[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 50 (Tuesday, March 15, 2016)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 13717-13719]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-05509]



[[Page 13717]]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2015-7777; Directorate Identifier 2015-CE-036-AD; 
Amendment 39-18432; AD 2016-06-01]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; B-N Group Ltd. Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of 
Transportation (DOT).

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: We are superseding an airworthiness directive (AD) 2007-06-06 
for B-N Group Ltd. Models BN-2, BN-2A, BN-2A-2, BN-2A-3, BN-2A-6, BN-
2A-8, BN-2A-9, BN-2A-20, BN-2A-21, BN-2A-26, BN-2A-27, BN-2B-20, BN-2B-
21, BN-2B-26, BN-2B-27, BN2A MK. III, BN2A MK. III-2, BN2A MK. III-3 
BN2A, BN2B, and BN2A MKIII (all models on TCDS A17EU and A29EU) 
airplanes. This AD results from mandatory continuing airworthiness 
information (MCAI) issued by an aviation authority of another country 
to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an aviation product. The 
MCAI describes the unsafe condition as cracks in the inner shell of 
certain pitot/static pressure heads. We are issuing this AD to require 
actions to address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective April 19, 2016.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in the AD as of April 19, 
2016.

ADDRESSES: You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2015-
7777; or in person at the Docket Management Facility, U.S. Department 
of Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, 
Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590.
    For service information identified in this AD, contact Britten-
Norman Aircraft Limited, Commodore House, Mountbatten Business Centre, 
Millbrook Road East, Southampton SO15 1HY, United Kingdom; telephone: 
+44 20 3371 4000; fax: +44 20 3371 4001; email: [email protected]; 
Internet: http://www.britten-norman.com/customer-support/. You may view 
this referenced service information at the FAA, Small Airplane 
Directorate, 901 Locust, Kansas City, Missouri 64106. For information 
on the availability of this material at the FAA, call (816) 329-4148. 
It is also available on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by 
searching for Docket No. FAA-2015-7777.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Raymond Johnston, Aerospace Engineer, 
FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas City, 
Missouri 64106; telephone: (816) 329-4159; fax: (816) 329-3047; email: 
[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Discussion

    We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR 
part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to B-N Group Ltd. Models BN-2, 
BN-2A, BN-2A-2, BN-2A-3, BN-2A-6, BN-2A-8, BN-2A-9, BN-2A-20, BN-2A-21, 
BN-2A-26, BN-2A-27, BN-2B-20, BN-2B-21, BN-2B-26, BN-2B-27, BN2A MK. 
III, BN2A MK. III-2, BN2A MK. III-3 BN2A, BN2B, and BN2A MKIII (all 
models on TCDS A17EU and A29EU) airplanes. That NPRM was published in 
the Federal Register on December 24, 2015 (80 FR 80291), and proposed 
to supersede AD 2007-06-06, Amendment 39-14987 (72 FR 12557; March 16, 
2007).
    The NPRM proposed to correct an unsafe condition for the specified 
products and was based on mandatory continuing airworthiness 
information (MCAI) originated by an aviation authority of another 
country. The MCAI states that:

    In 2005, occurrences were reported of finding cracks in the 
inner shell of certain pitot/static pressure heads, Part Number (P/
N) DU130-24.
    This condition, if not detected and corrected, could lead to 
incorrect readings on the pressure instrumentation, e.g. altimeters, 
vertical speed indicators (rate-of-climb) and airspeed indicators, 
possibly resulting in reduced control of the aeroplane.
    To address this potential unsafe condition, B-N Group issued 
Service Bulletin (SB) 310 to provide inspection and test 
instructions. Consequently, CAA UK issued AD G-2005-0034 (EASA 
approval 2005-6447) to require repetitive inspections and leak tests 
and, depending on findings, accomplishment of applicable corrective 
action(s).
    Subsequently, B-N Group published SB 310 issue 2, prompting EASA 
to issue AD 2006-0143 making reference to SB 310 at issue 2, while 
the publication of BNA SB 310 issue 3 prompted EASA AD 2006-0143R1, 
introducing BNA modification (mod) NB-M-1728 (new pitot/static 
pressure head not affected by the AD requirements) as optional 
terminating action for the repetitive inspections and leak tests.
    Since that AD was issued, operators have reported a number of 
premature failures of the affected P/N DU130-24 pitot-static probes.
    Prompted by these reports, BNA issued SB 310 issue 4 to reduce 
the interval for the inspections and leak tests.
    For the reason described above, this AD retains the requirements 
of EASA AD 2006-0143R1, which is superseded, but requires those 
actions at reduced intervals.

    The MCAI can be found in the AD docket on the Internet at: http://www.regulations.gov/#!documentDetail;D=FAA-2015-7777-0002.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this AD. We received no comments on the NPRM or on the determination of 
the cost to the public.

Conclusion

    We reviewed the relevant data and determined that air safety and 
the public interest require adopting the AD as proposed except for 
minor editorial changes. We have determined that these minor changes:
     Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the 
NPRM (80 FR 80291, December 24, 2015) for correcting the unsafe 
condition; and
     Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was 
already proposed in the NPRM (80 FR 80291, December 24, 2015).

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    We reviewed Britten-Norman Service Bulletin Number SB 310, Issue 4, 
dated September 25, 2015. The service information describes procedures 
for inspections, and if necessary, replacement of the pitot/static 
pressure head. This service information is reasonably available because 
the interested parties have access to it through their normal course of 
business or by the means identified in the ADDRESSES section of this 
final rule.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD will affect 93 products of U.S. registry. 
We also estimate that it would take about 1 work-hour per product to 
comply with the basic requirements of this proposed AD. The average 
labor rate is $85 per work-hour.
    Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of this AD on U.S. 
operators to be $7,905, or $85 per product.
    In addition, we estimate that any necessary follow-on actions would 
take about 2 work-hours and require parts costing $10,000, for a cost 
of $10,170 per product. We have no way of determining the number of 
products that may need these actions.

[[Page 13718]]

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 AD will not have federalism implications 
under Executive Order 13132. This AD 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.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify this AD:
    (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),
    (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.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2015-
7777; or in person at the Docket Management Facility between 9 a.m. and 
5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket 
contains the NPRM, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, 
and other information. The street address for the Docket Office 
(telephone (800) 647-5527) is in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will 
be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

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

Adoption of the Amendment

    Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the FAA amends 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. The FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by removing Amendment 39-14987 (72 FR 
12557; March 16, 2007) and adding the following new AD:

2016-06-01 B-N Group Ltd.: Amendment 39-18432; Docket No. FAA-2015-
7777; Directorate Identifier 2015-CE-036-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective April 19, 
2016.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD supersedes AD 2007-06-06, Amendment 39-14987 (72 FR 
12557; March 16, 2007).

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to B-N Group Ltd. Models BN-2, BN-2A, BN-2A-2, 
BN-2A-3, BN-2A-6, BN-2A-8, BN-2A-9, BN-2A-20, BN-2A-21, BN-2A-26, 
BN-2A-27, BN-2B-20, BN-2B-21, BN-2B-26, BN-2B-27, BN2A MK. III, BN2A 
MK. III-2, BN2A MK. III-3 BN2A, BN2B, and BN2A MKIII, BN2A, BN2B, 
and BN2A MKIII (all models on TCDS A17EU and A29EU) airplanes, all 
serial numbers, certificated in any category.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association of America (ATA) Code 34: Navigation.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by mandatory continuing airworthiness 
information (MCAI) issued by an aviation authority of another 
country to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an aviation 
product. The MCAI describes the unsafe condition as cracks in the 
inner shell of certain pitot/static pressure heads. We are issuing 
this AD to correct cracks of the inner shell of certain pitot/static 
pressure heads for cracks; which could lead to incorrect readings on 
the pressure instrumentation, e.g. altimeters, vertical speed 
indicators (rate-of-climb) and airspeed indicators and possibly 
result in reduced control of the airplane.

(f) Actions and Compliance

    Unless already done, do the following actions in paragraphs 
(f)(1) through (f)(4) of this AD:
    (1) For airplanes equipped with pitot/static pressure head part 
number (P/N) DU130-24: Within 50 hours time-in-service (TIS) after 
April 19, 2016 (the effective date of this AD) and repetitively 
thereafter at intervals not to exceed 50 hours TIS, inspect the 
pitot/static pressure head for cracks and/or separation and perform 
a leak test following the procedures in the action section of 
Britten-Norman Service Bulletin SB 310, Issue 4, dated September 25, 
2015.
    (2) For airplanes equipped with pitot/static pressure head part 
number (P/N) DU130-24: If, during an inspection or test required in 
paragraph (f)(1) of this AD discrepancies are found, before further 
flight, replace the pitot/static pressure head with an airworthy 
part.
    (3) For airplanes equipped with pitot/static pressure head part 
number (P/N) DU130-24: Corrections performed on airplanes as 
required in paragraph (f)(2) of this AD do not constitute 
terminating action for the repetitive actions required in paragraph 
(f)(1) of this AD.
    (4) For airplanes not equipped with a pitot/static pressure head 
P/N DU130-24 on the effective date of this AD: After April 19, 2016 
(the effective date of this AD), do not install a pitot/static 
pressure head P/N DU130-24.

(g) Other FAA AD Provisions

    The following provisions also apply to this AD:
    (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, 
Standards Office, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this 
AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. Send 
information to ATTN: Raymond Johnston, Aerospace Engineer, FAA, 
Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas City, 
Missouri 64106; telephone: (816) 329-4159; fax: (816) 329-3047; 
email: [email protected]. Before using any approved AMOC on 
any airplane to which the AMOC applies, notify your appropriate 
principal inspector (PI) in the FAA Flight Standards District Office 
(FSDO), or lacking a PI, your local FSDO.
    (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.

(h) Related Information

    Refer to MCAI European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD No.: 
2015-0199, dated October 7, 2015, for related information. You may 
examine the MCAI on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by 
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2015-7777. For service 
information related to this AD, contact Britten-Norman Aircraft 
Limited, Commodore House, Mountbatten Business Centre, Millbrook 
Road East, Southampton SO15 1HY, United Kingdom; telephone: +44 20 
3371 4000; fax: +44 20 3371 4001; email: [email protected]; 
Internet: http://www.britten-norman.com/customer-support/. You may 
review copies of the referenced service information at the FAA, 
Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Kansas City, Missouri 64106. 
For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, 
call (816) 329-4148.

[[Page 13719]]

(i) Material Incorporated by Reference

    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference (IBR) of the service information listed 
in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
    (2) You must use this service information as applicable to do 
the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
    (i) Britten-Norman Service Bulletin SB 310, Issue 4, dated 
September 25, 2015.
    (ii) Reserved.
    (3) For Britten-Norman Aircraft Limited service information 
identified in this AD, contact Britten-Norman Aircraft Limited, 
Commodore House, Mountbatten Business Centre, Millbrook Road East, 
Southampton SO15 1HY, United Kingdom; telephone: +44 20 3371 4000; 
fax: +44 20 3371 4001; email: [email protected]; Internet: http://www.britten-norman.com/customer-support/.
    (4) You may review copies of the referenced service information 
at the FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Kansas City, 
Missouri 64106. For information on the availability of this material 
at the FAA, call (816) 329-4148. In addition, you can access this 
service information on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by 
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2015-7777.
    (5) You may view this service information that is incorporated 
by reference 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/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on March 7, 2016.
Pat Mullen,
Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2016-05509 Filed 3-14-16; 8:45 am]
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