[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 162 (Monday, August 23, 1999)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 45925-45927]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 99-21845]
=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 99-NM-19-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; British Aerospace BAe Model ATP
Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: This document proposes the adoption of a new airworthiness
directive (AD) that is applicable to certain British Aerospace BAe
Model ATP airplanes. This proposal would require repetitive inspections
to detect chafing on the fuel manifold drain hose and the adjacent
access panel; and corrective actions, if necessary; and installation of
a protective spiral wrap on the fuel manifold drain hose. This proposal
also would provide for an optional terminating action for the
repetitive inspections. This proposal is prompted by reports of chafing
between the fuel manifold drain hose and the access panel due to
contact between the two components over time. The actions specified by
the proposed AD are intended to prevent chafing within the engine
nacelle, which could result in flammable fluid leaking into a zone that
contains ignition sources.
DATES: Comments must be received by September 22, 1999.
ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114,
Attention: Rules Docket No. 99-NM-19-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton,
Washington 98055-4056. Comments may be inspected at this location
between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal
holidays.
The service information referenced in the proposed rule may be
obtained from AI(R) American Support, Inc., 13850 Mclearen Road,
Herndon, Virginia 20171. This information may be examined at the FAA,
Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton,
Washington.
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:
Comments Invited
Interested persons are invited to participate in the making of the
proposed rule by submitting such written data, views, or arguments as
they may desire. Communications shall identify the Rules Docket number
and be submitted in triplicate to the address specified above. All
communications received on or before the closing date for comments,
specified above, will be considered before taking action on the
proposed rule. The proposals contained in this notice may be changed in
light of the comments received.
Comments are specifically invited on the overall regulatory,
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the proposed rule. All
comments submitted will be available, both before and after the closing
date for comments, in the Rules Docket for examination by interested
persons. A report summarizing each FAA-public contact concerned with
the substance of this proposal will be filed in the Rules Docket.
Commenters wishing the FAA to acknowledge receipt of their comments
submitted in response to this notice must submit a self-addressed,
stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: ``Comments
to Docket Number 99-NM-19-AD.'' The postcard will be date stamped and
returned to the commenter.
Availability of NPRMs
Any person may obtain a copy of this NPRM by submitting a request
to the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114, Attention: Rules
Docket No. 99-NM-19-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington
98055-4056.
Discussion
The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), which is the airworthiness
authority for the United Kingdom, notified the FAA that an unsafe
condition may exist on certain British Aerospace BAe Model ATP
airplanes. The CAA advises that it has received reports indicating that
chafing was found between the fuel manifold drain hose and an access
[[Page 45926]]
panel. Over time, this chafing can result in damage to the access panel
which would compromise the sealing of a designated fire zone and damage
the drain hose, which could result in fuel leaking into a designated
fire zone. The chafing has been attributed to the design of the fuel
manifold drain hose; its routing allows for contact with the access
panel. This condition, if not corrected, could result in flammable
fluid leaking into a zone that contains ignition sources.
Explanation of Relevant Service Information
British Aerospace has issued Alert Service Bulletin ATP-A71-14,
dated November 4, 1998, which describes procedures for repetitive
inspections to detect chafing on the fuel manifold drain hose and the
adjacent access panel; and corrective actions, if necessary. The
corrective actions involve replacement of the fuel manifold drain hose
with the same hose design and repair of the access panel. The service
bulletin also describes procedures for installation of a protective
spiral binding on the drain hose. The CAA classified this service
bulletin as mandatory in order to assure the continued airworthiness of
these airplanes in the United Kingdom.
British Aerospace also has issued Service Bulletin ATP-71-15, dated
December 11, 1998, which describes procedures for replacement of the
fuel manifold drain hose with a new, improved hose. This optional
replacement would eliminate the need for the repetitive inspections.
Accomplishment of the actions specified in these service bulletins
is intended to adequately address the identified unsafe condition.
FAA's Conclusions
This airplane model is manufactured in the United Kingdom and is
type certificated for operation in the United States under the
provisions of section 21.29 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR
21.29) and the applicable bilateral airworthiness agreement. Pursuant
to this bilateral airworthiness agreement, the CAA has kept the FAA
informed of the situation described above. The FAA has examined the
findings of the CAA, reviewed all available information, and determined
that AD action is necessary for products of this type design that are
certificated for operation in the United States.
Explanation of Requirements of Proposed Rule
Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to
exist or develop on other airplanes of the same type design registered
in the United States, the proposed AD would require accomplishment of
the actions specified in Alert Service Bulletin ATP-71-14 described
previously. The proposed AD also would provide for an optional
terminating action for the repetitive inspections.
Operators should note that, in consonance with the findings of the
CAA, the FAA has determined that the repetitive inspections proposed by
this AD can be allowed to continue in lieu of accomplishment of a
terminating action. In making this determination, the FAA considers
that, in this case, long-term continued operational safety will be
adequately assured by accomplishing the repetitive inspections to
detect chafing before it represents a hazard to the airplane.
Cost Impact
The FAA estimates that 10 airplanes of U.S. registry would be
affected by this proposed AD.
It would take approximately 2 work hours per airplane to accomplish
the proposed inspection on the fuel manifold drain hose and access
panel, at an average labor rate of $60 per work hour. Based on these
figures, the cost impact of the inspection proposed by this AD on U.S.
operators is estimated to be $1,200, or $120 per airplane, per
inspection cycle.
It would take approximately 1 work hour per airplane to accomplish
the proposed installation of the spiral wrap on the fuel manifold drain
hose, at an average labor rate of $60 per work hour. Required parts
would cost approximately $10 per airplane. Based on these figures, the
cost impact of the inspections proposed by this AD on U.S. operators is
estimated to be $700, or $70 per airplane.
The cost impact figures discussed above are based on assumptions
that no operator has yet accomplished any of the proposed requirements
of this AD action, and that no operator would accomplish those actions
in the future if this AD were not adopted.
Should an operator elect to accomplish the optional terminating
option rather than continue the repetitive inspections, it would take
approximately 7 work hours per airplane to accomplish the optional
terminating action, at an average labor rate of $60 per work hour.
Required parts will cost approximately $1,600 (pre-modification 35215A)
or $2,400 (post-modification 35215A) per airplane. Based on these
figures, the cost impact of this optional terminating action is
estimated to be $2,020 (pre-modification 35215A) or $2,820 (post-
modification 35215A) per airplane.
Regulatory Impact
The regulations proposed herein would 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
proposal would not have sufficient federalism implications to warrant
the preparation of a Federalism Assessment.
For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this proposed
regulation (1) is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under
Executive Order 12866; (2) is not a ``significant rule'' under the DOT
Regulatory Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979);
and (3) if promulgated, 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 copy of the draft
regulatory evaluation prepared for this action is contained in the
Rules Docket. A copy of it may be obtained by contacting the Rules
Docket at the location provided under the caption ADDRESSES.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Safety.
The Proposed Amendment
Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration proposes to amend
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:
British Aerospace Regional Aircraft [Formerly Jetstream Aircraft
Limited; British Aerospace (Commercial Aircraft) Limited]: Docket
99-NM-19-AD.
Applicability: BAe Model ATP airplanes, except those airplanes
on which British
[[Page 45927]]
Aerospace Modification 10455A or 10455B (reference British Aerospace
Service Bulletin ATP-71-15, dated December 11, 1998) has 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 prevent chafing within the engine nacelle, which could result
in flammable fluid leaking into a zone that contains ignition
sources, accomplish the following:
Repetitive Inspections and Corrective Actions
(a) Prior to the accumulation of 3,000 total flight hours, or
within 1 month after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs
later, perform the actions required in paragraphs (a)(1), (a)(2),
and (a)(3) of this AD in accordance with British Aerospace Alert
Service Bulletin ATP-A71-14, dated November 4, 1998. Thereafter,
repeat the inspections required by paragraphs (a)(1) and (a)(2) of
this AD at intervals not to exceed 1,500 flight hours, until
accomplishment of the actions specified in paragraph (b) of this AD.
(1) Perform an inspection of the access panel, part number (P/N)
JD713J0037-000, to detect chafe damage. If any chafe damage is
detected, repair the access panel in accordance with the service
bulletin at the time specified in paragraph (a)(1)(i), (a)(1)(ii),
or (a)(1)(iii), of this AD, as applicable.
(i) If the damage has reduced the skin thickness by 10 percent
or less: Repair within 600 flight hours.
(ii) If the damage has reduced the thickness of the skin by more
than 10 percent, but less than 20 percent: Repair within 100 flight
hours.
(iii) If the damage has reduced the thickness of the skin by
more than 20 percent: Repair prior to further flight.
(2) Perform an inspection of the fuel manifold drain hose, P/N
JD007J0983-000 (C37351), to detect chafe damage. If any chafe damage
is detected, either replace the fuel manifold drain hose with a new
fuel manifold drain hose, P/N JD007J0983-000, in accordance with the
service bulletin at the time specified in paragraph (a)(2)(i),
(a)(2)(ii), or (a)(2)(iii) of this AD, as applicable; or accomplish
the replacement specified in paragraph (b) of this AD. Replacement
of the fuel manifold drain in accordance with paragraph (b) of this
AD constitutes terminating action for the repetitive inspections
required by this AD.
(i) If there are signs of worn or polished strands in the outer
braid, but no strand is broken: Replace within 1,500 flight hours.
(ii) If five or less strands are broken: Replace within 300
flight hours.
(iii) If more than five strands are broken or any sign of fuel
leakage exists: Replace prior to further flight.
(3) Install a protective spiral binding, P/N EFWRAP-125, on the
fuel manifold drain hose.
Optional Terminating Action
(b) Replacement of the fuel manifold drain hose, P/N JD007J0983-
000 (C37351), with a new, improved drain hose, P/N JD007J2377-000
(C44311), in accordance with British Aerospace Service Bulletin ATP-
71-15, dated December 11, 1998, constitutes terminating action for
the requirements of this AD.
Alternative Methods of Compliance
(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, 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
(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.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on August 17, 1999.
D. L. Riggin,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 99-21845 Filed 8-20-99; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
