Airworthiness Directives; BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 229 (Wednesday, November 30, 2022)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 73446-73448]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2022-26083]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2022-1053; Project Identifier MCAI-2022-00200-T; 
Amendment 39-22234; AD 2022-23-07]
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: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all 
BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Model BAe 146 series airplanes. This 
AD was prompted by a finding that when the autopilot is engaged, the 
architecture of the autopilot system does not automatically disconnect 
the autopilot in response to pilot application of a pitch input or when 
the electric pitch trim switch on either pilot control wheel is 
operated. This AD requires modifying the autopilot engagement circuit. 
The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these 
products.

DATES: This AD is effective January 4, 2023.

[[Page 73447]]

    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of January 4, 
2023.

ADDRESSES: 
    AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at regulations.gov under 
Docket No. FAA-2022-1053; or in person at Docket Operations between 9 
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD 
docket contains this final rule, the mandatory continuing airworthiness 
information (MCAI), any comments received, and other information. The 
address for Docket Operations is U.S. Department of Transportation, 
Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 
New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590.
    Material Incorporated by Reference:
    <bullet> For service information identified in this final rule, 
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]; website baesystems.com/Businesses/RegionalAircraft/index.htm.
    <bullet> You may view this service information at the FAA, 
Airworthiness Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 2200 South 
216th St., Des Moines, WA. For information on the availability of this 
material at the FAA, call 206-231-3195. It is also available at 
regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA-2022-1053.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Todd Thompson, Aerospace Engineer, 
Large Aircraft Section, FAA, International Validation Branch, 2200 
South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone 206-231-3228; email 
[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

    The FAA 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 BAe 146 series airplanes. The NPRM published 
in the Federal Register on August 22, 2022 (87 FR 51271). The NPRM was 
prompted by AD G-2022-0002, dated February 11, 2022, issued by United 
Kingdom Civil Aviation Authority (U.K. CAA), which is the aviation 
authority for the United Kingdom (referred to after this as the MCAI). 
The MCAI states that when the autopilot is engaged, the architecture of 
the autopilot system does not automatically disconnect the autopilot in 
response to pilot application of a pitch input or when the electric 
pitch trim switch on either pilot control wheel is operated.
    In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to require modifying the autopilot 
engagement circuit. The FAA is issuing this AD to address continued 
autopilot engagement after flightcrew input to disengage the autopilot, 
which could lead to reduced controllability of the airplane.
    You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at regulations.gov under 
Docket No. FAA-2022-1053.

Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive

Comments

    The FAA received no comments on the NPRM or on the determination of 
the cost to the public.

Conclusion

    This product has been approved by the aviation authority of another 
country and is approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant to 
the FAA's bilateral agreement with this State of Design Authority, it 
has notified the FAA of the unsafe condition described in the MCAI 
referenced above. The FAA reviewed the relevant data and determined 
that air safety requires adopting this AD as proposed. Accordingly, the 
FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on this product. 
Except for minor editorial changes, this AD is adopted as proposed in 
the NPRM. None of the changes will increase the economic burden on any 
operator.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    BAE Systems (Operations) Limited has issued Modification Service 
Bulletin SB.22-072-36262A, dated September 14, 2021. This service 
information describes procedures for modifying the autopilot engagement 
circuit, including the wiring, relay, and certain module blocks. 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.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this AD affects 20 airplanes of U.S. 
registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:

                                      Estimated Costs for Required Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                    Cost per       Cost on U.S.
                          Labor cost                              Parts cost        product         operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
130 work-hours x $85 per hour = $11,050......................          $2,124          $13,174         $263,480
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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.
    The FAA is 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

    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) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
    (3) Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or 
negative, on a substantial number of small entities

[[Page 73448]]

under the criteria of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by 
reference, Safety.

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 airworthiness 
directive:

2022-23-07 BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Amendment 39-22234; 
Docket No. FAA-2022-1053; Project Identifier MCAI-2022-00200-T.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective January 4, 2023.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to all BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Model 
BAe 146-100A, -200A, and -300A airplanes, certificated in any 
category.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 22, Auto-Flight.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by a finding that when the autopilot is 
engaged, the architecture of the autopilot system does not 
automatically disconnect the autopilot in response to pilot 
application of a pitch input or when the electric pitch trim switch 
on either pilot control wheel is operated. The FAA is issuing this 
AD to address continued autopilot engagement after flightcrew input 
to disengage the autopilot, which could lead to reduced 
controllability of the airplane.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Modification

    Within 12 months after the effective date of this AD, modify the 
autopilot engagement circuit in accordance with the Accomplishment 
Instructions of BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Modification 
Service Bulletin SB.22-072-36262A, dated September 14, 2021.

(h) No Reporting Requirement

    Although BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Modification Service 
Bulletin SB.22-072-36262A, dated September 14, 2021, specifies to 
submit certain information to the manufacturer, this AD does not 
include that requirement.

(i) Other AD Provisions

    The following provisions also apply to this AD:
    (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, 
International Validation Branch, 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 responsible Flight Standards Office, as 
appropriate. If sending information directly to the International 
Validation Branch, send it to the attention of the person identified 
in paragraph (j)(2) of this AD. 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 responsible Flight Standards Office.
    (2) Contacting the Manufacturer: For any requirement in this AD 
to obtain instructions from a manufacturer, the instructions must be 
accomplished using a method approved by the Manager, International 
Validation Branch, FAA; or the United Kingdom Civil Aviation 
Authority (U.K. CAA); or BAE Systems (Operations) Limited's U.K. CAA 
Design Organization Approval (DOA). If approved by the DOA, the 
approval must include the DOA-authorized signature.

(j) Additional Information

    (1) Refer to U.K. CAA AD G-2022-0002, dated February 11, 2022, 
for related information. This U.K. CAA AD may be found in the AD 
docket at regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA-2022-1053.
    (2) For more information about this AD, contact Todd Thompson, 
Aerospace Engineer, Large Aircraft Section, FAA, International 
Validation Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; 
telephone 206-231-3228; email [email protected].

(k) Material Incorporated by Reference

    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference 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 Modification Service 
Bulletin SB.22-072-36262A, dated September 14, 2021.
    (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]; website baesystems.com/Businesses/RegionalAircraft/index.htm.
    (4) You may view this service information at the FAA, 
Airworthiness Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 2200 
South 216th St., Des Moines, WA. For information on the availability 
of this material at the FAA, call 206-231-3195.
    (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, email [email protected], or go to: www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued on November 1, 2022.
Christina Underwood,
Acting Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2022-26083 Filed 11-29-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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