[Federal Register Volume 69, Number 52 (Wednesday, March 17, 2004)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 12585-12587]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 04-5944]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2002-NM-343-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Model 
BAe 146 and 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 BAe 146 and Avro 146-RJ series airplanes equipped with 
Pacific Scientific engine fire extinguisher bottles. This proposal 
would require a one-time inspection to detect discrepancies in the 
wiring installation of the engine fire extinguisher bottles, and 
related investigative/corrective actions as necessary. This action is 
necessary to prevent the inability of the left-hand fire extinguisher 
on one or more engines to discharge, and consequent inability to 
control or suppress an engine fire. This action is intended to address 
the identified unsafe condition.

DATES: Comments must be received by April 16, 2004.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114, 
Attention: Rules Docket No. 2002-NM-343-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., 
Renton, Washington 98055-4056. Comments may be inspected at this 
location between 9 a.m. and 3 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. 2002-NM-343-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 or 2000 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, 
International Branch, ANM-116, 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.
     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 2002-NM-343-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 No. 2002-NM-343-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 
BAe 146 and Avro 146-RJ series airplanes equipped with Pacific 
Scientific engine fire extinguisher bottles. The CAA advises that an 
operator has reported that it is possible to incorrectly wire the left-
hand engine fire extinguisher circuits on each engine. If left 
undetected, such incorrect wiring could result in the inability of the 
left-hand fire extinguisher on one or more engines to

[[Page 12586]]

discharge, and consequent inability to control or suppress an engine 
fire.

Explanation of Relevant Service Information

    BAE Systems (Operations) Limited has issued Inspection Service 
Bulletin 26-065, dated September 16, 2002. This service bulletin 
describes procedures for visually inspecting the wiring installation 
for Pacific Scientific engine fire extinguisher bottles. The procedures 
for the visual inspection include a one-time test of the wiring for the 
indicating system of the engine fire extinguishing system, and related 
investigative/corrective actions. The related investigative action is a 
function test of the left-hand fire extinguishing and cartridge firing 
unit system. The function test is necessary only if each engine does 
not pass the wiring test for the indicating system. The function test 
includes examining the wiring installation to determine if the correct 
wires are connected to the firing cartridge, testing correct loop 
resistance, and testing for correct voltage. The corrective actions 
include disconnecting and reconnecting the wiring for the left-hand 
engine fire extinguishing and cartridge firing unit system per the 
applicable BAE Systems (Operations) Limited wiring manual and Drawing 2 
of the service bulletin. Accomplishment of the actions specified in the 
service bulletin is intended to adequately address the identified 
unsafe condition. The CAA classified this service bulletin as mandatory 
and issued British airworthiness directive 003-09-2002 to ensure the 
continued airworthiness of these airplanes in the United Kingdom.

FAA's Conclusions

    These airplane models are manufactured in the United Kingdom and 
are 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 AD

    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 bulletin described previously, 
except as discussed below.

Differences Between the Service Information and This Proposed AD

    The effectivity of the service bulletin states that airplanes with 
BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Modification HCM01582B installed are 
exempt from the inspection/test if BAE Systems (Operations) Limited 
Service Bulletin 26-060 (Inspection for Cross Connection of Wiring on 
Pacific Scientific Fire Extinguishers) has been accomplished on each 
engine. This information is not included in the applicability of this 
proposed AD, but it is included in paragraph (b) of this proposed AD.
    The service bulletin specifies to submit certain information to the 
manufacturer. This proposed AD does not include such a requirement.

Clarification of Requirements

    The British airworthiness directive requires a test of the left-
hand fire extinguisher bottle wiring on all four engines. The 
Accomplishment Instructions of the service bulletin specify that the 
fire bottle wiring test includes a visual inspection of the wiring. 
This proposed AD specifies that both a detailed inspection of the fire 
extinguisher bottle wiring and a test of the left-hand engine fire 
extinguishing system will be required.

Cost Impact

    The FAA estimates that 54 airplanes of U.S. registry would be 
affected by this proposed AD, that it would take approximately 3 work 
hours per airplane to accomplish the proposed actions, and that the 
average labor rate is $65 per work hour. Based on these figures, the 
cost impact of the proposed AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be 
$10,530, or $195 per airplane.
    The cost impact figure discussed above is 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 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 
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 2002-NM-343-AD.

    Applicability: Model BAe 146 and Avro 146-RJ series airplanes, 
equipped with Pacific Scientific engine fire extinguisher bottles, 
and having BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Modification HCM01688A, 
and either HCM01582A or HCM01582B installed; certificated in any 
category;
    Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished 
previously.
    To prevent the inability of the left-hand fire extinguisher 
bottle on one or more engines to discharge, and consequent inability 
to control or suppress an engine fire, accomplish the following:

[[Page 12587]]

Inspection, Test, and Related Investigative/Corrective Actions

    (a) Within 6 months after the effective date of this AD: Do a 
one-time detailed inspection to detect discrepancies in the wiring 
installation of the fire extinguisher bottles for the engines, a 
one-time test of the wiring for the indicating system of the engine 
fire extinguishing system, and all applicable related investigative/
corrective actions, per the Accomplishment Instructions of BAE 
Systems (Operations) Limited Inspection Service Bulletin ISB.26-065, 
dated September 16, 2002. Do all of the actions per the service 
bulletin. Any corrective actions must be done before further flight. 
Although the service bulletin specifies to submit certain 
information to the manufacturer, this AD does not include such a 
requirement.

    Note 1: For the purposes of this AD, a detailed 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.''

Credit for Actions Done Per Other Service Information

    (b) For airplanes with BAE Systems (Operations) Limited 
Modification HCM01582B installed: Accomplishment of BAE Systems 
(Operations) Limited Service Bulletin 26-060 (Inspection for Cross 
Connection of Wiring on Pacific Scientific Fire Extinguishers) on 
each engine is considered acceptable for compliance with the 
requirements of this AD.

Alternative Methods of Compliance

    (c) In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, the Manager, International 
Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, is authorized 
to approve alternative methods of compliance for this AD.

    Note 2: The subject of this AD is addressed in British 
airworthiness directive 003-09-2002.


    Issued in Renton, Washington, on March 5, 2004.
Ali Bahrami,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 04-5944 Filed 3-16-04; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P