Airworthiness Directives; BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Model BAe 146 and Avro 146-RJ Series Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 67, Number 31 (Thursday, February 14, 2002)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 6852-6853]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 02-3287]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2001-NM-224-AD; Amendment 39-12648; AD 2002-03-07]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Model 
BAe 146 and Avro 146-RJ Series Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), 
applicable to certain BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Model BAe 146 
and Avro 146-RJ series airplanes, that requires a one-time inspection 
to detect corrosion of the flap structure and machined ribs, corrective 
actions if necessary, and reprotection of the rib boss bores. This 
action is necessary to detect and correct corrosion in the flap 
structure and machined ribs, which could result in reduced structural 
integrity of the airplane. This action is intended to address the 
identified unsafe condition.

DATES: Effective March 21, 2002.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of March 21, 2002.

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: Todd Thompson, Aerospace Engineer, 
International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056; telephone (425) 
227-1175; fax (425) 227-1149.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: A proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal 
Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) to include an airworthiness 
directive (AD) that is applicable to certain BAE Systems (Operations) 
Limited Model BAe 146 and Avro 146-RJ series airplanes was published in 
the Federal Register on October 4, 2001 (66 FR 50586). That action 
proposed to require a one-time inspection to detect corrosion of the 
flap structure and machined ribs, corrective actions if necessary, and 
reprotection of the rib boss bores.

Comments

    Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate 
in the making of this amendment. No comments were submitted in response 
to the proposal or the FAA's determination of the cost to the public.

Explanation of Change to Final Rule

    For conditions where corrosion is detected, paragraph (a)(2)(ii) of 
the proposed AD specifies eventual repetition of the detailed visual 
inspection in paragraph (a) of the proposed AD (following the 
accomplishment of corrective actions and reprotection of the boss 
bores). However, paragraph (a)(2)(ii) of the proposed AD does not make 
clear that any follow-on actions to the detailed visual inspection must 
also be accomplished. Therefore, for clarification, we have revised 
paragraph (a)(2)(ii) of this final rule to require eventual repetition 
of the detailed visual inspection and accomplishment of applicable 
follow-on actions. We find that this change does not expand the scope 
of the proposed AD but merely provides clarification of the 
requirements of this AD.

Conclusion

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

Cost Impact

    The FAA estimates that 60 Model BAe 146 and Avro 146-RJ series 
airplanes of U.S. registry will be affected by this AD, that it will 
take approximately 160 work hours per airplane (including access, 
testing, and close-up) to accomplish the required inspection, and that 
the average labor rate is $60 per work hour. Based on these figures, 
the cost impact of the inspection required by this AD on U.S. operators 
is estimated to be $576,000, or $9,600 per airplane.
    The cost impact figure discussed above is 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. The cost impact figures discussed 
in AD rulemaking actions represent only the time necessary to perform 
the specific actions actually required by the AD. These figures 
typically do not include incidental costs, such as the time required to 
gain access and close up, planning time, or time necessitated by other 
administrative actions.

Regulatory Impact

    The regulations adopted herein will not have a substantial direct 
effect on the States, on the relationship between

[[Page 6853]]

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.

List of Subjects in 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 adding the following new 
airworthiness directive:

2002-03-07  BAE Systems (Operations) Limited (Formerly British 
Aerospace Regional Aircraft): Amendment 39-12648. Docket 2001-NM-
224-AD.

    Applicability: Model BAe 146 and Avro 146-RJ series airplanes, 
certificated in any category; except those modified in accordance 
with BAE Systems Modification HCM01694F.

    Note 1: This AD applies to each airplane identified in the 
preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been 
otherwise 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 (d) 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 detect and correct corrosion in the flap structure and 
machined ribs, which could result in reduced structural integrity of 
the airplane, accomplish the following:

Inspection

    (a) Within 6 years since the date of manufacture of the 
airplane, or within 2 years after the effective date of this AD, 
whichever occurs later: Perform a detailed visual inspection to 
detect corrosion of the flap structure and machined ribs, in 
accordance with BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Inspection Service 
Bulletin ISB.57-066, dated May 15, 2001.
    (1) If no corrosion is detected: Prior to further flight, 
reprotect the boss bores in accordance with the service bulletin.
    (2) If any corrosion is detected: Except as required by 
paragraph (b) of this AD, accomplish the actions required by 
paragraphs (a)(2)(i) and (a)(2)(ii) of this AD.
    (i) Prior to further flight: Perform corrective actions and 
reprotect the boss bores in accordance with the service bulletin.
    (ii) Within 3 years but not sooner than 2 years following the 
reprotection specified by paragraph (a)(2)(i) of this AD: Repeat the 
detailed visual inspection and applicable follow-on actions.

    Note 2: For the purposes of this AD, a detailed visual 
inspection is defined as: ``An intensive visual examination of a 
specific structural area, system, installation, or assembly to 
detect damage, failure, or irregularity. Available lighting is 
normally supplemented with a direct source of good lighting at 
intensity deemed appropriate by the inspector. Inspection aids such 
as mirror, magnifying lenses, etc., may be used. Surface cleaning 
and elaborate access procedures may be required.''

    (b) If any inspection required by this AD reveals any corrosion 
or other discrepancy for which the service bulletin specifies to 
contact the manufacturer for appropriate action: Prior to further 
flight, repair per a method approved by either the Manager, 
International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA; 
or the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) (or its delegated agent).

    Note 3: BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Inspection Service 
Bulletin ISB.57-066 recommends that operators submit a report of 
their inspection findings to the manufacturer. Although operators 
may submit such a report, this AD does not require it.

Spares

    (c) As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install a 
flap on any affected airplane, unless the inspection and applicable 
corrective actions have been accomplished in accordance with the 
requirements of this AD.

Alternative Methods of Compliance

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

Special Flight Permits

    (e) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with 
sections 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

    (f) Except as provided by paragraph (b) of this AD, the actions 
shall be done in accordance with BAE Systems (Operations) Limited 
Inspection Service Bulletin ISB.57-066, dated May 15, 2001. This 
incorporation by reference was approved by the Director of the 
Federal Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 
51. 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 5: The subject of this AD is addressed in British 
airworthiness directive 002-05-2001.

Effective Date

    (g) This amendment becomes effective on March 21, 2002.


    Issued in Renton, Washington, on February 5, 2002.
Ali Bahrami,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 02-3287 Filed 2-13-02; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U

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