98-30053. Airworthiness Directives; British Aerospace Model Viscount 744, 745, 745D, and 810 Series Airplanes  

  • [Federal Register Volume 63, Number 218 (Thursday, November 12, 1998)]
    [Rules and Regulations]
    [Pages 63130-63132]
    From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
    [FR Doc No: 98-30053]
    
    
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    DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
    
    Federal Aviation Administration
    
    14 CFR Part 39
    
    [Docket No. 98-NM-217-AD; Amendment 39-10880; AD 98-23-13]
    RIN 2120-AA64
    
    
    Airworthiness Directives; British Aerospace Model Viscount 744, 
    745, 745D, and 810 Series Airplanes
    
    AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.
    
    ACTION: Final rule.
    
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    SUMMARY: This amendment supersedes an existing airworthiness directive 
    (AD), applicable to all British Aerospace Model Viscount 700, 800, and 
    810 series airplanes, that currently requires repetitive inspections to 
    detect cracks and corrosion in the inboard and outboard engine nacelle 
    structures on the wings; replacement of any cracked fittings and mating 
    struts; and treatment or replacement of any corroded fittings or 
    struts. This amendment requires repetitive inspections to detect 
    cracking or corrosion of the eye end fittings of the outboard engine 
    lower support or of the bore of the taper pin holes, and repair, if 
    necessary. This amendment also limits the applicability of the existing 
    AD. This amendment is prompted by reports of cracked and separated 
    lower eye end fittings. The actions specified by this AD are intended 
    to detect and correct cracking of the eye end fittings of the outboard 
    engine lower support, which could result in reduced structural 
    integrity of the engine nacelle support structures.
    
    DATES: Effective December 17, 1998.
        The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
    the regulations is approved by the Director
    
    [[Page 63131]]
    
    of the Federal Register as of December 17, 1998.
    
    ADDRESSES: The service information referenced in this AD may be 
    obtained from British Aerospace Regional Aircraft Limited, Chadderton 
    Division, Engineering Support, Greengate, Middleton, Manchester M24 
    1SA, 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) by superseding AD 90-20-17, 
    amendment 39-6744 (55 FR 38539, September 19, 1990), which is 
    applicable to all British Aerospace Model Viscount 700, 800, and 810 
    series airplanes, was published in the Federal Register on September 8, 
    1998 (63 FR 47440). The action proposed to require new repetitive 
    inspections to detect cracking or corrosion of the eye end fittings of 
    the outboard engine lower support or of the bore of the taper pin 
    holes, and repair, if necessary. The action also proposed to limit the 
    applicability of the existing AD.
    
    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
    
        There are approximately 29 airplanes of U.S. registry that will be 
    affected by this AD.
        The new eddy current inspections that are required in this AD take 
    approximately 2 work hours per airplane to accomplish, 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 $3,480, or $120 per airplane, per inspection cycle.
        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.
    
    
    Sec. 39.13  [Amended]
    
        2. Section 39.13 is amended by removing amendment 39-6744 (55 FR 
    38539, September 19, 1990), and by adding a new airworthiness directive 
    (AD), amendment 39-10880, to read as follows:
    
    98-23-13  British Aerospace Regional Aircraft Limited (Formerly 
    British Aerospace Commercial Aircraft Limited, Vickers-Armstrongs 
    Aircraft Limited): Amendment 39-10880. Docket 98-NM-217-AD. 
    Supersedes AD 90-20-17, amendment 39-6744.
    
        Applicability: Model Viscount 744, 745, and 745D series 
    airplanes, on which British Aerospace Modification D3227 has not 
    been accomplished; and Model Viscount 810 series airplanes, on which 
    British Aerospace Modification FG 2103 has not been accomplished; 
    certificated in any category.
    
        Note 1: This AD applies to each airplane identified in the 
    preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been 
    otherwise 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 (c) 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 detect and correct cracking of the eye end fittings of the 
    outboard engine lower support, which could result in reduced 
    structural integrity of the engine nacelle support structures, 
    accomplish the following:
        (a) Perform an eddy current inspection to detect cracking or 
    corrosion of the eye end fittings of the outboard engine lower 
    support, or of the bore of the taper pin holes, in accordance with 
    the Accomplishment Instructions of British Aerospace Preliminary 
    Technical Leaflet (PTL) No. 326, Issue 2, including Appendices 1 and 
    2, all dated December 1, 1994 (for Model Viscount 744, 745, and 745D 
    series airplanes); or PTL 197, Issue 3, including Appendices 1 and 
    2, all dated November 20, 1993 (for Model Viscount 810 series 
    airplanes); at the applicable time specified in either paragraph 
    (a)(1) or (a)(2) of this AD. Thereafter, repeat the inspection at 
    intervals not to exceed 900 landings.
        (1) For Model Viscount 744, 745, and 745D series airplanes: 
    Inspect within 3 months after the effective date of this AD.
        (2) For Model Viscount 810 series airplanes: Inspect within 900 
    landings after the last inspection performed in accordance with PTL 
    197, Issue 2, dated July 10, 1992; or within 3 months after the 
    effective date of this AD; whichever occurs later.
        (b) If any cracking is found during any inspection performed in 
    accordance with paragraph (a) of this AD, prior to further flight, 
    repair in accordance with a method approved by the Manager, 
    International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate; 
    or the Civil Aviation Authority (or its delegated agent).
    
    [[Page 63132]]
    
        (c) 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.
    
        (d) 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.
        (e) The inspections shall be done in accordance with the 
    following British Aerospace Regional Aircraft Preliminary Technical 
    Leaflets, which contain the specified effective pages:
    
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    Preliminary technical leaflet referenced    Page number   Revision level
                    and date                   shown on page   shown on page            Date shown on page
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    PTL 326, Issue 2, December 1, 1994......             1-6               2  December 1, 1994.
                                                        APPENDIX 1
                                                         1-6               2  December 1, 1994.
                                                        APPENDIX 2
                                                         1-6               2  December 1, 1994.
    PTL 197, Issue 3, November 20, 1993.....             1-8               3  November 20, 1993.
                                                        APPENDIX 1
                                                         1-6               3  November 20, 1993.
                                                        APPENDIX 2
                                                         1-7        Original  November 20, 1993.
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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 British Aerospace Regional 
    Aircraft Limited, Chadderton Division, Engineering Support, 
    Greengate, Middleton, Manchester M24 1SA, 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.
        (f) This amendment becomes effective on December 17, 1998.
    
        Issued in Renton, Washington, on November 3, 1998.
    Darrell M. Pederson,
    Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
    Service.
    [FR Doc. 98-30053 Filed 11-10-98; 8:45 am]
    BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
    
    
    

Document Information

Effective Date:
12/17/1998
Published:
11/12/1998
Department:
Federal Aviation Administration
Entry Type:
Rule
Action:
Final rule.
Document Number:
98-30053
Dates:
Effective December 17, 1998.
Pages:
63130-63132 (3 pages)
Docket Numbers:
Docket No. 98-NM-217-AD, Amendment 39-10880, AD 98-23-13
RINs:
2120-AA64: Airworthiness Directives
RIN Links:
https://www.federalregister.gov/regulations/2120-AA64/airworthiness-directives
PDF File:
98-30053.pdf
CFR: (1)
14 CFR 39.13