[Federal Register Volume 88, Number 72 (Friday, April 14, 2023)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 22920-22922]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2023-07826]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2023-0929; Project Identifier MCAI-2022-01401-T]
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: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD)
for all BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Model 4101 airplanes. This
proposed AD was prompted by in-service cracking of the passenger door
edge member, seal carrier, and inner skin, adjacent to the roller guide
bracket. This proposed AD would require a one-time inspection of the
external visible surface of the inner skin, door edge member, and seal
carrier adjacent to the roller bracket attachment brackets; and the
inner skin, door edge member, and seal carrier at the roller bracket
attachment bore, and repair if necessary. The FAA is proposing this AD
to address the unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: The FAA must receive comments on this proposed AD by May 30,
2023.
ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods:
Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to 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: Deliver to Mail address above between 9
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at regulations.gov under
Docket No. FAA-2023-0929; or in person at Docket Operations between 9
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD
docket contains this NPRM, the mandatory continuing airworthiness
information (MCAI), any comments received, and other information. The
street address for Docket Operations is listed above.
Material Incorporated by Reference
For service information identified in this NPRM, 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]; website regional-services.com.
You may view this service information at the FAA,
Airworthiness Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 2200 South
216th St., Des Moines, WA. For information on the
[[Page 22921]]
availability of this material at the FAA, call 206-231-3195.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Todd Thompson, Aerospace Engineer,
Large Aircraft Section, FAA, International Validation Branch, 2200
South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone 206-231-3228; email
[email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
The FAA invites you to send any written relevant data, views, or
arguments about this proposal. Send your comments to an address listed
under ADDRESSES. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2023-0929; Project Identifier
MCAI-2022-01401-T'' at the beginning of your comments. The most helpful
comments reference a specific portion of the proposal, explain the
reason for any recommended change, and include supporting data. The FAA
will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend
the proposal because of those comments.
Except for Confidential Business Information (CBI) as described in
the following paragraph, and other information as described in 14 CFR
11.35, the FAA will post all comments received, without change, to
regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. The
agency will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal
contact received about this NPRM.
Confidential Business Information
CBI is commercial or financial information that is both customarily
and actually treated as private by its owner. Under the Freedom of
Information Act (FOIA) (5 U.S.C. 552), CBI is exempt from public
disclosure. If your comments responsive to this NPRM contain commercial
or financial information that is customarily treated as private, that
you actually treat as private, and that is relevant or responsive to
this NPRM, it is important that you clearly designate the submitted
comments as CBI. Please mark each page of your submission containing
CBI as ``PROPIN.'' The FAA will treat such marked submissions as
confidential under the FOIA, and they will not be placed in the public
docket of this NPRM. Submissions containing CBI should be sent to Todd
Thompson, Aerospace Engineer, Large Aircraft Section, FAA,
International Validation Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA
98198; telephone 206-231-3228; email [email protected]. Any
commentary that the FAA receives which is not specifically designated
as CBI will be placed in the public docket for this rulemaking.
Background
The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), which is the aviation authority
for the United Kingdom (U.K.), has issued U.K. CAA AD G-2022-0019,
dated October 31, 2022 (U.K. CAA AD G-2022-0019) (also referred to
after this as the MCAI), to correct an unsafe condition on all BAE
Systems (Operations) Limited Model 4101 airplanes. The MCAI states that
in-service cracking occurred on the Jetstream 41 passenger door edge
member, seal carrier, and inner skin, adjacent to the roller guide
bracket. BAE Systems (Operations) Limited reviewed the fatigue test
data and existing inspection requirements, and concluded a new
inspection is needed to address this potential unsafe condition.
The FAA is proposing this AD to address undetected cracking of the
passenger door. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in
a partial failure of the door, hindering passenger evacuation during an
emergency or possibly causing cabin pressurization problems during
flight, requiring passengers and crew to don oxygen masks.
You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at regulations.gov under
Docket No. FAA-2023-0929.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed BAe JETSTREAM Series 4100 Service Bulletin,
Revision 1, dated June 8, 2022. This service information specifies
procedures for a one-time eddy current inspection of the external
visible surface of the inner skin, door edge member, and seal carrier
adjacent to the roller bracket attachment brackets for cracking; a one-
time eddy current inspection of the inner skin, door edge member, and
seal carrier at the roller bracket attachment bores for cracking; and
repair.
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.
FAA's Determination
This product has been approved by the aviation authority of another
country, and is approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant
to the FAA's bilateral agreement with this State of Design Authority,
it has notified the FAA of the unsafe condition described in the MCAI
and service information described above. The FAA is issuing this NPRM
after determining that the unsafe condition described previously is
likely to exist or develop on other products of the same type design.
Proposed AD Requirements in This NPRM
This proposed AD would require accomplishing the actions specified
in the service information already described.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD, if adopted as proposed, would
affect 12 airplanes of U.S. registry. The FAA estimates the following
costs to comply with this proposed AD:
Estimated Costs for Required Actions
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Cost per Cost on U.S.
Labor cost Parts cost product operators
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2 work-hours x $85 per hour = Up to $170..................... $0 $170 $2,040
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The FAA has received no definitive data on which to base the cost
estimates for the on-condition actions specified in this proposed AD.
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.
The FAA is 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.
[[Page 22922]]
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
The FAA 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) Would not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
(3) Would 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 adding the following new airworthiness
directive:
BAE Systems (Operations) Limited: Docket No. FAA-2023-0929; Project
Identifier MCAI-2022-01401-T.
(a) Comments Due Date
The FAA must receive comments on this airworthiness directive
(AD) by May 30, 2023.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to all BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Model
4101 airplanes, certificated in any category.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 52, Doors.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by in-service cracking of the passenger
door edge member, seal carrier, and inner skin, adjacent to the
roller guide bracket. The FAA is issuing this AD to address
undetected cracking of the passenger door. The unsafe condition, if
not addressed, could result in a partial failure of the passenger
door, and consequent reduced structural integrity of the passenger
door.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Inspections
At the applicable time specified in paragraph (g)(1) or (2) of
this AD, accomplish an eddy current inspection of the external
visible surface of the inner skin, door edge member, and seal
carrier adjacent to the roller bracket attachment brackets for
cracking; and an eddy current inspection of the inner skin, door
edge member, and seal carrier at the roller bracket attachment bores
for cracking, in accordance with paragraph 2.B. of the
Accomplishment Instructions of BAe JETSTREAM Series 4100 Service
Bulletin J41-52-065, Revision 1, dated June 8, 2022.
(1) For airplanes that have accumulated 18,000 total flight
cycles or fewer as of the effective date of this AD: Accomplish the
inspections prior to the accumulation of 20,000 total flight cycles.
(2) For airplanes that have accumulated more than 18,000 total
flight cycles as of the effective date of this AD: Accomplish the
inspections within 2,000 flight cycles after the effective date of
this AD.
(h) Corrective Actions
If, during any inspection required by paragraph (g) of this AD,
any crack is detected: Before further flight, repair using a method
approved by the Manager, International Validation Branch, FAA; or
the United Kingdom Civil Aviation Authority (U.K. CAA); or BAE
Systems (Operations) Limited's U.K. CAA's (DOA). If approved by the
DOA, the approval must include the DOA-authorized signature
(i) No Reporting Requirement
Although BAe JETSTREAM Series 4100 Service Bulletin J41-52-065,
Revision 1, dated June 8, 2022, specifies to submit certain
information to the manufacturer, this AD does not include that
requirement.
(j) Additional AD Provisions
The following provisions also apply to this AD:
(1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager,
International Validation 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 responsible Flight Standards Office, as
appropriate. If sending information directly to the manager,
International Validation Branch, mail it to the address identified
in paragraph (k)(2) of this AD or email to: [email protected]. If mailing information, also submit information by
email. Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate
principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager
of the responsible Flight Standards Office.
(2) Contacting the Manufacturer: For any requirement in this AD
to obtain instructions from a manufacturer, the instructions must be
accomplished using a method approved by the Manager, International
Validation Branch, FAA; or the U.K. CAA; or BAE Systems (Operations)
Limited's U.K. CAA's Design Organization Approval (DOA). If approved
by the DOA, the approval must include the DOA-authorized signature.
(k) Additional Information
(1) Refer to U.K. CAA G-2022-0019, dated October 31, 2022, for
related information. This U.K. CAA AD may be found in the AD docket
at regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA-2023-0929.
(2) For more information about this AD, contact Todd Thompson,
Aerospace Engineer, Large Aircraft Section, FAA, International
Validation Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198;
telephone 206-231-3228; email [email protected].
(l) 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 this AD specifies otherwise.
(i) BAe JETSTREAM Series 4100 Service Bulletin J41-52-065,
Revision 1, dated June 8, 2022.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For service information identified in this 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]; website regional-services.com.
(4) You may view this service information at the FAA,
Airworthiness Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 2200
South 216th St., Des Moines, WA. For information on the availability
of this material at the FAA, call 206-231-3195.
(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, email [email protected], or go to: www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.
Issued on April 8, 2023.
Christina Underwood,
Acting Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2023-07826 Filed 4-13-23; 8:45 am]
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