Airworthiness Directives; BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Model BAe 146 Series Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 69, Number 47 (Wednesday, March 10, 2004)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 11297-11299]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 04-4685]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2001-NM-148-AD; Amendment 39-13506; AD 2004-05-11]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Model 
BAe 146 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 all BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Model BAe 146 series 
airplanes, that requires repetitive general visual inspections of the 
inside of the condenser regenerative air ducts, air cycle machine 
turbine outlet, and the jet pump ducts on each air conditioning pack to 
detect oil and/or oil breakdown products leaking from the engine(s) or 
auxiliary power unit (APU). This AD also requires further inspections 
and replacement of any affected engine, APU, or component with a 
serviceable part, if necessary. This action is necessary to prevent 
impairment of the operational skills and abilities of the flightcrew 
caused by oil or oil breakdown products in the cabin air, which could 
result in reduced controllability of the airplane. This action is 
intended to address the identified unsafe condition.

[[Page 11298]]


DATES: Effective April 14, 2004.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of April 14, 2004.

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 all BAE Systems (Operations) 
Limited Model BAe 146 series airplanes was published in the Federal 
Register on December 24, 2003 (68 FR 74532). That action proposed to 
require repetitive general visual inspections of the inside of the 
condenser regenerative air ducts, air cycle machine turbine outlet, and 
the jet pump ducts on each air conditioning pack to detect oil and/or 
oil breakdown products leaking from the engine(s) or auxiliary power 
unit (APU). That action also proposed to require further inspections 
and replacement of any affected engine, APU, or component with a 
serviceable part, if necessary.

Comments

    Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate 
in the making of this amendment. No comments have been submitted on the 
proposed AD or on the determination of the cost to the public.

Conclusion

    The FAA has carefully reviewed the available data and determined 
that air safety and the public interest require the adoption of the 
rule as proposed.

Interim Action

    We consider this AD to be interim action. If final action is later 
identified, we may consider further rulemaking then.

Cost Impact

    The FAA estimates that 20 airplanes of U.S. registry will be 
affected by this AD, that it will take approximately 2 work hours per 
airplane to accomplish the required actions, and that the average labor 
rate is $65 per work hour. Based on these figures, the cost impact of 
the AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be $2,600, or $130 per 
airplane, per inspection cycle.
    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 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

0
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

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. Section 39.13 is amended by adding the following new airworthiness 
directive:

2004-05-11 BAE Systems (Operations) Limited (Formerly British 
Aerospace Regional Aircraft): Amendment 39-13506. Docket 2001-NM-
148-AD.

    Applicability: All Model BAe 146 series airplanes, certificated 
in any category.
    Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished 
previously.
    To prevent impairment of the operational skills and abilities of 
the flightcrew caused by oil or oil breakdown products in the cabin 
air, which could result in reduced controllability of the airplane, 
accomplish the following:

Service Bulletin Reference

    (a) The following information pertains to the service bulletin 
referenced in this AD:
    (1) The term ``service bulletin,'' as used in this AD, means the 
Accomplishment Instructions of BAE Systems (Operations) Limited 
Inspection Service Bulletin ISB.21-150, Revision 2, dated October 
24, 2002.
    (2) Inspections and corrective actions accomplished before the 
effective date of this AD per BAE Systems (Operations) Limited 
Inspection Service Bulletin ISB.21-150, dated March 20, 2001; or BAE 
Systems (Operations) Limited Inspection Service Bulletin ISB.21-150, 
Revision 1, dated January 29, 2002; are acceptable for compliance 
with the corresponding actions required by this AD.

Initial Inspection

    (b) Within 500 flight cycles after the effective date of this 
AD: Perform a general visual inspection of the inside of both the 
condenser regenerative air ducts, air cycle machine turbine outlet, 
and the jet pump ducts on each air conditioning pack for the 
presence of oil contamination, per the service bulletin.

    Note 1: For the purposes of this AD, a general visual inspection 
is defined as: ``A visual examination of an interior or exterior 
area, installation, or assembly to detect obvious damage, failure, 
or irregularity. This level of inspection is made from within 
touching distance unless otherwise specified. A mirror may be 
necessary to enhance visual access to all exposed surfaces in the 
inspection area. This level of inspection is made under normally 
available lighting conditions such as daylight, hangar lighting, 
flashlight, or droplight and may require removal or opening of 
access panels or doors. Stands, ladders, or platforms may be 
required to gain proximity to the area being checked.''

Repetitive Inspections

    (c) If no oil contamination is found during the inspection 
required by paragraph (b) of

[[Page 11299]]

this AD: Repeat the inspection at intervals not to exceed 500 flight 
cycles in accordance with the service bulletin.

Detailed Inspection and Replacement

    (d) If any oil contamination is found during the inspection 
required by paragraph (b) of this AD: Before further flight, perform 
a detailed inspection of any affected engine, APU, or component of 
the engine(s) or APU to determine the cause of the oil contamination 
per the service bulletin.
    (1) If the cause of the oil contamination is found: Except as 
provided by paragraph (f) of this AD, before further flight, remove 
any affected engine, APU, or component and replace it with a 
serviceable part in accordance the service bulletin. Repeat the 
general visual inspection required by paragraph (b) of this AD at 
intervals not to exceed 500 flight cycles in accordance with the 
service bulletin.
    (2) If the cause of the oil contamination is not found, repeat 
the inspection required by paragraph (b) of this AD at intervals not 
to exceed 50 flight cycles in accordance with the service bulletin.

    Note 2: For the purposes of this AD, a detailed 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.''

Inspection and Repair Following Air Quality Problems

    (e) If any cabin air quality problem, whether intermittent or 
persistent, is reported that is suspected of being associated with 
oil contamination of the air supply from the environmental control 
system packs: Before further flight, perform the detailed inspection 
and any necessary corrective action required by paragraph (d) of 
this AD in accordance with the service bulletin.

Continued Operation Without Replacement

    (f) Airplanes may be operated without accomplishing the 
replacement(s) required by paragraph (d)(1) of this AD under the 
conditions described in paragraphs 2.E.(1), 2.E.(2), and 2.E.(3) of 
the service bulletin, and in accordance with the provisions and 
limitations specified in the operator's Master Minimum Equipment 
List. Repeat the inspection required by paragraph (b) of this AD at 
intervals not to exceed 500 flight cycles in accordance with the 
service bulletin.

Parts Installation

    (g) As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install 
on any airplane an engine, APU, or component that has been removed 
per paragraph (d)(1) of this AD, unless it has been cleaned in 
accordance with paragraph 2.H. of the service bulletin.

No Reporting Requirements

    (h) Although the service bulletin referenced in this AD 
specifies to submit certain information to the manufacturer, this AD 
does not include such a requirement.

Alternative Methods of Compliance

    (i) In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, the Manager, International 
Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, is authorized 
to approve alternative methods of compliance for this AD.

Incorporation by Reference

    (j) The actions shall be done in accordance with BAE Systems 
(Operations) Limited Inspection Service Bulletin ISB.21-150, 
Revision 2, dated October 24, 2002. 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 3: The subject of this AD is addressed in British 
airworthiness directive 002-03-2001, dated March 21, 2001.

Effective Date

    (k) This amendment becomes effective on April 14, 2004.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on February 20, 2004.
Kalene C. Yanamura,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 04-4685 Filed 3-9-04; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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