Airworthiness Directives; BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Model BAe 146 and Avro 146-RJ Airplanes, 42065-42067 [E6-11806]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 142 / Tuesday, July 25, 2006 / Proposed Rules cprice-sewell on PROD1PC66 with PROPOSALS 2004, and Boeing Engineering Order, dated January 13, 2004. Do the inspections in paragraph (d) of this AD thereafter at the applicable interval time specified in paragraph (d)(1) or (d)(2) of this AD. Optional Actions, Extended Repetitive Inspection Intervals (d) Installing a full-length preventive modification, doing a full-length repair, or doing a local repair, in accordance with Boeing DC–8 Service Rework Drawing SR08530032, dated January 13, 2004, including Boeing Parts List PL SR08530032, dated January 7, 2004, Boeing Advance Engineering Order, Advanced Drawing Change A, dated April 1, 2004, and Boeing Engineering Order, dated January 13, 2004, ends the repetitive inspection intervals in paragraph (b) of this AD; repeat the inspection thereafter at the applicable interval in paragraph (d)(1) or (d)(2) of this AD. (1) For airplanes that have internal finger doublers: Within 30,000 flight cycles after doing the optional action, do general visual and HFEC inspections for discrepancies of the unrepaired areas at longeron 28 between the bolted connection of the tail section to forward of the flat aft pressure bulkhead, on both the left and right sides, and do all applicable related investigative and corrective actions before further flight. Do all actions in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin DC8–53A080, dated June 22, 2004. Repeat the inspections thereafter at intervals not to exceed 5,000 flight cycles. (2) For airplanes that do not have internal finger doublers: Use the applicable intervals and inspections in paragraph (d)(2)(i) or (d)(2)(ii) of this AD. (i) For repairs (full-length preventive modification, doing a full-length repair, or doing a local repair) that are 12 inches or less along the longeron: Within 15,000 flight cycles after doing the optional action, use only the external general visual inspection method for discrepancies of the unrepaired areas at longeron 28 between the bolted connection of the tail section to forward of the flat aft pressure bulkhead, on both the left and right sides, and do all applicable related investigative and corrective actions before further flight. Do all actions in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin DC8–53A080, dated June 22, 2004. Repeat the external general visual inspection thereafter at intervals not to exceed 5,000 flight cycles. (ii) For repairs (full-length preventive modification, doing a full-length repair, or doing a local repair) that are more than 12 inches in length along the longeron: Within 15,000 flight cycles after doing the optional action, use only the low-frequency eddy current (LFEC) inspection method for cracks of the unrepaired areas at longeron 28 between the bolted connection of the tail section to forward of the flat aft pressure bulkhead, on both the left and right sides, and do all applicable related investigative and corrective actions before further flight. Do all actions in accordance with Boeing DC– 8 Service Rework Drawing SR08530032, dated January 13, 2004, including Boeing VerDate Aug<31>2005 15:29 Jul 24, 2006 Jkt 208001 42065 Parts List PL SR08530032, dated January 7, 2004, Boeing Advance Engineering Order, Advanced Drawing Change A, dated April 1, 2004, and Boeing Engineering Order, dated January 13, 2004. Repeat the LFEC inspection thereafter at intervals not to exceed 10,000 flight cycles, using only LFEC inspection outward along all four edges of the doubler. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Reporting of Results RIN 2120–AA64 (e) Submit a report of positive findings of the inspections required by paragraph (b) and (d) of this AD to Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Manager, Structure/Payloads, Technical and Fleet Support, Service Engineering/Commercial Aviation Services, Long Beach Division, 3855 Lakewood Boulevard, Long Beach, California 90846, at the applicable time specified in paragraph (e)(1) or (e)(2) of this AD. The report must include the inspection results, a description of any discrepancies found, the airplane fuselage number, and the total number of landings and flight hours on the airplane. Information collection requirements contained in this AD have been approved by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1980 (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.) and have been assigned OMB Control Number 2120–0056. (1) For airplanes on which the inspection is accomplished after the effective date of this AD: Submit the report within 30 days after performing the inspection. (2) For airplanes on which the inspection was accomplished prior to the effective date of this AD: Submit the report within 30 days after the effective date of this AD. Airworthiness Directives; BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Model BAe 146 and Avro 146–RJ Airplanes Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (f)(1) In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, the Manager, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), FAA, is authorized to approve AMOCs for this AD. (2) Before using any AMOC approved in accordance with § 39.19 on any airplane to which the AMOC applies, notify the appropriate principal inspector in the FAA Flight Standards Certificate Holding District Office. (3) An AMOC that provides an acceptable level of safety may be used for any repair required by this AD, if it is approved by an Authorized Representative for the Boeing Commercial Airplanes Delegation Option Authorization Organization who has been authorized by the Manager, Los Angeles ACO, to make those findings. For a repair method to be approved, the repair must meet the certification basis of the airplane and 14 CFR 25.571, Amendment 45, and the approval must specifically refer to this AD. Issued in Renton, Washington, on July 18, 2006. Ali Bahrami, Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. E6–11805 Filed 7–24–06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2006–25437; Directorate Identifier 2006–NM–136–AD] 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 BAe 146 and Avro 146–RJ airplanes. This proposed AD would require modifying the nose landing gear. This proposed AD results from reports of loss of the nose wheel assembly. We are proposing this AD to prevent the nose wheel nut from loosening, and consequently, the nose wheel assembly detaching from the airplane; and to prevent the nose wheel clamping loads from applying to the machined radius at the root of the stub axle, which could result in damage to the nose landing gear. We must receive comments on this proposed AD by August 24, 2006. 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. • Government-wide 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. • 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. Contact British Aerospace Regional Aircraft American Support, 13850 Mclearen Road, Herndon, Virginia 20171, for service information identified in this proposed AD. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Todd Thompson, Aerospace Engineer, International Branch, ANM–116, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 DATES: E:\FR\FM\25JYP1.SGM 25JYP1 42066 Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 142 / Tuesday, July 25, 2006 / Proposed Rules Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98057–3356; telephone (425) 227–1175; fax (425) 227–1149. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 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 in the ADDRESSES section. Include the docket number ‘‘FAA–2006–25437; Directorate Identifier 2006–NM–136–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 received 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 that Web site, 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 may review the DOT’s complete Privacy Act Statement in the Federal Register published on April 11, 2000 (65 FR 19477–78), or you may visit https:// dms.dot.gov. cprice-sewell on PROD1PC66 with PROPOSALS Examining the Docket You may 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 Docket Management System receives them. Discussion The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the airworthiness authority for the European Union, notified us that an unsafe condition may exist on all BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Model BAe 146 and Avro 146– RJ airplanes. The EASA advises that there have been reports of loss of the nose wheel assembly on in-service airplanes. Investigation revealed that the nose wheel axle spacers were installed incorrectly, which prevents the wheel VerDate Aug<31>2005 15:29 Jul 24, 2006 Jkt 208001 attachment nut from being locked onto the axle shaft. This condition, if not corrected, could result in the nose wheel nut loosening, and consequently, the nose wheel assembly detaching from the airplane; or could result in the nose wheel clamping loads applying to the machined radius at the root of the stub axle, which could result in damage to the nose landing gear. Relevant Service Information BAE Systems (Operations) Limited has issued Modification Service Bulletin 32–174–70676A, dated February 21, 2006. The modification service bulletin describes procedures for modifying the nose landing gear. The modification involves removing and installing modified nose wheel axle spacers on the nose landing gear. Accomplishing the actions specified in the service information is intended to adequately address the unsafe condition. The EASA mandated the service information and issued airworthiness directive 2006– 0137, dated May 23, 2006, to ensure the continued airworthiness of these airplanes in the European Union. The modification service bulletin refers to Messier-Dowty Service Bulletin 146–32–161, dated March 2, 2005, as an additional source of service information for accomplishing the modification. FAA’s Determination and Requirements of the Proposed AD 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. As described in FAA Order 8100.14A, ‘‘Interim Procedures for Working with the European Community on Airworthiness Certification and Continued Airworthiness,’’ dated August 12, 2005, the EASA has kept the FAA informed of the situation described above. We have examined the EASA’s findings, evaluated all pertinent information, and determined that we need to issue an AD for airplanes 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. Costs of Compliance This proposed AD would affect about 53 airplanes of U.S. registry. The proposed actions would take about 2 work hours per airplane, at an average labor rate of $80 per work hour. The manufacturer states that it will supply PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 required parts to the operators at no cost. Based on these figures, the estimated cost of the proposed AD for U.S. operators is $8,480, or $160 per airplane. 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 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 and placed it in the AD docket. 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, E:\FR\FM\25JYP1.SGM 25JYP1 Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 142 / Tuesday, July 25, 2006 / Proposed Rules 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 Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) amends § 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness directive (AD): BAE Systems (Operations) Limited (Formerly British Aerospace Regional Aircraft): Docket No. FAA–2006–25437; Directorate Identifier 2006–NM–136–AD. Comments Due Date (a) The FAA must receive comments on this AD action by August 24, 2006. Affected ADs (b) None. Applicability (c) This AD applies to all BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Model BAe 146–100A, –200A, and –300A series airplanes; and Model Avro 146–RJ70A, 146–RJ85A, and 146–RJ100A airplanes; certificated in any category. No Reporting (g) Although the service bulletin referenced in this AD specifies to submit certain information to the manufacturer, this AD does not include that requirement. Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (h)(1) 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. (2) Before using any AMOC approved in accordance with § 39.19 on any airplane to which the AMOC applies, notify the appropriate principal inspector in the FAA Flight Standards Certificate Holding District Office. Related Information (i) European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) airworthiness directive 2006–0137, dated May 23, 2006, also addresses the subject of this AD. Issued in Renton, Washington, on July 17, 2006. Ali Bahrami, Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. E6–11806 Filed 7–24–06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P Unsafe Condition (d) This AD results from reports of loss of the nose wheel assembly. We are issuing this AD to prevent the nose wheel nut from loosening, and consequently, the nose wheel assembly detaching from the airplane; and to prevent the nose wheel clamping loads from applying to the machined radius at the root of the stub axle, which could result in damage to the nose landing gear. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE 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. Implementation and Administration of a Coupon Program for Digital-toAnalog Converter Boxes cprice-sewell on PROD1PC66 with PROPOSALS Modification (f) Within 12 months after the effective date of this AD, modify the nose landing gear in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Modification Service Bulletin 32– 174–70676A, dated February 21, 2006. Note 1: BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Modification Service Bulletin 32–174– 70676A refers to Messier-Dowty Service Bulletin 146–32–161, dated March 2, 2005, as an additional source of service information for accomplishing the modification. Note 2: BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Modification Service Bulletin 32–174– 70676A refers to the abutment ring as a spacer. Airplane Maintenance Manual (AMM) 32–42–17 401 identifies this part as an abutment ring (item 4). Item 3 of the AMM is identified as a spacer but this is not the part described in the modification service bulletin. VerDate Aug<31>2005 15:29 Jul 24, 2006 Jkt 208001 National Telecommunications and Information Administration 47 CFR Chapter III [Docket Number: 060512129–6129–01] RIN 0660–AA16 National Telecommunications and Information Administration, Commerce. ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking and request for comment. AGENCY: SUMMARY: The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) proposes to implement and administer a program to provide $40 coupons to consumers for use towards the purchase of digital-toanalog converter boxes. Congress mandated the coupon program in Title III of the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005. The converter boxes are necessary for consumers who wish to continue receiving broadcast programming over the air using analog-only televisions after February 18, 2009—the date that full-power televisions stations are required to cease analog broadcasting. Without converter boxes, consumers PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 42067 with analog-only television sets will be unable to view full-power television broadcasts unless they purchase digital television sets or subscribe to cable or satellite service. DATES: Comments must be submitted by 5 p.m. EDT, no later than September 25, 2006. ADDRESSES: Comments via mail should be submitted to: Milton Brown, Office of the Chief Counsel, National Telecommunications and Information Administration, 1401 Constitution Avenue, Room 4713, Washington, DC 20230. Comments may also be sent by facsimile to (202) 501–8013. Electronic comments may be submitted to coupon@ntia.doc.gov or to Regulations.gov at www.regulations.gov. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Milton Brown at (202) 482–1816. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: I. Background A. Overview In this Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM), NTIA seeks comment on ways to implement the digital-to-analog converter box coupon program pursuant to the Digital Television Transition and Public Safety Act of 2005 (the Act).1 The Act, among other things, requires the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to require full-power television stations to cease analog broadcasting by February 18, 2009. Recognizing that consumers may wish to continue receiving broadcast programming over the air using analogonly televisions not connected to cable or satellite service, the Act authorizes NTIA to create a digital-to-analog converter box assistance program. Specifically, Section 3005 of the Act authorizes the Assistant Secretary for Communications and Information to ‘‘implement and administer a program through which households in the United States may obtain coupons that can be applied toward the purchase of digital-to-analog converter boxes.’’ NTIA is proposing these regulations to implement the requirements of the Act. B. Summary of Relevant Provisions of the Act Section 3002 of the Act amends the Communications Act of 1934 to direct the FCC to terminate analog television licenses for full power stations and to require all full-power Class A television stations in the digital television service to broadcast in the radio spectrum between 54 and 698 MHz, by February 1 See Title III of the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005, Pub. L. 109–171, 120 Stat. 4, 21 (Feb. 8, 2006). E:\FR\FM\25JYP1.SGM 25JYP1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 142 (Tuesday, July 25, 2006)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 42065-42067]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E6-11806]


-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2006-25437; Directorate Identifier 2006-NM-136-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Model 
BAe 146 and Avro 146-RJ 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 BAe 146 and Avro 146-RJ 
airplanes. This proposed AD would require modifying the nose landing 
gear. This proposed AD results from reports of loss of the nose wheel 
assembly. We are proposing this AD to prevent the nose wheel nut from 
loosening, and consequently, the nose wheel assembly detaching from the 
airplane; and to prevent the nose wheel clamping loads from applying to 
the machined radius at the root of the stub axle, which could result in 
damage to the nose landing gear.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by August 24, 2006.

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.
     Government-wide 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.
     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.
    Contact British Aerospace Regional Aircraft American Support, 13850 
Mclearen Road, Herndon, Virginia 20171, for service information 
identified in this proposed AD.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Todd Thompson, Aerospace Engineer, 
International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 
1601

[[Page 42066]]

Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356; telephone (425) 227-
1175; fax (425) 227-1149.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

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 in the ADDRESSES section. Include the docket number ``FAA-2006-
25437; Directorate Identifier 2006-NM-136-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 received 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 
that Web site, 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 may review the DOT's complete Privacy Act Statement in the 
Federal Register published on April 11, 2000 (65 FR 19477-78), or you 
may visit https://dms.dot.gov.

Examining the Docket

    You may 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 Docket Management System 
receives them.

Discussion

    The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the 
airworthiness authority for the European Union, notified us that an 
unsafe condition may exist on all BAE Systems (Operations) Limited 
Model BAe 146 and Avro 146-RJ airplanes. The EASA advises that there 
have been reports of loss of the nose wheel assembly on in-service 
airplanes. Investigation revealed that the nose wheel axle spacers were 
installed incorrectly, which prevents the wheel attachment nut from 
being locked onto the axle shaft. This condition, if not corrected, 
could result in the nose wheel nut loosening, and consequently, the 
nose wheel assembly detaching from the airplane; or could result in the 
nose wheel clamping loads applying to the machined radius at the root 
of the stub axle, which could result in damage to the nose landing 
gear.

Relevant Service Information

    BAE Systems (Operations) Limited has issued Modification Service 
Bulletin 32-174-70676A, dated February 21, 2006. The modification 
service bulletin describes procedures for modifying the nose landing 
gear. The modification involves removing and installing modified nose 
wheel axle spacers on the nose landing gear. Accomplishing the actions 
specified in the service information is intended to adequately address 
the unsafe condition. The EASA mandated the service information and 
issued airworthiness directive 2006-0137, dated May 23, 2006, to ensure 
the continued airworthiness of these airplanes in the European Union.
    The modification service bulletin refers to Messier-Dowty Service 
Bulletin 146-32-161, dated March 2, 2005, as an additional source of 
service information for accomplishing the modification.

FAA's Determination and Requirements of the Proposed AD

    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. As 
described in FAA Order 8100.14A, ``Interim Procedures for Working with 
the European Community on Airworthiness Certification and Continued 
Airworthiness,'' dated August 12, 2005, the EASA has kept the FAA 
informed of the situation described above. We have examined the EASA's 
findings, evaluated all pertinent information, and determined that we 
need to issue an AD for airplanes 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.

Costs of Compliance

    This proposed AD would affect about 53 airplanes of U.S. registry. 
The proposed actions would take about 2 work hours per airplane, at an 
average labor rate of $80 per work hour. The manufacturer states that 
it will supply required parts to the operators at no cost. Based on 
these figures, the estimated cost of the proposed AD for U.S. operators 
is $8,480, or $160 per airplane.

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 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 and placed it in the AD docket. 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,

[[Page 42067]]

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 Federal Aviation Administration (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-2006-25437; Directorate 
Identifier 2006-NM-136-AD.

Comments Due Date

    (a) The FAA must receive comments on this AD action by August 
24, 2006.

Affected ADs

    (b) None.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to all BAE Systems (Operations) Limited 
Model BAe 146-100A, -200A, and -300A series airplanes; and Model 
Avro 146-RJ70A, 146-RJ85A, and 146-RJ100A airplanes; certificated in 
any category.

Unsafe Condition

    (d) This AD results from reports of loss of the nose wheel 
assembly. We are issuing this AD to prevent the nose wheel nut from 
loosening, and consequently, the nose wheel assembly detaching from 
the airplane; and to prevent the nose wheel clamping loads from 
applying to the machined radius at the root of the stub axle, which 
could result in damage to the nose landing gear.

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.

Modification

    (f) Within 12 months after the effective date of this AD, modify 
the nose landing gear in accordance with the Accomplishment 
Instructions of BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Modification 
Service Bulletin 32-174-70676A, dated February 21, 2006.

    Note 1: BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Modification Service 
Bulletin 32-174-70676A refers to Messier-Dowty Service Bulletin 146-
32-161, dated March 2, 2005, as an additional source of service 
information for accomplishing the modification.


    Note 2: BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Modification Service 
Bulletin 32-174-70676A refers to the abutment ring as a spacer. 
Airplane Maintenance Manual (AMM) 32-42-17 401 identifies this part 
as an abutment ring (item 4). Item 3 of the AMM is identified as a 
spacer but this is not the part described in the modification 
service bulletin.

No Reporting

    (g) Although the service bulletin referenced in this AD 
specifies to submit certain information to the manufacturer, this AD 
does not include that requirement.

Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (h)(1) 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.
    (2) Before using any AMOC approved in accordance with Sec.  
39.19 on any airplane to which the AMOC applies, notify the 
appropriate principal inspector in the FAA Flight Standards 
Certificate Holding District Office.

Related Information

    (i) European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) airworthiness 
directive 2006-0137, dated May 23, 2006, also addresses the subject 
of this AD.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on July 17, 2006.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
 [FR Doc. E6-11806 Filed 7-24-06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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