[Federal Register Volume 69, Number 173 (Wednesday, September 8, 2004)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 54204-54205]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 04-20206]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2002-NM-90-AD; Amendment 39-13785; AD 2004-18-07]
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 supersedes an existing airworthiness directive 
(AD), applicable to certain BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Model BAe 
146 and Avro 146-RJ series airplanes, that currently requires 
identifying the part numbers of discharge valves and cabin pressure 
controllers, and related investigative and corrective actions if 
necessary. This amendment requires identifying the part number of an 
additional cabin pressure controller, and related investigative and 
corrective actions if necessary. The actions specified by this AD are 
intended to prevent the installation of incorrect pressurization 
discharge valves and cabin pressure controllers, which could subject 
the airframe to excess stress and adversely affect the airframe fatigue 
life. This action is intended to address the identified unsafe 
condition.

DATES: Effective October 13, 2004.
    The incorporation by reference of a certain publication listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of October 13, 2004.
    The incorporation by reference of a certain other publication 
listed in the regulations was approved previously by the Director of 
the Federal Register as of September 10, 2001 (66 FR 40864, August 6, 
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 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) by superseding AD 2001-15-23, 
amendment 39-12358 (66 FR 40864, August 6, 2001), which is applicable 
to certain BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Model BAe 146 and Avro 146-
RJ series airplanes, was published in the Federal Register on June 21, 
2004 (69 FR 34312). The action proposed to continue to require 
identifying the part numbers of discharge valves and cabin pressure 
controllers, and related investigative and corrective actions if 
necessary. The action also proposed to require identifying the part 
number of an additional cabin pressure controller, and related 
investigative and corrective actions if 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.

Explanation of Change Made to Final Rule

    We inadvertently omitted a paragraph identifier in the proposed AD. 
We have revised this final rule to identify that paragraph as paragraph 
(d) of this AD, and have reidentified subsequent paragraphs 
accordingly.

Cost Impact

    There are approximately 20 airplanes of U.S. registry that will be 
affected by this AD.
    The actions that are currently required by AD 2001-15-23 and 
continued in this AD take approximately 3 work hours per airplane to 
accomplish, at an average labor rate of $65 per work hour. Based on 
these figures, the cost impact of the currently required actions on 
U.S. operators is estimated to be $3,900, or $195 per airplane.
    The new actions that are required in this AD will take 
approximately 3 work hours to accomplish, at an average labor rate of 
$65 per work hour. Based on these figures, the cost impact of the new 
requirements on U.S. operators is estimated to be $3,900, or $195 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 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

[[Page 54205]]

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 removing amendment 39-12358 (66 FR 
40864, August 6, 2001), and by adding a new airworthiness directive 
(AD), amendment 39-13785, to read as follows:

2004-18-07 BAE Systems (Operations) Limited (Formerly British 
Aerospace Regional Aircraft): Docket 2002-NM-90-AD. Supersedes AD 
2001-15-23, Amendment 39-12358.

    Applicability: Model BAe 146 and Avro 146-RJ series airplanes, 
certificated in any category, as listed in BAE Systems (Operations) 
Limited Inspection Service Bulletin ISB.21-155, dated February 15, 
2002.
    Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished 
previously.
    To prevent the installation of incorrect pressurization 
discharge valves and cabin pressure controllers, which could subject 
the airframe to excess stress and adversely affect the airframe 
fatigue life, accomplish the following:

Restatement of Certain Requirements of AD 2001-15-23

Part Identification

    (a) As specified in paragraph (a)(1) or (a)(2) of this AD, as 
applicable: Identify the part numbers of the pressurization 
discharge valves and cabin pressure controllers to determine if any 
installed part is incorrect, as defined by and in accordance with 
BAe Systems (Operations) Limited Inspection Service Bulletin ISB.21-
148, Revision 1, dated February 6, 2001; or BAE Systems (Operations) 
Limited Inspection Service Bulletin ISB.21-155, dated February 15, 
2002. As of the effective date of this AD, only BAE Systems 
(Operations) Limited Inspection Service Bulletin ISB.21-155 may be 
used.
    (1) For airplanes post-Modification HCM50258A: Identify the part 
numbers within 30 days after September 10, 2001 (the effective date 
of AD 2001-15-23, amendment 39-12358); and, if any part is 
incorrect, limit the airplane ceiling to 31,000 feet until the 
incorrect part is replaced, as specified by paragraph (c) of this 
AD.
    (2) For airplanes pre-Modification HCM50258A: Identify the part 
numbers within 6 months after September 10, 2001.

New Requirements of This AD

Part Identification

    (b) For airplanes on which the requirements of BAe Systems 
(Operations) Limited Inspection Service Bulletin ISB.21-148, dated 
Revision 1, dated February 6, 2001, were accomplished: At the times 
specified in paragraph (b)(1) or (b)(2) of this AD, as applicable, 
identify the part number of the cabin pressure controller calibrated 
in inches of mercury to determine if any installed part is 
incorrect, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of BAE 
Systems (Operations) Limited Inspection Service Bulletin ISB.21-155, 
dated February 15, 2002.
    (1) For airplanes post-Modification HCM50258A: Identify the part 
numbers within 30 days after the effective date of this AD; and, if 
any part is incorrect, limit the airplane ceiling to 31,000 feet 
until the incorrect part is replaced as specified by paragraph (c) 
of this AD.
    (2) For airplanes pre-Modification HCM50258A: Identify the part 
numbers within 6 months after the effective date of this AD.

Corrective Action

    (c) For any incorrect part identified in accordance with 
paragraph (a) or (b) of this AD: Within 500 flight cycles after 
identification of the part number, replace the part with a new, 
correct part, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of 
BAe Systems (Operations) Limited Inspection Service Bulletin ISB.21-
148, Revision 1, dated February 6, 2001; or BAE Systems (Operations) 
Limited Inspection Service Bulletin ISB.21-155, dated February 15, 
2002. As of the effective date of this AD, only BAE Systems 
(Operations) Limited Inspection Service Bulletin ISB.21-155 may be 
used.
    (d) After installation of a correct part, prior to further 
flight, do a structural inspection and accomplish any applicable 
corrective actions, in accordance with a method approved by the 
Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane 
Directorate, FAA; or the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) (or its 
delegated agent).

Credit for Accomplishment of Previous Actions

    (e) Accomplishment of the actions specified in this AD in 
accordance with BAe Systems (Operations) Limited Inspection Service 
Bulletin ISB.21-148, dated November 17, 2000, is acceptable for 
compliance with the corresponding actions required by this AD.

Submission of Inspection Results and Parts Not Required

    (f) Although the service bulletins referenced in this AD specify 
to submit information to the airplane manufacturer, and to return 
certain parts to the part manufacturer, this AD does not include 
such a requirement.

Alternative Methods of Compliance

    (g)(1) In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, the Manager, 
International Branch, ANM-116, is authorized to approve alternative 
methods of compliance for this AD.
    (2) Alternative methods of compliance, approved previously in 
accordance with AD 2001-15-23, amendment 39-12358, are approved as 
alternative methods of compliance with the applicable actions in 
this AD.

Incorporation by Reference

    (h) Unless otherwise specified by this AD, the actions shall be 
done in accordance with BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Inspection 
Service Bulletin ISB.21-155, dated February 15, 2002; and BAe 
Systems (Operations) Limited Inspection Service Bulletin ISB.21-148, 
Revision 1, dated February 6, 2001; as applicable.
    (1) The incorporation by reference of BAE Systems (Operations) 
Limited Inspection Service Bulletin ISB.21-155, dated February 15, 
2002, is approved by the Director of the Federal Register in 
accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
    (2) The incorporation by reference of BAe Systems (Operations) 
Limited Inspection Service Bulletin ISB.21-148, Revision 1, dated 
February 6, 2001, was previously approved by the Director of the 
Federal Register as of September 10, 2001 (66 FR 40864, August 6, 
2001).
    (3) 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 1: The subject of this AD is addressed in British 
airworthiness directive 004-02-2002.

Effective Date

    (i) This amendment becomes effective on October 13, 2004.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on August 26, 2004.
Kevin M. Mullin,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 04-20206 Filed 9-7-04; 8:45 am]
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