[Federal Register Volume 66, Number 151 (Monday, August 6, 2001)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 40870-40872]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 01-19254]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2000-NM-179-AD; Amendment 39-12368; AD 2001-15-33]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; BAe Systems (Operations) Limited Model 
BAe 146 and Model Avro 146-RJ Series Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This amendment supersedes an existing airworthiness directive 
(AD), applicable to all BAe Systems (Operations) Limited Model BAe 146 
and Model Avro 146-RJ series airplanes, that currently requires a one-
time inspection for ``drill marks'' and corrosion on the underside of 
the wing top skin, and corrective actions, if necessary. For certain 
airplanes, this amendment requires repetitive inspections for ``drill 
marks'' or corrosion on the underside of the wing top skin, and 
corrective actions, if necessary, until all corrective actions and 
protective treatment actions are done. For certain airplanes, this 
amendment adds a requirement for one-time detailed and borescopic 
inspections of the fuel tank, pump, and stringers for paint debris and 
inadequacy of the existing protective treatment coating; 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 corrosion from developing on the underside of the top skin 
of the center wing, which could result in reduced structural integrity 
of the airplane.

DATES: Effective September 10, 2001.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of September 10, 2001.

ADDRESSES: The service information referenced in this AD may be 
obtained from British Aerospace Regional Aircraft American Support, 
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) by superseding AD 98-16-24,

[[Page 40871]]

amendment 39-10701 (63 FR 42220, August 7, 1998), which is applicable 
to all British Aerospace Model BAe 146 and certain Model Avro 146-RJ 
series airplanes, was published as a supplemental Notice of Proposed 
Rulemaking (NPRM) in the Federal Register on February 21, 2001 (66 FR 
10976). The action proposed to require repetitive inspections for 
``drill marks'' and corrosion on the underside of the wing top skin, 
and corrective actions, if necessary, until all corrective actions and 
protective treatment actions are done.

Comments

    Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate 
in the making of this amendment. No comments were submitted in response 
to the supplemental NPRM 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 by the supplemental NPRM.

Cost Impact

    There are approximately 39 Model BAe 146 and Model Avro 146-RJ 
series airplanes of U.S. registry that will be affected by this AD.
    The repetitive inspection for ``drill marks'' and corrosion that is 
required by this AD will take approximately 10 work hours per airplane 
(including access and close) to accomplish, at an average labor rate of 
$60 per work hour. Based on these figures, the cost impact of this 
repetitive inspection on U.S. operators is estimated to be $600 per 
airplane, per inspection cycle.
    The one-time inspection for paint debris and inadequacy of the 
existing protective treatment coating that is required by this AD will 
take approximately 8 work hours per airplane (including access and 
close) to accomplish, at an average labor rate of $60 per work hour. 
Based on these figures, the cost impact of this one-time inspection on 
U.S. operators is estimated to be $480 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. 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 planning time or 
time necessitated by other administrative actions.

Regulatory Impact

    The regulations adopted herein will 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 final rule does not have federalism 
implications under Executive Order 13132.
    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 removing amendment 39-10701 (63 FR 
42220, August 7, 1998), and by adding a new airworthiness directive 
(AD), amendment 39-12368, to read as follows:

2001-15-33  BAe Systems (Operations) Limited (Formerly British 
Aerospace Regional Aircraft): Amendment 39-12368. Docket 2000-NM-
179-AD. Supersedes AD 98-16-24, Amendment 39-10701.

    Applicability: All Model BAe 146 series airplanes and Model Avro 
146-RJ airplanes, as listed in British Aerospace (Operations) 
Limited Inspection Service Bulletin ISB.57-57, dated February 25, 
2000; 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 from developing on the underside of the top 
skin of the center wing, which could result in reduced structural 
integrity of the airplane, accomplish the following:

Intrascopic Inspection: ``Drill Marks'' and Corrosion

    (a) For airplanes on which protective treatment coating has NOT 
been applied per British Aerospace Service Bulletin SB.57-50 
(reference Repair Instruction Leaflet (R.I.L.) HC573H9014), and for 
airplanes on which the inspection required by AD 98-16-24, amendment 
39-10701, has not been accomplished as of the effective date of this 
AD: Within 6 months after the effective date of this AD, perform an 
intrascopic inspection for ``drill marks'' and corrosion on the 
underside of the wing top skin, per British Aerospace (Operations) 
Limited Inspection Service Bulletin ISB.57-57, dated February 25, 
2000.
    (1) If no ``drill mark'' or corrosion is detected, repeat the 
intrascopic inspection required by paragraph (a) of this AD 
thereafter at intervals not to exceed 4 years, until the terminating 
action required by paragraph (c) of this AD is done.
    (2) If any corrosion is detected, prior to further flight, 
repair per a method approved by either the Manager, International 
Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport Directorate; or the Civil Aviation 
Authority (CAA) of the United Kingdom (or its delegated agent).
    (3) If any ``drill mark'' is detected, or if any corrosion is 
detected and repaired, prior to further flight, do the terminating 
action required by paragraph (c) of this AD.

    Note 2: Accomplishment of an intrascopic inspection for ``drill 
marks'' and corrosion prior to the effective date of this AD, per 
British Aerospace Service Bulletin SB.57-50, Revision 2, dated March 
20, 1997, is acceptable for compliance with the inspection 
requirements of paragraph (a) of this AD.

Detailed Visual and Borescopic Inspections: Paint Debris and Inadequate 
Protective Treatment Coating

    (b) For airplanes on which protective treatment coating HAS been 
applied prior to the effective date of this AD per British Aerospace 
(Operations) Limited Service

[[Page 40872]]

Bulletin SB.57-50 (reference R.I.L. HC573H9014): At the next 
scheduled maintenance inspection (``C-check'') or within 6 months 
after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first, do one-
time detailed visual and borescopic inspections of the fuel tank, 
pump, and stringers to detect discrepancies (including paint debris 
and inadequacy of existing protective treatment coating); per 
Paragraph D. of the Accomplishment Instructions of British Aerospace 
Inspection Service Bulletin ISB. 57-57, dated February 25, 2000.
    (1) If no discrepancy is found, no further action is required by 
this AD.
    (2) If any discrepancy is found, prior to further flight, do all 
applicable corrective actions (including removal of paint debris and 
testing of paint adhesion), and the terminating action required by 
paragraph (c) of this AD, per British Aerospace (Operations) Limited 
Inspection Service Bulletin ISB. 57-57, dated February 25, 2000.

    Note 3: Paragraph B. of the Accomplishment Instructions of 
British Aerospace (Operations) Limited Inspection Service Bulletin 
ISB.57-57, dated February 25, 2000, references R.I.L. HC573H9024 as 
an additional source of service information for accomplishing the 
intrascopic inspection. Paragraph C. of the Accomplishment 
Instructions of the service bulletin references R.I.L. HC573H9032 as 
an additional source of service information for applying the 
protective treatment coating.


    Note 4: For the purposes of this AD, a detailed visual 
inspection is defined as: ``An intensive visual examination of a 
specific structural area, system, installation, or assembly to 
detect damage, failure, or irregularity. Available lighting is 
normally supplemented with a direct source of good lighting at 
intensity deemed appropriate by the inspector. Inspection aids such 
as mirror, magnifying lenses, etc., may be used. Surface cleaning 
and elaborate access procedures may be required.''

Terminating Action

    (c) Application of the protective treatment coating, per 
Paragraph C. of the Accomplishment Instructions of British Aerospace 
(Operations) Limited Inspection Service Bulletin ISB. 57-57, dated 
February 25, 2000, 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. 
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 5: 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 
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

    (f) Except as provided by paragraph (a)(2) of this AD, the 
actions shall be done in accordance with British Aerospace 
(Operations) Limited Inspection Service Bulletin ISB.57-57, dated 
February 25, 2000. 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 Regional Aircraft American Support, 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.

Effective Date

    (g) This amendment becomes effective on September 10, 2001.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on July 25, 2001.
Vi L. Lipski,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 01-19254 Filed 8-3-01; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P