[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 155 (Friday, August 9, 1996)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 41539-41541]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-20290]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 95-NM-251-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; British Aerospace Model BAe 146-100A, -
200A, and -300A Series Airplanes, and Model Avro 146-RJ70A, -RJ85A, and
RJ-100A Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
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SUMMARY: This document proposes the adoption of a new airworthiness
directive (AD) that is applicable to certain British Aerospace Model
BAe 146 series airplanes, and Model Avro 146-RJ series airplanes. This
proposal would require a one-time inspection of terminal block ``D'' to
ensure that a two-way link is installed, and installation of a new
link, if necessary. This proposal is prompted by a report indicating
that a two-way link that should be installed on direct current (DC)
panel No. 1 may be missing from certain airplanes. The actions
specified by the proposed AD are intended to ensure that a two-way link
is installed. If the link is not installed, it could result in loss of
the emergency electrical system and, consequently, increased pilot
workload and possible reduced controllability of the airplane.
DATES: Comments must be received by September 17, 1996.
ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-103,
Attention: Rules Docket No. 95-NM-251-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 British Aerospace Regional Aircraft Limited, Avro
International Aerospace Division, Customer Support, Woodford Aerodrome,
Woodford, Cheshire SK7 1QR, England. This information may be examined
at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW.,
Renton, Washington.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Tim Backman, Aerospace Engineer,
Standardization Branch, ANM-113, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate,
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056; telephone (206)
227-2797; fax (206) 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 95-NM-251-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-103, Attention: Rules
Docket No. 95-NM-251-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington
98055-4056.
Discussion
The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), which is the airworthiness
authority for the United Kingdom, recently notified the FAA that an
unsafe condition may exist on certain British Aerospace Model BAe 146-
100A, -200A, and -300A series airplanes, and Model Avro 146-RJ70A, -
RJ85A, and RJ-100A airplanes. The CAA advises that it received a report
indicating that a two-way link that should be installed between
terminals ``D8'' and ``D9'' of terminal block ``D'' on direct current
(DC) panel No. 1 may be missing from airplanes having a dual lead-acid
battery installation. The No. 1 battery is off-line when the standby
generator is operating. Installation of the two-way link ensures that
the No. 2 battery also is isolated, which preserves the battery charge
to ensure that emergency electrical power
[[Page 41540]]
can be sustained from the batteries during flights for a minimum
duration of one hour. If the electrical system fails totally, use of
battery power would be required; however, if the two-way link is
missing, the No. 2 battery would have insufficient capacity to power
the electrical system. This condition, if not corrected, could result
in loss of the emergency electrical system, and consequent increased
pilot workload and possible reduced controllability of the airplane.
Explanation of Relevant Service Information
The manufacturer has issued Avro International Aerospace Inspection
Service Bulletin S.B. 24-107, dated January 25, 1995, which describes
procedures for a one-time visual inspection of terminal block ``D'' on
DC panel No. 1 to ensure that a two-way link is installed between
terminals ``D8'' and ``D9,'' and installation of a new link, if
necessary.
The CAA classified this service bulletin as mandatory in order to
assure the continued airworthiness of these airplanes in the United
Kingdom.
FAA's Conclusions
These airplane models are manufactured in the United Kingdom and
are 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, the
proposed AD would require a one-time visual inspection of terminal
block ``D'' on DC panel No. 1 to ensure that a two-way link is
installed between terminals ``D8'' and ``D9,'' and installation of a
new link, if necessary. The actions would be required to be
accomplished in accordance with the service bulletin described
previously.
Cost Impact
The FAA estimates that 10 airplanes of U.S. registry would be
affected by this proposed AD, that it would take approximately 1 work
hour per airplane to accomplish the proposed actions, and that the
average labor rate is $60 per work hour. Based on these figures, the
cost impact of the proposed AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be
$600, or $60 per airplane.
The cost impact figure discussed above is 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.
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: Docket 95-NM-251-AD.
Applicability: Model BAe 146-100A, -200A, and -300A series
airplanes and Model Avro 146-RJ70A, -RJ85A, and RJ-100A airplanes
equipped with a dual lead-acid battery installation (British
Aerospace Modification HCM40028B or D) accomplished during
production or in accordance with British Aerospace Modification
Service Bulletin 24-45-40028D; 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 (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 loss of the emergency electrical system, and
consequent increased pilot workload and possible reduced
controllability of the airplane due to insufficient capacity of the
No. 2 battery to power the electrical system; accomplish the
following:
(a) Within 3 months after the effective date of this AD: Perform
a one-time visual inspection of terminal block ``D'' on DC panel No.
1 to ensure that a two-way link is installed between terminals
``D8'' and ``D9,'' in accordance with Avro International Aerospace
Inspection Service Bulletin S.B. 24-107, dated January 25, 1995.
(1) If a two-way link is installed, no further action is
required by this AD.
(2) If no two-way link is installed, prior to further flight,
install a new two-way link having part number S3403-102 on terminals
``D8'' and ``D9'' on terminal block ``D'' on DC panel No. 1 in
accordance with the service bulletin.
(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, Standardization Branch, ANM-113,
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,
Standardization Branch, ANM-113.
Note 2: Information concerning the existence of approved
alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be
obtained from the Standardization Branch, ANM-113.
[[Page 41541]]
(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.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on August 2, 1996.
Gary L. Killion,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 96-20290 Filed 8-8-96; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
