Airworthiness Directives; BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 60 (Monday, March 30, 2015)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 16555-16557]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2015-06751]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2014-0619; Directorate Identifier 2014-NM-029-AD; 
Amendment 39-18124; AD 2015-06-06]
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 4101 airplanes. This AD was prompted 
by a report of the failure, due to overheat, of a bracket on which the 
earth post (EP) for the generator and propeller de-ice systems is 
located. This AD requires an inspection of the affected EPs and 
attachment structure for damage, an inspection of the earth cables of 
the generator and propeller de-ice system for signs of overheating and 
arcing damage, a torque check of the affected EP stiff nuts, an 
electrical high current bonding check of the bracket, and corrective 
actions if necessary. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct an 
overheat failure of the EPs for the generator and propeller de-ice 
system, and possible degradation of the wing front spar cap and/or web, 
which could affect the structural integrity of the wing.

DATES: This AD becomes effective May 4, 2015.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of May 4, 2015.

ADDRESSES: You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov/#!docketDetail;D=FAA-2014-0619 or in person at the 
Docket Management Facility, 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. It is also available on 
the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and 
locating Docket No. FAA 2014-0619.

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 all BAE Systems 
(Operations) Limited Model 4101 airplanes. The NPRM published in the 
Federal Register on September 3, 2014 (79 FR 52270). The NPRM was 
prompted by a report of the failure, due to overheat, of a bracket on 
which the EP for the generator and propeller de-ice systems is located. 
The NPRM proposed to require an inspection of the affected EPs and 
attachment structure for damage, an inspection of the earth cables of 
the generator and propeller de-ice system for signs of overheating and 
arcing damage, a torque check of the affected EP stiff nuts, an 
electrical high current bonding check of the bracket, and corrective 
actions if necessary. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct an 
overheat failure of the EPs for the generator and propeller de-ice 
system, and possible degradation of the wing front spar cap and/or web, 
which could affect the structural integrity of the wing.
    The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical 
Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued EASA 
Airworthiness Directive 2014-0006, dated January 7, 2014 (referred to 
after this as the Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or 
``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition. The MCAI states:

    An occurrence was reported involving a Jetstream 4100 aeroplane, 
where a bracket, on which the earth post for the generator and 
propeller de-ice systems is located, failed due to overheat. 
Although the earth post and cables were not damaged, the mounting 
bracket and underlying structure were damaged to the extent that 
repair of the wing front spar web was necessary. Furthermore, the 
aft engine cross support rod, which is attached to the same bracket, 
was found damaged, as a result of excessive current

[[Page 16556]]

load, and required replacement. The subsequent investigation 
determined that, due to the damage tolerance of the aft engine cross 
rod support, the rod does not present an airworthiness issue. 
However, as a consequence of overheat failure of the earth post, 
degradation of the wing front spar cap and/or web could affect the 
structural integrity of the wing.
    This condition, if not detected and corrected, could reduce the 
capacity of the wing to support loads, possibly resulting in wing 
structure failure and consequent loss of the aeroplane.
    To address this potential unsafe condition, BAE Systems 
(Operations) Ltd issued [Inspection] Service Bulletin (SB) J41-24-
043 [Revision 2, dated August 21, 2013] to provide inspection 
instructions.
    For the reasons described above, this [EASA] AD requires a one-
time visual inspection of the affected earth posts, an electrical 
high current bonding check of the bracket and, if discrepancies are 
detected, accomplishment of applicable corrective action(s).

The required actions include a general visual inspection of the 
affected EPs and attachment structure for damage; a general visual 
inspection of the earth cables of the generator and propeller de-ice 
system for arcing damage and signs of overheating of the cable 
insulation and terminal tags; a torque check of the EP2 and EP4 stiff 
nuts; an electrical high current bonding check of the bracket; and 
corrective actions if necessary. Corrective actions include repair of 
damaged structure, replacement of damaged cables, cleaning of all 
applicable surfaces to achieve the necessary resistance value, and 
correction of the torque load of EP stiff nuts.

    You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov/#!documentDetail;D=FAA-2014-0619-0002.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this AD. We received no comments on the NPRM (79 FR 52270, September 3, 
2014) or on the determination of the cost to the public.

Changes Made to This AD

    BAE Systems (Operations) Limited has issued Inspection Service 
Bulletin J41-24-043, Revision 3, dated June 16, 2014. This service 
bulletin states that ``this revision does not require rework of the 
modification(s) embodied by earlier revision of this service 
bulletin.'' We have revised paragraphs (g) through (k) of this AD to 
reference this service information. We have revised paragraph (l) of 
this AD to give credit for actions done prior to the effective date of 
this AD using BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Inspection Service 
Bulletin J41-24-043, Revision 2, dated August 21, 2013.

Conclusion

    We reviewed the relevant data, and determined that air safety and 
the public interest require adopting this AD with the changes described 
previously and minor editorial changes. We have determined that these 
minor changes:
    <bullet> Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the 
NPRM (79 FR 52270, September 3, 2014) for correcting the unsafe 
condition; and
    <bullet> Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was 
already proposed in the NPRM (79 FR 52270, September 3, 2014).
    We also determined that these changes will not increase the 
economic burden on any operator or increase the scope of this AD.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    We reviewed BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Service Bulletin J41-
24-043, Revision 3, dated June 16, 2014. The service information 
describes procedures for an inspection of the earth post EP2 (left) and 
earth post EP4 (right) on the structure for the left and right power 
plants. This service information is reasonably available; see ADDRESSES 
for ways to access this service information.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD affects 4 airplanes of U.S. registry.
    We also estimate that it would take about 4 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 proposed AD on U.S. operators to be $1,360, or $340 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.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov/#!docketDetail;D=FAA-2014-0619; or in person at the 
Docket Management Facility between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through 
Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains this AD, 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.

[[Page 16557]]

Sec.  39.13  [Amended]

0
2. The FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness 
directive (AD):

2015-06-06 BAE Systems (Operations) Limited: Amendment 39-18124. 
Docket No. FAA-2014-0619; Directorate Identifier 2014-NM-029-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD becomes effective May 4, 2015.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Model 4101 
airplanes, certificated in any category, all serial numbers.

(d) Subject

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

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by a report of the failure, due to 
overheat, of a bracket on which the earth post (EP) for the 
generator and propeller de-ice systems is located. We are issuing 
this AD to detect and correct an overheat failure of the EPs for the 
generator and propeller de-ice system and possible degradation of 
the wing front spar cap and/or web, which could affect the 
structural integrity of the wing.

(f) Compliance

    Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, 
unless already done.

(g) Inspection of the Earth Posts and Attachment Structure and 
Corrective Action

    Within 6 months after the effective date of this AD: Do a 
general visual inspection on both engines of the structure around 
EP2 and EP4; the brackets on which the EPs are mounted; the 
attachment of the nacelle horizontal support for damage, and lateral 
movement of the EPs; in accordance with the Accomplishment 
Instructions of BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Inspection Service 
Bulletin J41-24-043, Revision 3, dated June 16, 2014. If any lateral 
movement of the EP or any other damage is detected, before further 
flight, repair using a method approved by the Manager, International 
Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA; or the 
European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA); or BAE Systems (Operations) 
Limited's EASA Design Organization Approval (DOA).

(h) Inspection of the Earth Cables and Corrective Action

    Within 6 months after the effective date of this AD: Do a 
general visual inspection of the earth cables of the generator and 
propeller de-ice system for arcing damage and signs that the cable 
insulation or terminal tags have been overheated, and do all 
applicable corrective actions; in accordance with the Accomplishment 
Instructions of BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Inspection Service 
Bulletin J41-24-043, Revision 3, dated June 16, 2014. Do all 
applicable corrective actions before further flight.

(i) Torque Check of the Earth Post Stiff Nuts

    Within 6 months after the effective date of this AD: Do a torque 
check of the EP2 and EP4 stiff nuts, and adjust the torque load as 
applicable, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of 
BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Inspection Service Bulletin J41-24-
043, Revision 3, dated June 16, 2014.

(j) Resistance Measurement of the EP2 and EP4 Earth Bolts

    Within 6 months after the effective date of this AD: Measure the 
resistance of the EP2 and EP4 earth bolts using a high-current 
millivolts-drop test, and do all applicable corrective actions, in 
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of BAE Systems 
(Operations) Limited Inspection Service Bulletin J41-24-043, 
Revision 3, dated June 16, 2014. Do all applicable corrective 
actions before further flight.

(k) No Reporting Required

    Although BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Inspection Service 
Bulletin J41-24-043, Revision 3, dated June 16, 2014, specifies to 
submit information to the manufacturer, this AD does not require 
that this information be submitted.

(l) Credit for Previous Actions

    This paragraph provides credit for actions required by 
paragraphs (g), (h), (i), and (j) of this AD, if those actions were 
performed before the effective date of this AD using a service 
bulletin specified in paragraph (l)(1), (l)(2), or (l)(3) of this 
AD, which are not incorporated by reference in this AD.
    (1) BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Inspection Service Bulletin 
J41-24-043, dated September 27, 2011.
    (2) BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Inspection Service Bulletin 
J41-24-043, Revision 1, dated January 16, 2012.
    (3) BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Inspection Service Bulletin 
J41-24-043, Revision 2, dated August 21, 2013.

(m) 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) Contacting the Manufacturer: For any requirement in this AD 
to obtain corrective actions from a manufacturer, the action must be 
accomplished using a method approved by the Manager, International 
Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA; or the 
European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA); or BAE Systems (Operations) 
Limited's EASA Design Organization Approval (DOA). If approved by 
the DOA, the approval must include the DOA-authorized signature.

(n) Related Information

    (1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information 
(MCAI) European Aviation Safety Agency Airworthiness Directive 2014-
0006, dated January 7, 2014, for related information. This MCAI may 
be found in the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov/#!documentDetail;D=FAA-2014-0619-0002.
    (2) Service information identified in this AD that is not 
incorporated by reference is available at the addresses specified in 
paragraphs (o)(3) and (o)(4) of this AD.

(o) 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 
J41-24-043, Revision 3, dated June 16, 2014.
    (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 view this 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 March 12, 2015.
Jeffrey E. Duven,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2015-06751 Filed 3-27-15; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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