[Federal Register Volume 67, Number 20 (Wednesday, January 30, 2002)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 4331-4332]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 02-1819]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2001-NM-199-AD; Amendment 39-12615; AD 2002-01-21]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Model 
BAe 146 Series Airplanes and Avro 146-RJ 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 BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Model BAe 146 
series airplanes and Avro 146-RJ series airplanes, that requires 
replacement of the standby generator with a new, improved standby 
generator. This amendment is prompted by mandatory continuing 
airworthiness information from a foreign airworthiness authority. This 
action is necessary to prevent loss of the standby generator, which, in 
the event of an emergency involving the principal generator, could 
result in the loss of electrical power to the airplane. This action is 
intended to address the identified unsafe condition.

DATES: Effective March 6, 2002.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of March 6, 2002.

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: Tamra Elkins, Aerospace Engineer, 
International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056; telephone (425) 
227-2669; 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 BAE Systems (Operations) 
Limited Model BAe 146 series airplanes and Avro 146-RJ series airplanes 
was published in the Federal Register on October 12, 2001 (66 FR 
52070). That action proposed to require replacement of the standby 
generator with a new, improved standby generator.

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 40 Model BAe 146 series airplanes and Avro 
146-RJ series airplanes of U.S. registry will be affected by this AD, 
that it will take approximately 3 work hours per airplane to accomplish 
the required replacement of the standby generator with a new, improved 
standby generator, and that the average labor rate is $60 per work 
hour. There is no charge for required parts. Based on these figures, 
the cost impact of the replacement required by this AD on U.S. 
operators is estimated to be $7,200, or $180 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. 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 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 adding the following new 
airworthiness directive:

2002-01-21  BAE Systems (Operations) Limited (Formerly British 
Aerospace Regional Aircraft): Amendment 39-12615. Docket 2001-NM-
199-AD.

    Applicability: Model BA-146 series airplanes and Avro 146-RJ 
series airplanes, certificated in any category, having BAE 
Modification HCM01059A (installation of a standby generator and 
control system manufactured by Vickers) embodied.

    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

[[Page 4332]]

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 loss of the standby generator, which, in the event of 
an emergency involving the principal generator, could result in the 
loss of electrical power to the airplane; accomplish the following:

Replacement

    (a) Within 43 months after the effective date of this AD: 
Replace the Vickers standby generator having part number (P/N) 
520829 with a new, improved Vickers standby generator having P/N 
3022049-000, in accordance with BAE Systems (Operations) Limited 
Modification Service Bulletin SB.24-137-01691A, dated April 12, 
2001.

Alternative Methods of Compliance

    (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, 
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

    (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.

Incorporation by Reference

    (d) The actions shall be done in accordance with BAE Systems 
(Operations) Limited Modification Service Bulletin SB.24-137-01691A, 
dated April 12, 2001. 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.

    Note 3: The subject of this AD is addressed in British 
airworthiness directive 004-04-2001, dated May 22, 2001.

Effective Date

    (e) This amendment becomes effective on March 6, 2002.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on January 17, 2002.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 02-1819 Filed 1-29-02; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U