Airworthiness Directives; Pilatus Britten-Norman Ltd. BN-2, BN-2A, BN-2B, BN-2T, BN-2T-4, and BN2A MK. III Series Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 67, Number 14 (Tuesday, January 22, 2002)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 2795-2797]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 02-1222]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2000-CE-47-AD; Amendment 39-12603; AD 2002-01-11]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Pilatus Britten-Norman Ltd. BN-2, BN-
2A, BN-2B, BN-2T, BN-2T-4, and BN2A MK. III Series Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) that 
applies to all Pilatus Britten-Norman Ltd. (Pilatus Britten-Norman) BN-
2, BN-2A, BN-2B, BN-2T, BN-2T-4, and BN2A MK. III series airplanes. 
This AD requires you to repetitively inspect the throttle friction-
shaft and replace the shaft if damaged. This AD is the result of 
mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) issued by the 
airworthiness authority for the United Kingdom. The actions specified 
by this AD are intended to detect and correct loosening of the throttle 
friction adjustment beyond its normal limits. Such a condition could 
lead to damage to the throttle friction-adjuster or the retaining 
washer and split pin. This could allow the throttle quadrant shaft to 
laterally shift and impede the operation of the engine controls.

DATES: This AD becomes effective on February 28, 2002.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in the regulations as of 
February 28, 2002.

ADDRESSES: You may get the service information referenced in this AD 
from Pilatus Britten-Norman Limited, Bembridge, Isle of Wight, United 
Kingdom PO35 5PR; telephone: +44 (0) 1983 872511; facsimile: +44 (0) 
1983 873246. You may view this information at the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), Central Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, 
Attention: Rules Docket No. 2000-CE-47-AD, 901 Locust, Room 506, Kansas 
City, Missouri 64106; or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 
North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Doug Rudolph, Aerospace Engineer, FAA, 
Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas City, Missouri 
64106; telephone: (816) 329-4059; facsimile: (816) 329-4090.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Discussion

What Events Have Caused This AD?

    The Civil Airworthiness Authority (CAA), which is the airworthiness 
authority for the United Kingdom, recently notified FAA that an unsafe 
condition may exist on all Pilatus Britten-Norman BN-2, BN-2A, BN-2B, 
BN-2T, BN-2T-4, and BN2A MK. III series airplanes. The CAA reports an 
incident where the throttle friction adjuster loosened too far, causing 
the split pin and the washer on the shaft to break.

What Is the Potential Impact if FAA Took No Action?

    The loosening of the throttle friction adjustment beyond its normal 
limits could lead to damage to the throttle friction-adjuster or the 
retaining washer and split pin. This could allow the throttle quadrant 
shaft to laterally shift and impede the operation of the engine 
controls.

Has FAA Taken Any Action to This Point?

    We issued a proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal Aviation 
Regulations (14 CFR part 39) to include an AD that would apply to all 
Pilatus Britten-Norman Ltd. (Pilatus Britten-Norman) BN-2, BN-2A, BN-
2B, BN-2T, BN-2T-4, and BN2A MK. III series airplanes. This proposal 
was published in the Federal Register as a notice of proposed 
rulemaking (NPRM) on November 7, 2001 (66 FR 56248). The NPRM proposed 
to repetitively inspect the throttle friction-shaft and replace the 
shaft if damaged.

Was the Public Invited To Comment?

    The FAA encouraged interested persons to participate in the making 
of this amendment. We did not receive any comments on the proposed rule 
or on our determination of the cost to the public.

FAA's Determination

What Is FAA's Final Determination on This Issue?

    After careful review of all available information related to the 
subject presented above, we have determined that air safety and the 
public interest require the adoption of the rule as proposed except for 
minor editorial corrections. We have determined that these minor 
corrections:
--Provide the intent that was proposed in the NPRM for correcting the 
unsafe condition; and
--Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was already 
proposed in the NPRM.

Cost Impact

How Many Airplanes Does This AD Impact?

    We estimate that this AD affects 118 airplanes in the U.S. 
registry.
    What is the cost impact of this AD on owners/operators of the 
affected airplanes?
    We estimate the following costs to accomplish the inspection:

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                        Total cost
               Labor cost                 Parts cost   per airplane         Total cost on U.S.  operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 work hour  x  $60 per hour = $60.....           $1           $61   $61  x  118 = $7,198.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    We estimate the following costs to accomplish any necessary 
replacements that will be required based on the results of the 
inspection. We have no way of determining the number of airplanes that 
may need such replacement:

[[Page 2796]]



------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                          Total cost per
               Labor cost                   Parts cost       airplane
------------------------------------------------------------------------
16 work hour  x  $60 per hour = $960....            $230          $1,190
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Is There a Modification I Can Incorporate Instead of Repetively 
Inspecting the Throttle Friction-Shaft?

    The FAA has determined that long-term continued operational safety 
would be better assured by design changes that remove the source of the 
problem rather than by repetitive inspections or other special 
procedures. With this in mind, we will continue to work with Pilatus 
Britten-Norman in collecting information and in performing fatigue 
analysis to determine whether a future design change may be necessary.

Regulatory Impact

Does This AD Impact Various Entities?

    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.

Does This AD Involve a Significant Rule or Regulatory Action?

    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 copy of the final evaluation prepared for this 
action is contained in the Rules Docket. A copy of it may be obtained 
by contacting the Rules Docket at the location provided under the 
caption ADDRESSES.

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 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. FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding a new AD to read as follows:
2002-01-11  Pilatus Britten-Norman LTD.: Amendment 39-12603; Docket 
No. 2000-CE-47-AD.

    (a) What airplanes are affected by this AD? This AD affects 
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, BN-2T-4R, BN2A MK. III, BN2A MK. III-2, and BN2A 
MK. III-3 airplanes, all serial numbers, that are certificated in 
any category.
    (b) Who must comply with this AD? Anyone who wishes to operate 
any of the above airplanes must comply with this AD.
    (c) What problem does this AD address? The actions specified by 
this AD are intended to detect and correct loosening of the throttle 
friction adjustment beyond its normal limits. Such a condition could 
lead to damage to the throttle friction-adjuster or the retaining 
washer and split pin. This could allow the throttle quadrant shaft 
to laterally shift and impede the operation of the engine controls.
    (d) What actions must I accomplish to address this problem? To 
address this problem, you must accomplish the following:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
           Actions                 Compliance            Procedures
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) Inspect the throttle      Inspect within 100    In accordance with
 friction-shaft for damage.    hours time-in-        the Procedures
 Replace the split pin and     service (TIS) after   section of BN
 washer.                       February 28, 2002     Service Bullitin
                               (the effective date   BN2/SB.272, dated
                               of this AD), and      July 1, 2000.
                               thereafter at
                               intervals not to
                               exceed 100 hours
                               TIS. Accomplish the
                               replacements prior
                               to further flight
                               after each
                               inspection.
(2) If damage is found on     Before further        In accordance with
 the throttle friction-        flight after each     the Procedures
 shaft, replace shaft.         inspection where      section of BN
                               damage is found.      Service Bulletin
                                                     BN2/SB.272, dated
                                                     July 1, 2000.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (e) Can I comply with this AD in any other way? You may use an 
alternative method of compliance or adjust the compliance time if:
    (1) Your alternative method of compliance provides an equivalent 
level of safety; and
    (2) The Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, approves your 
alternative. Submit your request through an FAA Principal 
Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send it to the 
Manager, Small Airplane Directorate.

    Note 1: This AD applies to each airplane identified in paragraph 
(a) of this AD, 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 (e) 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 you have not eliminated the unsafe condition, specific 
actions you propose to address it.

    (f) Where can I get information about any already-approved 
alternative methods of compliance? Contact Doug Rudolph, Aerospace 
Engineer, FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Room 301, 
Kansas City, Missouri 64106; telephone: (816) 329-4059; facsimile: 
(816) 329-4090.
    (g) What if I need to fly the airplane to another location to 
comply with this AD? The FAA can issue a special flight permit under 
sections 21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 
CFR 21.197 and 21.199) to operate your airplane to a location where 
you can accomplish the requirements of this AD.
    (h) Are any service bulletins incorporated into this AD by 
reference? Actions required by this AD must be done in accordance 
with BN Service Bulletin BN2/SB.272, dated July 1, 2000. The 
Director of the Federal Register approved this incorporation by 
reference under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. You can get 
copies from Pilatus Britten-Norman Limited, Bembridge, Isle of 
Wight, United Kingdom PO35 5PR. You can look at copies

[[Page 2797]]

at the FAA, Central Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, 901 
Locust, Room 506, Kansas City, Missouri, or at the Office of the 
Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, 
Washington, DC.

    Note 2: The subject of this AD is addressed in British AD 003-
07-2000, dated August 22, 2000.

    (i) When does this amendment become effective? This amendment 
becomes effective on February 28, 2002.

    Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on January 11, 2002.
Michael Gallagher,
Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 02-1222 Filed 1-18-02; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U

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