Airworthiness directives: British Aerospace,

[Federal Register: July 15, 1998 (Volume 63, Number 135)]

[Rules and Regulations]

[Page 38079-38080]

From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

[DOCID:fr15jy98-3]

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.

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

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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. 98-18651Filed7-14-98; 8:45 am]

   BILLING CODE 4910-13-P