[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 193 (Tuesday, October 6, 1998)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 53549-53550]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-26390]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 98-NM-235-AD; Amendment 39-10815; AD 98-21-07]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; British Aerospace Model Avro 146-RJ85A 
and RJ100A 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 Avro 146-RJ85A and RJ100A 
series airplanes, that requires a one-time inspection for evidence of 
machining (undercutting) into the web of the integral stringers of the 
bottom skin of the wings, and corrective actions, if necessary. This 
amendment is prompted by issuance of mandatory continuing airworthiness 
information by a foreign civil airworthiness authority. The actions 
specified by this AD are intended to prevent reduced wing strength and 
stiffness, and the onset of premature fatigue cracking, which could 
result in reduced structural integrity of the airplane.

DATES: Effective November 10, 1998.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of November 10, 1998.

ADDRESSES: The service information referenced in this AD may be 
obtained from AI(R) American Support, Inc., 13850 Mclearen Road, 
Herndon, Virginia 20171. 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: 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: 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 
Avro 146-RJ85A and RJ100A series airplanes was published in the Federal 
Register on August 13, 1998 (63 FR 43351). That action proposed to 
require a one-time inspection for evidence of machining (undercutting) 
into the web of the integral stringers of the bottom skin of the wings, 
and corrective actions, if necessary.

Comments

    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 5 airplanes of U.S. registry will be 
affected by this AD, that it will take approximately 16 work hours per 
airplane to accomplish the required inspection, 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 $4,800, or $960 
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.
    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.

[[Page 53550]]

Sec. 39.13  [Amended]

    2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding the following new 
airworthiness directive:

98-21-07  Brtish Aerospace Regional Aircraft (Formerly British 
Aerospace Regional Aircraft Limited, Avro International Aerospace 
Division; British Aerospace, PLC; British Aerospace Commercial 
Aircraft Limited): Amendment 39-10815. Docket 98-NM-235-AD.

    Applicability: Model Avro 146-RJ85A and RJ100A series airplanes, 
as listed in British Aerospace Service Bulletin SB.57-55, dated 
April 27, 1998, 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 (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 reduced wing strength and stiffness, and the onset of 
premature fatigue cracking, which could result in reduced structural 
integrity of the airplane, accomplish the following:
    (a) Within 6 months after the effective date of this AD, perform 
a one-time detailed visual inspection for evidence of machining 
(undercutting) into the web of the integral stringers of the bottom 
skin of the wings, in accordance with British Aerospace Service 
Bulletin SB.57-55, dated April 27, 1998.
    (1) If no machining into the web is detected, no further action 
is required by this AD.
    (2) If any machining into the web is detected, prior to further 
flight, measure the thickness of the web of the integral stringer in 
accordance with the service bulletin.
    (i) If the web thickness is 0.099 inch or more, no further 
action is required by this AD.
    (ii) If the web thickness is less than 0.099 inch, prior to 
further flight, repair in accordance with a method approved by 
either the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport 
Directorate, or the Civil Aviation Authority (or its delegated 
agent).
    (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, 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 2: Information concerning the existence of approved 
alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be 
obtained from the International Branch, ANM-116.

    (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) Except as provided by paragraph (a)(2)(ii) of this AD, the 
actions shall be done in accordance with British Aerospace Service 
Bulletin SB.57-55, dated April 27, 1998, which contains the 
following list of effective pages:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                    Revision level
            Page No.                 shown on page    Date shown on page
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1-4.............................  Original..........  April 27, 1998.
5-6.............................  X.................  Not Dated.
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    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 AI(R) American Support, Inc., 
13850 Mclearen Road, Herndon, Virginia 20171. 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 November 10, 1998.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on September 28, 1998.
Darrell M. Pederson,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 98-26390 Filed 10-5-98; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P