Airworthiness Directives; B-N Group Ltd. Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 3 (Thursday, January 5, 2017)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 1179-1181]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-31699]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2016-9160; Directorate Identifier 2016-CE-022-AD; 
Amendment 39-18767; AD 2016-26-09]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; B-N Group Ltd. Airplanes

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

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: We are superseding an airworthiness directive (AD) 2016-06-01 
for B-N Group Ltd. Models BN-2, BN-2A, BN-2A-2, BN-2A-3, BN-2A-6, BN-
2A-8, BN-2A-9, BN-2A-20, BN-2A-21, BN-2A-26, BN-2A-27, BN-2B-20, BN-2B-
21, BN-2B-26, BN-2B-27, BN-2T-4R, BN-2T, BN2A MK. III, BN2A MK. III-2, 
and BN2A MK. III-3 (all models on Type Certificate Data Sheets A17EU 
and A29EU) airplanes. This AD results from mandatory continuing 
airworthiness information (MCAI) originated by an aviation authority of 
another country to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an 
aviation product. The MCAI describes the unsafe condition as cracks in 
the inner shell of certain pitot/static pressure heads. This AD changes 
model applicability due to errors found in AD 2016-06-01. We are 
issuing this AD to require actions to address the unsafe condition on 
these products.

DATES: This AD is effective February 9, 2017.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain other publication listed in this AD as of April 
19, 2016 (81 FR 13717; March 15, 2016).

ADDRESSES: You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2016-
9160; 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 20590.
    For service information identified in this AD, contact Britten-
Norman Aircraft Limited, Commodore House, Mountbatten Business Centre, 
Millbrook Road East, Southampton SO15 1HY, United Kingdom; telephone: 
+44 20 3371 4000; fax: +44 20 3371 4001; email: [email protected]; 
Internet: http://www.britten-norman.com/customer-support/. You may view 
this referenced service information at the FAA, Small Airplane 
Directorate, 901 Locust, Kansas City, Missouri 64106. For information 
on the availability of this material at the FAA, call (816) 329-4148. 
It is also available on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by 
searching for Docket No. FAA-2016-9160.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Raymond Johnston, Aerospace Engineer, 
FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas City, 
Missouri 64106; telephone: (816) 329-4159; fax: (816) 329-3047; email: 
[email protected].

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 B-N Group Ltd. Models BN-2, 
BN-2A, BN-2A-2, BN-2A-3, BN-2A-6, BN-2A-8, BN-2A-9, BN-2A-20, BN-2A-21, 
BN-2A-26, BN-2A-27, BN-2B-20, BN-2B-21, BN-2B-26, BN-2B-27, BN-2T-4R, 
BN-2T, BN2A MK. III, BN2A MK. III-2, and BN2A MK. III-3 (all models on 
Type Certificate Data Sheets A17EU and A29EU) airplanes. That NPRM was 
published in the Federal Register on September 23, 2016 (81 FR 65581), 
and proposed to supersede AD 2016-06-01, Amendment 39-18432 (81 FR 
13717; March 15, 2016).
    Since we issued AD 2016-06-01, errors were discovered in the model 
applicability after issuance. This AD adds Models BN-2T and BN-2T-4R, 
removes nonexistent Model BN2B, and removes duplicate listings of BN2A 
and BN2A MK.III.
    The NPRM proposed to correct an unsafe condition for the specified 
products and was based on mandatory continuing airworthiness 
information (MCAI) originated by an aviation authority of another 
country. The MCAI states that:

    In 2005, occurrences were reported of finding cracks in the 
inner shell of certain pitot/static pressure heads, Part Number (P/
N) DU130-24.
    This condition, if not detected and corrected, could lead to 
incorrect readings on the pressure instrumentation, e.g. altimeters, 
vertical speed indicators (rate-of-climb) and airspeed indicators, 
possibly resulting in reduced control of the aeroplane.
    To address this potential unsafe condition, B-N Group issued 
Service Bulletin (SB) 310 to provide inspection and test 
instructions. Consequently, CAA UK issued AD G-2005-0034 (EASA 
approval 2005-6447) to require repetitive inspections and leak tests 
and, depending on findings, accomplishment of applicable corrective 
action(s).
    Subsequently, B-N Group published SB 310 issue 2, prompting EASA 
to issue AD 2006-0143 making reference to SB 310 at issue 2, while 
the publication of BNA SB 310 issue 3 prompted EASA AD 2006-0143R1, 
introducing BNA modification (mod) NB-M-1728 (new pitot/static 
pressure head not affected by the AD requirements) as optional 
terminating action for the repetitive inspections and leak tests.
    Since that AD was issued, operators have reported a number of 
premature failures of the affected P/N DU130-24 pitot-static probes.
    Prompted by these reports, BNA issued SB 310 issue 4 to reduce 
the interval for the inspections and leak tests.

    The MCAI can be found in the AD docket on the Internet at: https://

[[Page 1180]]

www.regulations.gov/document?D=FAA-2016-9160-0002.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this AD. We received no comments on the NPRM or on the determination of 
the cost to the public.

Conclusion

    We reviewed the relevant 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 for correcting the unsafe condition; and
    <bullet> Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was 
already proposed in the NPRM.

Related Service Information

    We reviewed B-N Group Ltd. Britten-Norman Service Bulletin Number 
SB 310, Issue 4, dated September 25, 2015. The service information 
describes procedures for inspections, and if necessary, replacement of 
the pitot/static pressure head. This service information is reasonably 
available because the interested parties have access to it through 
their normal course of business or by the means identified in the 
ADDRESSES section of the AD.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD will affect 93 products of U.S. registry. 
We also estimate that it would take about 1 work-hour 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 $7,905, or $85 per product.
    In addition, we estimate that any necessary follow-on actions would 
take about 2 work-hours and require parts costing $10,000, for a cost 
of $10,170 per product. We have no way of determining the number of 
products that may need these actions.
    The cost impact of this AD is the same as that presented in AD 
2016-06-01.

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 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 by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2016-
9160; 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 the NPRM, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, 
and other information. The street address for the Docket 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, 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 removing Amendment 39-18432 (81 FR 
13717; March 15, 2016) and adding the following new AD:

2016-26-09 B-N Group Ltd.: Amendment 39-18767; Docket No. FAA-2016-
9160; Directorate Identifier 2016-CE-022-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective February 9, 
2017.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD supersedes AD 2016-06-01, Amendment 39-18432 (81 FR 
13717; March 15, 2016) (``AD 2016-06-01'').

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to B-N Group Ltd. Models BN-2, BN-2A, BN-2A-2, 
BN-2A-3, BN-2A-6, BN-2A-8, BN-2A-9, BN-2A-20, BN-2A-21, BN-2A-26, 
BN-2A-27, BN-2B-20, BN-2B-21, BN-2B-26, BN-2B-27, BN-2T-4R, BN-2T, 
BN2A MK. III, BN2A MK. III-2, and BN2A MK. III-3 (all models on Type 
Certificate Data Sheets A17EU and A29EU) airplanes, all serial 
numbers, certificated in any category.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association of America (ATA) Code 34: Navigation.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by mandatory continuing airworthiness 
information (MCAI) issued by an aviation authority of another 
country to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an aviation 
product. The MCAI describes the unsafe condition as cracks in the 
inner shell of certain pitot/static pressure heads, which could 
cause incorrect readings on the pressure instrumentation, possibly 
resulting in reduced control of the airplane. We are issuing this AD 
to change the model applicability due to errors found in AD 2016-06-
01.

(f) Actions and Compliance

    Unless already done, do the following actions in paragraphs 
(f)(1) through (5) of this AD:
    (1) For all airplanes that are equipped with pitot/static 
pressure head part number (P/N) DU130-24, except Models BN-2T and 
BN-2T-4R: Within 50 hours time-in-service (TIS) after April 19, 2016 
(the effective date retained from AD 2016-06-01) and repetitively 
thereafter at intervals not to exceed 50 hours TIS, inspect the 
pitot/static pressure head for cracks and/or separation and perform 
a leak test following the procedures in the action section of 
Britten-Norman Service Bulletin SB 310, Issue 4, dated September 25, 
2015.
    (2) For Models BN-2T and BN-2T-4R that are equipped with pitot/
static pressure head

[[Page 1181]]

part number (P/N) DU130-24: Within 50 hours TIS after February 9, 
2017 (the effective date of this AD) and repetitively thereafter at 
intervals not to exceed 50 hours TIS, inspect the pitot/static 
pressure head for cracks and/or separation and perform a leak test 
following the procedures in the action section of Britten-Norman 
Service Bulletin SB 310, Issue 4, dated September 25, 2015.
    (3) For all airplanes equipped with pitot/static pressure head 
part number (P/N) DU130-24: If any discrepancies are found during an 
inspection or test required in paragraph (f)(1) or (2) of this AD, 
before further flight, replace the pitot/static pressure head with 
an airworthy part.
    (4) For all airplanes equipped with pitot/static pressure head 
part number (P/N) DU130-24: Corrections performed on airplanes as 
required in paragraph (f)(3) of this AD do not constitute 
terminating action for the repetitive actions required in paragraph 
(f)(1) or (2) of this AD.
    (5) For all airplanes not equipped with a pitot/static pressure 
head P/N DU130-24 on February 9, 2017 (the effective date of this 
AD): After April 19, 2016 (the effective date retained from AD 2016-
06-01), do not install a pitot/static pressure head P/N DU130-24.

(g) Other FAA AD Provisions

    The following provisions also apply to this AD:
    (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, 
Standards Office, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this 
AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. Send 
information to ATTN: Raymond Johnston, Aerospace Engineer, FAA, 
Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas City, 
Missouri 64106; telephone: (816) 329-4159; fax: (816) 329-3047; 
email: [email protected]. Before using any approved AMOC on 
any airplane to which the AMOC applies, notify your appropriate 
principal inspector (PI) in the FAA Flight Standards District Office 
(FSDO), or lacking a PI, your local FSDO.
    (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.

(h) Related Information

    Refer to MCAI European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD No.: 
2015-0184, dated September 1, 2015; for related information. You may 
examine the MCAI in the AD docket on the Internet at: https://www.regulations.gov/document?D=FAA-2016-9160-0002.

(i) 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.
    (3) The following service information was approved for IBR on 
April 19, 2016.
    (i) Britten-Norman Service Bulletin SB 310, Issue 4, dated 
September 25, 2015.
    (ii) Reserved.
    (4) For Britten-Norman Aircraft Limited service information 
identified in this AD, contact Britten-Norman Aircraft Limited, 
Commodore House, Mountbatten Business Centre, Millbrook Road East, 
Southampton SO15 1HY, United Kingdom; telephone: +44 20 3371 4000; 
fax: +44 20 3371 4001; email: [email protected]; Internet: http://www.britten-norman.com/customer-support/.
    (5) You may view this service information at the FAA, Small 
Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Kansas City, Missouri 64106. For 
information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 
(816) 329-4148. In addition, you can access this service information 
on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and 
locating Docket No. FAA-2016-9160.
    (6) 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 Kansas City, Missouri, on December 22, 2016.
Pat Mullen,
Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2016-31699 Filed 1-4-17; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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