Airworthiness Directives; BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 88, Number 39 (Tuesday, February 28, 2023)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 12548-12550]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2023-04030]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2022-1152; Project Identifier MCAI-2022-00260-T; 
Amendment 39-22323; AD 2023-02-16]
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 
certain BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Model Avro 146-RJ series 
airplanes. This AD was prompted by a report that certain inertial 
reference units (IRUs) have out-of-date magnetic variation (MagVar) 
tables. This AD requires assessing the values between the MagVar tables 
of the affected IRUs and the most recently published MagVar data 
tables, and corrective actions if necessary. The FAA is issuing this AD 
to address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective April 4, 2023.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of April 4, 
2023.

ADDRESSES: 
    AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at regulations.gov under 
Docket No. FAA-2022-1152; 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 regional-service.com.
    <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-2022-1152.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Todd Thompson, Aerospace Engineer, 
Large Aircraft Section, International Validation Branch, FAA, 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 certain BAE Systems 
(Operations) Limited Model Avro 146-RJ airplanes. The NPRM published in 
the Federal Register on November 16, 2022 (87 FR 68644). The NPRM was 
prompted by AD G-2022-0005, dated February 24, 2022, issued by United 
Kingdom Civil Aviation Authority (U.K. CAA), which is the aviation 
authority for the United Kingdom (U.K. CAA AD G-2022-0005) (referred to 
after this as the MCAI). The MCAI states that the navigation system for 
Model Avro 146-RJ series airplanes has an inertial reference system 
(IRS) that uses true

[[Page 12549]]

north to calculate magnetic heading and track. The IRS includes IRUs 
with MagVar data tables that correct the heading/track for the effects 
of magnetic variation. Due to the change in the location of magnetic 
north over time, the level of IRS accuracy diminishes in certain 
geographical locations if an IRU's MagVar data table is not kept up to 
date with current WMM MagVar data tables. Consequently, certain 
airplanes may have IRUs with MagVar tables that are out of date and 
which can lead to inaccurate heading, course and bearing calculations. 
This condition, if not corrected, may result in an increased risk of 
controlled flight into terrain, or collision with another airplane, 
possibly resulting in damage to the airplane and injury to occupants.
    In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to require assessing the values 
between the MagVar tables of the affected IRUs and the most recently 
published MagVar data tables, and corrective actions if necessary. The 
FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these 
products.
    You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at regulations.gov under 
Docket No. FAA-2022-1152.

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 has issued All Operator Message 21-011V-1, Issue 1, 
dated September 27, 2021. This service information describes, among 
other actions, procedures for assessing the accuracy of an affected 
IRU's MagVar data table when compared to the current World Magnetic 
Model (WMM) MagVar data tables, and corrective actions if the MagVar is 
greater than 2 degrees. The corrective actions include either updating 
an affected IRU's MagVar data tables, or operating an airplane only if 
the terrain awareness warning system (TAWS) and traffic collision 
avoidance system (TCAS) are installed and operative, and revising the 
operator's FAA-approved minimum equipment list (MEL) to prohibit 
dispatch unless both TAWS and TCAS are installed and operative. BAE 
Systems All Operator Message 21-011V-1, Issue 1, dated September 27, 
2021, also specifies that updating the data tables would terminate the 
MEL prohibition provided the airplane has operative TAWS and TCAS.
    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 10 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
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 work-hour x $85 per hour = $85.............................              $0              $85             $850
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The FAA has received no definitive data on which to base the 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.
    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 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:

2023-02-16 BAE Systems (Operations) Limited: Amendment 39-22323; 
Docket No. FAA-2022-1152; Project Identifier MCAI-2022-00260-T.

[[Page 12550]]

(a) Effective Date

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

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Model Avro 
146-RJ70A, 146-RJ85A, and 146-RJ100A airplanes, certificated in any 
category, equipped with Honeywell inertial reference unit (IRU) part 
number (P/N) HG2001BC02 or P/N HG2001BC04.

(d) Subject

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

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by a report that certain IRUs have out-of-
date magnetic variation (MagVar) tables. The FAA is issuing this AD 
to address IRUs having outdated MagVar lookup tables, which could 
lead to inaccurate inertial reference system calculations, possibly 
resulting in increased risk of controlled flight into terrain, or 
collision with another airplane and injury to occupants.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Definitions

    For the purpose of this AD, the following definitions apply:
    (1) Affected IRU: A Honeywell IRU having P/N HG2001BC02 using a 
MagVar lookup table from 1990, or P/N HG2001BC04 using a MagVar 
lookup table from 1995.
    (2) WMM: World Magnetic Model, which is the standard model for 
navigation, altitude, and heading referencing systems using the 
geomagnetic field. The WMM is produced at 5-year intervals. The 
existing WMM as of November 16, 2022 was released December 10, 2019.

(h) Magnetic Variation Assessment

    Within 3 months after the effective date of this AD, and 
thereafter at intervals not to exceed 5 years, assess the accuracy 
of an affected IRU's MagVar data table, in accordance with the 
Recommendations of BAE Systems All Operator Message 21-011V-1, Issue 
1, dated September 27, 2021.
    (1) If the difference between an affected IRU's MagVar data 
table and the existing WMM MagVar data tables is less than or equal 
to 2 degrees for the routes that the airplane may operate, no 
further action is required until the assessment is repeated, as 
required by the introductory text to paragraph (h) of this AD.
    (2) If the difference between an affected IRU's MagVar data 
table and the existing WMM MagVar data tables is greater than 2 
degrees for the routes that the airplane may operate: Do the actions 
required by paragraph (h)(2)(i) or (ii) of this AD.
    (i) Within three months after the effective date of this AD or 
before further flight after the assessment in the introductory text 
to paragraph (h) of this AD, whichever occurs later: Update the 
airplane's affected IRU MagVar data tables in accordance with the 
Recommendations of BAE Systems All Operator Message 21-011V-1, Issue 
1, dated September 27, 2021.
    (ii) Comply with the provisions specified in, and at the times 
specified in, paragraphs (h)(2)(ii)(A) and (B) of this AD.
    (A) Further flight is prohibited in areas where the difference 
between the installed and the existing MagVar values exceeds the 2 
degree tolerance unless both terrain awareness warning system (TAWS) 
and traffic collision avoidance system (TCAS) are installed and 
operative.
    (B) Before further flight, revise the operator's existing FAA-
approved minimum equipment list (MEL) to prohibit dispatch unless 
both TAWS and TCAS are installed and operative.
    (3) If an affected IRU's MagVar data table cannot be determined, 
follow the procedures specified in the Recommendations of BAE 
Systems All Operator Message 21-011V-1, Issue 1, dated September 27, 
2021.
    (4) This AD does not require operators to provide flightcrews 
with certain operating procedures as those actions are already 
required by existing FAA operating regulations (see 14 CFR part 91).

(i) Terminating Action for MEL Prohibition

    Updating both affected IRUs, as specified in paragraph (h)(2)(i) 
of this AD, terminates the MEL prohibition specified in paragraph 
(h)(2)(ii)(B) of this AD, provided both TAWS and TCAS are installed 
and operative.

(j) Other FAA 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 (k)(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: As of the effective date of 
this AD, 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 UK CAA; or BAE Systems (Operations) Limited's UK CAA DOA. If 
approved by the DOA, the approval must include the DOA-authorized 
signature.

(k) Additional Information

    (1) Refer to U.K. CAA AD G-2022-0005, dated February 24, 2022, 
for related information. This U.K. CAA AD may be found in the AD 
docket at regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA-2022-1152.
    (2) For more information about this AD, contact Todd Thompson, 
Aerospace Engineer, Large Aircraft Section, International Validation 
Branch, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone 
206-231-3228; email [email protected].

(l) 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 All Operator Message 21-011V-1, Issue 1, dated 
September 27, 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 regional-service.com.
    (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 January 27, 2023.
Christina Underwood,
Acting Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2023-04030 Filed 2-27-23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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