[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 26 (Wednesday, February 8, 2012)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 6520-6522]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-2908]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2012-0106; Directorate Identifier 2011-NM-150-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; BAE SYSTEMS (OPERATIONS) LIMITED 
Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all 
BAE SYSTEMS (OPERATIONS) LIMITED Model BAe 146 and Avro 146-RJ 
airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by reports of baggage bay fire 
bottles that can be misassembled such that two squib electrical 
connectors can be cross-connected. This proposed AD would require a 
general visual inspection of certain baggage bay fire bottles for 
correct connection and for the length of the wiring loom, modifying the 
wiring loom to certain squib connectors, and corrective actions if 
necessary. We are proposing this AD to detect and correct excessive 
wiring loom length and improper connection of the squib connecters, 
which in conjunction with a fire in one of the baggage bays, could 
result in the fire extinguishing agent being discharged into a wrong 
compartment and consequent damage to the airplane.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by March 26, 2012.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments by any of the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
     Fax: (202) 493-2251.
     Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590.
     Hand Delivery: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday 
through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    For service information identified in this proposed AD, contact BAE 
SYSTEMS (OPERATIONS) LIMITED, Customer Information Department, 
Prestwick International Airport, Ayrshire, KA9 2RW, Scotland, United 
Kingdom; telephone +44 1292 675207; fax +44 1292 675704; email 
[email protected]; Internet http://www.baesystems.com/Businesses/RegionalAircraft/index.htm. You may review copies of the 
referenced service information at the FAA, Transport Airplane 
Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, Washington. For information 
on the availability of this material at the FAA, call (425) 227-1221.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov; or in person at the Docket Operations office 
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal 
holidays. The AD docket contains this proposed AD, the regulatory 
evaluation, any comments received, and other information. The street 
address for the Docket Operations office (telephone (800) 647-5527) is 
in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available in the AD docket 
shortly after receipt.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Todd Thompson, Aerospace Engineer, 
International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA 1601 
Lind Avenue SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356; telephone (425) 227-
1175; fax (425) 227-1149.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

    We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or 
arguments about this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address 
listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2012-0106; 
Directorate Identifier 2011-NM-150-AD'' at the beginning of your 
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this proposed AD. We 
will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend 
this proposed AD based on those comments.
    We will post all comments we receive, without change, to http://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. We 
will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact we 
receive about this proposed AD.

Discussion

    The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical 
Agent for the Member States of the European Community, has issued EASA 
Airworthiness Directive 2011-0065, dated April 7, 2011 (referred to 
after this as ``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for the 
specified products. The MCAI states:

    The baggage bay fire bottles of certain BAe 146 and AVRO 146-RJ 
aeroplanes can be misassembled such that two squib electrical 
connectors can be cross-connected. This has been caused by an error 
in the baggage bay fire bottle Component Manufacturer Manual (CMM) 
and by excessive wiring loom length.
    This condition, if not corrected and in conjunction with a fire 
in one of the baggage bays, could result in the fire extinguishant 
to be discharged into a wrong compartment and consequent potential 
damage to the aircraft * * *.
    In addition to the CMM revision, to address this unsafe 
condition, BAE Systems developed modifications to reroute the 
baggage bay fire bottle wiring looms and prevent crossed electrical 
connections.
    For the reasons described above, this [EASA] AD requires the 
implementation of modifications HCM36250A and HCM36250B to affected 
aeroplanes.

    Required actions include general visual inspections of certain 
baggage bay fire bottles for correct connection and for the length of 
the wiring loom, modifying the wiring loom to certain squib connectors, 
and corrective action if necessary. Corrective actions include 
reconnecting the squibs connectors and modifying the loom to proper 
length. You may obtain further information by examining the MCAI in the 
AD docket.

Relevant Service Information

    BAE SYSTEMS (Operations) Limited has issued Modification Service 
Bulletin SB.26-077-36250A.B, Revision 4, dated January 7, 2011. The 
actions described in this service information are intended to correct 
the unsafe condition identified in the MCAI.

FAA's Determination and Requirements of This Proposed AD

    This product has been approved by the aviation authority of another 
country, and is approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant 
to our bilateral agreement with the State of Design Authority, we have 
been notified of the unsafe condition described in the MCAI and service 
information referenced above. We are proposing this AD because we 
evaluated all pertinent information and determined an unsafe condition 
exists and is likely to exist or develop on other products of the same 
type design.

[[Page 6521]]

Differences Between This Proposed AD and the MCAI or Service 
Information

    This proposed AD differs from the MCAI and/or service information 
as follows: The actions specified in paragraph (10) (test and close-up) 
of EASA AD 2011-0065, dated April 7, 2011, are not included in this AD.

Costs of Compliance

    Based on the service information, we estimate that this proposed AD 
would affect about 1 product of U.S. registry. We also estimate that it 
would take about 6 work-hours per product to comply with the basic 
requirements of this proposed AD. The average labor rate is $85 per 
work-hour. Required parts would cost about $170 per product. Where the 
service information lists required parts costs that are covered under 
warranty, we have assumed that there will be no charge for these parts. 
As we do not control warranty coverage for affected parties, some 
parties may incur costs higher than estimated here. Based on these 
figures, we estimate the cost of the proposed AD on U.S. operators to 
be $680 per product.
    In addition, we estimate that any necessary follow-on actions would 
take about 3 work-hours and require parts costing $170, for a cost of 
$425 per product. We have no way of determining the number of products 
that may need these actions.

Authority for This Rulemaking

    Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to 
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the 
authority of the FAA Administrator. ``Subtitle VII: Aviation 
Programs,'' describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's 
authority.
    We are issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in 
``Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: General 
requirements.'' Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with 
promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing 
regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator 
finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within 
the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition 
that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this 
rulemaking action.

Regulatory Findings

    We determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism 
implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD 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.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify 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. Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska; and
    4. 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.
    We prepared a regulatory evaluation of the estimated costs to 
comply with this proposed AD and placed it in the AD docket.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by 
reference, Safety.

The Proposed Amendment

    Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 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. The FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by adding the following new AD:

BAE SYSTEMS (OPERATIONS) LIMITED: Docket No. FAA-2012-0106; 
Directorate Identifier 2011-NM-150-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by March 26, 2012.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to BAE SYSTEMS (OPERATIONS) LIMITED Model BAe 
146-100A, -200A, and -300A airplanes, and Model Avro 146-RJ70A, 146-
RJ85A, and 146-RJ100A airplanes; certificated in any category; all 
serial numbers, on which modifications HCM30480A, HCM30480B, 
HCM30480C, HCM30480D, HCM30480E, or HCM30480F are embodied.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 26: Fire 
Protection.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by reports of baggage bay fire bottles that 
can be misassembled such that two squib electrical connectors can be 
cross-connected. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct 
excessive wiring loom length and improper connection of the squib 
connecters, which in conjunction with a fire in one of the baggage 
bays, could result in the fire extinguishing agent being discharged 
into a wrong compartment and consequent damage to the airplane.

(f) Compliance

    You are responsible for having the actions required by this AD 
performed within the compliance times specified, unless the actions 
have already been done.

(g) Inspection/Modification

    Within 3 months after the effective date of this AD, do the 
actions specified in paragraphs (g)(1), (g)(2), (g)(3), (g)(4), 
(g)(5), and (g)(6) of this AD.
    (1) Do a general visual inspection of baggage bay fire bottle 
WB8 having part number (P/N) 473997-1 for correct connection of the 
squib connectors identified in paragraphs (g)(1)(i) and (g)(1)(ii) 
of this AD, in accordance with paragraph 2.C.(3) of the 
Accomplishment Instructions of BAE SYSTEMS (OPERATIONS) LIMITED 
Modification Service Bulletin SB.26-077-36250A.B, Revision 4, dated 
January 7, 2011. If any items are found improperly connected, before 
further flight, reconnect the squib connectors properly, in 
accordance with paragraph 2.C.(3) of the Accomplishment Instructions 
of BAE SYSTEMS (OPERATIONS) LIMITED Modification Service Bulletin 
SB.26-077-36250A.B, Revision 4, dated January 7, 2011.
    (i) Squib connector WB8P1 (S1446-004A) and cartridge P/N 446307.
    (ii) Squib connector WB8P2 (S1446-004D) and squib P/N 446290.
    (2) Do a general visual inspection of the length of the wiring 
loom at the squib connector WB8P2 for excessive length that could 
cause the connector to become cross-connected with squib connector 
WB8P1, in accordance with paragraph 2.C.(4) of the Accomplishment 
Instructions of BAE SYSTEMS (OPERATIONS) LIMITED Modification 
Service Bulletin SB.26-077-36250A.B, Revision 4, dated January 7, 
2011. If excessive length is found, before further flight, modify 
the loom, in accordance with paragraph 2.C.(4) of the Accomplishment 
Instructions of BAE SYSTEMS (OPERATIONS) LIMITED Modification 
Service Bulletin SB.26-077-36250A.B, Revision 4, dated January 7, 
2011.
    (3) Do a general visual inspection of baggage bay fire bottle 
WB7 having P/N 473996-1 for correct connection of squib connectors 
identified in paragraphs (g)(3)(i) and (g)(3)(ii) of this AD, in 
accordance with paragraph 2.C.(5) of the Accomplishment Instructions 
of BAE SYSTEMS (OPERATIONS) LIMITED Modification Service Bulletin 
SB.26-077-36250A.B, Revision 4, dated January 7, 2011. If any items 
are found improperly connected, before further flight, reconnect the 
squib connectors

[[Page 6522]]

properly, in accordance with paragraph 2.C.(5) of the Accomplishment 
Instructions of BAE SYSTEMS (OPERATIONS) LIMITED Modification 
Service Bulletin SB.26-077-36250A.B, Revision 4, dated January 7, 
2011.
    (i) Squib connector WB7P1 (S1446-004A) and cartridge P/N 446307.
    (ii) Squib connector WB7P2 (S1446-004D) and squib P/N 446290.
    (4) Modify the wiring loom to squib connector WB7P2, in 
accordance with paragraphs 2.C.(6)(a) and 2.C.(6)(c) of the 
Accomplishment Instructions of BAE SYSTEMS (OPERATIONS) LIMITED 
Modification Service Bulletin SB.26-077-36250A.B, Revision 4, dated 
January 7, 2011.
    (5) Modify the wiring loom to squib connector WB7P1, in 
accordance with paragraph 2.C.(6)(b) of the Accomplishment 
Instructions of BAE SYSTEMS (OPERATIONS) LIMITED Modification 
Service Bulletin SB.26-077-36250A.B, Revision 4, dated January 7, 
2011.
    (6) Install modification HCM36250B, in accordance with paragraph 
2.C.(7) of the Accomplishment Instructions of BAE SYSTEMS 
(OPERATIONS) LIMITED Service Bulletin SB.26-077-36250A.B, Revision 
4, dated January 7, 2011.
    Note 1 to paragraph (g): Guidance for test and close-up 
procedures can be found in paragraphs 2.D. and 2.E. of the 
Accomplishment Instructions of BAE SYSTEMS (OPERATIONS) LIMITED 
Modification Service Bulletin SB.26-077-36250A.B, Revision 4, dated 
January 7, 2011.

(h) Credit for Actions Accomplished in Accordance With Previous Service 
Information

    Installing modification HCM36250A in accordance with the service 
information specified in paragraphs (h)(1), (h)(2), (h)(3), or 
(h)(4) of this AD before the effective date of this AD is acceptable 
for compliance with the actions specified in paragraphs (g)(1), 
(g)(2), (g)(3), (g)(4), and (g)(5) of this AD.
    (1) BAE SYSTEMS (OPERATIONS) LIMITED Modification Service 
Bulletin SB.26-077-36250A, dated September 4, 2009.
    (2) BAE SYSTEMS (OPERATIONS) LIMITED Modification Service 
Bulletin SB.26-077-36250A, Revision 1, dated September 11, 2009.
    (3) BAE SYSTEMS (OPERATIONS) LIMITED Modification Service 
Bulletin SB.26-077-36250A.B, Revision 2, dated October 14, 2010.
    (4) BAE SYSTEMS (OPERATIONS) LIMITED Modification Service 
Bulletin SB.26-077-36250A.B, Revision 3, dated November 23, 2010.

(i) Other FAA AD Provisions

    The following provisions also apply to this AD:
    (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, 
International Branch, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for 
this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. In 
accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, send your request to your principal 
inspector or local Flight Standards District Office, as appropriate. 
If sending information directly to the International Branch, send it 
to Attn: Todd Thompson, Aerospace Engineer, International Branch, 
ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA 1601 Lind Avenue SW., 
Renton, Washington 98057-3356; telephone (425) 227-1175; fax (425) 
227-1149. Information may be emailed to:  [email protected]. Before using any approved AMOC, notify your 
appropriate principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, 
the manager of the local flight standards district office/
certificate holding district office. The AMOC approval letter must 
specifically reference this AD.
    (2) Airworthy Product: For any requirement in this AD to obtain 
corrective actions from a manufacturer or other source, use these 
actions if they are FAA-approved. Corrective actions are considered 
FAA-approved if they are approved by the State of Design Authority 
(or their delegated agent). You are required to assure the product 
is airworthy before it is returned to service.

(j) Related Information

    Refer to MCAI European Aviation Safety Agency Airworthiness 
Directive 2011-0065, dated April 7, 2011; and BAE SYSTEMS 
(OPERATIONS) LIMITED Modification Service Bulletin SB.26-077-
36250A.B, Revision 4, dated January 7, 2011; for related 
information.


    Issued in Renton, Washington, on January 26, 2012.
Kalene C. Yanamura,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2012-2908 Filed 2-7-12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P