Airworthiness Directives; British Aerospace Model BAe 146-100A, - 200A, and -300A Series Airplanes Equipped With AlliedSignal ALF502R- Series Engines

[Federal Register Volume 65, Number 54 (Monday, March 20, 2000)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 14850-14853]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 00-6158]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 98-NM-174-AD; Amendment 39-11635; AD 2000-05-25]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; British Aerospace Model BAe 146-100A, -
200A, and -300A Series Airplanes Equipped With AlliedSignal ALF502R-
Series Engines

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This amendment supersedes an existing airworthiness directive 
(AD), applicable to all British Aerospace Model BAe 146-100A, -200A, 
and -300A series airplanes, that currently requires installation of a 
placard prescribing special procedures to be followed when operating at 
certain flight levels with the engine and airframe anti-ice switch ON; 
modification of the air brake auto-retract function; and a revision to 
the Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) relative to altitude and operating 
limitations associated with flight in icing conditions above 26,000 
feet. This amendment requires installation/replacement of new placards. 
This amendment also provides for a terminating modification for the AFM 
revision and installation/replacement of placards. This amendment is 
prompted by reports of uncommanded engine thrust reductions (rollback) 
when operating in certain icing conditions that exist in the vicinity 
of thunderstorms. The actions specified by this AD are intended to 
prevent engine power rollback during flight in icing conditions, a 
condition that could result in insufficient power to sustain flight.

DATES: Effective April 24, 2000.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of April 24, 2000.

[[Page 14851]]


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 Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol 
Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Norman B. Martenson, Manager, 
International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056; telephone (425) 
227-2110; fax (425) 227-1149.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: A proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal 
Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) by superseding AD 96-14-09, 
amendment 39-9694 (61 FR 37199, July 17, 1996), which is applicable to 
all British Aerospace Model BAe 146-100A, -200A, and -300A series 
airplanes, was published in the Federal Register on December 9, 1999 
(64 FR 68956). The action proposed to continue to require installation 
of a placard prescribing special procedures to be followed when 
operating at certain flight levels with the engine and airframe anti-
ice switch ON; modification of the air brake auto-retract function; and 
a revision to the Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) relative to altitude and 
operating limitations associated with flight in icing conditions above 
26,000 feet. The action also proposed to add a requirement for 
installation/replacement of new placards. The action also proposed to 
provide for a terminating modification for the AFM revision and 
installation/replacement of placards.

Comments Received

    Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate 
in the making of this amendment. Due consideration has been given to 
the comments received.

Request To Revise Applicability

    One commenter requests that the proposed AD be revised to include 
only airplanes with ALF502R-series engines installed. The commenter 
states that AlliedSignal has provided substantiation to the FAA's 
Engine and Propeller Directorate to demonstrate that the ALF507-1H 
engine is not subject to the engine rollback phenomenon; therefore, 
airplanes with these engines installed should be excluded from the 
applicability of the AD.
    The FAA concurs. The FAA has determined that British Aerospace 
Model BAe 146-100A, -200A, and -300A series airplanes equipped with 
ALF502R-series engines are those that should be subject to the 
requirements of this AD. The FAA has revised the applicability of the 
final rule accordingly.

Request To Revise Reference to Terminating Modification

    The same commenter requests that the proposed AD be revised to 
eliminate references to an ``optional terminating modification.'' The 
proposed AD provides for accomplishment of the actions described in 
British Aerospace Service Bulletin SB.71-72-30473A, dated July 8, 1998, 
or Revision 1, dated November 2, 1998, as terminating action for the 
requirements of this AD. This service bulletin defines various 
modifications necessary to implement the rollback prevention package, 
including an engine modification, which is described in AlliedSignal 
Engines Service Bulletin ALF/LF72-1020. The commenter states that 
referral to these modifications as optional is misleading, because the 
engine modification is actually required via separate rulemaking action 
[FAA AD 99-15-06, amendment 39-11225 (64 FR 38557, July 19, 1999)]. The 
commenter suggests that the Summary of the proposed AD be revised to 
state that ``the proposed AD would also provide terminating action by 
incorporation of the engine modification.'' For the same reasons, the 
commenter also suggests that the wording in the paragraph titled 
``Actions Since Issuance of Previous Rule'' in the proposed AD be 
revised.
    The FAA concurs that reference to the modifications as optional in 
this AD may be misleading, since the engine modification is already 
required by FAA AD 99-15-06. The FAA's intent was to allow for 
accomplishment of the modifications prior to the compliance threshold 
required by AD 99-15-06, and to provide for removal of the AFM revision 
and placards required by this AD following accomplishment of the 
modifications. The FAA has revised the appropriate sections of this 
final rule to remove the word ``optional'' in reference to the 
terminating modification. The FAA also has removed the associated cost 
estimates from the Cost Impact information, below. However, since the 
paragraph titled ``Actions Since Issuance of Previous Rule'' in the 
proposed AD is not restated in the final rule, no change is made to 
that paragraph of the AD.

Conclusion

    After careful review of the available data, including the comments 
noted above, the FAA has determined that air safety and the public 
interest require the adoption of the rule with the changes previously 
described. The FAA has determined that these changes will neither 
increase the economic burden on any operator nor increase the scope of 
the AD.

Cost Impact

    There are approximately 40 airplanes of U.S. registry that will be 
affected by this AD.
    The actions that are currently required by AD 96-14-09 take 
approximately 4 work hours per airplane to accomplish, at an average 
labor rate of $60 per work hour. Based on these figures, the cost 
impact of the previously required actions on U.S. operators is 
estimated to be $9,600, or $240 per airplane.
    The new actions that are required by this new AD will take 
approximately 1 work hour per airplane to accomplish, at an average 
labor rate of $60 per work hour. Based on these figures, the cost 
impact of the new requirements of this AD on U.S. operators is 
estimated to be $2,400, or $60 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.

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 Docket at the location provided under the caption 
ADDRESSES.

[[Page 14852]]

List of Subjects 14 CFR Part 39

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

Adoption of the Amendment

    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

    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. Section 39.13 is amended by removing amendment 39-9694 (61 FR 
37199, July 17, 1996), and by adding a new airworthiness directive 
(AD), amendment 39-11635, to read as follows:

2000-05-25  British Aerospace Regional Aircraft (Formerly British 
Aerospace Regional Aircraft Limited, Avro International Aerospace 
Division; British Aerospace, PLC; British Aerospace Commercial 
Aircraft Limited): Amendment 39-11635. Docket 98-NM-174-AD. 
Supersedes AD 96-14-09, Amendment 39-9694.

Applicability: Model BAe 146-100A, -200A, and -300A series 
airplanes, certificated in any category; equipped with AlliedSignal 
ALF502R-series engines.

    Note 1: This AD applies to each airplane identified in the 
preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been 
modified, altered, or repaired in the area subject to the 
requirements of this AD. For airplanes that have been modified, 
altered, or repaired so that the performance of the requirements of 
this AD is affected, the owner/operator must request approval for an 
alternative method of compliance in accordance with paragraph (g)(1) 
of this AD. The request should include an assessment of the effect 
of the modification, alteration, or repair on the unsafe condition 
addressed by this AD; and, if the unsafe condition has not been 
eliminated, the request should include specific proposed actions to 
address it.

    Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished 
previously.
    To prevent engine power rollback during flight in icing 
conditions, a condition that could result in insufficient power to 
sustain flight, accomplish the following:

Restatement of Requirements of AD 96-14-09, Amendment 39-9694

Placard Installation

    (a) For airplanes listed in British Aerospace Service Bulletin 
SB.11-97-01285A, Revision 1, dated April 3, 1992: Within 30 days 
after December 17, 1992 (the effective date of AD 92-24-09, 
amendment 39-8415), install a placard below the ice protection 
switches on the flight deck overhead panel to include additional 
procedures to be followed when operating at certain flight levels 
with the engine and airframe anti-ice switch ON, in accordance with 
British Aerospace Service Bulletin SB.11-97-01285A, Revision 1, 
dated April 3, 1992.

Modification

    (b) For airplanes listed in British Aerospace Service Bulletin 
SB.11-97-01285A, Revision 1, dated April 3, 1992: Within 30 days 
after December 17, 1992 (the effective date of AD 92-24-09, 
amendment 39-8415), modify the air brake auto-retract function, in 
accordance with British Aerospace Service Bulletin SB.11-97-01285A, 
Revision 1, dated April 3, 1992.

Airplane Flight Manual Revision

    (c) Within 6 days after July 22, 1996 (the effective date of AD 
96-14-09, amendment 39-9694), amend the FAA-approved Airplane Flight 
Manual (AFM) as required by paragraphs (c)(1) and (c)(2) of this AD.
    (1) Remove the following Temporary Revisions (TR) from the 
Limitations Section and Normal/Abnormal Procedures Section, as 
applicable:
    (i) For Model BAe 146-100A series airplanes: TR 30, Issue No. 2 
(Document No. BAe 3.3), dated February 1994.
    (ii) For Model BAe 146-200A series airplanes: TR 41, Issue No. 2 
(Document No. BAe 3.3), dated February 1994, or TR 42, Issue No. 2 
(Document No. BAe 3.3), dated February 1994, as applicable.
    (iii) For Model BAe 146-300A series airplanes: TR 23, Issue No. 
2 (Document No. BAe 3.3), dated February 1994.
    (2) Insert the following TR's into the Limitations Section and 
the Normal/Abnormal Procedures/Handling Section, as applicable.
    (i) For Model BAe 146-100A series airplanes: TR 32, Issue No. 2 
(Document BAe 3.3), dated July 1996.
    (ii) For Model BAe 146-200A series airplanes: TR 44, Issue No. 2 
(Document BAe 3.6), dated July 1996.
    (iii) For Model BAe 146-300A series airplanes: TR 25, Issue No. 
2 (Document BAe 3.11), dated July 1996.
    (d) When the TR's specified in paragraph (c)(2) have been 
incorporated into an AFM General Revision, the applicable AFM 
General Revision may be inserted into the corresponding FAA-approved 
AFM, provided the information contained in the AFM General Revision 
corresponds identically to that specified in TR 32, TR 44, or TR 25.

New Requirements of This AD

Placard Installation

    (e) Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD, install 
a placard on the flight deck to indicate that a 26,000 feet altitude 
limitation in icing is applicable, and replace the ice protection 
panel placard with a new placard for N2 limitations, in accordance 
with British Aerospace Service Bulletin SB.11-137-30405A, dated 
March 26, 1998. Upon accomplishment of this placard installation, 
the placard required by paragraph (a) of this AD may be removed.

Terminating Modification (Including Modification Required by AD 99-
15-06)

    (f) Modification of all four engines [i.e., reduction of the 
length core-flow/fan-flow splitter (cut-back splitter); modification 
of the splitter lip insulating baffle; installation of a heated exit 
guide vane (EGV); relocation of the engine anti-ice air source to 
the combustor bleed plenum; installation of a new anti-ice valve 
with improved couplings; and installation of improved insulated 
connections], and insertions of AFM revisions, in accordance with 
British Aerospace Service Bulletin SB.71-72-30473A, dated July 8, 
1998, or Revision 1, dated November 2, 1998; constitutes terminating 
action for the requirements of this AD. After the modification is 
accomplished, the AFM revisions and placards required by paragraphs 
(c), (d), and (e) of this AD may be removed.

    Note 2: British Aerospace Service Bulletin SB.71-72-30473A, 
dated July 8, 1998, and Revision 1, dated November 2, 1998, only 
describe procedures for installation of engines that have been 
modified in accordance with the requirements of AD 99-15-06, 
amendment 39-11225.

Alternative Methods of Compliance

    (g)(1) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the 
compliance time that provides an acceptable level of safety may be 
used if approved by the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, 
Transport Airplane Directorate. Operators shall submit their 
requests through an appropriate FAA Principal Maintenance Inspector, 
who may add comments and then send it to the Manager, International 
Branch, ANM-116.

    Note 3: Information concerning the existence of approved 
alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be 
obtained from the International Branch, ANM-116.

    (2) Alternative methods of compliance, approved previously in 
accordance with AD 96-14-09, amendment 39-9694, are approved as 
alternative methods of compliance with this AD.

Special Flight Permits

    (h) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with 
Secs. 21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 
21.197 and 21.199) to operate the airplane to a location where the 
requirements of this AD can be accomplished.

Incorporation by Reference

    (i) The actions shall be done in accordance with British 
Aerospace Service Bulletin SB.11-97-01285A, Revision 1, dated April 
3, 1992; Airplane Flight Manual Temporary Revision 32, Issue No. 2 
(Document BAe 3.3), dated July 1996; Airplane Flight Manual 
Temporary Revision 44, Issue No. 2 (Document BAe 3.6), dated July 
1996; Airplane Flight Manual Temporary Revision 25, Issue No. 2 
(Document BAe 3.11), dated July 1996; and British Aerospace Service

[[Page 14853]]

Bulletin SB.11-137-30405A, dated March 26, 1998; as applicable.
    (1) The incorporation by reference of British Aerospace Service 
Bulletin SB.11-137-30405A, dated March 26, 1998, 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 British Aerospace Service 
Bulletin SB.11-97-01285A, Revision 1, dated April 3, 1992, was 
approved previously by the Director of the Federal Register as of 
December 17, 1992 (57 FR 53548, November 12, 1992).
    (3) The incorporation by reference of Airplane Flight Manual 
Temporary Revision 32, Issue No. 2 (Document BAe 3.3), dated July 
1996; Airplane Flight Manual Temporary Revision 44, Issue No. 2 
(Document BAe 3.6), dated July 1996; and Airplane Flight Manual 
Temporary Revision 25, Issue No. 2 (Document BAe 3.11), dated July 
1996; was approved previously by the Director of the Federal 
Register as of July 22, 1996 (61 FR 37199, July 17, 1996).
    (4) 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 
Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 
700, Washington, DC.

    Note 4: The subject of this AD is addressed in British 
airworthiness directives 004-03-98 and 003-06-96, Revision 1.

    (j) This amendment becomes effective on April 24, 2000.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on March 8, 2000.
Franklin Tiangsing,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 00-6158 Filed 3-17-00; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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