Airworthiness Directives; BAE SYSTEMS (OPERATIONS) LIMITED Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 45 (Thursday, March 7, 2013)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 14642-14644]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-04629]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2012-1157; Directorate Identifier 2012-NM-061-AD; 
Amendment 39-17371; AD 2013-04-13]
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 series 
airplanes. This AD was prompted by a report that certain ceramic 
terminal blocks, through which the wiring for the engine fire 
extinguishers, fire detection circuits, and engine and intake anti-ice 
system are routed, have been found to have moisture ingress, which can 
degrade the insulation resistance of the ceramic terminal blocks. This 
AD requires a one-time insulation resistance test of ceramic terminal 
blocks, and if necessary, replacement of the blocks. We are issuing 
this AD to prevent latent failure of the number 2 fire bottle, which, 
in the event of an engine fire, could result in failure of the fire 
bottle to discharge when activated and possibly preventing the 
flightcrew from extinguishing an engine fire.

DATES: This AD becomes effective April 11, 2013.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of April 11, 
2013.

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,

[[Page 14643]]

International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 
1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 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 November 5, 2012 (77 
FR 66415). That NPRM proposed to correct an unsafe condition for the 
specified products. The Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information 
(MCAI) states:

    Moisture ingress has been discovered on certain ceramic terminal 
blocks, mounted on the engine cowlings, through which the wiring for 
the engine fire extinguishers, fire detection circuits and engine 
and intake anti ice system are routed. The affected terminal blocks 
were introduced through BAE Systems SB 71-077-01693A (modification 
HCM01693A) during the period 2002-2004, as this modification was 
mandated by CAA UK AD 005-10-2001 [which corresponds with FAA AD 
2003-03-10, Amendment 39-13034 (68 FR 4902, January 31, 2003)]. 
Moisture ingress has a detrimental effect on the insulation 
resistance of the ceramic terminal block with the resultant 
possibility of interconnections between all terminals. Most of the 
possible failure conditions in the terminal block should result in 
an evident warning or other indication. However, the functional loss 
of the number 2 fire bottle would be a dormant failure.
    This condition, if not corrected, could result in the failure of 
a fire bottle to discharge when activated, possibly preventing the 
flight crew in extinguishing an engine fire.
    For the reasons described above, this [European Aviation Safety 
Agency (EASA)] AD requires a one-time inspection of the ceramic 
terminal blocks to determine the insulation resistance and, 
depending on findings, replacement of terminal blocks, and the 
reporting of the results to the BAE Systems. These will be used to 
establish a suitable repetitive inspection interval, which is 
expected to be introduced through the Maintenance Review Board (MRB) 
process.

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 66415, November 5, 
2012) or on the determination of the cost to the public.

Conclusion

    We reviewed the available data and determined that air safety and 
the public interest require adopting the AD as proposed 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 66415, November 5, 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 66415, November 5, 2012).

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD will affect 2 products of U.S. registry. 
We also estimate that it will take about 10 work-hours per product to 
comply with the basic requirements of this AD. The average labor rate 
is $85 per work-hour. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of 
this AD to the U.S. operators to be $1,700, or $850 per product.
    In addition, we estimate that any necessary follow-on actions would 
take about 1 work-hour and require parts costing $949, for a cost of 
$1,034 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;
    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 66415, November 5, 
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:

2013-04-13 BAE SYSTEMS (OPERATIONS) LIMITED: Amendment 39-17371. 
Docket No. FAA-2012-1157; Directorate Identifier 2012-NM-061-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective April 11, 
2013.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to all 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.

[[Page 14644]]

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 24: Electrical 
Power.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by a report that certain ceramic terminal 
blocks, through which the wiring for the engine fire extinguishers, 
fire detection circuits, and engine and intake anti-ice system are 
routed, have been found to have moisture ingress, which can degrade 
the insulation resistance of the ceramic terminal blocks. We are 
issuing this AD to prevent latent failure of the number 2 fire 
bottle, which, in the event of an engine fire, could result in 
failure of the fire bottle to discharge when activated and possibly 
preventing the flightcrew from extinguishing an engine fire.

(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

    Within 4,000 flight cycles or 18 months, whichever occurs first 
after the effective date of this AD, do an insulation resistance 
test on each terminal block, in accordance with paragraphs 2.C., 
2.D., 2.E., and 2.F. of the Accomplishment Instructions of BAE 
SYSTEMS (OPERATIONS) LIMITED Inspection Service Bulletin 24-143, 
Revision 1, dated October 2, 2012.

(h) Replacement

    If, during the test required by paragraph (g) of this AD, any 
terminal block is found to have a value of less than 50 megohms, 
before next flight, replace it with a new or serviceable terminal 
block, in accordance with paragraph 2.G. of the Accomplishment 
Instructions of BAE SYSTEMS (OPERATIONS) LIMITED Inspection Service 
Bulletin 24-143, Revision 1, dated October 2, 2012.

(i) Inspection Report Difference

    Where BAE SYSTEMS (OPERATIONS) LIMITED Inspection Service 
Bulletin 24-143, Revision 1, dated October 2, 2012, specifies to 
complete the test result sheets in Appendices 1, 2, 3, and 4 and the 
inspection report in Appendix 6, and send the information to BAE 
SYSTEMS (OPERATIONS) LIMITED, this AD does not require that action.

(j) Credit for Previous Actions

    This paragraph provides credit for actions required by 
paragraphs (g) and (h) of this AD, if those actions were performed 
before the effective date of this AD using BAE SYSTEMS (OPERATIONS) 
LIMITED Inspection Service Bulletin 24-143, dated September 26, 
2011, which is not incorporated by reference in this AD.

(k) 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. 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, 
WA 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.

(l) Related Information

    (1) Refer to MCAI European Aviation Safety Agency Airworthiness 
Directive 2012-0040, dated March 13, 2012; and BAE SYSTEMS 
(OPERATIONS) LIMITED Inspection Service Bulletin 24-143, Revision 1, 
dated October 2, 2012; for related information.
    (2) For 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. You may review copies of the 
referenced service information at the FAA, Transport Airplane 
Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For information on 
the availability of this material at the FAA, call 425-227-1221.

(m) Material Incorporated by Reference

    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference (IBR) of the service information listed 
in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
    (2) You must use this service information as applicable to do 
the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
    (i) BAE SYSTEMS (OPERATIONS) LIMITED Inspection Service Bulletin 
24-143, Revision 1, dated October 2, 2012.
    (ii) Reserved.
    (3) For 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, WA. 
For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, 
call 425-227-1221.
    (5) You may view this service information that is incorporated 
by reference at the National Archives and Records Administration 
(NARA). For information on the availability of this material at 
NARA, call 202-741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on February 21, 2013.
Jeffrey E. Duven,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2013-04629 Filed 3-6-13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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