Airworthiness Directives; BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Model BAe 146 and Avro 146-RJ Series Airplanes, 37022-37024 [05-12511]
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Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 123 / Tuesday, June 28, 2005 / Rules and Regulations
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
§ 39.13
[Amended]
2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding
the following new airworthiness
directive:
I
2005–13–31 Short Brothers PLC:
Amendment 39–14168. Docket 2003–
NM–127–AD.
Applicability: All Model SD3–60 airplanes,
certificated in any category.
Compliance: Required as indicated, unless
accomplished previously.
To detect and correct corrosion in the area
of the main spar web fittings of the vertical
stabilizer, which could result in reduced
structural integrity of the vertical stabilizer,
accomplish the following:
Inspection and Previous Actions
(a) Except as provided by paragraphs (a)(1)
and (a)(2) of this AD, within 4,800 flight
hours or 90 days after the effective date of
this AD, whichever occurs first, do a
borescope inspection to detect corrosion of
the shear attachment fittings of the vertical
stabilizer, in accordance with the
Accomplishment Instructions of Short
Brothers Service Bulletin SD360–53–45,
dated December 2003.
(1) If an airplane (the shear attachment
fitting) has been inspected in accordance
with the Accomplishment Instructions of
Short Brothers Service Bulletin SD360–53–
44, Revision 1, dated January 24, 2003, before
the effective date of this AD, and was found
to have no corrosion on the fittings, then the
initial inspection specified in paragraph (a)
of this AD is not required.
(2) If the shear attachment fitting has been
inspected in accordance with the
Accomplishment Instructions of Short
Brothers Service Bulletin SD360–53–44,
Revision 1, dated January 24, 2003, and was
found to have corrosion, but the corroded
fitting is not yet replaced, then a review of
the inspection results is required to
determine if the corrosion was within the
acceptable limits specified in Short Brothers
Service Bulletin SD360–53–45, dated
December 2003.
Corrective Actions and Repetitive
Inspections
(b) If any corrosion is found during the
inspection required by paragraph (a) of this
AD, do the applicable actions required by
paragraph (b)(1) or (b)(2) of this AD.
(1) If any corrosion is within the limits
specified in the Accomplishment
Instructions of Short Brothers Service
Bulletin SD360–53–45, dated December
2003, do the actions required by paragraphs
(b)(1)(i) and (b)(1)(ii) of this AD.
(i) Repeat the inspection required by the
service bulletin at intervals not to exceed 6
months.
(ii) Within 18 months after the initial
inspection required by paragraph (a) of this
AD, replace all corroded shear attachment
fittings in accordance with the
Accomplishment Instructions of the service
bulletin. Accomplishing the replacement
ends the repetitive inspections required by
paragraph (b)(1)(i) of this AD.
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15:51 Jun 27, 2005
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(2) If any corrosion is outside the limits
specified in the Accomplishment
Instructions of Short Brothers Service
Bulletin SD360–53–45, dated December
2003, before further flight, replace the
corroded fitting with a new fitting, in
accordance with the Accomplishment
Instructions of the service bulletin.
(c) If no corrosion is found during the
inspection required by paragraph (a) or if the
fitting was replaced with a new fitting in
accordance with Short Brothers Service
Bulletin SD360–53–45, dated December
2003, do the actions in paragraphs (c)(1) and
(c)(2) of this AD.
(1) Within 24 months after the initial
inspection required by paragraph (a) of this
AD or within 24 months after replacement of
the fitting with a new one, whichever occurs
later, do a borescope (intrascope) detailed
inspection for corrosion, in accordance with
Part A of the Accomplishment Instructions of
Short Brothers Service Bulletin SD360–53–
45, dated December 2003. Repeat this
inspection thereafter at intervals not to
exceed 24 months. Do corrective actions in
accordance with paragraph (b) of this AD.
(2) Thereafter, except as provided in
paragraph (f) of this AD, no alternative
borescope inspections may be approved.
Previous Repetitive Inspections
(d) Borescope (intrascope) detailed
inspections done before the effective date of
this AD in accordance with Bombardier
Temporary Revisions (TR) TR360–MPSUPP–
04 and TR360–MPSUPP–03, both dated
August 20, 2003, are acceptable for
compliance with the requirements of
paragraph (c)(1) of this AD.
Disposition of Repairs for Corroded/
Oversized Holes
(e) Where Short Brothers Service Bulletin
SD360–53–45, dated December 2003, says to
contact the manufacturer for action on any
corroded or oversized hole found during the
inspection required by paragraph (a) or (c) of
this AD, before further flight, repair in
accordance with a method approved by
either the Manager, International Branch,
ANM–116, FAA, Transport Airplane
Directorate; or the Civil Aviation Authority
(or its delegated agent).
Alternative Methods of Compliance
(f) In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, the
Manager, International Branch, ANM–116, is
authorized to approve alternative methods of
compliance for this AD.
Note 1: The subject of this AD is addressed
in British airworthiness directive G–2004–
0005, effective March 16, 2004.
Incorporation by Reference
(g) You must use Short Brothers Service
Bulletin SD360–53–45, dated December
2003, to perform the actions that are required
by this AD, unless the AD specifies
otherwise. The Director of the Federal
Register approves the incorporation by
reference of this document in accordance
with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. To
get copies of the service information, contact
Short Brothers, Airworthiness & Engineering
Quality, P.O. Box 241, Airport Road, Belfast
PO 00000
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Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
BT3 9DZ, Northern Ireland. To inspect copies
of this service information, go to the FAA,
Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind
Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or to the
National Archives and Records
Administration (NARA). For information on
the availability of this material at the NARA,
call (202) 741–6030, or go to https://
www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_
federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html.
Effective Date
(h) This amendment becomes effective on
August 2, 2005.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on June 14,
2005.
Kevin M. Mullin,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane
Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 05–12508 Filed 6–27–05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2004–18716; Directorate
Identifier 2003–NM–240–AD; Amendment
39–14156; AD 2005–13–19]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; BAE
Systems (Operations) Limited Model
BAe 146 and Avro 146–RJ Series
Airplanes
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for all BAE
Systems (Operations) Limited Model
BAe 146 and Avro 146–RJ series
airplanes. This AD requires repetitive
external eddy current inspections of the
forward fuselage skin to detect cracking
due to fatigue, and repair if necessary.
This AD is prompted by evidence of
cracking due to fatigue along the edges
of the chemi-etched pockets in certain
front fuselage canopy skin panels. We
are issuing this AD to detect and correct
this cracking, which could result in
reduced structural integrity of the
airplane fuselage.
DATES: This AD becomes effective
August 2, 2005.
The incorporation by reference of a
certain publication listed in the AD is
approved by the Director of the Federal
Register as of August 2, 2005.
ADDRESSES: For service information
identified in this AD, contact British
Aerospace Regional Aircraft American
Support, 13850 Mclearen Road,
Herndon, Virginia 20171.
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Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 123 / Tuesday, June 28, 2005 / Rules and Regulations
Docket: The AD docket contains the
proposed AD, comments, and any final
disposition. 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 U.S. Department of Transportation,
400 Seventh Street, SW., room PL–401,
Washington, DC. This docket number is
FAA–2004–18716; the directorate
identifier for this docket is 2003–NM–
240–AD.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Todd Thompson, Aerospace Engineer;
International Branch, ANM–116, FAA,
Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601
Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington
98055–4056; telephone (425) 227–1175;
fax (425) 227–1149.
Examining the Docket
The AD docket contains the proposed
AD, comments, and any final
disposition. 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.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The FAA
proposed to amend 14 CFR Part 39 with
an AD for all BAE Systems (Operations)
Limited Model BAe 146 and Avro 146–
RJ series airplanes. That action,
published in the Federal Register on
July 30, 2004 (69 FR 45614), proposed
to require repetitive external eddy
current inspections of the forward
fuselage skin to detect cracking due to
fatigue, and repair if necessary.
Comments
We provided the public the
opportunity to participate in the
development of this AD. We have
considered the comments that have
been submitted on the proposed AD.
Request To Refer to Revised Service
Information
One commenter requests that we
revise the proposed AD to refer to BAE
Systems (Operations) Limited
Inspection Service Bulletin ISB.53–167,
including Appendix 2, Revision 1, dated
May 18, 2004, as the acceptable source
of service information for the actions
required by paragraph (f) of the
proposed AD. Paragraph (f) of the
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proposed AD refers to BAE Systems
(Operations) Limited Inspection Service
Bulletin ISB.53–167, including
Appendices 2 and 3, all dated June 27,
2003, as the applicable source of service
information for the actions specified in
that paragraph.
We concur. We have reviewed BAE
Systems (Operations) Limited
Inspection Service Bulletin ISB.53–167,
including Appendix 2, Revision 1. The
instructions in Revision 1 are essentially
the same as those in the original issue
of the service bulletin, including
Appendices 2 and 3. Accordingly, we
have revised this AD to refer to BAE
Systems (Operations) Limited
Inspection Service Bulletin ISB.53–167,
including Appendix 2, Revision 1, as
the applicable source of service
information for the actions required by
paragraph (f) of this AD. We have also
added a new paragraph (g) (and
reidentified subsequent paragraphs
accordingly) to give credit for
inspections accomplished before the
effective date of this AD in accordance
with the original issue of the service
bulletin, including Appendices 2 and 3.
In the proposed AD, we explained
two differences between the proposed
AD and the original issue of the service
bulletin. These differences continue to
apply between this AD and Revision 1
of the service bulletin. For the
convenience of operators, these
differences are repeated as follows:
• Although the referenced service
bulletin describes procedures for
submitting Appendix 1 of the service
bulletin with inspection results to the
manufacturer, this AD does not require
that action. We do not need this
information from operators.
• The service bulletin specifies that
you may perform repairs in accordance
with the structural repair manual
(SRM), or that you may contact the
manufacturer for instructions on how to
repair conditions outside the limits
defined in the SRM, but this AD
requires you to repair those conditions
using a method that we or the CAA (or
its delegated agent) approve. In light of
the type of repair that would be required
to address the unsafe condition, and
consistent with existing bilateral
airworthiness agreements, we have
determined that, for this AD, a repair we
or the CAA approve would be
acceptable for compliance with this AD.
Request To Extend Compliance Time
One commenter requests that we
extend the repetitive interval for Model
Avro 146-RJ series airplanes from 4,000
to 6,000 flight cycles. The commenter
notes that a 6,000-flight-cycle repetitive
interval would be more compatible with
PO 00000
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37023
normal maintenance schedules. The
commenter provides no justification for
the requested change other than for the
convenience of its maintenance
program.
We do not concur. In developing a
repetitive interval for this AD, we
considered the manufacturer’s
recommendation and the action taken
by the CAA, as well as the degree of
urgency associated with the subject
unsafe condition. In light of these
factors, we find that a 4,000-flight-cycle
repetitive interval represents an
appropriate interval of time for Model
Avro 146-RJ series airplanes to operate
between inspections without
compromising safety. We note that this
is consistent with the repetitive interval
specified in the referenced service
bulletin. However, under the provisions
of paragraph (i) of this AD, we may
approve a request to adjust the
compliance time if data are submitted to
substantiate that such an adjustment
would provide an acceptable level of
safety. We have not changed the AD in
this regard.
Explanation of Editorial Changes
We have revised the statement of
unsafe condition in the Summary and
paragraph (d) of this AD to better clarify
that this AD is intended to detect and
correct fatigue cracking along the edges
of the chemi-etched pockets in certain
front fuselage canopy skin panels,
which could result in reduced structural
integrity of the airplane fuselage.
We have also revised paragraphs
(f)(1)(ii) and (f)(2)(ii) of this AD to
clarify that repair must be accomplished
before further flight on any area where
a crack is found. The proposed AD
implied but did not explicitly state that
a repair must be accomplished before
further flight.
Conclusion
We have carefully reviewed the
available data, including the comments
that have been submitted, and
determined that air safety and the
public interest require adopting the AD
with the changes described previously.
We have determined that these changes
will neither increase the economic
burden on any operator nor increase the
scope of the AD.
Costs of Compliance
This AD affects about 54 airplanes of
U.S. registry. The required actions will
take about 40 work hours per airplane,
at an average labor rate of $65 per work
hour. Based on these figures, the
estimated cost of this AD for U.S.
operators is $140,400, or $2,600 per
airplane, per inspection cycle.
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37024
Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 123 / Tuesday, June 28, 2005 / Rules and Regulations
Authority for This Rulemaking
Title 49 of the United States Code
specifies the FAA’s authority to issue
rules on aviation safety. 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.
We are issuing this rulemaking under
the authority described in Subtitle VII,
Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701,
‘‘General requirements.’’ Under that
section, Congress charges the FAA 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 rulemaking
action.
Regulatory Findings
We have determined that this AD will
not have federalism implications under
Executive Order 13132. This AD will
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 this AD:
(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.
We prepared a regulatory evaluation
of the estimated costs to comply with
this 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, Incorporation by reference,
Safety.
Adoption of the Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority
delegated to me by the Administrator,
the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as
follows:
I
PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS
DIRECTIVES
1. The authority citation for part 39
continues to read as follows:
I
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15:51 Jun 27, 2005
Jkt 205001
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):
I
2005–13–19 BAE Systems (Operations)
Limited (Formerly British Aerospace
Regional Aircraft): Amendment 39–
14156. Docket No. FAA–2004–18716;
Directorate Identifier 2003–NM–240–AD.
Effective Date
(a) This AD becomes effective August 2,
2005.
Affected ADs
(b) None.
accordance with a method approved by the
Manager, International Branch, ANM–116, or
the CAA (or its delegated agent). No further
inspection of any repaired area is required by
this AD.
Inspections Accomplished According to
Previous Issue of Service Bulletin
(g) Inspections accomplished before the
effective date of this AD in accordance with
BAE Systems (Operations) Limited
Inspection Service Bulletin ISB.53–167,
including Appendices 2 and 3, all dated June
27, 2003, are considered acceptable for
compliance with the corresponding action
specified in paragraph (f) of this AD.
No Reporting Requirement
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to all BAE Systems
(Operations) Limited Model BAe 146 and
Avro 146-RJ series airplanes, certificated in
any category.
(h) Although the service bulletin
referenced in this AD specifies to submit
Appendix 1 of the service bulletin with
certain information to the manufacturer, this
AD does not include that requirement.
Unsafe Condition
(d) This AD was prompted by evidence of
cracking due to fatigue along the edges of the
chemi-etched pockets in certain front
fuselage canopy skin panels. We are issuing
this AD to detect and correct this cracking,
which could result in reduced structural
integrity of the airplane fuselage.
Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs)
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.
Related Information
Inspections and Repair
(f) Within the applicable compliance time
specified in paragraph (f)(1) or (f)(2) of this
AD, perform an external eddy current
inspection of the forward fuselage skin to
detect cracking, in accordance with the
Accomplishment Instructions of BAE
Systems (Operations) Limited Modification
Service Bulletin ISB.53–167, including
Appendix 2, Revision 1, dated May 18, 2004.
(1) For Model BAe 146 series airplanes:
Inspect before the accumulation of 16,000
total landings, or within 4,000 landings after
the effective date of this AD, whichever is
later.
(i) For areas where no crack is found,
repeat the inspection at intervals not to
exceed 8,000 landings.
(ii) For areas where any crack is found,
before further flight, perform repairs in
accordance with a method approved by the
Manager, International Branch, ANM–116,
Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, or the
Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) (or its
delegated agent). No further inspection of any
repaired area is required by this AD.
(2) For Model Avro 146-RJ series airplanes:
Inspect before the accumulation of 10,000
total landings, or within 2,000 landings after
the effective date of this AD, whichever is
later.
(i) For areas where no crack is found,
repeat the inspection at intervals not to
exceed 4,000 landings.
(ii) For areas where any crack is found,
before further flight, perform repairs in
(k) You must use BAE Systems
(Operations) Limited Modification Service
Bulletin ISB.53–167, including Appendix 2,
Revision 1, dated May 18, 2004, to perform
the actions that are required by this AD,
unless the AD specifies otherwise. The
Director of the Federal Register approves the
incorporation by reference of this document
in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR
part 51. To get copies of the service
information, go to British Aerospace Regional
Aircraft American Support, 13850 Mclearen
Road, Herndon, Virginia 20171. To view the
AD docket, go to the Docket Management
Facility, U.S. Department of Transportation,
400 Seventh Street SW, room PL–401, Nassif
Building, Washington, DC. To review copies
of the service information, go to the National
Archives and Records Administration
(NARA). For information on the availability
of this material at the NARA, call (202) 741–
6030, or go to https://www.archives.gov/
federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/
ibr_locations.html.
PO 00000
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(i) The Manager, International Branch,
ANM–116, has the authority to approve
AMOCs for this AD, if requested in
accordance with the procedures found in 14
CFR 39.19.
(j) British airworthiness directive 007–06–
2003 also addresses the subject of this AD.
Material Incorporated by Reference
Issued in Renton, Washington, on June 14,
2005.
Kevin M. Mullin,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane
Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 05–12511 Filed 6–27–05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
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]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 123 (Tuesday, June 28, 2005)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 37022-37024]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 05-12511]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2004-18716; Directorate Identifier 2003-NM-240-AD;
Amendment 39-14156; AD 2005-13-19]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Model
BAe 146 and Avro 146-RJ Series Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Final rule.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all
BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Model BAe 146 and Avro 146-RJ series
airplanes. This AD requires repetitive external eddy current
inspections of the forward fuselage skin to detect cracking due to
fatigue, and repair if necessary. This AD is prompted by evidence of
cracking due to fatigue along the edges of the chemi-etched pockets in
certain front fuselage canopy skin panels. We are issuing this AD to
detect and correct this cracking, which could result in reduced
structural integrity of the airplane fuselage.
DATES: This AD becomes effective August 2, 2005.
The incorporation by reference of a certain publication listed in
the AD is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as of August
2, 2005.
ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this AD, contact
British Aerospace Regional Aircraft American Support, 13850 Mclearen
Road, Herndon, Virginia 20171.
[[Page 37023]]
Docket: The AD docket contains the proposed AD, comments, and any
final disposition. 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 U.S.
Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, SW., room PL-401,
Washington, DC. This docket number is FAA-2004-18716; the directorate
identifier for this docket is 2003-NM-240-AD.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Todd Thompson, Aerospace Engineer;
International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate,
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056; telephone (425)
227-1175; fax (425) 227-1149.
Examining the Docket
The AD docket contains the proposed AD, comments, and any final
disposition. 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.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The FAA proposed to amend 14 CFR Part 39
with an AD for all BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Model BAe 146 and
Avro 146-RJ series airplanes. That action, published in the Federal
Register on July 30, 2004 (69 FR 45614), proposed to require repetitive
external eddy current inspections of the forward fuselage skin to
detect cracking due to fatigue, and repair if necessary.
Comments
We provided the public the opportunity to participate in the
development of this AD. We have considered the comments that have been
submitted on the proposed AD.
Request To Refer to Revised Service Information
One commenter requests that we revise the proposed AD to refer to
BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Inspection Service Bulletin ISB.53-
167, including Appendix 2, Revision 1, dated May 18, 2004, as the
acceptable source of service information for the actions required by
paragraph (f) of the proposed AD. Paragraph (f) of the proposed AD
refers to BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Inspection Service Bulletin
ISB.53-167, including Appendices 2 and 3, all dated June 27, 2003, as
the applicable source of service information for the actions specified
in that paragraph.
We concur. We have reviewed BAE Systems (Operations) Limited
Inspection Service Bulletin ISB.53-167, including Appendix 2, Revision
1. The instructions in Revision 1 are essentially the same as those in
the original issue of the service bulletin, including Appendices 2 and
3. Accordingly, we have revised this AD to refer to BAE Systems
(Operations) Limited Inspection Service Bulletin ISB.53-167, including
Appendix 2, Revision 1, as the applicable source of service information
for the actions required by paragraph (f) of this AD. We have also
added a new paragraph (g) (and reidentified subsequent paragraphs
accordingly) to give credit for inspections accomplished before the
effective date of this AD in accordance with the original issue of the
service bulletin, including Appendices 2 and 3.
In the proposed AD, we explained two differences between the
proposed AD and the original issue of the service bulletin. These
differences continue to apply between this AD and Revision 1 of the
service bulletin. For the convenience of operators, these differences
are repeated as follows:
Although the referenced service bulletin describes
procedures for submitting Appendix 1 of the service bulletin with
inspection results to the manufacturer, this AD does not require that
action. We do not need this information from operators.
The service bulletin specifies that you may perform
repairs in accordance with the structural repair manual (SRM), or that
you may contact the manufacturer for instructions on how to repair
conditions outside the limits defined in the SRM, but this AD requires
you to repair those conditions using a method that we or the CAA (or
its delegated agent) approve. In light of the type of repair that would
be required to address the unsafe condition, and consistent with
existing bilateral airworthiness agreements, we have determined that,
for this AD, a repair we or the CAA approve would be acceptable for
compliance with this AD.
Request To Extend Compliance Time
One commenter requests that we extend the repetitive interval for
Model Avro 146-RJ series airplanes from 4,000 to 6,000 flight cycles.
The commenter notes that a 6,000-flight-cycle repetitive interval would
be more compatible with normal maintenance schedules. The commenter
provides no justification for the requested change other than for the
convenience of its maintenance program.
We do not concur. In developing a repetitive interval for this AD,
we considered the manufacturer's recommendation and the action taken by
the CAA, as well as the degree of urgency associated with the subject
unsafe condition. In light of these factors, we find that a 4,000-
flight-cycle repetitive interval represents an appropriate interval of
time for Model Avro 146-RJ series airplanes to operate between
inspections without compromising safety. We note that this is
consistent with the repetitive interval specified in the referenced
service bulletin. However, under the provisions of paragraph (i) of
this AD, we may approve a request to adjust the compliance time if data
are submitted to substantiate that such an adjustment would provide an
acceptable level of safety. We have not changed the AD in this regard.
Explanation of Editorial Changes
We have revised the statement of unsafe condition in the Summary
and paragraph (d) of this AD to better clarify that this AD is intended
to detect and correct fatigue cracking along the edges of the chemi-
etched pockets in certain front fuselage canopy skin panels, which
could result in reduced structural integrity of the airplane fuselage.
We have also revised paragraphs (f)(1)(ii) and (f)(2)(ii) of this
AD to clarify that repair must be accomplished before further flight on
any area where a crack is found. The proposed AD implied but did not
explicitly state that a repair must be accomplished before further
flight.
Conclusion
We have carefully reviewed the available data, including the
comments that have been submitted, and determined that air safety and
the public interest require adopting the AD with the changes described
previously. We have determined that these changes will neither increase
the economic burden on any operator nor increase the scope of the AD.
Costs of Compliance
This AD affects about 54 airplanes of U.S. registry. The required
actions will take about 40 work hours per airplane, at an average labor
rate of $65 per work hour. Based on these figures, the estimated cost
of this AD for U.S. operators is $140,400, or $2,600 per airplane, per
inspection cycle.
[[Page 37024]]
Authority for This Rulemaking
Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to
issue rules on aviation safety. 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.
We are issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in
Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701, ``General
requirements.'' Under that section, Congress charges the FAA 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
rulemaking action.
Regulatory Findings
We have determined that this AD will not have federalism
implications under Executive Order 13132. This AD will 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 this AD:
(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.
We prepared a regulatory evaluation of the estimated costs to
comply with this 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, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.
Adoption of the Amendment
0
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator,
the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows:
PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
0
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]
0
2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness
directive (AD):
2005-13-19 BAE Systems (Operations) Limited (Formerly British
Aerospace Regional Aircraft): Amendment 39-14156. Docket No. FAA-
2004-18716; Directorate Identifier 2003-NM-240-AD.
Effective Date
(a) This AD becomes effective August 2, 2005.
Affected ADs
(b) None.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to all BAE Systems (Operations) Limited
Model BAe 146 and Avro 146-RJ series airplanes, certificated in any
category.
Unsafe Condition
(d) This AD was prompted by evidence of cracking due to fatigue
along the edges of the chemi-etched pockets in certain front
fuselage canopy skin panels. We are issuing this AD to detect and
correct this cracking, which could result in reduced structural
integrity of the airplane fuselage.
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.
Inspections and Repair
(f) Within the applicable compliance time specified in paragraph
(f)(1) or (f)(2) of this AD, perform an external eddy current
inspection of the forward fuselage skin to detect cracking, in
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of BAE Systems
(Operations) Limited Modification Service Bulletin ISB.53-167,
including Appendix 2, Revision 1, dated May 18, 2004.
(1) For Model BAe 146 series airplanes: Inspect before the
accumulation of 16,000 total landings, or within 4,000 landings
after the effective date of this AD, whichever is later.
(i) For areas where no crack is found, repeat the inspection at
intervals not to exceed 8,000 landings.
(ii) For areas where any crack is found, before further flight,
perform repairs in accordance with a method approved by the Manager,
International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA,
or the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) (or its delegated agent). No
further inspection of any repaired area is required by this AD.
(2) For Model Avro 146-RJ series airplanes: Inspect before the
accumulation of 10,000 total landings, or within 2,000 landings
after the effective date of this AD, whichever is later.
(i) For areas where no crack is found, repeat the inspection at
intervals not to exceed 4,000 landings.
(ii) For areas where any crack is found, before further flight,
perform repairs in accordance with a method approved by the Manager,
International Branch, ANM-116, or the CAA (or its delegated agent).
No further inspection of any repaired area is required by this AD.
Inspections Accomplished According to Previous Issue of Service
Bulletin
(g) Inspections accomplished before the effective date of this
AD in accordance with BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Inspection
Service Bulletin ISB.53-167, including Appendices 2 and 3, all dated
June 27, 2003, are considered acceptable for compliance with the
corresponding action specified in paragraph (f) of this AD.
No Reporting Requirement
(h) Although the service bulletin referenced in this AD
specifies to submit Appendix 1 of the service bulletin with certain
information to the manufacturer, this AD does not include that
requirement.
Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(i) The Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, 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) British airworthiness directive 007-06-2003 also addresses
the subject of this AD.
Material Incorporated by Reference
(k) You must use BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Modification
Service Bulletin ISB.53-167, including Appendix 2, Revision 1, dated
May 18, 2004, to perform the actions that are required by this AD,
unless the AD specifies otherwise. The Director of the Federal
Register approves the incorporation by reference of this document in
accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. To get copies of
the service information, go to British Aerospace Regional Aircraft
American Support, 13850 Mclearen Road, Herndon, Virginia 20171. To
view the AD docket, go to the Docket Management Facility, U.S.
Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street SW, room PL-401,
Nassif Building, Washington, DC. To review copies of the service
information, go to the National Archives and Records Administration
(NARA). For information on the availability of this material at the
NARA, call (202) 741-6030, or go to https://www.archives.gov/
federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_
locations.html.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on June 14, 2005.
Kevin M. Mullin,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 05-12511 Filed 6-27-05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
