Airworthiness Directives; BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Model ATP Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 191 (Tuesday, October 4, 2005)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 57736-57739]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 05-19437]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2005-22562; Directorate Identifier 2004-NM-60-AD; 
Amendment 39-14303; AD 2005-20-09]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Model 
ATP Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of 
Transportation (DOT).

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

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SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
certain BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Model ATP airplanes. This AD 
requires doing an inspection of each bolt attaching the aft isolators 
to both engine subframes and replacing bolts if necessary. This AD 
results from reports of failures of the bolts attaching the aft 
isolators to the engine subframe. We are issuing this AD to prevent 
failure of the bolts attaching the aft isolators to the engine 
subframe, which may result in an engine separating from the airplane.

DATES: This AD becomes effective October 19, 2005.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in the AD as of October 19, 
2005.
    We must receive comments on this AD by December 5, 2005.

ADDRESSES: Use one of the following addresses to submit comments on 
this AD.
    <bullet> DOT Docket Web site: Go to http://dms.dot.gov and follow 
the instructions for sending your comments electronically.

[[Page 57737]]

    <bullet> Government-wide rulemaking Web site: Go to http://www.regulations.gov and follow the instructions for sending your 
comments electronically.
    <bullet> Mail: Docket Management Facility; U.S. Department of 
Transportation, 400 Seventh Street SW., Nassif Building, room PL-401, 
Washington, DC 20590.
    <bullet> Fax: (202) 493-2251.
    <bullet> Hand Delivery: Room PL-401 on the plaza level of the 
Nassif Building, 400 Seventh Street SW., Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. 
and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    Contact British Aerospace Regional Aircraft American Support, 13850 
Mclearen Road, Herndon, Virginia 20171, for service information 
identified in this AD.

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:

Discussion

    The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), which is the airworthiness 
authority for the United Kingdom, notified us that an unsafe condition 
may exist on certain BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Model ATP 
airplanes. The CAA advises that in-service failures of the bolts 
attaching the aft isolators to the engine subframe have been reported. 
Testing has demonstrated that reduced torque loading has an adverse 
effect on the fatigue life of the bolts attaching the aft isolators to 
the engine subframe. Failure of all bolts in the bolt group will affect 
the ability of the engine subframe to control the effects of resonance 
and whirl flutter. This condition, if not corrected, could result in an 
engine separating from an airplane.

Relevant Service Information

    BAE Systems (Operations) Limited has issued Service Bulletin ATP-
54-20, dated July 29, 2003. The service bulletin describes procedures 
for performing a visual inspection for missing or failed bolts that 
attach aft isolator brackets to both engine subframes, replacing all 
four bolts on an engine subframe if any bolt is missing or failed on 
that engine subframe, and reporting results. The replacement includes 
doing a torque check of each bolt, checking the dimensions of the bolt 
holes, and contacting the manufacturer if the holes are not within 
tolerance. The service bulletin also notes that quick engine change 
unit subframes should be inspected prior to installation.
    The CAA mandated the service information and issued British 
airworthiness directive G-2004-0001, dated January 22, 2004, to ensure 
the continued airworthiness of these airplanes in the United Kingdom.

FAA's Determination and Requirements of This AD

    This airplane model is manufactured in the United Kingdom and is 
type certificated for operation in the United States under the 
provisions of section 21.29 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 
21.29) and the applicable bilateral airworthiness agreement. Pursuant 
to this bilateral airworthiness agreement, the CAA has kept the FAA 
informed of the situation described above. We have examined the CAA's 
findings, evaluated all pertinent information, and determined that we 
need to issue an AD for products of this type design that are 
certificated for operation in the United States.
    Therefore, we are issuing this AD to prevent failure of the bolts 
attaching the aft isolators to the engine subframe, which may result in 
an engine separating from the airplane. This AD requires accomplishing 
the actions specified in the service information described previously, 
except as discussed under ``Differences Among the AD, the Service 
Bulletin, and the British Airworthiness Directive.''

Differences Among the AD, the Service Bulletin, and the British 
Airworthiness Directive

    The service bulletin specifies to contact the manufacturer for 
instructions if holes are not within tolerance, but this AD would 
require repairing those conditions using a method that we or the CAA 
(or its delegated agent) approve. In light of the type of repair that 
would be required to address the unsafe condition, and consistent with 
existing bilateral airworthiness agreements, we have determined that, 
for this AD, a repair we or the CAA approve would be acceptable for 
compliance with this AD.
    The service bulletin refers only to a ``visual inspection.'' We 
have determined that the procedures in the service bulletin should be 
described as a ``detailed inspection.'' Note 1 has been included in 
this AD to define this type of inspection.

Interim Action

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

Costs of Compliance

    None of the airplanes affected by this action are on the U.S. 
Register. All airplanes affected by this AD are currently operated by 
non-U.S. operators under foreign registry; therefore, they are not 
directly affected by this AD action. However, we consider this AD 
necessary to ensure that the unsafe condition is addressed if any 
affected airplane is imported and placed on the U.S. Register in the 
future.
    The following table provides the estimated costs to comply with 
this AD for any affected airplane that might be imported and placed on 
the U.S. Register in the future.

                                                                     Estimated Costs
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                                                           Average labor
                 Action                     Work hours     rate per hour           Parts cost                           Cost per airplane
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Inspection, per inspection cycle........               1             $65  None........................  $65, per inspection cycle.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

FAA's Determination of the Effective Date

    No airplane affected by this AD is currently on the U.S. Register. 
Therefore, providing notice and opportunity for public comment is 
unnecessary before this AD is issued, and this AD may be made effective 
in less than 30 days after it is published in the Federal Register.

Comments Invited

    This AD is a final rule that involves requirements that affect 
flight safety and was not preceded by notice and an opportunity for 
public comment; however, we invite you to submit any relevant written 
data, views, or arguments regarding this AD. Send your comments to an 
address listed in the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2005-
22562; Directorate Identifier 2004-NM-60-AD'' at the beginning of your 
comments. We specifically invite

[[Page 57738]]

comments on the overall regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy 
aspects of the AD that might suggest a need to modify it.
    We will post all comments we receive, without change, to http://dms.dot.gov, including any personal information you provide. We will 
also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact with FAA 
personnel concerning this AD. Using the search function of that web 
site, anyone can find and read the comments in any of our dockets, 
including the name of the individual who sent the comment (or signed 
the comment on behalf of an association, business, labor union, etc.). 
You may review the DOT's complete Privacy Act Statement in the Federal 
Register published on April 11, 2000 (65 FR 19477-78), or you may visit 
http://dms.dot.gov.

Examining the Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://dms.dot.gov, or in person at the Docket Management Facility office 
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal 
holidays. The Docket Management Facility office (telephone (800) 647-
5227) is located on the plaza level of the Nassif Building at the DOT 
street address stated in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be 
available in the AD docket shortly after the Docket Management System 
receives them.

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.
    We are 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. 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

    We have determined that this AD will not have federalism 
implications under Executive Order 13132. This AD 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.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify that the regulation:
    1. Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order 
12866;
    2. Is not a ``significant rule'' under the 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.
    We prepared a regulatory evaluation of the estimated costs to 
comply with this AD and placed it in the AD docket. See the ADDRESSES 
section for a location to examine the regulatory evaluation.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

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

Adoption of the Amendment

0
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, 
the FAA amends 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 Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) amends Sec.  39.13 by 
adding the following new airworthiness directive (AD):

2005-20-09 BAE Systems (Operations) Limited (Formerly British 
Aerospace Regional Aircraft): Amendment 39-14303. Docket No. FAA-
2005-22562; Directorate Identifier 2004-NM-60-AD.

Effective Date

    (a) This AD becomes effective October 19, 2005.

Affected ADs

    (b) None.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Model 
ATP airplanes, certificated in any category; on which modification 
35256A (BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Service Bulletin ATP-54-10) 
has been accomplished.

Unsafe Condition

    (d) This AD results from reports of failures of the bolts 
attaching the aft isolators to the engine subframe. We are issuing 
this AD to prevent failure of the bolts attaching the aft isolators 
to the engine subframe, which may result in an engine separating 
from the airplane.

Compliance

    (e) You are responsible for having the actions required by this 
AD performed within the compliance times specified, unless the 
actions have already been done.

Inspection and Replacement

    (f) At the later of the times specified in paragraphs (f)(1) and 
(f)(2) of this AD: Do a detailed inspection for missing or failed 
bolts that attach aft isolator brackets to both engine subframes in 
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of BAE Systems 
(Operations) Limited Service Bulletin ATP-54-20, dated July 29, 
2003. Repeat the inspection thereafter at intervals not to exceed 
2,000 flight cycles.
    (1) Within 2,000 flight cycles after the last torque check of 
the bolts attaching the aft isolator brackets to both engine 
subframes done in accordance with BAE Systems (Operations) Limited 
Service Bulletin ATP-54-20.
    (2) Within 300 flight cycles after the effective date of this 
AD.

    Note 1: For the purposes of this AD, a detailed inspection is: 
``An intensive examination of a specific item, installation, or 
assembly to detect damage, failure, or irregularity. Available 
lighting is normally supplemented with a direct source of good 
lighting at an intensity deemed appropriate. Inspection aids such as 
mirror, magnifying lenses, etc., may be necessary. Surface cleaning 
and elaborate procedures may be required.''


    (g) If any bolt is missing or failed on any engine subframe 
during the inspection required by paragraph (f) of this AD: Before 
further flight, replace all bolts on that engine subframe in 
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of BAE Systems 
(Operations) Limited Service Bulletin ATP-54-20, dated July 29, 
2003. If any bolt holes on any engine subframe are not within the 
tolerance specified in the service bulletin: Before further flight, 
repair according to 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).

Parts Installation

    (h) As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install a 
quick engine change unit subframe on any airplane, unless the 
subframe has been inspected in accordance with paragraph (f) of this 
AD.

No Reporting Requirement

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

Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (j)(1) The Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport 
Airplane Directorate, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for 
this AD, if requested in accordance with the procedures found in 14 
CFR 39.19.

[[Page 57739]]

    (2) Before using any AMOC approved in accordance with 14 CFR 
39.19 on any airplane to which the AMOC applies, notify the 
appropriate principal inspector in the FAA Flight Standards 
Certificate Holding District Office.

Related Information

    (k) British airworthiness directive G-2004-0001, dated January 
22, 2004, also addresses the subject of this AD.

Material Incorporated by Reference

    (l) You must use BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Service 
Bulletin ATP-54-20, dated July 29, 2003, to perform the actions that 
are required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise. The 
Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of this document in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 
CFR part 51. Contact British Aerospace Regional Aircraft American 
Support, 13850 Mclearen Road, Herndon, Virginia 20171, for a copy of 
this service information. You may review copies at the Docket 
Management Facility, U.S. Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh 
Street, SW., room PL-401, Nassif Building, Washington, DC; on the 
Internet at http://dms.dot.gov; or at the National Archives and 
Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability 
of this material at the NARA, call (202) 741-6030, or go to http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html html.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on September 20, 2005.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 05-19437 Filed 10-3-05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U

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