[Federal Register Volume 66, Number 80 (Wednesday, April 25, 2001)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 20766-20768]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 01-10179]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2000-NM-371-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; BAE Systems (Operations) Limited 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 BAE Systems (Operations) 
Limited Model Avro 146-RJ series airplanes. This proposal would require 
inspection to detect incorrect wiring of the fire extinguisher bottles 
located on the engines and on the auxiliary power unit (APU), and 
corrective action, as necessary. It would also require modification of 
the wiring of the fire extinguisher bottles located on the engines and 
on the APU. This action is prompted by reports of incorrect wiring of 
the fire extinguisher bottles on the engines and the APU discovered 
during routine maintenance. This action is necessary to prevent the 
failure of the fire extinguisher bottles to discharge, which could 
result in the inability to extinguish a fire in the engines or in the 
APU.

DATES: Comments must be received by May 25, 2001.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114, 
Attention: Rules Docket No. 2000-NM-371-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. Comments may be submitted via fax to (425) 227-1232. 
Comments may also be sent via the Internet using the following address: 
[email protected]. Comments sent via fax or the Internet must 
contain ``Docket No. 2000-NM-371-AD'' in the subject line and need not 
be submitted in triplicate. Comments sent via the Internet as attached 
electronic files must be formatted in Microsoft Word 97 for Windows or 
ASCII text.
    The service information referenced in the proposed rule may be 
obtained from British Aerospace Regional Aircraft American Support, 
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: Todd Thompson, Aerospace Engineer, 
ANM-116, International Branch, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056; telephone (425) 
227-1175; 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 action may be changed in 
light of the comments received.

[[Page 20767]]

    Submit comments using the following format:
     Organize comments issue-by-issue. For example, discuss a 
request to change the compliance time and a request to change the 
service bulletin reference as two separate issues.
     For each issue, state what specific change to the proposed 
AD is being requested.
     Include justification (e.g., reasons or data) for each 
request.
    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 action must submit a self-addressed, 
stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: ``Comments 
to Docket Number 2000-NM-371-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 Airplane Directorate, ANM-114, Attention: Rules 
Docket Number 2000-NM-371-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 BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Model 
Avro 146-RJ series airplanes. The CAA advises that two incidents of 
incorrect wiring of the fire extinguisher bottles located on the 
engines and on the auxiliary power unit (APU) were found during routine 
maintenance. This condition, if not corrected, could result in the 
failure of the fire extinguisher bottles to discharge, which could 
result in the inability to extinguish a fire in the engines or in the 
APU.

Explanation of Relevant Service Information

    BAE Systems (Operations) Limited has issued Inspection Service 
Bulletin ISB.26-60, Revision 2, dated January 18, 2001, which describes 
procedures for a one-time inspection consisting of a ``continuity 
check'' to detect incorrect wiring of the fire extinguisher bottles 
located on the engines and on the APU. The service bulletin also 
describes procedures for disconnection of incorrect wiring which is 
detected and reconnection to the correct terminals. The CAA classified 
this service bulletin as mandatory and issued British airworthiness 
directive 002-09-2000, in order to assure the continued airworthiness 
of these airplanes in the United Kingdom.
    In addition, BAE Systems (Operations) Limited has issued 
Modification Service Bulletins SB.26-060-01688A, dated January 18, 
2001, which describes procedures for modification of the wiring of the 
fire extinguisher bottles located on the engines, and SB.26-061-36220A, 
dated January 18, 2001, which describes procedures for modification of 
the wiring of the fire extinguisher bottle located on the APU. The 
modification described in each service bulletin involves installation 
of new identification sleeves and earth connection adapters on the fire 
extinguisher bottles. Accomplishment of the actions specified in the 
service bulletins is intended to adequately address the identified 
unsafe condition.

FAA's Conclusions

    This airplane model is manufactured in the United Kingdom and is 
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 service bulletins described previously.

Cost Impact

    The FAA estimates that 44 airplanes of U.S. registry would be 
affected by this proposed AD, that it would take approximately 1 work 
hour per airplane to accomplish the proposed inspection, and that the 
average labor rate is $60 per work hour. Based on these figures, the 
cost impact of the proposed inspection on U.S. operators is estimated 
to be $2,640, or $60 per airplane.
    It is estimated that it would take approximately 4 work hours per 
airplane to accomplish the proposed modification of the wiring of the 
fire extinguisher bottles on the engines, and that the average labor 
rate is $60 per work hour. According to the applicable service 
bulletin, the cost of required parts is to be arranged between BAE 
Systems and the operator. Based on these figures, the cost impact of 
the proposed modification on U.S. operators is estimated to be $10,560, 
or $240 per airplane, not including any costs to the operator for 
required parts.
    It is estimated that it would take approximately 1 work hour per 
airplane to accomplish the proposed modification of the wiring of the 
fire extinguisher bottles on the APU, and that the average labor rate 
is $60 per work hour. According to the applicable service bulletin, the 
cost of required parts is to be arranged between BAE Systems and the 
operator. Based on these figures, the cost impact of the proposed 
modification on U.S. operators is estimated to be $2,640, or $60 per 
airplane, not including any costs to the operator for required parts.
    The cost impact figures discussed above are 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 proposed AD were not adopted. The cost impact 
figures discussed in AD rulemaking actions represent only the time 
necessary to perform the specific actions actually required by the AD. 
These figures typically do not include incidental costs, such as the 
time required to gain access and close up, planning time, or time 
necessitated by other administrative actions.

Regulatory Impact

    The regulations proposed herein would not have a substantial direct 
effect 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, it 
is determined that this proposal would not have federalism implications 
under Executive Order 13132.
    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

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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 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:

BAE Systems (Operations) Limited (Formerly British Aerospace 
Regional Aircraft):  Docket 2000-NM-371-AD.

    Applicability: Model Avro 146-RJ series airplanes, certificated 
in any category, with modifications HCM01582A, HCM01582B, HCM36192A, 
or HCM36192B embodied.

    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 (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 the failure of the fire extinguisher bottles on the 
engines or on the auxiliary power unit (APU) to discharge, which 
could result in the inability to extinguish a fire in the engines or 
in the APU, accomplish the following:

Inspection

    (a) Within 90 days after the effective date of this AD: Perform 
a one-time inspection consisting of a ``continuity check'' to detect 
incorrect wiring on the fire extinguisher bottles located on the 
engines and on the APU, in accordance with the Accomplishment 
Instructions of BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Inspection Service 
Bulletin ISB.26-60, dated September 4, 2000, or Revision 1, dated 
October 10, 2000. If incorrect wiring is detected, prior to further 
flight, correct the wiring in accordance with the service bulletin.

Repeat Inspection

    (b) Following any maintenance work, including a complete engine 
change, that affects the wiring of the fire extinguisher bottles 
located on the engines or on the APU and prior to further flight 
thereafter: Perform the inspection required by paragraph (a) of this 
AD. If incorrect wiring is detected, prior to further flight, 
correct the wiring in accordance with BAE Systems (Operations) 
Limited Modification Service Bulletin SB.26-061-36220A or SB.26-060-
01688A, both dated January 18, 2001, as applicable.

Modification

    (c) Within one year after the effective date of this AD: Modify 
the wiring of the fire extinguisher bottles located on the engines, 
in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of BAE Systems 
(Operations) Limited Modification Service Bulletin SB.26-060-01688A, 
dated January 18, 2001, and modify the wiring of the fire 
extinguisher bottle located on the APU, in accordance with the 
Accomplishment Instructions of BAE Systems (Operations) Limited 
Modification Service Bulletin SB.26-061-36220A, dated January 18, 
2001. Accomplishment of these actions constitutes terminating action 
for the requirements of this AD.

Alternative Methods of Compliance

    (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, 
Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA. 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

    (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 3: The subject of this AD is addressed in British 
airworthiness directive 002-09-2000.


    Issued in Renton, Washington, on April 18, 2001.
Donald L. Riggin,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 01-10179 Filed 4-24-01; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P