Airworthiness Directives; BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 211 (Thursday, October 31, 2013)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 65204-65206]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-25627]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2013-0631; Directorate Identifier 2012-NM-142-AD; 
Amendment 39-17640; AD 2013-22-08]
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 of a cracked pick-up 
bracket of the forward outboard pylon of the number 1 engine due to 
stress corrosion. This AD requires repetitive inspections and, 
depending on findings, repair of the pylon pick-up brackets. We are 
issuing this AD to detect and correct cracking of the pick-up bracket, 
which could result in the engine pylon separating from the wing, with 
consequent damage to the airplane and reduced controllability.

DATES: This AD becomes effective December 5, 2013.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of December 5, 
2013.

ADDRESSES: You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov/#!docketDetail;D=FAA-2013-0631; 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 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 view this 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.

[[Page 65205]]


FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: 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.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Discussion

    We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR 
part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to the specified products. The 
NPRM published in the Federal Register on July 31, 2013 (78 FR 46301). 
The NPRM proposed to correct an unsafe condition for the specified 
products.
    The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical 
Agent for the Member States of the European Community, has issued EASA 
Airworthiness Directive 2012-0136, dated July 20, 2012 (referred to 
after this as the Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or 
``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for the specified 
products. The MCAI states:

    While carrying out a scheduled environmental inspection, an 
operator found a cracked number 1 engine forward outboard pylon 
pick-up bracket. Cracks were present on the upper flange of the 
bracket running between all 3 attachment bolt holes. Subsequent 
investigation revealed that the cause of cracking was stress 
corrosion. Cracking of the pylon pick-up brackets at the top and 
bottom flanges could reduce the capability of the brackets to 
support the ultimate sideload, particularly if cracking is present 
on more than one flange.
    This condition, if not detected and corrected, could result in 
the engine pylon separation from the wing, likely resulting in 
damage to [and controllability of] the aeroplane and possible injury 
to persons on the ground.
* * * * *
    For reasons described above, this [EASA] AD requires the 
inspection and, depending on findings, repair of the affected pylon 
pick-up brackets.

    The inspection includes a special detailed inspection with a 
videoscope. Corrective actions can include replacing any affected pylon 
pick-up brackets, and doing any follow-on skin repairs. You may examine 
the MCAI in the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov/#!documentDetail;D=FAA-2013-0631-0002.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this AD. We received no comments on the NPRM (78 FR 46301, July 31, 
2013) 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 this 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 (78 FR 46301, July 31, 2013) for correcting the unsafe condition; 
and
    <bullet> Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was 
already proposed in the NPRM (78 FR 46301, July 31, 2013).

Costs of Compliance

    Based on the service information, we estimate that this AD affects 
1 product of U.S. registry. We also estimate that it takes 2 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 on U.S. operators to be $170, or $170 per 
product.
    We have received no definitive data that would enable us to provide 
cost estimates for the on-condition actions specified in this AD.

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 MCAI in the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov/#!documentDetail;D=FAA-2013-0631-0002; 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 
this AD, the MCAI, 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.

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:

2013-22-08 BAE Systems (Operations) Limited: Amendment 39-17640. 
Docket No. FAA-2013-0631; Directorate Identifier 2012-NM-142-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective December 5, 
2013.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

[[Page 65206]]

(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.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 57, Wings.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by a report of a cracked pick-up bracket of 
the forward outboard pylon of the number 1 engine due to stress 
corrosion. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct cracking of 
the pick-up bracket, which could result in the engine pylon 
separating from the wing, with consequent damage to the airplane and 
reduced controllability.

(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) Repetitive Inspections

    (1) Within the initial compliance time specified in paragraphs 
(g)(1)(i) and (g)(1)(ii) of this AD, as applicable, and thereafter 
at intervals not to exceed 24 months: Do a special detailed 
inspection with a videoscope of the flanges of the Rib 10 forward 
pylon pick-up bracket of each engine pylon for cracking, corrosion, 
and other defects, in accordance with the Accomplishment 
Instructions of BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Inspection Service 
Bulletin ISB.57-073, Revision 1, dated January 27, 2012; or Revision 
2, dated March 8, 2012.
    (i) Within 6 months after the effective date of this AD, except 
as provided by paragraph (g)(1)(ii) of this AD.
    (ii) For airplanes on which a maintenance records check 
positively determines that both forward pylon pick-up brackets have 
been replaced since first flight of the airplane: Within 20 months 
after the effective date of this AD.
    (2) If, during any inspection required by paragraph (g)(1) of 
this AD, any cracking, corrosion or other defect of any Rib 10 
forward pylon pick-up bracket is found: Before further flight, 
repair or replace the bracket as specified in paragraph (g)(2)(i) or 
(g)(2)(ii) of this AD.
    (i) Repair a bracket in accordance with the Accomplishment 
Instructions of BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Inspection Service 
Bulletin ISB.57-073, Revision 1, dated January 27, 2012; or Revision 
2, dated March 8, 2012.
    (ii) Replace a bracket using a method approved by either the 
Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane 
Directorate, FAA; or the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) (or 
its delegated agent).
    (3) Repairing or replacing a Rib 10 forward pylon pick-up 
bracket, as required by paragraph (g)(2) of this AD, does not 
terminate the repetitive inspections required by paragraph (g)(1) of 
this AD.

(h) Credit for Previous Actions

    This paragraph provides credit for actions required by paragraph 
(g) of this AD, if the actions were performed before the effective 
date of this AD using BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Inspection 
Service Bulletin ISB.57-073, dated September 6, 2010, which is not 
incorporated by reference in this AD.

(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. 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.

(j) Related Information

    (1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information 
(MCAI) European Aviation Safety Agency Airworthiness Directive 2012-
0136, dated July 20, 2012, for related information. You may examine 
the MCAI in the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov/#!documentDetail;D=FAA-2013-0631-0002.
    (2) Service information identified in this AD that is not 
incorporated by reference may be obtained at the addresses specified 
in paragraphs (k)(3) and (k)(4) of this AD.

(k) 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 this AD specifies otherwise.
    (i) BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Inspection Service Bulletin 
ISB.57-073, Revision 1, dated January 27, 2012.
    (ii) BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Inspection Service 
Bulletin ISB.57-073, Revision 2, dated March 8, 2012.
    (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 October 17, 2013.
Jeffrey E. Duven,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2013-25627 Filed 10-30-13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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