Airworthiness Directives; BAE SYSTEMS (OPERATIONS) LIMITED Airplanes, 13230-13232 [2012-5380]

Download as PDF 13230 Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 44 / Tuesday, March 6, 2012 / Proposed Rules Branch, ANM–116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, or EASA (or its delegated agent). srobinson on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS (h) Reporting Submit a report of the findings of the inspection required by paragraph (g) of this AD, including a report of no defects, to BAE SYSTEMS (Operations) Limited, Customer Information Department, Prestwick International Airport, Ayrshire, KA9 2RW, Scotland, United Kingdom; telephone +44 1292 675207; fax+44 1292 675704; email RApublications@baesystems.com; Internet https://www.baesystems.com/Businesses/ RegionalAircraft/index.htm, at the applicable time specified in paragraph (h)(1) or (h)(2) of this AD. (1) If the inspection was done on or after the effective date of this AD: Submit the report within 30 days after the inspection. (2) If the inspection was done before the effective date of this AD: Submit the report within 30 days after the effective date of this AD. (i) Other FAA AD Provisions The following provisions also apply to this AD: (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, International Branch, ANM–116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, send your request to your principal inspector or local Flight Standards District Office, as appropriate. If sending information directly to the International Branch, send it to ATTN: Todd Thompson, Aerospace Engineer, International Branch, ANM–116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, Washington 98057– 3356; telephone 425–227–1175; fax 425–227– 1149. Information may be emailed to: 9-ANM-116-AMOC-REQUESTS@faa.gov. Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager of the local flight standards district office/ certificate holding district office. The AMOC approval letter must specifically reference this AD. (2) Airworthy Product: For any requirement in this AD to obtain corrective actions from a manufacturer or other source, use these actions if they are FAA-approved. Corrective actions are considered FAA-approved if they are approved by the State of Design Authority (or their delegated agent). You are required to assure the product is airworthy before it is returned to service. (3) Reporting Requirements: A federal agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, nor shall a person be subject to a penalty for failure to comply with a collection of information subject to the requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act unless that collection of information displays a current valid OMB Control Number. The OMB Control Number for this information collection is 2120–0056. Public reporting for this collection of information is estimated to be approximately 5 minutes per response, VerDate Mar<15>2010 14:53 Mar 05, 2012 Jkt 226001 including the time for reviewing instructions, completing and reviewing the collection of information. All responses to this collection of information are mandatory. Comments concerning the accuracy of this burden and suggestions for reducing the burden should be directed to the FAA at: 800 Independence Ave. SW., Washington, DC 20591, Attn: Information Collection Clearance Officer, AES–200. (j) Related Information Refer to MCAI EASA Airworthiness Directive 2011–0096, dated May 25, 2011, and the service information specified in paragraphs (k)(1) and (k)(2) of this AD; for related information. (1) BAE SYSTEMS Alert Service Bulletin J41–A57–029, dated May 6, 2011. (2) Subject 57–00–00, Wings General, of Chapter 57, Wings, of the Jetstream Series 4100 Structural Repair Manual, Volume 1, Revision 30, dated April 15, 2007. Issued in Renton, Washington, on February 27, 2012. Kalene C. Yanamura, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2012–5379 Filed 3–5–12; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2012–0189; Directorate Identifier 2011–NM–133–AD] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; BAE SYSTEMS (OPERATIONS) LIMITED Airplanes Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). AGENCY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain BAE SYSTEMS (OPERATIONS) LIMITED Model BAe 146 and Avro 146– RJ airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by a report of a crack found on the left-hand sidewall well on the nose landing gear (NLG). This proposed AD would require performing a repetitive high frequency eddy current inspection of the stiffeners on the lefthand sidewall on the NLG gear bay for cracks, and repair or replace the sidewall if necessary. Replacing the sidewall with a certain sidewall part number constitutes a terminating action for the repetitive inspections. We are proposing this AD to detect and correct failure of the sidewall, which could result in consequent in-flight rapid SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00025 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 decompression of the cabin and injury to the passengers. DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by April 20, 2012. ADDRESSES: You may send comments by any of the following methods: • Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments. • Fax: (202) 493–2251. • Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M–30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590. • Hand Delivery: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M–30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., 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 BAE SYSTEMS (OPERATIONS) LIMITED, Customer Information Department, Prestwick International Airport, Ayrshire, KA9 2RW, Scotland, United Kingdom; telephone +44 1292 675207; fax +44 1292 675704; email RApublications@baesystems.com; Internet https://www.baesystems.com/ Businesses/RegionalAircraft/index.htm. You may review copies of the referenced service information at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, Washington. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 425–227–1221. Examining the AD Docket You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at https:// www.regulations.gov; or in person at the Docket Operations office between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains this proposed AD, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and other information. The street address for the Docket Operations office (telephone (800) 647–5527) is in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Todd Thompson, Aerospace Engineer, International Branch, ANM–116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, Washington 98057–3356; telephone (425) 227–1175; fax (425) 227–1149. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Comments Invited We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or arguments about E:\FR\FM\06MRP1.SGM 06MRP1 Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 44 / Tuesday, March 6, 2012 / Proposed Rules this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include ‘‘Docket No. FAA–2012–0189; Directorate Identifier 2011–NM–133–AD’’ at the beginning of your comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this proposed AD. We will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend this proposed AD based on those comments. We will post all comments we receive, without change, to https:// www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. We will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact we receive about this proposed AD. Discussion The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Community, has issued EASA Airworthiness Directive 2011–0097, dated May 25, 2011 (referred to after this as ‘‘the MCAI’’), to correct an unsafe condition for the specified products. The MCAI states: During accomplishment of EASA AD 2007–0305 on an Avro 146–RJ85, a corner crack was found on the left hand Nose Landing Gear (NLG) sidewall well. The crack was located on one of the sidewall stiffeners adjacent to the area being inspected. In this instance, the cracking was severe enough to warrant replacement of the sidewall. Analysis has shown that these types of cracks are likely to exist or develop in other aeroplanes of the same design. This condition, if not detected and corrected, could result in failure of the sidewall and consequent in-flight rapid decompression of the cabin and injury to its occupants. For the reasons described above, this [EASA] AD requires repetitive [high frequency eddy current] inspections of the stiffeners [for cracks] on the left hand NLG sidewall. This [EASA] AD also introduces an optional terminating action for the repetitive inspections. srobinson on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS The corrective actions include repairing or replacing the sidewall with a new sidewall. You may obtain further information by examining the MCAI in the AD docket. Relevant Service Information BAE SYSTEMS (OPERATIONS) LIMITED has issued Inspection Service Bulletin ISB.53–229, Revision 1, dated November 22, 2010. The actions described in this service information are intended to correct the unsafe condition identified in the MCAI. VerDate Mar<15>2010 14:53 Mar 05, 2012 Jkt 226001 13231 FAA’s Determination and Requirements of This Proposed AD products identified in this rulemaking action. This product has been approved by the aviation authority of another country, and is approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant to our bilateral agreement with the State of Design Authority, we have been notified of the unsafe condition described in the MCAI and service information referenced above. We are proposing this AD because we evaluated all pertinent information and determined an unsafe condition exists and is likely to exist or develop on other products of the same type design. Regulatory Findings Differences Between This Proposed AD and the MCAI or Service Information This proposed AD specifies not installing certain sidewalls after the installation of a new sidewall is done. This proposed AD does not allow installation of certain sidewalls as of the effective date of this proposed AD. Costs of Compliance Based on the service information, we estimate that this proposed AD would affect about 1 product of U.S. registry. We also estimate that it would take about 2 work-hours per product to comply with the basic requirements of this proposed AD. The average labor rate is $85 per work-hour. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of the proposed AD on U.S. operators to be $170. In addition, we estimate that any necessary follow-on actions would take about 2 work-hours and require parts costing $8,850, for a cost of $9,020 per product. We have no way of determining the number of products that may need these actions. 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 PO 00000 Frm 00026 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 We 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 this proposed regulation: 1. Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory action’’ under Executive Order 12866; 2. Is not a ‘‘significant rule’’ under the DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); 3. Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska; and 4. 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. List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39 Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by reference, 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 AD: BAE SYSTEMS (OPERATIONS) LIMITED: Docket No. FAA–2012–0189; Directorate Identifier 2011–NM–133–AD. (a) Comments Due Date We must receive comments by April 20, 2012. (b) Affected ADs None. (c) Applicability This AD applies to BAE SYSTEMS (OPERATIONS) LIMITED Model BAe 146– 100A, –200A, and –300A airplanes; and Model Avro 146–RJ70A, 146–RJ85A, and 146–RJ100A airplanes; certificated in any E:\FR\FM\06MRP1.SGM 06MRP1 13232 Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 44 / Tuesday, March 6, 2012 / Proposed Rules category; all serial numbers; on which the left-hand sidewall of the nose landing gear (NLG) bay has one of the following part numbers installed: HC537L0002–000, –002, and –004, HC537H8021–000, –002, and –004, and HC537H8018–000. (d) Subject Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 53: Fuselage. (e) Reason This AD was prompted by a report of a crack found on the left-hand sidewall well on the NLG. We are issuing this AD to correct and detect failure of the sidewall, which could result in consequent in-flight rapid decompression of the cabin and injury to the passengers. (f) Compliance You are responsible for having the actions required by this AD performed within the compliance times specified, unless the actions have already been done. (g) Inspection Before the accumulation of 12,000 total flight cycles or within 4,000 flight cycles after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later: Perform a high frequency eddy current inspection of the stiffeners on the left-hand sidewall on the NLG gear bay adjacent to the boss at the NLG retraction jack attachment pin hole, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of BAE SYSTEMS (OPERATIONS) LIMITED Inspection Service Bulletin ISB.53–229, Revision 1, dated November 22, 2010. Repeat the inspection thereafter at intervals not to exceed 12,000 flight cycles, except as provided in paragraph (i) of this AD. (h) Repair If, during any inspection required by paragraph (g) of this AD, any crack is found in the sidewall stiffeners, before further flight repair the sidewall stiffeners, using a method approved by either the Manager, International Branch, ANM 116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA; or the EASA (or its delegated agent); or do the replacement specified in paragraph (i) of this AD. srobinson on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS (i) Optional Replacement Replacement of the sidewall stiffeners, with sidewall P/N HC537L0002–006, on any airplane, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of BAE SYSTEMS (OPERATIONS) LIMITED Inspection Service Bulletin ISB.53–229, Revision 1, dated November 22, 2010, terminates the repetitive inspections required by paragraph (g) of this AD. date of this AD using BAE SYSTEMS (OPERATIONS) LIMITED Inspection Service Bulletin ISB.53–229, dated July 8, 2010. (l) Other FAA AD Provisions The following provisions also apply to this AD: (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, International Branch, ANM–116, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, send your request to your principal inspector or local Flight Standards District Office, as appropriate. If sending information directly to the International Branch, send it to ATTN: Todd Thompson, Aerospace Engineer, International Branch, ANM–116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, Washington 98057– 3356; telephone (425) 227–1175; fax (425) 227–1149. Information may be emailed to: 9-ANM-116-AMOC-REQUESTS@faa.gov. Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager of the local flight standards district office/ certificate holding district office. The AMOC approval letter must specifically reference this AD. (2) Airworthy Product: For any requirement in this AD to obtain corrective actions from a manufacturer or other source, use these actions if they are FAA-approved. Corrective actions are considered FAA-approved if they are approved by the State of Design Authority (or their delegated agent). You are required to assure the product is airworthy before it is returned to service. (m) Related Information Refer to MCAI EASA Airworthiness Directive 2011–0097, dated May 25, 2011; and BAE SYSTEMS (OPERATIONS) LIMITED Inspection Service Bulletin ISB.53– 229, Revision 1, dated November 22, 2010; for related information. Issued in Renton, Washington, on February 27, 2012. Kalene C. Yanamura, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. BILLING CODE 4160–01–P DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY Coast Guard [Docket No. USCG–2012–0052] DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES Food and Drug Administration (k) Credit for Previous Actions This paragraph provides credit for inspections and replacements, as specified in paragraphs (g) and (i) of this AD, if those actions were performed before the effective HHS. Jkt 226001 [FR Doc. 2012–5314 Filed 3–5–12; 8:45 am] 33 CFR Part 165 BILLING CODE 4910–13–P 21 CFR Part 172 14:53 Mar 05, 2012 Dated: February 29, 2012. Dennis M. Keefe, Director, Office of Food Additive Safety, Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition. [FR Doc. 2012–5380 Filed 3–5–12; 8:45 am] (j) Parts Installation As of the effective date of this AD: No person may install a sidewall stiffener with P/N HC537L0002–000, –002, or –004, HC537H8021–000, –002, or –004, or HC537H8018–000, on any airplane. VerDate Mar<15>2010 that Abbott Laboratories has filed a petition proposing that the food additive regulations be amended to provide for the expanded safe use of vitamin D3 as a nutrient supplement in food. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Judith Kidwell, Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition (HFS–265), Food and Drug Administration, 5100 Paint Branch Pkwy., College Park, MD 20740– 3835, 240–402–1071. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (section 409(b)(5) (21 U.S.C. 348(b)(5))), notice is given that a food additive petition (FAP 2A4788) has been filed by Abbott Laboratories, 3300 Stelzer Rd., Columbus, OH 43219. The petition proposes to amend § 172.380 (21 CFR 172.380) to provide for the safe use of vitamin D3 as a nutrient supplement in meal replacement beverages and meal replacement bars that are not intended for special dietary use in reducing or maintaining body weight and for use in foods that are sole sources of nutrition for enteral tube feeding. The Agency has determined under 21 CFR 25.32(k) that this action is of a type that does not individually or cumulatively have a significant effect on the human environment. Therefore, neither an environmental assessment nor an environmental impact statement is required. RIN 1625–AA87 Security Zones; G8/North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Summit, Chicago, IL Coast Guard, DHS. Notice of proposed rulemaking. AGENCY: [Docket No. FDA–2012–F–0138] ACTION: Abbott Laboratories; Filing of Food Additive Petition SUMMARY: AGENCY: ACTION: Food and Drug Administration, Notice of petition. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is announcing SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00027 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 The Coast Guard proposes to establish four separate security zones on both the waters and waterfront area of Chicago Harbor and the Chicago River. These proposed temporary security zones are intended to restrict vessels, regardless of the mode of propulsion, and people from certain land and water E:\FR\FM\06MRP1.SGM 06MRP1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 44 (Tuesday, March 6, 2012)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 13230-13232]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-5380]


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

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2012-0189; Directorate Identifier 2011-NM-133-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; BAE SYSTEMS (OPERATIONS) LIMITED 
Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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

SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
certain BAE SYSTEMS (OPERATIONS) LIMITED Model BAe 146 and Avro 146-RJ 
airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by a report of a crack found 
on the left-hand sidewall well on the nose landing gear (NLG). This 
proposed AD would require performing a repetitive high frequency eddy 
current inspection of the stiffeners on the left-hand sidewall on the 
NLG gear bay for cracks, and repair or replace the sidewall if 
necessary. Replacing the sidewall with a certain sidewall part number 
constitutes a terminating action for the repetitive inspections. We are 
proposing this AD to detect and correct failure of the sidewall, which 
could result in consequent in-flight rapid decompression of the cabin 
and injury to the passengers.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by April 20, 2012.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments by any of the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
     Fax: (202) 493-2251.
     Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590.
     Hand Delivery: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue SE., 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 BAE 
SYSTEMS (OPERATIONS) LIMITED, Customer Information Department, 
Prestwick International Airport, Ayrshire, KA9 2RW, Scotland, United 
Kingdom; telephone +44 1292 675207; fax +44 1292 675704; email 
RApublications@baesystems.com; Internet https://www.baesystems.com/Businesses/RegionalAircraft/index.htm. You may review copies of the 
referenced service information at the FAA, Transport Airplane 
Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, Washington. For information 
on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 425-227-1221.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at https://www.regulations.gov; or in person at the Docket Operations office 
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal 
holidays. The AD docket contains this proposed AD, the regulatory 
evaluation, any comments received, and other information. The street 
address for the Docket Operations office (telephone (800) 647-5527) is 
in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available in the AD docket 
shortly after receipt.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Todd Thompson, Aerospace Engineer, 
International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 
1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356; telephone (425) 
227-1175; fax (425) 227-1149.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

    We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or 
arguments about

[[Page 13231]]

this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address listed under the 
ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2012-0189; Directorate 
Identifier 2011-NM-133-AD'' at the beginning of your comments. We 
specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, economic, 
environmental, and energy aspects of this proposed AD. We will consider 
all comments received by the closing date and may amend this proposed 
AD based on those comments.
    We will post all comments we receive, without change, to https://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. We 
will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact we 
receive about this proposed AD.

Discussion

    The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical 
Agent for the Member States of the European Community, has issued EASA 
Airworthiness Directive 2011-0097, dated May 25, 2011 (referred to 
after this as ``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for the 
specified products. The MCAI states:

    During accomplishment of EASA AD 2007-0305 on an Avro 146-RJ85, 
a corner crack was found on the left hand Nose Landing Gear (NLG) 
sidewall well. The crack was located on one of the sidewall 
stiffeners adjacent to the area being inspected. In this instance, 
the cracking was severe enough to warrant replacement of the 
sidewall. Analysis has shown that these types of cracks are likely 
to exist or develop in other aeroplanes of the same design.
    This condition, if not detected and corrected, could result in 
failure of the sidewall and consequent in-flight rapid decompression 
of the cabin and injury to its occupants.
    For the reasons described above, this [EASA] AD requires 
repetitive [high frequency eddy current] inspections of the 
stiffeners [for cracks] on the left hand NLG sidewall. This [EASA] 
AD also introduces an optional terminating action for the repetitive 
inspections.

    The corrective actions include repairing or replacing the sidewall 
with a new sidewall. You may obtain further information by examining 
the MCAI in the AD docket.

Relevant Service Information

    BAE SYSTEMS (OPERATIONS) LIMITED has issued Inspection Service 
Bulletin ISB.53-229, Revision 1, dated November 22, 2010. The actions 
described in this service information are intended to correct the 
unsafe condition identified in the MCAI.

FAA's Determination and Requirements of This Proposed AD

    This product has been approved by the aviation authority of another 
country, and is approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant 
to our bilateral agreement with the State of Design Authority, we have 
been notified of the unsafe condition described in the MCAI and service 
information referenced above. We are proposing this AD because we 
evaluated all pertinent information and determined an unsafe condition 
exists and is likely to exist or develop on other products of the same 
type design.

Differences Between This Proposed AD and the MCAI or Service 
Information

    This proposed AD specifies not installing certain sidewalls after 
the installation of a new sidewall is done. This proposed AD does not 
allow installation of certain sidewalls as of the effective date of 
this proposed AD.

Costs of Compliance

    Based on the service information, we estimate that this proposed AD 
would affect about 1 product of U.S. registry. We also estimate that it 
would take about 2 work-hours per product to comply with the basic 
requirements of this proposed AD. The average labor rate is $85 per 
work-hour. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of the proposed 
AD on U.S. operators to be $170.
    In addition, we estimate that any necessary follow-on actions would 
take about 2 work-hours and require parts costing $8,850, for a cost of 
$9,020 per product. We have no way of determining the number of 
products that may need these actions.

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 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 this proposed 
regulation:
    1. Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order 
12866;
    2. Is not a ``significant rule'' under the DOT Regulatory Policies 
and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979);
    3. Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska; and
    4. 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.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by 
reference, 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 AD:

BAE SYSTEMS (OPERATIONS) LIMITED: Docket No. FAA-2012-0189; 
Directorate Identifier 2011-NM-133-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by April 20, 2012.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to BAE SYSTEMS (OPERATIONS) LIMITED Model BAe 
146-100A, -200A, and -300A airplanes; and Model Avro 146-RJ70A, 146-
RJ85A, and 146-RJ100A airplanes; certificated in any

[[Page 13232]]

category; all serial numbers; on which the left-hand sidewall of the 
nose landing gear (NLG) bay has one of the following part numbers 
installed: HC537L0002-000, -002, and -004, HC537H8021-000, -002, and 
-004, and HC537H8018-000.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 53: Fuselage.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by a report of a crack found on the left-
hand sidewall well on the NLG. We are issuing this AD to correct and 
detect failure of the sidewall, which could result in consequent in-
flight rapid decompression of the cabin and injury to the 
passengers.

(f) Compliance

    You are responsible for having the actions required by this AD 
performed within the compliance times specified, unless the actions 
have already been done.

(g) Inspection

    Before the accumulation of 12,000 total flight cycles or within 
4,000 flight cycles after the effective date of this AD, whichever 
occurs later: Perform a high frequency eddy current inspection of 
the stiffeners on the left-hand sidewall on the NLG gear bay 
adjacent to the boss at the NLG retraction jack attachment pin hole, 
in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of BAE SYSTEMS 
(OPERATIONS) LIMITED Inspection Service Bulletin ISB.53-229, 
Revision 1, dated November 22, 2010. Repeat the inspection 
thereafter at intervals not to exceed 12,000 flight cycles, except 
as provided in paragraph (i) of this AD.

(h) Repair

    If, during any inspection required by paragraph (g) of this AD, 
any crack is found in the sidewall stiffeners, before further flight 
repair the sidewall stiffeners, using a method approved by either 
the Manager, International Branch, ANM 116, Transport Airplane 
Directorate, FAA; or the EASA (or its delegated agent); or do the 
replacement specified in paragraph (i) of this AD.

(i) Optional Replacement

    Replacement of the sidewall stiffeners, with sidewall P/N 
HC537L0002-006, on any airplane, in accordance with the 
Accomplishment Instructions of BAE SYSTEMS (OPERATIONS) LIMITED 
Inspection Service Bulletin ISB.53-229, Revision 1, dated November 
22, 2010, terminates the repetitive inspections required by 
paragraph (g) of this AD.

(j) Parts Installation

    As of the effective date of this AD: No person may install a 
sidewall stiffener with P/N HC537L0002-000, -002, or -004, 
HC537H8021-000, -002, or -004, or HC537H8018-000, on any airplane.

(k) Credit for Previous Actions

    This paragraph provides credit for inspections and replacements, 
as specified in paragraphs (g) and (i) of this AD, if those actions 
were performed before the effective date of this AD using BAE 
SYSTEMS (OPERATIONS) LIMITED Inspection Service Bulletin ISB.53-229, 
dated July 8, 2010.

(l) Other FAA AD Provisions

    The following provisions also apply to this AD:
    (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, 
International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, has the authority to approve 
AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 
39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, send your request to your 
principal inspector or local Flight Standards District Office, as 
appropriate. If sending information directly to the International 
Branch, send it to ATTN: Todd Thompson, Aerospace Engineer, 
International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 
1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356; telephone (425) 
227-1175; fax (425) 227-1149. Information may be emailed to: 9-ANM-116-AMOC-REQUESTS@faa.gov. Before using any approved AMOC, notify 
your appropriate principal inspector, or lacking a principal 
inspector, the manager of the local flight standards district 
office/certificate holding district office. The AMOC approval letter 
must specifically reference this AD.
    (2) Airworthy Product: For any requirement in this AD to obtain 
corrective actions from a manufacturer or other source, use these 
actions if they are FAA-approved. Corrective actions are considered 
FAA-approved if they are approved by the State of Design Authority 
(or their delegated agent). You are required to assure the product 
is airworthy before it is returned to service.

(m) Related Information

    Refer to MCAI EASA Airworthiness Directive 2011-0097, dated May 
25, 2011; and BAE SYSTEMS (OPERATIONS) LIMITED Inspection Service 
Bulletin ISB.53-229, Revision 1, dated November 22, 2010; for 
related information.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on February 27, 2012.
Kalene C. Yanamura,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2012-5380 Filed 3-5-12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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