[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 185 (Friday, September 23, 2016)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 65581-65583]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-22831]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2016-9160; Directorate Identifier 2016-CE-022-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; B-N Group Ltd. Airplanes

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

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) 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, BN-2T-4R, BN-2T, BN2A MK. III, BN2A MK. III-2, and 
BN2A MK. III-3 (all models on Type Certificate Data Sheets A17EU and 
A29EU) airplanes that would supersde AD 2016-06-01. This proposed AD 
results from mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) 
originated 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 proposed AD to change the 
model applicability due to errors found in AD 2016-06-01.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by November 7, 
2016.

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 20590,

[[Page 65582]]

between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal 
holidays.
    For service information identified in this proposed 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.

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-2016-
9160; 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 this proposed AD, 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.

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: 

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-2016-9160; 
Directorate Identifier 2016-CE-022-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 because of those comments.
    We will post all comments we receive, without change, to http://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

    On March 7, 2016, we issued AD 2016-06-01, Amendment 39-18432 (81 
FR 13717; March 15, 2016). That AD required actions intended to address 
an unsafe condition on B-N Group Ltd. Model 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, and BN2A MK. III-3 (all models on TCDS A17EU and 
A29EU) airplanes. AD 2016-06-01 was based on mandatory continuing 
airworthiness information (MCAI) originated by an aviation authority of 
another country. The MCAI states:

    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.

    Since we issued AD 2016-06-01, errors were discovered in the model 
applicability after issuance. This proposed AD adds Models BN-2T and 
BN-2T-4R, removes nonexistent Model BN2B, and removes duplicate 
listings of BN2A and BN2A MK.III.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    B-N Group Ltd. has issued 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 NPRM.

FAA's Determination and Requirements of the 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 this State of Design Authority, they 
have notified us of the unsafe condition described in the MCAI and 
service information referenced above. We are proposing this AD because 
we evaluated all information and determined the unsafe condition exists 
and is likely to exist or develop on other products of the same type 
design.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed 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 proposed 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.
    The cost impact of this AD is the same as that presented in AD 
2016-06-01.

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.

[[Page 65583]]

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),
    (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.

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

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 39-18432 (81 FR 
13717; March 15, 2016), and adding the following new AD:

B-N Group Ltd.: Docket No. FAA-2016-9160; Directorate Identifier 
2016-CE-022-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by November 7, 2016.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD replaces AD 2016-06-01, Amendment 39-18432 (81 FR 13717; 
March 15, 2016).

(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, BN-2T-4R, BN-2T, 
BN2A MK. III, BN2A MK. III-2, and BN2A MK. III-3 (all models on Type 
Certificate Data Sheets 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 proposed AD to change the model applicability due to errors 
found in AD 2016-06-01.

(f) Actions and Compliance

    Unless already done, do the following actions in paragraphs 
(f)(1) through (5) of this AD:
    (1) For all airplanes that are equipped with pitot/static 
pressure head part number (P/N) DU130-24, except Models BN-2T and 
BN-2T-4R: Within 50 hours time-in-service (TIS) after April 19, 2016 
(the effective date retained from AD 2016-06-01) 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 Models BN-2T and BN-2T-4R that are equipped with pitot/
static pressure head part number (P/N) DU130-24: Within 50 hours TIS 
after 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.
    (3) For all airplanes equipped with pitot/static pressure head 
part number (P/N) DU130-24: If, during an inspection or test 
required in paragraph (f)(1) or (2) of this AD discrepancies are 
found, before further flight, replace the pitot/static pressure head 
with an airworthy part.
    (4) For all airplanes equipped with pitot/static pressure head 
part number (P/N) DU130-24: Corrections performed on airplanes as 
required in paragraph (f)(3) of this AD do not constitute 
terminating action for the repetitive actions required in paragraph 
(f)(1) or (2) of this AD.
    (5) For all 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 retained from AD 2016-06-01), 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) 329-4090; 
email:. 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.: 
2015-0184, dated September 1, 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-2016-9160. 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.

    Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on September 16, 2016.
Pat Mullen,
Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2016-22831 Filed 9-22-16; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P