[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 135 (Wednesday, July 15, 1998)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 38079-38080]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-18651]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 98-NM-87-AD; Amendment 39-10656; AD 98-15-05]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; British Aerospace Model BAe 146-200A
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 BAe 146-200A series
airplanes, that requires a one-time inspection of the gust damper of
the elevator control system to determine if the gust damper is properly
charged, and of the horizontal stabilizer to detect cracking of
elevator hinge rib 1; and corrective action, if necessary. This
amendment is prompted by the issuance of mandatory continuing
airworthiness information by a foreign civil airworthiness authority.
The actions specified by this AD are intended to detect and correct
cracking of elevator hinge rib 1 of the horizontal stabilizer, which
could occur if the gust damper of the elevator control system
discharges and allows the elevator to move freely in ground gust
conditions. Such cracking could result in damage to the structural
attachment of the elevator to the horizontal stabilizer, and consequent
reduced controllability of the airplane.
DATES: Effective August 19, 1998.
The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as
of August 19, 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
BAe 146-200A series airplanes was published in the Federal Register on
April 16, 1998 (63 FR 18852). That action proposed to require a one-
time inspection of the gust damper of the elevator control system to
determine if the gust damper is properly charged, and of the horizontal
stabilizer to detect cracking of elevator hinge rib 1; and corrective
action, if necessary.
Comments
Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate
in the making of this amendment. Due consideration has been given to
the single comment received.
Request To Revise Cost Information
One commenter, the manufacturer, advises that the cost information
provided in the proposed AD contains an error. The commenter states
that the number of BAe 146-200A series airplanes of U.S. registry that
would be affected by the AD is 5, rather than 19, as stated in the
proposed AD. The FAA concurs with the commenter. The cost impact
information, below, has been revised to reflect the correct number of
affected airplanes on the U.S. register.
Conclusion
After careful review of the available data, including the comment
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 5 British Aerospace Model BAe 146-200A
series
[[Page 38080]]
airplanes of U.S. registry will be affected by this AD, that it will
take approximately 1 work hour per airplane to accomplish the required
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 $300, or $60 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.
Sec. 39.13 [Amended]
2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding the following new
airworthiness directive:
198-15-05 British Aerospace Regional Aircraft (Formerly British
Aerospace Regional Aircraft Limited, Avro International Aerospace
Division; British Aerospace, PLC; British Aerospace Commercial
Aircraft Limited): Amendment 39-10656. Docket 98-NM-87-AD.
Applicability: Model BAe 146-200A series airplanes, as listed in
British Aerospace Service Bulletin SB.55-16, dated July 14, 1997;
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 detect and correct cracking of elevator hinge rib 1 of the
horizontal stabilizer, which could result in damage to the
structural attachment of the elevator to the horizontal stabilizer
and consequent reduced controllability of the airplane; accomplish
the following:
(a) Within 60 days after the effective date of this AD,
accomplish paragraphs (a)(1) and (a)(2) of this AD, in accordance
with British Aerospace Service Bulletin SB.55-16, dated July 14,
1997.
(1) Perform a visual inspection of the gust damper of the
elevator control system to determine if the gust damper is properly
charged. If any gust damper is found to be improperly charged, prior
to further flight, recharge the gust damper in accordance with the
service bulletin.
(2) Perform a detailed visual inspection, using a borescope, to
detect cracking of elevator hinge rib 1, on the left and right side
of the airplane, in accordance with the service bulletin. If any
cracking is found, prior to further flight, replace any cracked
hinge rib 1 with a new or serviceable part, in accordance with a
method approved by either the Manager, International Branch, ANM-
116, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate; or procedures provided by
the manufacturer that are approved by the Civil Aviation Authority.
(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, 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.
(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) The inspections and recharge shall be done in accordance
with British Aerospace Service Bulletin SB.55-16, dated July 14,
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 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.
Note 3: The subject of this AD is addressed in British
airworthiness directive 010-07-97, dated March 2, 1998.
(e) This amendment becomes effective on August 19, 1998.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on July 7, 1998.
Darrell M. Pederson,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 98-18651 Filed 7-14-98; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
