[Federal Register Volume 65, Number 2 (Tuesday, January 4, 2000)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 207-209]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 00-10]


-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 99-NM-31-AD; Amendment 39-11492; AD 99-27-11]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; British Aerospace Model BAC 1-11 200 
and 400 Series Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), 
applicable to to all British Aerospace Model BAC 1-11 200 and 400 
series airplanes, that requires replacing the thrust reverser control 
unit selector valve with a new or modified valve and inspecting for 
proper rigging of the thrust reverser cable drums and thrust reverser 
control unit selector valve detent, and corrective actions, if 
necessary. This amendment also requires revising the Airplane Flight 
Manual to provide the flight crew with procedures to address 
uncontrolled operation of the thrust reverser system. 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 provide the flight crew with procedures in the 
event of uncommanded deployment of the thrust reverser, and to prevent 
uncommanded deployment of the thrust reverser in flight or on the 
ground, which could result in reduced controllability of the airplane.


[[Page 208]]


DATES: Effective February 8, 2000.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of February 8, 2000.

ADDRESSES: The service information referenced in this AD may be 
obtained from British Aerospace, Service Support, 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 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 all British Aerospace Model BAC 1-
11 200 and 400 series airplanes was published in the Federal Register 
on September 15, 1999 (64 FR 50023). That action proposed to require 
replacing the thrust reverser control unit selector valve with a new or 
modified valve and inspecting for proper rigging of the thrust reverser 
cable drums and thrust reverser control unit selector valve detent, and 
corrective actions, if necessary. That action also proposed to require 
revising the Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) to provide the flight crew 
with procedures to address uncontrolled operation of the thrust 
reverser system.

Comments

    Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate 
in the making of this amendment. Due consideration has been given to 
the comments received.

Clarification of Paragraph (c)

    The commenter proposes adding clarification in paragraph (c) of the 
proposed AD to distinguish Advance Amendment Bulletin 16 (which applies 
to Model 200 series airplanes) from Advance Amendment Bulletin 12 
(which applies to Model 400 series airplanes). The FAA concurs with 
this proposed change to distinguish between Advanced Amendment 
Bulletins 16 and 12 and the appropriate airplane series, and has 
revised paragraph (c) of the final rule accordingly.

Correction to British Airworthiness Directive Number

    This same commenter states that the correct number of the British 
airworthiness directive (identified as ``002-09-08'' in the Explanation 
of Relevant Service Information of the proposed AD) should be ``002-09-
98.''
    The FAA agrees that the number was incorrectly identified in the 
referenced section of the proposed AD. However, the Explanation of 
Relevant Service Information section is not restated within the final 
rule; therefore, no change to the final rule is necessary. British 
airworthiness directive 002-09-98 is correctly identified in NOTE 3 of 
the proposal and this final rule.

Conclusion

    After careful review of the available data, including the comments 
noted above, the FAA has determined that air safety and the public 
interest require the adoption of the rule with the change described 
previously. The FAA has determined that this change will neither 
increase the economic burden on any operator nor increase the scope of 
the AD.

Cost Impact

    The FAA estimates that 16 airplanes of U.S. registry will be 
affected by this AD.
    It will take approximately 6 work hours per airplane to accomplish 
the inspections, at an average labor rate of $60 per work hour. Based 
on these figures, the cost impact of the inspections required by this 
AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be $5,760, or $360 per airplane.
    It will take approximately 1 work hour per airplane to accomplish 
the replacement, at an average labor rate of $60 per work hour. 
Required parts will cost approximately $16,000 per airplane. Based on 
these figures, the cost impact of the replacement required by this AD 
on U.S. operators is estimated to be $256,960, or $16,060 per airplane.
    It will take approximately 1 work hour per airplane to accomplish 
the AFM revision, at an average labor rate of $60 per work hour. Based 
on these figures, the cost impact of the AFM revision required by this 
AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be $960, or $60 per airplane.
    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 adding the following new 
airworthiness directive:

99-27-11  British Aerospace Airbus Limited (Formerly British 
Aerospace Commercial Aircraft Limited, British Aerospace Aircraft 
Group): Amendment 39-11492. Docket 99-NM-31-AD.

    Applicability: All Model BAC 1-11 200 and 400 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

[[Page 209]]

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 (e) 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 provide the flight crew with procedures in the event of 
uncommanded deployment of the thrust reverser and to prevent 
uncommanded deployment of the thrust reverser in flight or on the 
ground, which could result in reduced controllability of the 
airplane, accomplish the following:
    (a) Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD, perform 
an inspection for proper rigging of the thrust reverser cable drums, 
in accordance with British Aerospace Alert Service Bulletin 76-A-
PM6043, Issue No. 1, dated September 18, 1998. If any drum is found 
to be improperly rigged, prior to further flight, accomplish the 
adjustments specified in paragraph 3, ``Adjustments,'' of the alert 
service bulletin.
    (b) Prior to further flight after accomplishing the inspection 
required by paragraph (a) of this AD, perform an inspection for 
proper rigging of the thrust reverser selector valve detent, in 
accordance with Rolls-Royce Spey Service Bulletin Sp78-131, dated 
September 1998. If any discrepancy is found, prior to further 
flight, accomplish the adjustments specified in paragraph 3, 
``Adjustments,'' of the service bulletin.
    (c) Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD, revise 
the Emergency and Abnormal Procedures Sections of the FAA-approved 
Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) by inserting, into the applicable 
sections of the AFM, British Aerospace Advance Amendment Bulletin 
No. 12 (for Model 400 series airplanes) or No. 16 (for Model 200 
series airplanes), as applicable; both dated August 19, 1997.
    (d) Within 12 months after the effective date of this AD, 
replace the thrust reverser control unit selector valve with a new 
or modified selector valve in accordance with British Aerospace 
Service Bulletin 78-PM6047, Revision 1, dated November 27, 1998.

Alternative Methods of Compliance

    (e) 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, 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, 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.

Special Flight Permits

    (f) 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.

Incorporation by Reference

    (g) The actions shall be done in accordance with British 
Aerospace Alert Service Bulletin 76-A-PM6043, Issue No. 1, dated 
September 18, 1998; Rolls-Royce Spey Service Bulletin Sp78-131, 
dated September 1998; British Aerospace Service Bulletin 78-PM6047, 
Revision 1, dated November 27, 1998; British Aerospace Advance 
Amendment Bulletin No. 12, dated August 19, 1997; and British 
Aerospace Advance Amendment Bulletin No. 16, dated August 19, 1997. 
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, Service Support, 
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.

    Note 3: The subject of this AD is addressed in British 
airworthiness directives 002-09-98 and 005-11-98.

    (h) This amendment becomes effective on February 8, 2000.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on December 23, 1999.
Vi L. Lipski,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 00-10 Filed 1-3-00; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U