[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 166 (Thursday, August 27, 1998)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 45685-45687]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-22822]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 97-CE-111-AD; Amendment 39-10723; AD 98-18-07]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Pilatus Britten-Norman Ltd. BN-2, BN-
2A, BN-2B, and BN-2A MK. 111 Series Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) that
applies to certain Pilatus Britten-Norman Ltd. (PBN) BN-2, BN-2A, BN-
2B, and BN-2A MK. 111 series airplanes that are equipped with a PBN
Modification NB/M/256, 50A generator system. This AD requires
inspecting the airplanes that are equipped with a 50A
[[Page 45686]]
generator system for a 70A generator. If a 70A generator is installed,
this AD requires replacing the 70A generator with a 50A generator, or
(for the BN-2, BN-2A, and BN-2B series only) upgrading the airplane
generator system to a 70A system to match the 70A generator. This AD is
the result of mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI)
issued by the airworthiness authority for the United Kingdom. The
actions specified by this AD are intended to detect and correct damage
to the components of the electrical system, which could result in
electrical system failure during critical phases of flight.
DATES: Effective October 12, 1998.
The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as
of October 12, 1998.
ADDRESSES: Service information that applies to this AD may be obtained
from Pilatus Britten-Norman, Ltd., Bembridge, Isle of Wight, United
Kingdom, PO35 5PR. This information may also be examined at the Federal
Aviation Administration (FAA), Central Region, Office of the Regional
Counsel, Attention: Rules Docket No. 97-CE-111-AD, Room 1558, 601 E.
12th Street, Kansas City, Missouri 64106; or at the Office of the
Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW, suite 700, Washington,
DC.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Roger Chudy, Project Officer, FAA,
Small Airplane Directorate, 1201 Walnut, suite 900, Kansas City,
Missouri, 64106; telephone (816) 426-6932, facsimile (816) 426-2169.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Events Leading to the Issuance of This AD
A proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14
CFR part 39) to include an AD that would apply to certain PBN BN-2, BN-
2A, BN-2B, and BN-2A MK. 111 series airplanes that are equipped with a
PBN Modification NB/M/256, 50A generator system, was published in the
Federal Register as a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) on June 9,
1998 (63 FR 31370). The NPRM proposed to require:
inspecting the airplane for a 70A generator installed on a
50A generator system;
for PBN BN-2A MK. 111 series airplanes, if a 70A generator
is installed on a 50A generator system, the NPRM proposed to require
replacing the 70A generator with a 50A generator;
for the BN-2, BN-2A, and BN-2B series airplanes, the NPRM
proposed to require either replacing the 70A generator with a 50A
generator; or upgrading the 50A generator system to a 70A generator
system by incorporating PBN Modification NB/M/1148; and,
if PBN Modification NB/M/1148 is incorporated, the NPRM
proposed to require the incorporation of PBN Modification NB/M/1571
(which improves the diodes on the 70A generator system).
Accomplishment of the proposed actions as specified in the NPRM
would be in accordance with PBN Service Bulletin No. BN-2/SB.229, dated
October 17, 1996, and PBN Service Bulletin No. BN-2/SB.228, Issue 2,
dated January 17, 1996.
The NPRM was the result of mandatory continuing airworthiness
information (MCAI) issued by the airworthiness authority for the United
Kingdom.
Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate
in the making of this amendment. No comments were received on the
proposed rule or the FAA's determination of the cost to the public.
The FAA's Determination
After careful review of all available information related to the
subject presented above, the FAA has determined that air safety and the
public interest require the adoption of the rule as proposed except for
minor editorial corrections. The FAA has determined that these minor
corrections will not change the meaning of the AD and will not add any
additional burden upon the public than was already proposed.
This Action as it Relates to Current AD's
The FAA recently issued AD 98-04-17, Amendment 39-10329 (63 FR
7696, February 17, 1998), which requires that any PBN BN-2, BN-2A, and
BN-2B series airplanes that are not equipped with Modification NB/M/
1571, but are equipped with PBN Modification NB/M/1148 (which
incorporates the 70A generator system) should also be equipped with PBN
Modification NB/M/1571. AD 98-04-17 does not affect any airplane that
is equipped with a 50A generator system.
Since this AD provides an option that requires accomplishment of AD
98-04-17, the FAA is including reference of other similar AD
requirements. Operators of BN-2, BN-2A, and BN-2B series airplanes that
have 70A generators installed on 50A generator systems, and choose the
option of upgrading their 50A generator system to a 70A generator
system, will be subject to the requirements in AD 98-04-17. This AD
concurrently requires installing higher amperage diodes in the 70A
generator.
Pilatus Britten-Norman informed the FAA that Modification NB/M/1148
or Modification NB/M/1571 is not approved for incorporation on the BN-
2A MK. 111 series airplanes.
Cost Impact
The FAA estimates that 80 airplanes in the U.S. registry will be
affected by this AD, that it will take approximately 7 workhours per
airplane to accomplish this action, and that the average labor rate is
approximately $60 an hour. Parts cost approximately $500 per airplane.
Based on these figures, the total cost impact of this AD on U.S.
operators is estimated to be $73,600, or $920 per airplane.
Compliance Time of This AD
The condition addressed by this AD is not caused by operation of
the aircraft where the affected generators are installed. The need for
the generator system modification or replacement has no correlation to
the number of times the equipment is utilized or the age of the
equipment. For this reason, the compliance time of this AD is presented
in calendar time instead of hours time-in-service (TIS).
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 copy of the final 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.
[[Page 45687]]
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 a new airworthiness directive
(AD) to read as follows:
98-18-07 Pilatus Britten-Norman Ltd.: Amendment 39-10723; Docket
No. 97-CE-111-AD.
Applicability: Models BN-2, BN-2A, BN-2A-2, BN-2A-3, BN-2A-6,
BN-2A-8, BN-2A-9, BN-2A-20, BN-2A-21, BN-2A-26, BN-2A-27, BN-2B-20,
BN-2B-21, BN-2B-26, BN-2B-27, BN-2A MK. 111, BN-2A MK. 111-2, and
BN-2A MK. 111-3 airplanes, all serial numbers, certificated in any
category, that are equipped with PBN Modification NB/M/256, a 50A
Generator System.
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 within the next 3 calendar months after the
effective date of this AD, unless already accomplished.
To detect and correct damage to the components of the generator
system, which could result in generator system failure during
critical phases of flight, accomplish the following:
(a) Inspect the generator system for the installation of a 70A
generator in accordance with the Inspection section of Pilatus
Britten-Norman (PBN) Service Bulletin (SB) No. BN-2/SB.229, dated
October 17, 1996.
(b) If a 70A generator is installed, accomplish the following,
as applicable:
(1) For Models BN-2, BN-2A, BN-2A-2, BN-2A-3, BN-2A-6, BN-2A-8,
BN-2A-9, BN-2A-20, BN-2A-21, BN-2A-26, BN-2A-27, BN-2B-20, BN-2B-21,
BN-2B-26, and BN-2B-27 airplanes, prior to further flight, either:
(i) Replace the 70A generator with a 50A generator in accordance
with the Replacement section of PBN SB No. BN-2/SB.229, dated
October 17, 1996; or
(ii) Incorporate PBN Modification NB/M/1148 (a 70A generator
system) in accordance with the appropriate Pilatus Britten-Norman
maintenance manual; and, incorporate PBN Modification NB/M/1571
(installation of improved generator diodes) in accordance with PBN
SB No. BN-2/228, Issue 2, dated January 17, 1996.
Note 2: Incorporating PBN Modification NB/M/1571 is the same
action required by AD 98-04-17, Amendment 39-10329.
(2) For Models BN-2A MK. 111, BN-2A MK. 111-2, and BN-2A MK.
111-3 airplanes, prior to further flight, replace the 70A generator
with a 50A generator in accordance with the Replacement section of
PBN SB No. BN-2/SB.229, dated October 17, 1996.
(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) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the
compliance time that provides an equivalent level of safety may be
approved by the Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, 1201 Walnut,
suite 900, Kansas City, Missouri, 64106. The request shall be
forwarded through an appropriate FAA Maintenance Inspector, who may
add comments and then send it to the Manager, Small Airplane
Directorate.
Note 3: Information concerning the existence of approved
alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be
obtained from the Small Airplane Directorate.
(e) Questions or technical information related to PBN Service
Bulletin No. BN-2/SB.229, dated October 17, 1996, or PBM Service
Bulletin No. BN-2/SB.228, Issue 2, dated January 17, 1996, should be
directed to Pilatus Britten-Norman, Ltd., Bembridge, Isle of Wight,
United Kingdom, PO35 5PR. This service information may be examined
at the FAA, Central Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, Room
1558, 601 E. 12th Street, Kansas City, Missouri 64106.
(f) The inspection, replacement, and modifications required by
this AD shall be done in accordance with Pilatus Britten-Norman
Service Bulletin No. BN-2/SB.229, dated October 17, 1996, or Pilatus
Britten-Norman Service Bulletin No. BN-2/SB.228, Issue 2, dated
January 17, 1996.
(1) The incorporation by reference of Pilatus Britten-Norman
Service Bulletin No. BN-2/SB.228, Issue 2, dated January 17, 1996,
was approved previously by the Director of the Federal Register as
of March 23, 1997 (62 FR 4909, February 3, 1997).
(2) The incorporation by reference of Pilatus Britten-Norman
Service Bulletin No. BN-2/SB.229, dated October 17, 1996, 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 Pilatus
Britten-Norman. Copies may be inspected at the FAA, Central Region,
Office of the Regional Counsel, Room 1558, 601 E. 12th Street,
Kansas City, Missouri, or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800
North Capitol Street, NW, suite 700, Washington, DC.
Note 4: The subject of this AD is addressed in British AD 007-
10-96, not dated.
(g) This amendment becomes effective on October 12, 1998.
Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on August 18, 1998.
James E. Jackson,
Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 98-22822 Filed 8-26-98; 8:45 am]
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