 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 98-NM-52-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 Airport Directorate, ANM-114, Attention: Rules
Docket No. 98-NM-52-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington
98055-4056.
Discussion
The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), which is the airworthiness
authority for the United Kingdom, notified the FAA that an unsafe
condition may exist on certain British Aerospace Model BAe 146 series
airplanes and Model Avro 146-RJ series airplanes. The CAA advises that
it has received reports of corrosion of the threads of the eyebolt and
piston rod on the retraction jack of the main landing gear (MLG) on in-
service airplanes. Investigation has revealed that MLG retraction jacks
manufactured after 1993 have had improved corrosion protection applied
during manufacture and should not be susceptible to corrosion. However,
MLG retraction jacks manufactured prior to 1993 did not have sufficient
corrosion protection applied during manufacture and, therefore, may be
susceptible to corrosion on the eyebolt and piston rod. This condition,
if not corrected, could result in detachment of the eyebolt from the
jack, and consequent unrestrained MLG deployment or inability to
retract the MLG.
Explanation of Relevant Service Information
British Aerospace has issued Service Bulletin SB.32-145, Revision
1, dated October 6, 1997, which describes procedures for a one-time
visual inspection to detect corrosion of the threads of the eyebolt and
piston rod on the retraction of the MLG; and repair, if necessary.
Procedures for the reinstallation of the retraction jack of the MLG
include the application of jointing and sealing compounds for improved
corrosion protection. Accomplishment of the actions specified in the
service bulletin is intended to adequately address the identified
unsafe condition. The CAA classified the service bulletin as mandatory
and issued British airworthiness directive 006-09-97 (undated) in order
to assure the continued airworthiness of these airplanes in the United
Kingdom.
The service bulletin references Dowty Aerospace Hydraulics-
Cheltenham Service Bulletin 146-32-507, dated August 1, 1997, as an
additional source of service information to accomplish the inspection
and repair.
FAA's Conclusions
These airplane models are manufactured in the United States 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 registered
in the United States, the proposed AD would require accomplishment of
the actions specified in the British Aerospace service bulletin
described previously, except as discussed below.
[[Page 16448]]
Differences Between Proposed Rule and Service Bulletin
Operators should note that, although the Dowty Aerospace
Hydraulics-Cheltenham Service Bulletin specifies that Messier-Dowty
Limited may be contacted for disposition of repair for corrosion
detected in areas other than those detailed in the service bulletin,
this proposal would require the repair of those areas to be
accomplished in accordance with a method approved by the FAA.
Cost Impact
The FAA estimates that 25 airplanes of U.S. registry would be
affected by the proposed AD. It would take approximately 1 work hour
per airplane to accomplish the proposed inspection at an average labor
rate of $60 per work hour. Based on this figure, the cost impact of the
proposed AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be $1,500, 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 30 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 30.13 is amended by adding the following new
airworthiness directive:
British Aerospace Regional Aircraft (Formerly British Aerospace
Regional Aircraft Limited, Avro International Aerospace Division;
British Aerospace, PLC; British Aerospace Commercial Aircraft
Limited): Docket 98-NM-52-AD.
Applicability: Model BAe 146 series airplanes and Model Avro
146-RJ series airplanes, as listed in British Aerospace Service
Bulletin SB.32-145, Revision 1, dated October 6, 1997, 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 (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 corrosion of the threads of the eyebolt and piston
rod on the retraction jack of the main landing gear (MLG), which may
cause the eyebolt to detach from the jack, and consequent
unrestrained MLG deployment or inability to retreat the MLG,
accomplish the following:
(a) Perform a one-time visual inspection to detect corrosion of
the threads of the eyebolt and piston rod on the retraction jack of
the MLG, in accordance with British Aerospace Service Bulletin
SB.32-145, Revision 1, dated October 6, 1997, at the time specified
in paragraph (a)(1), (a)(2), or (a)(3) of this AD, as applicable.
Except as provided by paragraph (b) of this AD, if any corrosion is
detected: Prior to further flight, repair in accordance with the
service bulletin.
(1) For MLG retraction jacks that have accumulated more than 7
and less than 9 years since date of manufacture: Inspect within 2
years after the effective date of this AD.
(2) For MLG retraction jacks that have accumulated 9 or more
years since date of manufacture: Inspect within 1 year after the
effective date of this AD.
(3) For MLG retraction jacks other than those identified in
paragraph (a)(1) or (a)(2) of this AD, and other than those MLG
retraction jacks having Part/Type No. 104628003 with serial numbers
DH/0029/93 (where ``93'' identifies the year of manufacture) and
subsequent: Inspect within 6 years since date of manufacture, or
within 2 years after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs
later.
Note 2: British Aerospace Service Bulletin SB.32-145, Revision
1, dated October 6, 1997, references Dowty Aerospace Hydraulics--
Cheltenham Service Bulletin 146-32-507, dated August 1, 1997, as an
additional source of service information to accomplish the
inspection and repair.
(b) If any corrosion is detected during the inspection required
by paragraph (a) of this AD in areas other than those detailed in
British Aerospace Service Bulletin SB.32-145, Revision 1, dated
October 6, 1997: Prior to further flight, repair in accordance with
a method approved by the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116,
FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate.
(c) As of the effective date of this AD, no person shall install
an eyebolt or piston rod on the retraction jack of the MLG on any
airplane unless it has been modified in accordance with British
Aerospace Service Bulletin SB.32-145, Revision 1, dated October 6,
1997.
(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, International Branch, ANM-116.
Operators shall submit their requests through an appropriate FAA
Principal Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send
it to the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116.
Note 3: Information concerning the existence of approved
alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be
obtained from the International Branch, ANM-116.
(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.
Note 4: The subject of this AD is addressed in British
airworthiness directive 006-09-97 (undated).
Issued in Renton, Washington, on March 27, 1998.
Darrell M. Pederson,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 98-8706 Filed 4-2-98; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-M