[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 193 (Tuesday, October 6, 1998)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 53549-53550]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-26390]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 98-NM-235-AD; Amendment 39-10815; AD 98-21-07]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; British Aerospace Model Avro 146-RJ85A
and RJ100A 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 certain British Aerospace Model Avro 146-RJ85A and RJ100A
series airplanes, that requires a one-time inspection for evidence of
machining (undercutting) into the web of the integral stringers of the
bottom skin of the wings, and corrective actions, if necessary. 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 prevent reduced wing strength and
stiffness, and the onset of premature fatigue cracking, which could
result in reduced structural integrity of the airplane.
DATES: Effective November 10, 1998.
The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as
of November 10, 1998.
ADDRESSES: The service information referenced in this AD may be
obtained from AI(R) American Support, Inc., 13850 Mclearen Road,
Herndon, Virginia 20171. 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 certain British Aerospace Model
Avro 146-RJ85A and RJ100A series airplanes was published in the Federal
Register on August 13, 1998 (63 FR 43351). That action proposed to
require a one-time inspection for evidence of machining (undercutting)
into the web of the integral stringers of the bottom skin of the wings,
and corrective actions, if necessary.
Comments
Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate
in the making of this amendment. No comments were submitted in response
to the proposal or the FAA's determination of the cost to the public.
Conclusion
The FAA has determined that air safety and the public interest
require the adoption of the rule as proposed.
Cost Impact
The FAA estimates that 5 airplanes of U.S. registry will be
affected by this AD, that it will take approximately 16 work hours per
airplane to accomplish the required inspection, and that the average
labor rate is $60 per work hour. Based on these figures, the cost
impact of the AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be $4,800, or $960
per airplane.
The cost impact figure discussed above is 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.
[[Page 53550]]
Sec. 39.13 [Amended]
2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding the following new
airworthiness directive:
98-21-07 Brtish Aerospace Regional Aircraft (Formerly British
Aerospace Regional Aircraft Limited, Avro International Aerospace
Division; British Aerospace, PLC; British Aerospace Commercial
Aircraft Limited): Amendment 39-10815. Docket 98-NM-235-AD.
Applicability: Model Avro 146-RJ85A and RJ100A series airplanes,
as listed in British Aerospace Service Bulletin SB.57-55, dated
April 27, 1998, 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 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 (b) 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 prevent reduced wing strength and stiffness, and the onset of
premature fatigue cracking, which could result in reduced structural
integrity of the airplane, accomplish the following:
(a) Within 6 months after the effective date of this AD, perform
a one-time detailed visual inspection for evidence of machining
(undercutting) into the web of the integral stringers of the bottom
skin of the wings, in accordance with British Aerospace Service
Bulletin SB.57-55, dated April 27, 1998.
(1) If no machining into the web is detected, no further action
is required by this AD.
(2) If any machining into the web is detected, prior to further
flight, measure the thickness of the web of the integral stringer in
accordance with the service bulletin.
(i) If the web thickness is 0.099 inch or more, no further
action is required by this AD.
(ii) If the web thickness is less than 0.099 inch, prior to
further flight, repair in accordance with a method approved by
either the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport
Directorate, or the Civil Aviation Authority (or its delegated
agent).
(b) 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.
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.
(c) 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.
(d) Except as provided by paragraph (a)(2)(ii) of this AD, the
actions shall be done in accordance with British Aerospace Service
Bulletin SB.57-55, dated April 27, 1998, which contains the
following list of effective pages:
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Revision level
Page No. shown on page Date shown on page
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1-4............................. Original.......... April 27, 1998.
5-6............................. X................. Not Dated.
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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 AI(R) American Support, Inc.,
13850 Mclearen Road, Herndon, Virginia 20171. 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.
(e) This amendment becomes effective on November 10, 1998.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on September 28, 1998.
Darrell M. Pederson,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 98-26390 Filed 10-5-98; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
