Airworthiness Directives; BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 122 (Monday, June 25, 2012)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 37775-37777]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-14729]



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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2012-0106; Directorate Identifier 2011-NM-150-AD; 
Amendment 39-17093; AD 2012-12-13]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; BAE Systems (Operations) Limited 
Airplanes

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

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all BAE 
Systems (Operations) Limited Model BAe 146 and Avro 146-RJ airplanes. 
This AD was prompted by reports of baggage bay fire bottles that can be 
misassembled such that two squib electrical connectors can be cross-
connected. This AD requires a general visual inspection of certain 
baggage bay fire bottles for correct connection and for the length of 
the wiring loom, modification of the wiring loom to certain squib 
connectors, and corrective actions if necessary. We are issuing this AD 
to detect and correct excessive wiring loom length and improper 
connection of the squib connecters, which in conjunction with a fire in 
one of the baggage bays, could result in the fire extinguishing agent 
being discharged into a wrong compartment and consequent damage to the 
airplane.

DATES: This AD becomes effective July 30, 2012.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of July 30, 
2012.

ADDRESSES: You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov or in person at the U.S. Department of 
Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, 
Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Todd Thompson, Aerospace Engineer, 
International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA 1601 
Lind Avenue SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356; telephone (425) 227-
1175; fax (425) 227-1149.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Discussion

    We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR 
part 39 to include an AD that would apply to the specified products. 
That NPRM was published in the Federal Register on February 8, 2012 (77 
FR 6520). That NPRM proposed to correct an unsafe condition for the 
specified products. The MCAI states:

    The baggage bay fire bottles of certain BAe 146 and AVRO 146-RJ 
aeroplanes can be misassembled such that two squib electrical 
connectors can be cross-connected. This has been caused by an error 
in the baggage bay fire bottle Component Manufacturer Manual (CMM) 
and by excessive wiring loom length.
    This condition, if not corrected and in conjunction with a fire 
in one of the baggage bays, could result in the fire extinguishant 
to be discharged into a wrong compartment and consequent potential 
damage to the aircraft * * *.
    In addition to the CMM revision, to address this unsafe 
condition, BAE Systems developed modifications to reroute the 
baggage bay fire bottle wiring looms and prevent crossed electrical 
connections.
    For the reasons described above, this [EASA] AD requires the 
implementation of modifications HCM36250A and HCM36250B to affected 
aeroplanes.

Required actions include general visual inspections of certain baggage 
bay fire bottles for correct connection and for the length of the 
wiring loom, modification of the wiring loom to certain squib 
connectors, and corrective actions if necessary. Corrective actions 
include reconnecting the squib connectors and modifying the loom to 
proper length. You may obtain further information by examining the MCAI 
in the AD docket.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this AD. We received no comments on the NPRM (77 FR 6520, February 8, 
2012) or on the determination of the cost to the public.

Revised Heading and Wording for Credit Paragraph

    We have revised the heading and wording for paragraph (h) of this 
AD. This change does not affect the intent of that paragraph.

Conclusion

    We reviewed the available, and determined that air safety and the 
public interest require adopting the AD with the changes described 
previously--except for minor editorial changes. We have determined that 
these minor changes:
    <bullet> Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the 
NPRM (77 FR 6520, February 8, 2012) for correcting the unsafe 
condition; and
    <bullet> Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was 
already proposed in the NPRM (77 FR 6520, February 8, 2012).

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD will affect 1 product of U.S. registry. We 
also estimate that it will take about 6 work-hours per product to 
comply with the basic requirements of this AD. The average labor rate 
is $85 per work-hour. Required parts will cost about $170 per product. 
Where the service information lists required parts costs that are 
covered under warranty, we have assumed that there will be no charge 
for these parts. As we do not control warranty coverage for affected 
parties, some parties may incur costs higher than estimated here. Based 
on these figures, we estimate the cost of this AD to the U.S. operator 
to be $680 per product.
    In addition, we estimate that any necessary follow-on actions would 
take about 3 work-hours and require parts costing $170, for a cost of 
$425 per product. We have no way of determining the number of products 
that may need these actions.

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 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 this AD:
    1. Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order 
12866;

[[Page 37776]]

    2. Is not a ``significant rule'' under the DOT Regulatory Policies 
and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979);
    3. Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska; and
    4. 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.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov; or in person at the Docket Operations office 
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal 
holidays. The AD docket contains the NPRM (77 FR 6520, February 8, 
2012), the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and other 
information. The street address for the Docket Operations office 
(telephone (800) 647-5527) is in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will 
be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt.

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 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 FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by adding the following new AD:

2012-12-13 BAE Systems (Operations) Limited: Amendment 39-17093. 
Docket No. FAA-2012-0106; Directorate Identifier 2011-NM-150-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective July 30, 
2012.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Model BAe 
146-100A, -200A, and -300A airplanes, and Model Avro 146-RJ70A, 146-
RJ85A, and 146-RJ100A airplanes; certificated in any category; all 
serial numbers, on which modification HCM30480A, HCM30480B, 
HCM30480C, HCM30480D, HCM30480E, or HCM30480F are embodied.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 26: Fire 
Protection.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by reports of baggage bay fire bottles that 
can be misassembled such that two squib electrical connectors can be 
cross-connected. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct 
excessive wiring loom length and improper connection of the squib 
connecters, which in conjunction with a fire in one of the baggage 
bays, could result in the fire extinguishing agent being discharged 
into a wrong compartment and consequent damage to the airplane.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Inspection/Modification

    Within 3 months after the effective date of this AD, do the 
actions specified in paragraphs (g)(1), (g)(2), (g)(3), (g)(4), 
(g)(5), and (g)(6) of this AD.
    (1) Do a general visual inspection of baggage bay fire bottle 
WB8 having part number (P/N) 473997-1 for correct connection of the 
squib connectors identified in paragraphs (g)(1)(i) and (g)(1)(ii) 
of this AD, in accordance with paragraph 2.C.(3) of the 
Accomplishment Instructions of BAE Systems (Operations) Limited 
Modification Service Bulletin SB.26-077-36250A.B, Revision 4, dated 
January 7, 2011. If any items are found improperly connected, before 
further flight, reconnect the squib connectors properly, in 
accordance with paragraph 2.C.(3) of the Accomplishment Instructions 
of BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Modification Service Bulletin 
SB.26-077-36250A.B, Revision 4, dated January 7, 2011.
    (i) Squib connector WB8P1 (S1446-004A) and cartridge P/N 446307.
    (ii) Squib connector WB8P2 (S1446-004D) and squib P/N 446290.
    (2) Do a general visual inspection of the length of the wiring 
loom at the squib connector WB8P2 for excessive length that could 
cause the connector to become cross-connected with squib connector 
WB8P1, in accordance with paragraph 2.C.(4) of the Accomplishment 
Instructions of BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Modification 
Service Bulletin SB.26-077-36250A.B, Revision 4, dated January 7, 
2011. If excessive length is found, before further flight, modify 
the loom, in accordance with paragraph 2.C.(4) of the Accomplishment 
Instructions of BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Modification 
Service Bulletin SB.26-077-36250A.B, Revision 4, dated January 7, 
2011.
    (3) Do a general visual inspection of baggage bay fire bottle 
WB7 having P/N 473996-1 for correct connection of squib connectors 
identified in paragraphs (g)(3)(i) and (g)(3)(ii) of this AD, in 
accordance with paragraph 2.C.(5) of the Accomplishment Instructions 
of BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Modification Service Bulletin 
SB.26-077-36250A.B, Revision 4, dated January 7, 2011. If any items 
are found improperly connected, before further flight, reconnect the 
squib connectors properly, in accordance with paragraph 2.C.(5) of 
the Accomplishment Instructions of BAE Systems (Operations) Limited 
Modification Service Bulletin SB.26-077-36250A.B, Revision 4, dated 
January 7, 2011.
    (i) Squib connector WB7P1 (S1446-004A) and cartridge P/N 446307.
    (ii) Squib connector WB7P2 (S1446-004D) and squib P/N 446290.
    (4) Modify the wiring loom to squib connector WB7P2, in 
accordance with paragraphs 2.C.(6)(a) and 2.C.(6)(c) of the 
Accomplishment Instructions of BAE Systems (Operations) Limited 
Modification Service Bulletin SB.26-077-36250A.B, Revision 4, dated 
January 7, 2011.
    (5) Modify the wiring loom to squib connector WB7P1, in 
accordance with paragraph 2.C.(6)(b) of the Accomplishment 
Instructions of BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Modification 
Service Bulletin SB.26-077-36250A.B, Revision 4, dated January 7, 
2011.
    (6) Install modification HCM36250B, in accordance with paragraph 
2.C.(7) of the Accomplishment Instructions of BAE Systems 
(Operations) Limited Modification Service Bulletin SB.26-077-
36250A.B, Revision 4, dated January 7, 2011.

    Note 1 to paragraph (g) of this AD: Guidance for test and close-
up procedures can be found in paragraphs 2.D. and 2.E. of the 
Accomplishment Instructions of BAE Systems (Operations) Limited 
Modification Service Bulletin SB.26-077-36250A.B, Revision 4, dated 
January 7, 2011.

(h) Credit for Previous Actions

    This paragraph provides credit for installing the modification 
HCM36250A required by paragraphs (g)(1), (g)(2), (g)(3), (g)(4), and 
(g)(5) of this AD, if those actions were performed before the 
effective date of this AD using the service information specified in 
paragraphs (h)(1) through (h)(4) of this AD.
    (1) BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Modification Service 
Bulletin SB.26-077-36250A, dated September 4, 2009.
    (2) BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Modification Service 
Bulletin SB.26-077-36250A, Revision 1, dated September 11, 2009.
    (3) BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Modification Service 
Bulletin SB.26-077-36250A.B, Revision 2, dated October 14, 2010.
    (4) BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Modification Service 
Bulletin SB.26-077-36250A.B, Revision 3, dated November 23, 2010.

(i) Other FAA AD Provisions

    The following provisions also apply to this AD:
    (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, 
International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 
has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using 
the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19.

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In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, send your request to your principal 
inspector or local Flight Standards District Office, as appropriate. 
If sending information directly to the International Branch, send it 
to ATTN: Todd Thompson, Aerospace Engineer, International Branch, 
ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA 1601 Lind Avenue SW., 
Renton, Washington 98057-3356; telephone (425) 227-1175; fax (425) 
227-1149. Information may be emailed to: [email protected]. Before using any approved AMOC, notify your 
appropriate principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, 
the manager of the local flight standards district office/
certificate holding district office. The AMOC approval letter must 
specifically reference this AD.
    (2) Airworthy Product: For any requirement in this AD to obtain 
corrective actions from a manufacturer or other source, use these 
actions if they are FAA-approved. Corrective actions are considered 
FAA-approved if they are approved by the State of Design Authority 
(or their delegated agent). You are required to assure the product 
is airworthy before it is returned to service.

(j) Related Information

    Refer to MCAI European Aviation Safety Agency Airworthiness 
Directive 2011-0065, dated April 7, 2011; and BAE Systems 
(Operations) Limited Modification Service Bulletin SB.26-077-
36250A.B, Revision 4, dated January 7, 2011; for related 
information.

(k) Material Incorporated by Reference

    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference (IBR) of the following service 
information under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
    (2) You must use the following service information to do the 
actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
    (i) BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Modification Service 
Bulletin SB.26-077-36250A.B, Revision 4, dated January 7, 2011.
    (3) For BAE Systems (Operations) Limited service information 
identified in this AD, contact BAE Systems (Operations) Limited, 
Customer Information Department, Prestwick International Airport, 
Ayrshire, KA9 2RW, Scotland, United Kingdom; telephone +44 1292 
675207; fax +44 1292 675704; email [email protected]; 
Internet http://www.baesystems.com/Businesses/RegionalAircraft/index.htm.
    (4) You may review copies of the service information at the FAA, 
Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, 
Washington. For information on the availability of this material at 
the FAA, call 425-227-1221.
    (5) You may also review copies of the service information that 
is incorporated by reference at the National Archives and Records 
Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this 
material at an NARA facility, call 202-741-6030, or go to http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on June 7, 2012.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2012-14729 Filed 6-22-12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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