Airworthiness Directives; BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Model Avro 146-RJ Series Airplanes, 2987-2989 [05-994]
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Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 12 / Wednesday, January 19, 2005 / Proposed Rules
PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS
DIRECTIVES
accordance with the applicable service
bulletin.
1. The authority citation for part 39
continues to read as follows:
Credit for Previous Service Bulletins
(h) Actions done before the effective date
of this AD in accordance with Airbus Service
Bulletin A300–11–0027, dated October 27,
1993; Airbus Service Bulletin A300–11–6001,
dated October 27, 1993; and Airbus Service
Bulletin A300–11–2002, Revision 2, dated
January 27, 1995; as applicable; are
acceptable for compliance with the
requirements of paragraph (g) of this AD.
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
§ 39.13
[Amended]
2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding
the following new airworthiness
directive (AD):
Airbus: Docket No. FAA–2005–20079;
Directorate Identifier 2004–NM–147–AD.
Comments Due Date
(a) The Federal Aviation Administration
must receive comments on this AD action by
February 18, 2005.
Affected ADs
(b) None.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to Airbus Model A300
B2 and B4 series airplanes; Model A300 B4–
600, B4–600R, and F4–600R series airplanes,
and Model C4–605R Variant F airplanes
(collectively called A300–600); and Model
A310 series airplanes; certificated in any
category; except those modified in
production by either Airbus Modifications
10152 and 10219, or Modifications 8357 and
10151.
Unsafe Condition
(d) This AD was prompted by reports of
injuries occurring on in-service airplanes
when crewmembers forcibly initiated
opening of passenger/crew doors against
residual pressure causing the doors to rapidly
open. We are issuing this AD to ensure that
crewmembers are informed of the risks
associated with forcibly opening passenger/
crew, emergency exit, and cargo doors before
an airplane is fully depressurized, which will
prevent injury to crewmembers, and
subsequent damage to the airplane caused by
the rapid opening of the door.
Compliance
(e) You are responsible for having the
actions required by this AD performed within
the compliance times specified, unless the
actions have already been done.
Service Bulletin References
(f) The term ‘‘service bulletin,’’ as used in
this AD, means the Accomplishment
Instructions of the following service
bulletins, as applicable:
(1) For Model A300 B2 and B4 series
airplanes: Airbus Service Bulletin A300–11–
0027, Revision 01, dated January 30, 2004;
(2) For Model A300–600 airplanes: Airbus
Service Bulletin A300–11–6001, Revision 01,
dated January 30, 2004; and
(3) For Model A310 series airplanes:
Airbus Service Bulletin A310–11–2002,
Revision 03, dated February 4, 2004.
Install Safety Signs
(g) Within 36 months after the effective
date of this AD, install safety signs on the
inside and outside of the passenger/crew
doors and emergency exit doors, and on the
outside of the cargo compartment doors, in
VerDate jul<14>2003
15:09 Jan 18, 2005
Jkt 205001
Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs)
(i) The Manager, International Branch,
ANM–116, Transport Airplane Directorate,
FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs
for this AD, if requested in accordance with
the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19.
Related Information
(j) French airworthiness directive F–2004–
003, dated January 7, 2004, also addresses the
subject of this AD.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on January
6, 2005.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate,
Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 05–993 Filed 1–18–05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2005–20078; Directorate
Identifier 2004–NM–210–AD]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; BAE
Systems (Operations) Limited Model
Avro 146–RJ Series Airplanes
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking
(NPRM).
AGENCY:
SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a
new airworthiness directive (AD) for all
BAE Systems (Operations) Limited
Model Avro 146–RJ series airplanes.
This proposed AD would require an
inspection of the Thales Avionics
distance bearing indicator (DBI) to
determine part number (P/N) and serial
number (S/N), and replacement of the
affected DBI with a new or modified
DBI. This proposed AD is prompted by
a report of defective electrical insulators
in DBIs. We are proposing this AD to
prevent a short circuit in the DBI due to
defective electrical insulation, which
could potentially cause a loss of primary
navigation instruments (such as
PO 00000
Frm 00025
Fmt 4702
Sfmt 4702
2987
airspeed indicator, altimeter, and global
positioning system (GPS) information).
DATES: We must receive comments on
this proposed AD by February 18, 2005.
ADDRESSES: Use one of the following
addresses to submit comments on this
proposed AD.
• DOT Docket Web site: Go to
https://dms.dot.gov and follow the
instructions for sending your comments
electronically.
• Governmentwide rulemaking Web
site: Go to https://www.regulations.gov
and follow the instructions for sending
your comments electronically.
• Mail: Docket Management Facility,
U.S. Department of Transportation, 400
Seventh Street SW., Nassif Building,
room PL–401, Washington, DC 20590.
• By fax: (202) 493–2251.
• Hand Delivery: Room PL–401 on
the plaza level of the Nassif Building,
400 Seventh Street SW., Washington,
DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday
through Friday, except Federal holidays.
For service information identified in
this proposed AD, contact British
Aerospace Regional Aircraft American
Support, 13850 Mclearen Road,
Herndon, Virginia 20171.
You can examine the contents of this
AD docket on the Internet at https://
dms.dot.gov, or in person at the Docket
Management Facility, U.S. Department
of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street
SW., room PL–401, on the plaza level of
the Nassif Building, Washington, DC.
This docket number is FAA–2005–
20078; the directorate identifier for this
docket is 2004–NM–210–AD.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Technical information: Dan Rodina,
Aerospace Engineer, International
Branch, ANM–116, FAA, Transport
Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind
Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington
98055–4056; telephone (425) 227–2125;
fax (425) 227–1149.
Plain language information: Marcia
Walters, marcia.walters@faa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Docket Management System (DMS)
The FAA has implemented new
procedures for maintaining AD dockets
electronically. As of May 17, 2004, new
AD actions are posted on DMS and
assigned a docket number. We track
each action and assign a corresponding
directorate identifier. The DMS AD
docket number is in the form ‘‘Docket
No. FAA–2004–99999.’’ The Transport
Airplane Directorate identifier is in the
form ‘‘Directorate Identifier 2004–NM–
999–AD.’’ Each DMS AD docket also
lists the directorate identifier (‘‘Old
Docket Number’’) as a cross-reference
for searching purposes.
E:\FR\FM\19JAP1.SGM
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2988
Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 12 / Wednesday, January 19, 2005 / Proposed Rules
Comments Invited
We invite you to submit any relevant
written data, views, or arguments
regarding this proposed AD. Send your
comments to an address listed under
ADDRESSES. Include ‘‘Docket No. FAA–
2005–20078; Directorate Identifier
2004–NM–210–AD’’ at the beginning of
your comments. We specifically invite
comments on the overall regulatory,
economic, environmental, and energy
aspects of the proposed AD. We will
consider all comments submitted by the
closing date and may amend the
proposed AD in light of those
comments.
We will post all comments we
receive, without change, to https://
dms.dot.gov, including any personal
information you provide. We will also
post a report summarizing each
substantive verbal contact with FAA
personnel concerning this proposed AD.
Using the search function of our docket
website, anyone can find and read the
comments in any of our dockets,
including the name of the individual
who sent the comment (or signed the
comment on behalf of an association,
business, labor union, etc.). You can
review the DOT’s complete Privacy Act
Statement in the Federal Register
published on April 11, 2000 (65 FR
19477–78), or you can visit https://
dms.dot.gov.
We are reviewing the writing style we
currently use in regulatory documents.
We are interested in your comments on
whether the style of this document is
clear, and your suggestions to improve
the clarity of our communications that
affect you. You can get more
information about plain language at
https://www.faa.gov/language and https://
www.plainlanguage.gov.
Examining the Docket
You can examine the AD docket on
the Internet at https://dms.dot.gov, or in
person at the Docket Management
Facility office between 9 a.m. and 5
p.m., Monday through Friday, except
Federal holidays. The Docket
Management Facility office (telephone
(800) 647–5227) is located on the plaza
level of the Nassif Building at the DOT
street address stated in the ADDRESSES
section. Comments will be available in
the AD docket shortly after the DMS
receives them.
Discussion
The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA),
which is the airworthiness authority for
the United Kingdom, notified us that an
unsafe condition may exist on BAE
Systems (Operations) Limited Model
Avro 146–RJ series airplanes equipped
VerDate jul<14>2003
15:09 Jan 18, 2005
Jkt 205001
with certain Thales Avionics distance
bearing indicators (DBI). The CAA
advises that a manufacturing fault with
the electrical insulation of the
transformer in the DBI’s power supply
unit could result in the propagation of
the 115V AC input power supply
through the instrument and onto the
DBI’s Aeronautical Radio, Inc. (ARINC)
429 Input/Output interfaces (a short
circuit). An analysis of this failure
concluded that at the airplane level, the
effect of this insulation failure/shortcircuit could be loss of all airplane
primary navigation instruments.
Defective electrical insulation, if not
corrected, could result in a short circuit
in the DBI, and potentially cause a loss
of primary navigation instruments (such
as airspeed indicator, altimeter, and
global positioning system (GPS)
information).
Relevant Service Information
BAE Systems (Operations) Limited
has issued Modification Service Bulletin
SB.34–371–70671A, dated September
19, 2003. The modification service
bulletin describes procedures for
replacing the DBI with a new or
modified DBI. Accomplishing the
actions specified in the modification
service bulletin is intended to
adequately address the unsafe
condition. The CAA mandated the
modification service bulletin, and an
inspection of Thales Avionics DBIs to
determine part number (P/N) and serial
number (S/N). The CAA issued British
airworthiness directive G–2004–0006,
dated March 2, 2004, to ensure the
continued airworthiness of these
airplanes in the United Kingdom.
The BAE Systems (Operations)
Limited Modification Service Bulletin
SB.34–371–70671A, dated September
19, 2003 refers to Thales Avionics
Service Bulletin 354–34–052, dated
September 1, 2003, as an additional
source of service information for
replacing the DBI.
FAA’s Determination and Requirements
of the Proposed AD
This airplane model is manufactured
in the United Kingdom and is type
certificated for operation in the United
States under the provisions of § 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. We have
examined the CAA’s findings, evaluated
all pertinent information, and
determined that we need to issue an AD
for products of this type design that are
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Frm 00026
Fmt 4702
Sfmt 4702
certificated for operation in the United
States.
Therefore, we are proposing this AD,
which would require accomplishing the
actions specified in the service
information described previously,
except as discussed under ‘‘Differences
Between the Proposed AD and the
Service Bulletin.’’
Differences Between the Proposed AD
and the Service Bulletin
In addition to requiring certain
actions in accordance with the service
bulletin, this proposed AD would
require an inspection for identifying the
affected DBI’s P/N and S/N. The
Accomplishment Instructions of the
referenced modification service bulletin
do not specify to inspect the DBI for P/
N and S/N.
Operators should note that, although
the Accomplishment Instructions of the
referenced modification service bulletin
describe procedures for submitting an
advice note related to recording
compliance with the service bulletin,
this proposed AD would not require that
action. The FAA does not need this
information from operators.
Costs of Compliance
This proposed AD would affect about
54 airplanes of U.S. registry. The
proposed actions would take about 1
work hour per airplane, at an average
labor rate of $65 per work hour.
Required parts would cost about $728
per airplane. Based on these figures, the
estimated cost of the proposed AD for
U.S. operators is $42,822, or $793 per
airplane.
Authority for This Rulemaking
The FAA’s authority to issue rules
regarding aviation safety is found in
Title 49 of the United States Code.
Subtitle I, Section 106, describes the
authority of the FAA Administrator.
Subtitle VII, Aviation Programs,
describes in more detail the scope of the
agency’s authority.
This rulemaking is promulgated
under the authority described in
Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section
44701, ‘‘General requirements.’’ Under
that section, the FAA is charged with
promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in
air commerce by prescribing regulations
for practices, methods, and procedures
the Administrator finds necessary for
safety in air commerce. This regulation
is within the scope of that authority
because it addresses an unsafe condition
that is likely to exist or develop on
products identified in this AD.
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Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 12 / Wednesday, January 19, 2005 / Proposed Rules
Regulatory Findings
We have determined that this
proposed AD would not have federalism
implications under Executive Order
13132. This proposed AD would not
have a substantial direct effect 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.
For the reasons discussed above, I
certify that the 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. 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.
We prepared a regulatory evaluation
of the estimated costs to comply with
this proposed AD. See the ADDRESSES
section for a location to examine the
regulatory evaluation.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation
safety, Safety.
The Proposed Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority
delegated to me by the Administrator,
the FAA proposes to amend 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.
§ 39.13
[Amended]
2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding
the following new airworthiness
directive (AD):
BAE Systems (Operations) Limited
(Formerly British Aerospace Regional
Aircraft): Docket No. FAA–2005–20078;
Directorate Identifier 2004–NM–210–AD.
Comments Due Date
(a) The Federal Aviation Administration
must receive comments on this AD action by
February 18, 2005.
Affected ADs
(b) None.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to all BAE Systems
(Operations) Limited Model Avro 146–RJ
series airplanes, certificated in any category.
Unsafe Condition
(d) This AD was prompted by a report of
defective electrical insulators in distance
VerDate jul<14>2003
15:09 Jan 18, 2005
Jkt 205001
bearing indicators (DBI). We are issuing this
AD to prevent a short circuit in the DBI due
to defective electrical insulation, which
could potentially cause a loss of primary
navigation instruments (such as airspeed
indicator, altimeter, and global positioning
system (GPS) information).
2989
Issued in Renton, Washington, on January
6, 2005.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate,
Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 05–994 Filed 1–18–05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
Compliance
(e) You are responsible for having the
actions required by this AD performed within
the compliance times specified, unless the
actions have already been done.
Part Number Inspection
Replacement
(g) Replace the DBI with a new DBI having
P/N 63543–280–1 with a S/N not listed in the
service bulletin, or a DBI having P/N 63543–
280–2, in accordance with the
Accomplishment Instructions of BAE
Systems (Operations) Limited Modification
Service Bulletin SB.34–371–70671A, dated
September 19, 2003.
Parts Installation
(h) As of the effective date of this AD, no
person may install a DBI with a part number
(P/N) and serial number (S/N) listed in the
Effectivity of BAE Systems (Operations)
Limited Modification Service Bulletin SB.34–
371–70671A, dated September 19, 2003, on
any airplane unless it has been modified in
accordance with paragraph (g) of this AD.
No Reporting
(i) Although the service bulletin references
a reporting requirement in paragraph 2.C.2,
‘‘Documentation,’’ that reporting is not
required by this AD.
Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs)
(j) The Manager, International Branch,
ANM–116, Transport Airplane Directorate,
FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs
for this AD, if requested in accordance with
the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19.
Related Information
(k) British airworthiness directive G–2004–
0006, dated March 2, 2004, also addresses the
subject of this AD.
Frm 00027
Fmt 4702
Sfmt 4702
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 71
(f) Within four months after the effective
date of this AD, inspect the Thales Avionics
DBI to determine whether a part number
(P/N) and serial number (S/N) listed in the
Effectivity of BAE Systems (Operations)
Limited Modification Service Bulletin SB.34–
371–70671A, dated September 19, 2003, is
installed. Instead of inspecting the DBI, a
review of airplane maintenance records is
acceptable if the P/N and the S/N of the DBI
can be positively determined from that
review.
(1) If the DBI P/N and S/N do not match
those listed in the service bulletin, no further
action is required by this AD.
(2) If the DBI P/N and S/N do match those
listed in the service bulletin, do the actions
required in paragraph (g) of this AD within
four months after the effective date of this
AD.
PO 00000
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
[Docket No. FAA–2004–19582; Airspace
Docket No. 04–ACE–72]
Proposed Establishment of Class E2
Airspace; and Modification of Class E5
Airspace; Newton, IA
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking.
AGENCY:
SUMMARY: This notice proposes to create
a Class E surface area at Newton, IA. It
also proposes to modify the Class E5
airspace at Newton, IA.
DATES: Comments for inclusion in the
Rules Docket must be received on or
before March 1, 2005.
ADDRESSES: Send comments on this
proposal to the Docket Management
System, U.S. Department of
Transportation, Room Plaza 401, 400
Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC
20590–0001. You must identify the
docket number FAA–2004–19582/
Airspace Docket No. 04–ACE–72, at the
beginning of your comments. You may
also submit comments on the Internet at
https://dms.dot.gov. You may review the
public docket containing the proposal,
any comments received, and any final
disposition in person in the Dockets
Office between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.,
Monday through Friday, except Federal
holidays. The Docket Office (telephone
1–800–647–5527) is on the plaza level
of the Department of Transportation
NASSIF Building at the above address.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Brenda Mumper, Air Traffic Division,
Airspace Branch, ACE–520A, DOT
Regional Headquarters Building, Federal
Aviation Administration, 901 Locust,
Kansas City, MO 64106; telephone:
(816) 329–2524.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
Interested parties are invited to
participate in this proposed rulemaking
by submitting such written data, views,
or arguments, as they may desire.
Comments that provide the factual basis
supporting the views and suggestions
E:\FR\FM\19JAP1.SGM
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]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 12 (Wednesday, January 19, 2005)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 2987-2989]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 05-994]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2005-20078; Directorate Identifier 2004-NM-210-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Model
Avro 146-RJ Series Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD)
for all BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Model Avro 146-RJ series
airplanes. This proposed AD would require an inspection of the Thales
Avionics distance bearing indicator (DBI) to determine part number (P/
N) and serial number (S/N), and replacement of the affected DBI with a
new or modified DBI. This proposed AD is prompted by a report of
defective electrical insulators in DBIs. We are proposing this AD to
prevent a short circuit in the DBI due to defective electrical
insulation, which could potentially cause a loss of primary navigation
instruments (such as airspeed indicator, altimeter, and global
positioning system (GPS) information).
DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by February 18,
2005.
ADDRESSES: Use one of the following addresses to submit comments on
this proposed AD.
DOT Docket Web site: Go to https://dms.dot.gov and follow
the instructions for sending your comments electronically.
Governmentwide rulemaking Web site: Go to https://
www.regulations.gov and follow the instructions for sending your
comments electronically.
Mail: Docket Management Facility, U.S. Department of
Transportation, 400 Seventh Street SW., Nassif Building, room PL-401,
Washington, DC 20590.
By fax: (202) 493-2251.
Hand Delivery: Room PL-401 on the plaza level of the
Nassif Building, 400 Seventh Street SW., Washington, DC, between 9 a.m.
and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
For service information identified in this proposed AD, contact
British Aerospace Regional Aircraft American Support, 13850 Mclearen
Road, Herndon, Virginia 20171.
You can examine the contents of this AD docket on the Internet at
https://dms.dot.gov, or in person at the Docket Management Facility,
U.S. Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street SW., room PL-401,
on the plaza level of the Nassif Building, Washington, DC. This docket
number is FAA-2005-20078; the directorate identifier for this docket is
2004-NM-210-AD.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Technical information: Dan Rodina, Aerospace Engineer,
International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate,
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056; telephone (425)
227-2125; fax (425) 227-1149.
Plain language information: Marcia Walters, marcia.walters@faa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Docket Management System (DMS)
The FAA has implemented new procedures for maintaining AD dockets
electronically. As of May 17, 2004, new AD actions are posted on DMS
and assigned a docket number. We track each action and assign a
corresponding directorate identifier. The DMS AD docket number is in
the form ``Docket No. FAA-2004-99999.'' The Transport Airplane
Directorate identifier is in the form ``Directorate Identifier 2004-NM-
999-AD.'' Each DMS AD docket also lists the directorate identifier
(``Old Docket Number'') as a cross-reference for searching purposes.
[[Page 2988]]
Comments Invited
We invite you to submit any relevant written data, views, or
arguments regarding this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address
listed under ADDRESSES. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2005-20078;
Directorate Identifier 2004-NM-210-AD'' at the beginning of your
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory,
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the proposed AD. We will
consider all comments submitted by the closing date and may amend the
proposed AD in light of those comments.
We will post all comments we receive, without change, to https://
dms.dot.gov, including any personal information you provide. We will
also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact with FAA
personnel concerning this proposed AD. Using the search function of our
docket website, anyone can find and read the comments in any of our
dockets, including the name of the individual who sent the comment (or
signed the comment on behalf of an association, business, labor union,
etc.). You can review the DOT's complete Privacy Act Statement in the
Federal Register published on April 11, 2000 (65 FR 19477-78), or you
can visit https://dms.dot.gov.
We are reviewing the writing style we currently use in regulatory
documents. We are interested in your comments on whether the style of
this document is clear, and your suggestions to improve the clarity of
our communications that affect you. You can get more information about
plain language at https://www.faa.gov/language and https://
www.plainlanguage.gov.
Examining the Docket
You can examine the AD docket on the Internet at https://
dms.dot.gov, or in person at the Docket Management Facility office
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal
holidays. The Docket Management Facility office (telephone (800) 647-
5227) is located on the plaza level of the Nassif Building at the DOT
street address stated in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be
available in the AD docket shortly after the DMS receives them.
Discussion
The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), which is the airworthiness
authority for the United Kingdom, notified us that an unsafe condition
may exist on BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Model Avro 146-RJ series
airplanes equipped with certain Thales Avionics distance bearing
indicators (DBI). The CAA advises that a manufacturing fault with the
electrical insulation of the transformer in the DBI's power supply unit
could result in the propagation of the 115V AC input power supply
through the instrument and onto the DBI's Aeronautical Radio, Inc.
(ARINC) 429 Input/Output interfaces (a short circuit). An analysis of
this failure concluded that at the airplane level, the effect of this
insulation failure/short-circuit could be loss of all airplane primary
navigation instruments. Defective electrical insulation, if not
corrected, could result in a short circuit in the DBI, and potentially
cause a loss of primary navigation instruments (such as airspeed
indicator, altimeter, and global positioning system (GPS) information).
Relevant Service Information
BAE Systems (Operations) Limited has issued Modification Service
Bulletin SB.34-371-70671A, dated September 19, 2003. The modification
service bulletin describes procedures for replacing the DBI with a new
or modified DBI. Accomplishing the actions specified in the
modification service bulletin is intended to adequately address the
unsafe condition. The CAA mandated the modification service bulletin,
and an inspection of Thales Avionics DBIs to determine part number (P/
N) and serial number (S/N). The CAA issued British airworthiness
directive G-2004-0006, dated March 2, 2004, to ensure the continued
airworthiness of these airplanes in the United Kingdom.
The BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Modification Service Bulletin
SB.34-371-70671A, dated September 19, 2003 refers to Thales Avionics
Service Bulletin 354-34-052, dated September 1, 2003, as an additional
source of service information for replacing the DBI.
FAA's Determination and Requirements of the Proposed AD
This airplane model is manufactured in the United Kingdom and is
type certificated for operation in the United States under the
provisions of Sec. 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. We have examined the CAA's
findings, evaluated all pertinent information, and determined that we
need to issue an AD for products of this type design that are
certificated for operation in the United States.
Therefore, we are proposing this AD, which would require
accomplishing the actions specified in the service information
described previously, except as discussed under ``Differences Between
the Proposed AD and the Service Bulletin.''
Differences Between the Proposed AD and the Service Bulletin
In addition to requiring certain actions in accordance with the
service bulletin, this proposed AD would require an inspection for
identifying the affected DBI's P/N and S/N. The Accomplishment
Instructions of the referenced modification service bulletin do not
specify to inspect the DBI for P/N and S/N.
Operators should note that, although the Accomplishment
Instructions of the referenced modification service bulletin describe
procedures for submitting an advice note related to recording
compliance with the service bulletin, this proposed AD would not
require that action. The FAA does not need this information from
operators.
Costs of Compliance
This proposed AD would affect about 54 airplanes of U.S. registry.
The proposed actions would take about 1 work hour per airplane, at an
average labor rate of $65 per work hour. Required parts would cost
about $728 per airplane. Based on these figures, the estimated cost of
the proposed AD for U.S. operators is $42,822, or $793 per airplane.
Authority for This Rulemaking
The FAA's authority to issue rules regarding aviation safety is
found in Title 49 of the United States Code. Subtitle I, Section 106,
describes the authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII,
Aviation Programs, describes in more detail the scope of the agency's
authority.
This rulemaking is promulgated under the authority described in
Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701, ``General
requirements.'' Under that section, the FAA is charged with promoting
safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing
regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator
finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within
the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition
that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this AD.
[[Page 2989]]
Regulatory Findings
We have determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism
implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would not
have a substantial direct effect 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.
For the reasons discussed above, I certify that the 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. 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.
We prepared a regulatory evaluation of the estimated costs to
comply with this proposed AD. See the ADDRESSES section for a location
to examine the regulatory evaluation.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Safety.
The Proposed Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 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. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new
airworthiness directive (AD):
BAE Systems (Operations) Limited (Formerly British Aerospace
Regional Aircraft): Docket No. FAA-2005-20078; Directorate
Identifier 2004-NM-210-AD.
Comments Due Date
(a) The Federal Aviation Administration must receive comments on
this AD action by February 18, 2005.
Affected ADs
(b) None.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to all BAE Systems (Operations) Limited
Model Avro 146-RJ series airplanes, certificated in any category.
Unsafe Condition
(d) This AD was prompted by a report of defective electrical
insulators in distance bearing indicators (DBI). We are issuing this
AD to prevent a short circuit in the DBI due to defective electrical
insulation, which could potentially cause a loss of primary
navigation instruments (such as airspeed indicator, altimeter, and
global positioning system (GPS) information).
Compliance
(e) You are responsible for having the actions required by this
AD performed within the compliance times specified, unless the
actions have already been done.
Part Number Inspection
(f) Within four months after the effective date of this AD,
inspect the Thales Avionics DBI to determine whether a part number
(P/N) and serial number (S/N) listed in the Effectivity of BAE
Systems (Operations) Limited Modification Service Bulletin SB.34-
371-70671A, dated September 19, 2003, is installed. Instead of
inspecting the DBI, a review of airplane maintenance records is
acceptable if the P/N and the S/N of the DBI can be positively
determined from that review.
(1) If the DBI P/N and S/N do not match those listed in the
service bulletin, no further action is required by this AD.
(2) If the DBI P/N and S/N do match those listed in the service
bulletin, do the actions required in paragraph (g) of this AD within
four months after the effective date of this AD.
Replacement
(g) Replace the DBI with a new DBI having P/N 63543-280-1 with a
S/N not listed in the service bulletin, or a DBI having P/N 63543-
280-2, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of BAE
Systems (Operations) Limited Modification Service Bulletin SB.34-
371-70671A, dated September 19, 2003.
Parts Installation
(h) As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install a
DBI with a part number (P/N) and serial number (S/N) listed in the
Effectivity of BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Modification Service
Bulletin SB.34-371-70671A, dated September 19, 2003, on any airplane
unless it has been modified in accordance with paragraph (g) of this
AD.
No Reporting
(i) Although the service bulletin references a reporting
requirement in paragraph 2.C.2, ``Documentation,'' that reporting is
not required by this AD.
Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(j) The Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport
Airplane Directorate, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for
this AD, if requested in accordance with the procedures found in 14
CFR 39.19.
Related Information
(k) British airworthiness directive G-2004-0006, dated March 2,
2004, also addresses the subject of this AD.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on January 6, 2005.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 05-994 Filed 1-18-05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
