[Federal Register Volume 69, Number 99 (Friday, May 21, 2004)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 29216-29217]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 04-11283]



[[Page 29216]]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2002-NM-343-AD; Amendment 39-13641; AD 2004-10-11]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Model 
BAe 146 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 
and Avro 146-RJ series airplanes equipped with Pacific Scientific 
engine fire extinguisher bottles. This amendment 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: Effective June 25, 2004.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of June 25, 2004.

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 National Archives and Records Administration 
(NARA). For information on the availability of this material at NARA, 
call (202) 741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html.

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: 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 and Avro 146-RJ series airplanes equipped with 
Pacific Scientific engine fire extinguisher bottles was published in 
the Federal Register on March 17, 2004 (69 FR 12585). That action 
proposed to 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.

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 54 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 actions, and that the average labor 
rate is $65 per work hour. Based on these figures, the cost impact of 
the 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 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

0
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

0
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]

0
2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding the following new airworthiness 
directive:

2004-10-11 Bae Systems (Operations) Limited (Formerly British 
Aerospace Regional Aircraft): Amendment 39-13641. 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:

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

[[Page 29217]]

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 Inspections 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.

Incorporation by Reference

    (d) Unless otherwise specified in this AD, the actions shall be 
done in accordance with BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Inspection 
Service Bulletin ISB.26-065, dated September 16, 2002. 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 National 
Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the 
availability of this material at NARA, call (202) 741-6030, or go 
to: http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html.

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

Effective Date

    (e) This amendment becomes effective on June 25, 2004.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on May 10, 2004.
Kalene C. Yanamura,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 04-11283 Filed 5-20-04; 8:45 am]
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