[Federal Register Volume 65, Number 2 (Tuesday, January 4, 2000)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 207-209]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 00-10]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 99-NM-31-AD; Amendment 39-11492; AD 99-27-11]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; British Aerospace Model BAC 1-11 200
and 400 Series Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD),
applicable to to all British Aerospace Model BAC 1-11 200 and 400
series airplanes, that requires replacing the thrust reverser control
unit selector valve with a new or modified valve and inspecting for
proper rigging of the thrust reverser cable drums and thrust reverser
control unit selector valve detent, and corrective actions, if
necessary. This amendment also requires revising the Airplane Flight
Manual to provide the flight crew with procedures to address
uncontrolled operation of the thrust reverser system. This amendment is
prompted by issuance of mandatory continuing airworthiness information
by a foreign civil airworthiness authority. The actions specified by
this AD are intended to provide the flight crew with procedures in the
event of uncommanded deployment of the thrust reverser, and to prevent
uncommanded deployment of the thrust reverser in flight or on the
ground, which could result in reduced controllability of the airplane.
[[Page 208]]
DATES: Effective February 8, 2000.
The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as
of February 8, 2000.
ADDRESSES: The service information referenced in this AD may be
obtained from British Aerospace, Service Support, Airbus Limited, P.O.
Box 77, Bristol BS99 7AR, England. This information may be examined at
the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane
Directorate, Rules Docket, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington;
or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street,
NW., suite 700, Washington, DC.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Norman B. Martenson, Manager,
International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate,
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056; telephone (425)
227-2110; fax (425) 227-1149.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: A proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal
Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) to include an airworthiness
directive (AD) that is applicable to all British Aerospace Model BAC 1-
11 200 and 400 series airplanes was published in the Federal Register
on September 15, 1999 (64 FR 50023). That action proposed to require
replacing the thrust reverser control unit selector valve with a new or
modified valve and inspecting for proper rigging of the thrust reverser
cable drums and thrust reverser control unit selector valve detent, and
corrective actions, if necessary. That action also proposed to require
revising the Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) to provide the flight crew
with procedures to address uncontrolled operation of the thrust
reverser system.
Comments
Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate
in the making of this amendment. Due consideration has been given to
the comments received.
Clarification of Paragraph (c)
The commenter proposes adding clarification in paragraph (c) of the
proposed AD to distinguish Advance Amendment Bulletin 16 (which applies
to Model 200 series airplanes) from Advance Amendment Bulletin 12
(which applies to Model 400 series airplanes). The FAA concurs with
this proposed change to distinguish between Advanced Amendment
Bulletins 16 and 12 and the appropriate airplane series, and has
revised paragraph (c) of the final rule accordingly.
Correction to British Airworthiness Directive Number
This same commenter states that the correct number of the British
airworthiness directive (identified as ``002-09-08'' in the Explanation
of Relevant Service Information of the proposed AD) should be ``002-09-
98.''
The FAA agrees that the number was incorrectly identified in the
referenced section of the proposed AD. However, the Explanation of
Relevant Service Information section is not restated within the final
rule; therefore, no change to the final rule is necessary. British
airworthiness directive 002-09-98 is correctly identified in NOTE 3 of
the proposal and this final rule.
Conclusion
After careful review of the available data, including the comments
noted above, the FAA has determined that air safety and the public
interest require the adoption of the rule with the change described
previously. The FAA has determined that this change will neither
increase the economic burden on any operator nor increase the scope of
the AD.
Cost Impact
The FAA estimates that 16 airplanes of U.S. registry will be
affected by this AD.
It will take approximately 6 work hours per airplane to accomplish
the inspections, at an average labor rate of $60 per work hour. Based
on these figures, the cost impact of the inspections required by this
AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be $5,760, or $360 per airplane.
It will take approximately 1 work hour per airplane to accomplish
the replacement, at an average labor rate of $60 per work hour.
Required parts will cost approximately $16,000 per airplane. Based on
these figures, the cost impact of the replacement required by this AD
on U.S. operators is estimated to be $256,960, or $16,060 per airplane.
It will take approximately 1 work hour per airplane to accomplish
the AFM revision, at an average labor rate of $60 per work hour. Based
on these figures, the cost impact of the AFM revision required by this
AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be $960, or $60 per airplane.
The cost impact figures discussed above are based on assumptions
that no operator has yet accomplished any of the requirements of this
AD action, and that no operator would accomplish those actions in the
future if this AD were not adopted.
Regulatory Impact
The regulations adopted herein will not have substantial direct
effects 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.
Therefore, in accordance with Executive Order 12612, it is
determined that this final rule does not have sufficient federalism
implications to warrant the preparation of a Federalism Assessment.
For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this action (1) is
not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order 12866;
(2) is not a ``significant rule'' under DOT Regulatory Policies and
Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); 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. A final evaluation has been prepared for this action
and it is contained in the Rules Docket. A copy of it may be obtained
from the Rules Docket at the location provided under the caption
ADDRESSES.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.
Adoption of the Amendment
Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration amends part 39 of
the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) as follows:
PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
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]
2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding the following new
airworthiness directive:
99-27-11 British Aerospace Airbus Limited (Formerly British
Aerospace Commercial Aircraft Limited, British Aerospace Aircraft
Group): Amendment 39-11492. Docket 99-NM-31-AD.
Applicability: All Model BAC 1-11 200 and 400 series airplanes,
certificated in any category.
Note 1: This AD applies to each airplane identified in the
preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been
modified, altered, or repaired in the area subject to the
requirements of this AD. For
[[Page 209]]
airplanes that have been modified, altered, or repaired so that the
performance of the requirements of this AD is affected, the owner/
operator must request approval for an alternative method of
compliance in accordance with paragraph (e) of this AD. The request
should include an assessment of the effect of the modification,
alteration, or repair on the unsafe condition addressed by this AD;
and, if the unsafe condition has not been eliminated, the request
should include specific proposed actions to address it.
Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished
previously.
To provide the flight crew with procedures in the event of
uncommanded deployment of the thrust reverser and to prevent
uncommanded deployment of the thrust reverser in flight or on the
ground, which could result in reduced controllability of the
airplane, accomplish the following:
(a) Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD, perform
an inspection for proper rigging of the thrust reverser cable drums,
in accordance with British Aerospace Alert Service Bulletin 76-A-
PM6043, Issue No. 1, dated September 18, 1998. If any drum is found
to be improperly rigged, prior to further flight, accomplish the
adjustments specified in paragraph 3, ``Adjustments,'' of the alert
service bulletin.
(b) Prior to further flight after accomplishing the inspection
required by paragraph (a) of this AD, perform an inspection for
proper rigging of the thrust reverser selector valve detent, in
accordance with Rolls-Royce Spey Service Bulletin Sp78-131, dated
September 1998. If any discrepancy is found, prior to further
flight, accomplish the adjustments specified in paragraph 3,
``Adjustments,'' of the service bulletin.
(c) Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD, revise
the Emergency and Abnormal Procedures Sections of the FAA-approved
Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) by inserting, into the applicable
sections of the AFM, British Aerospace Advance Amendment Bulletin
No. 12 (for Model 400 series airplanes) or No. 16 (for Model 200
series airplanes), as applicable; both dated August 19, 1997.
(d) Within 12 months after the effective date of this AD,
replace the thrust reverser control unit selector valve with a new
or modified selector valve in accordance with British Aerospace
Service Bulletin 78-PM6047, Revision 1, dated November 27, 1998.
Alternative Methods of Compliance
(e) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the
compliance time that provides an acceptable level of safety may be
used if approved by the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, FAA,
Transport Airplane Directorate. Operators shall submit their
requests through an appropriate FAA Principal Maintenance Inspector
who may add comments and then send it to the Manager, International
Branch, ANM-116.
Note 2: Information concerning the existence of approved
alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be
obtained from the International Branch, ANM-116.
Special Flight Permits
(f) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with
sections 21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14
CFR 21.197 and 21.199) to operate the airplane to a location where
the requirements of this AD can be accomplished.
Incorporation by Reference
(g) The actions shall be done in accordance with British
Aerospace Alert Service Bulletin 76-A-PM6043, Issue No. 1, dated
September 18, 1998; Rolls-Royce Spey Service Bulletin Sp78-131,
dated September 1998; British Aerospace Service Bulletin 78-PM6047,
Revision 1, dated November 27, 1998; British Aerospace Advance
Amendment Bulletin No. 12, dated August 19, 1997; and British
Aerospace Advance Amendment Bulletin No. 16, dated August 19, 1997.
This incorporation by reference was approved by the Director of the
Federal Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part
51. Copies may be obtained from British Aerospace, Service Support,
Airbus Limited, P.O. Box 77, Bristol BS99 7AR, England. Copies may
be inspected at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind
Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or at the Office of the Federal
Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC.
Note 3: The subject of this AD is addressed in British
airworthiness directives 002-09-98 and 005-11-98.
(h) This amendment becomes effective on February 8, 2000.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on December 23, 1999.
Vi L. Lipski,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 00-10 Filed 1-3-00; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U
