Airworthiness Directives; BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Airplanes, 20572-20574 [2012-8128]

Download as PDF 20572 Proposed Rules Federal Register Vol. 77, No. 66 Thursday, April 5, 2012 This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains notices to the public of the proposed issuance of rules and regulations. The purpose of these notices is to give interested persons an opportunity to participate in the rule making prior to the adoption of the final rules. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2012–0332; Directorate Identifier 2011–NM–130–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 Model Avro 146–RJ airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by reports of cracking and surface anomalies of the fuselage skin at the water trap/air drier unit of the forward discharge valve due to corrosion. This proposed AD would require repetitive detailed inspections for bulging, surface anomalies, and cracking of the fuselage skin adjacent to the discharge valves, repair if necessary, and application of additional sealant in the affected area if necessary. We are proposing this AD to detect and correct bulging, surface anomalies, and cracking that could propagate towards the forward discharge valve outlet and result in the failure of the fuselage skin, leading to a possible sudden loss of cabin pressure. DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by May 21, 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. rmajette on DSK2TPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS SUMMARY: VerDate Mar<15>2010 15:37 Apr 04, 2012 Jkt 226001 • 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; phone 425– 227–1175; fax 425–227–1149. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Comments Invited We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or arguments about this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include ‘‘Docket No. FAA–2012–0332; Directorate Identifier 2011–NM–130–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 PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 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 2011–0099, dated May 26, 2011 (referred to after this as ‘‘the MCAI’’), to correct an unsafe condition for the specified products. The MCAI states: An operator has reported the cracking and surface anomalies (bulges and/or dents) of the fuselage skin at the water trap/air drier unit of the forward discharge valve located between Frames 22 and 23 and between stringers 22 and 23. Further investigation established that these surface anomalies (bulges and/or dents) were due to corrosion beneath the water trap/air drier unit that has resulted in cracking of the fuselage skin. A crack at the subject location could propagate towards the forward discharge valve outlet and result in the failure of the fuselage skin leading to a possible sudden loss of cabin pressure. For the reasons described above, this [EASA] AD mandates an initial and repetitive [detailed] inspections [for bulging, surface anomalies, and cracking] of the fuselage skin adjacent to the front and rear discharge valves, the accomplishment of the associated correctives actions [repair] if applicable and the application of an additional sealant in the affected area. 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.21–162, Revision 1, dated September 16, 2010; Subject 53–00–00, ‘‘Fuselage, General Description,’’ of Chapter 53, ‘‘Fuselage,’’ of the BAE SYSTEMS BAe 146 Series/AVRO 146– RJ Series Structural Repair Manual for Series 100–200, Revision 66, dated October 15, 2011; and Subject 53–00– 00, ‘‘Fuselage, General Description,’’ of Chapter 53, ‘‘Fuselage,’’ of the BAE SYSTEMS BAe 146 Series/AVRO 146– RJ Series Structural Repair Manual for Series 300, Revision 44, dated October E:\FR\FM\05APP1.SGM 05APP1 Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 66 / Thursday, April 5, 2012 / Proposed Rules 15, 2011. 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. rmajette on DSK2TPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS 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 8 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 $680, or $680 per product. We have received no definitive data that would enable us to provide cost estimates for the on-condition (repair) actions specified in this proposed AD. 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 VerDate Mar<15>2010 15:37 Apr 04, 2012 Jkt 226001 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 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–2012–0332; Directorate Identifier 2011–NM–130–AD. (a) Comments Due Date We must receive comments by May 21, 2012. (b) Affected ADs None. (c) Applicability This AD applies to BAE SYSTEMS (OPERATIONS) LIMITED Model BAe 146– 100A, –200A airplanes, and –300A and Model Avro 146–RJ70A, 146–RJ85A, and 146–RJ100A airplanes, certificated in any category; all models, and all serial numbers except airplanes that have incorporated autopressurization modification HCM50259A during production. (d) Subject Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 21: Air Conditioning. PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 20573 (e) Reason This AD was prompted by reports of cracking and surface anomalies of the fuselage skin at the water trap/air drier unit of the forward discharge valve due to corrosion. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct bulging, surface anomalies, and cracking that could propagate towards the forward discharge valve outlet and result in the failure of the fuselage skin, leading to a possible sudden loss of cabin pressure. (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) Detailed Inspection of External Fuselage Skin Within 12 months after the effective date of this AD, do a detailed inspection to check for bulging, surface anomalies, and cracking of the fuselage skin adjacent to the discharge valve outlets (one frame fore and aft, one stringer above and below), in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of BAE SYSTEMS (OPERATIONS) LIMITED Inspection Service Bulletin ISB.21–162, Revision 1, dated September 16, 2010. Repeat the inspection thereafter at intervals not to exceed 24 months. (1) If any bulging, surface anomalies, or cracking of the fuselage skin is found to be within the criteria defined in Subject 53–00– 00, ‘‘Fuselage, General Description,’’ of Chapter 53, ‘‘Fuselage,’’ of the BAE SYSTEMS BAe 146 Series/AVRO 146–RJ Series Structural Repair Manual for Series 100–200, Revision 66, dated October 15, 2011 (for Model 146–100A and –200A, and Avro 146–RJ70A and 146–RJ85A airplanes); or Subject 53–00–00, ‘‘Fuselage, General Description,’’ of Chapter 53, ‘‘Fuselage,’’ of the BAe SYSTEMS BAE 146 Series/AVRO 146–RJ Series Structural Repair Manual for Series 300, Revision 44, dated October 15, 2011 (for Model 146–300A and Avro 146– RJ100A airplanes): Before further flight, repair the damage, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions specified in BAE SYSTEMS (Operations) Limited Inspection Service Bulletin ISB.21–162, Revision 1, dated September 16, 2010. (2) If any bulging, surface anomalies, or cracking of the fuselage skin is found exceeding the criteria as specified by Subject 53–00–00, ‘‘Fuselage, General Description,’’ of Chapter 53, ‘‘Fuselage,’’ of the BAE SYSTEMS BAe 146 Series/AVRO 146–RJ Series Structural Repair Manual for Series 100–200, Revision 66, dated October 15, 2011 (for Model 146–100A and –200A, and Avro 146–RJ70A and 146–RJ85A airplanes); or Subject 53–00–00, ‘‘Fuselage, General Description,’’ of Chapter 53, ‘‘Fuselage,’’ of the BAE SYSTEMS BAE 146/AVRO 146–RJ Series Structural Repair Manual for Series 300, Revision 44, dated October 15, 2011 (for Model 146–300A and Avro 146–RJ100A airplanes): Before further flight, repair the condition according to a method approved by the Manager, International Branch, ANM– 116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, or EASA (or its delegated agent). E:\FR\FM\05APP1.SGM 05APP1 20574 Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 66 / Thursday, April 5, 2012 / Proposed Rules (h) Application of Sealant Within 24 months after the effective date of this AD, unless a repair has already been accomplished in accordance with paragraph (g) of this AD: Apply additional PR1422A–2 or PR1764–2 edge sealant between the water trap/air drier and the fuselage skin, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of BAE SYSTEMS (OPERATIONS) LIMITED Inspection Service Bulletin ISB.21–162, Revision 1, dated September 16, 2010. Application of additional sealant does not constitute terminating actions for the repetitive detailed inspection required by paragraph (g) of this AD. Accomplishment of a repair as required by paragraph (g) of this AD terminates the repetitive inspection requirements of this AD. rmajette on DSK2TPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS (i) Credit for Previous Actions (1) This paragraph provides credit for inspections and sealant applications required by paragraphs (g) and (h) of this AD, if those actions were performed using the Accomplishment Instructions of BAE SYSTEMS (OPERATIONS) LIMITED Inspection Service Bulletin ISB.21–162, dated June 7, 2010. (2) This paragraph provides credit for using criteria defined in the following subject of the applicable structural repair manual, as required by paragraphs (g)(1) and (g)(2) of this AD, if that criteria was used before the effective date of this AD using Subject 53– 00–00, ‘‘Fuselage, General Description,’’ of Chapter 53, ‘‘Fuselage,’’ of the BAE SYSTEMS BAe 146 Series/AVRO 146–RJ Series Structural Repair Manual for Series 100–200, Revision 65, dated September 15, 2010 (for Model 146–100A and –200A, and Avro 146–RJ70A and 146–RJ85A airplanes); or Subject 53–00–00, ‘‘Fuselage, General Description,’’ of Chapter 53, ‘‘Fuselage,’’ of the BAE SYSTEMS BAe 146 Series/AVRO 146–RJ Series Structural Repair Manual for Series 300, Revision 43, dated September 15, 2010 (for Model 146–300A and Avro 146– RJ100A airplanes). (j) 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; phone 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 VerDate Mar<15>2010 15:37 Apr 04, 2012 Jkt 226001 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. (k) Related Information Refer to MCAI EASA Airworthiness Directive 2011–0099, dated May 26, 2011, and the service information identified in paragraphs (k)(1), (k)(2), and (k)(3) of this AD, for related information. (1) BAE SYSTEMS (OPERATIONS) LIMITED Inspection Service Bulletin ISB.21– 162, Revision 1, dated September 16, 2010. (2) Subject 53–00–00, ‘‘Fuselage, General Description,’’ of Chapter 53, ‘‘Fuselage,’’ of the BAE SYSTEMS BAe 146 Series/AVRO 146–RJ Series Structural Repair Manual for Series 100–200, Revision 66, dated October 15, 2011. (3) Subject 53–00–00, ‘‘Fuselage, General Description,’’ of Chapter 53, ‘‘Fuselage,’’ of the BAE SYSTEMS BAe 146 Series/AVRO 146–RJ Series Structural Repair Manual for Series 300, Revision 44, dated October 15, 2011. Issued in Renton, Washington, on March 28, 2012. Kalene C. Yanamura, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2012–8128 Filed 4–4–12; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Office of Natural Resources Revenue [Docket No. ONRR–2011–0007] 30 CFR Part 1206 Notice of Meeting for the Indian Oil Valuation Negotiated Rulemaking Committee Office of Natural Resources Revenue, Interior. ACTION: Notice of meetings. AGENCY: The Office of Natural Resources Revenue (ONRR) announces meetings for the Indian Oil Valuation Negotiated Rulemaking Committee (Committee). Agenda items for the first meetings of the Committee will include (1) an overview of Indian oil production, the current Indian oil valuation rule, and the Indian oil royalty administrative process; (2) an identification of issues to be addressed by the Committee; and (3) an opportunity for members to express their issues, concerns and interests. In addition, the Committee’s facilitator SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 9990 will review meeting protocols and facilitate a discussion of collaborative problem solving. The Committee membership includes representatives from Indian Tribes, individual Indian mineral owner organizations, the oil and gas industry, and the Department of the Interior. The public will have the opportunity to comment between 3:45 p.m. and 4:45 p.m. mountain standard time on May 1, 2012, and June 18, 2012. Tuesday and Wednesday, May 1 and 2, 2012 and Monday and Tuesday, June 18 and 19, 2012. Both meetings will run from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. mountain standard time on both days. DATES: ONRR will hold the meetings at the Denver Federal Center, 6th Ave and Kipling, Bldg. 85 Auditorium, Lakewood, Colorado 80225. ADDRESSES: Mr. Karl Wunderlich, ONRR, at (303) 231– 3663; or (303) 231–3194 via fax; or email at karl.wunderlich@onrr.gov. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: ONRR formed the Indian Oil Valuation Negotiated Rulemaking Committee on December 8, 2011, to develop specific recommendations regarding proposed revisions to the existing regulations for oil production from Indian leases, especially the major portion requirement. The Committee includes representatives of parties who will be affected by the final rule. It will act solely in an advisory capacity to ONRR and will neither exercise program management responsibility nor make decisions directly affecting the matters on which it provides advice. Meetings are open to the public without advanced registration on a space-available basis. Transcripts of this meeting will be available for public inspection and copying at our offices in Building 85 on the Denver Federal Center in Lakewood, Colorado. These meetings are conducted under the authority of the Federal Advisory Committee Act (Pub. L. 92–463, 5 U.S.C., Appendix 1). SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Dated: March 29, 2012. Gregory J. Gould, Director, Office of Natural Resources Revenue. [FR Doc. 2012–8186 Filed 4–4–12; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310–T2–P E:\FR\FM\05APP1.SGM 05APP1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 66 (Thursday, April 5, 2012)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 20572-20574]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-8128]


========================================================================
Proposed Rules
                                                Federal Register
________________________________________________________________________

This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains notices to the public of 
the proposed issuance of rules and regulations. The purpose of these 
notices is to give interested persons an opportunity to participate in 
the rule making prior to the adoption of the final rules.

========================================================================


Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 66 / Thursday, April 5, 2012 / 
Proposed Rules

[[Page 20572]]



DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2012-0332; Directorate Identifier 2011-NM-130-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 Model Avro 
146-RJ airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by reports of cracking 
and surface anomalies of the fuselage skin at the water trap/air drier 
unit of the forward discharge valve due to corrosion. This proposed AD 
would require repetitive detailed inspections for bulging, surface 
anomalies, and cracking of the fuselage skin adjacent to the discharge 
valves, repair if necessary, and application of additional sealant in 
the affected area if necessary. We are proposing this AD to detect and 
correct bulging, surface anomalies, and cracking that could propagate 
towards the forward discharge valve outlet and result in the failure of 
the fuselage skin, leading to a possible sudden loss of cabin pressure.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by May 21, 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; phone 425-227-
1175; fax 425-227-1149.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Comments Invited

    We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or 
arguments about this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address 
listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2012-0332; 
Directorate Identifier 2011-NM-130-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 2011-0099, dated May 26, 2011 (referred to 
after this as ``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for the 
specified products. The MCAI states:

    An operator has reported the cracking and surface anomalies 
(bulges and/or dents) of the fuselage skin at the water trap/air 
drier unit of the forward discharge valve located between Frames 22 
and 23 and between stringers 22 and 23.
    Further investigation established that these surface anomalies 
(bulges and/or dents) were due to corrosion beneath the water trap/
air drier unit that has resulted in cracking of the fuselage skin. A 
crack at the subject location could propagate towards the forward 
discharge valve outlet and result in the failure of the fuselage 
skin leading to a possible sudden loss of cabin pressure.
    For the reasons described above, this [EASA] AD mandates an 
initial and repetitive [detailed] inspections [for bulging, surface 
anomalies, and cracking] of the fuselage skin adjacent to the front 
and rear discharge valves, the accomplishment of the associated 
correctives actions [repair] if applicable and the application of an 
additional sealant in the affected area.

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.21-162, Revision 1, dated September 16, 2010; Subject 53-
00-00, ``Fuselage, General Description,'' of Chapter 53, ``Fuselage,'' 
of the BAE SYSTEMS BAe 146 Series/AVRO 146-RJ Series Structural Repair 
Manual for Series 100-200, Revision 66, dated October 15, 2011; and 
Subject 53-00-00, ``Fuselage, General Description,'' of Chapter 53, 
``Fuselage,'' of the BAE SYSTEMS BAe 146 Series/AVRO 146-RJ Series 
Structural Repair Manual for Series 300, Revision 44, dated October

[[Page 20573]]

15, 2011. 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.

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 8 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 $680, or $680 per product. We have received 
no definitive data that would enable us to provide cost estimates for 
the on-condition (repair) actions specified in this proposed AD.

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 that this AD:
    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-2012-0332; 
Directorate Identifier 2011-NM-130-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by May 21, 2012.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to BAE SYSTEMS (OPERATIONS) LIMITED Model BAe 
146-100A, -200A airplanes, and -300A and Model Avro 146-RJ70A, 146-
RJ85A, and 146-RJ100A airplanes, certificated in any category; all 
models, and all serial numbers except airplanes that have 
incorporated auto-pressurization modification HCM50259A during 
production.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 21: Air 
Conditioning.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by reports of cracking and surface 
anomalies of the fuselage skin at the water trap/air drier unit of 
the forward discharge valve due to corrosion. We are issuing this AD 
to detect and correct bulging, surface anomalies, and cracking that 
could propagate towards the forward discharge valve outlet and 
result in the failure of the fuselage skin, leading to a possible 
sudden loss of cabin pressure.

(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) Detailed Inspection of External Fuselage Skin

    Within 12 months after the effective date of this AD, do a 
detailed inspection to check for bulging, surface anomalies, and 
cracking of the fuselage skin adjacent to the discharge valve 
outlets (one frame fore and aft, one stringer above and below), in 
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of BAE SYSTEMS 
(OPERATIONS) LIMITED Inspection Service Bulletin ISB.21-162, 
Revision 1, dated September 16, 2010. Repeat the inspection 
thereafter at intervals not to exceed 24 months.
    (1) If any bulging, surface anomalies, or cracking of the 
fuselage skin is found to be within the criteria defined in Subject 
53-00-00, ``Fuselage, General Description,'' of Chapter 53, 
``Fuselage,'' of the BAE SYSTEMS BAe 146 Series/AVRO 146-RJ Series 
Structural Repair Manual for Series 100-200, Revision 66, dated 
October 15, 2011 (for Model 146-100A and -200A, and Avro 146-RJ70A 
and 146-RJ85A airplanes); or Subject 53-00-00, ``Fuselage, General 
Description,'' of Chapter 53, ``Fuselage,'' of the BAe SYSTEMS BAE 
146 Series/AVRO 146-RJ Series Structural Repair Manual for Series 
300, Revision 44, dated October 15, 2011 (for Model 146-300A and 
Avro 146-RJ100A airplanes): Before further flight, repair the 
damage, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions specified 
in BAE SYSTEMS (Operations) Limited Inspection Service Bulletin 
ISB.21-162, Revision 1, dated September 16, 2010.
    (2) If any bulging, surface anomalies, or cracking of the 
fuselage skin is found exceeding the criteria as specified by 
Subject 53-00-00, ``Fuselage, General Description,'' of Chapter 53, 
``Fuselage,'' of the BAE SYSTEMS BAe 146 Series/AVRO 146-RJ Series 
Structural Repair Manual for Series 100-200, Revision 66, dated 
October 15, 2011 (for Model 146-100A and -200A, and Avro 146-RJ70A 
and 146-RJ85A airplanes); or Subject 53-00-00, ``Fuselage, General 
Description,'' of Chapter 53, ``Fuselage,'' of the BAE SYSTEMS BAE 
146/AVRO 146-RJ Series Structural Repair Manual for Series 300, 
Revision 44, dated October 15, 2011 (for Model 146-300A and Avro 
146-RJ100A airplanes): Before further flight, repair the condition 
according to a method approved by the Manager, International Branch, 
ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, or EASA (or its 
delegated agent).

[[Page 20574]]

(h) Application of Sealant

    Within 24 months after the effective date of this AD, unless a 
repair has already been accomplished in accordance with paragraph 
(g) of this AD: Apply additional PR1422A-2 or PR1764-2 edge sealant 
between the water trap/air drier and the fuselage skin, in 
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of BAE SYSTEMS 
(OPERATIONS) LIMITED Inspection Service Bulletin ISB.21-162, 
Revision 1, dated September 16, 2010. Application of additional 
sealant does not constitute terminating actions for the repetitive 
detailed inspection required by paragraph (g) of this AD. 
Accomplishment of a repair as required by paragraph (g) of this AD 
terminates the repetitive inspection requirements of this AD.

(i) Credit for Previous Actions

    (1) This paragraph provides credit for inspections and sealant 
applications required by paragraphs (g) and (h) of this AD, if those 
actions were performed using the Accomplishment Instructions of BAE 
SYSTEMS (OPERATIONS) LIMITED Inspection Service Bulletin ISB.21-162, 
dated June 7, 2010.
    (2) This paragraph provides credit for using criteria defined in 
the following subject of the applicable structural repair manual, as 
required by paragraphs (g)(1) and (g)(2) of this AD, if that 
criteria was used before the effective date of this AD using Subject 
53-00-00, ``Fuselage, General Description,'' of Chapter 53, 
``Fuselage,'' of the BAE SYSTEMS BAe 146 Series/AVRO 146-RJ Series 
Structural Repair Manual for Series 100-200, Revision 65, dated 
September 15, 2010 (for Model 146-100A and -200A, and Avro 146-RJ70A 
and 146-RJ85A airplanes); or Subject 53-00-00, ``Fuselage, General 
Description,'' of Chapter 53, ``Fuselage,'' of the BAE SYSTEMS BAe 
146 Series/AVRO 146-RJ Series Structural Repair Manual for Series 
300, Revision 43, dated September 15, 2010 (for Model 146-300A and 
Avro 146-RJ100A airplanes).

(j) 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; phone 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.

(k) Related Information

    Refer to MCAI EASA Airworthiness Directive 2011-0099, dated May 
26, 2011, and the service information identified in paragraphs 
(k)(1), (k)(2), and (k)(3) of this AD, for related information.
    (1) BAE SYSTEMS (OPERATIONS) LIMITED Inspection Service Bulletin 
ISB.21-162, Revision 1, dated September 16, 2010.
    (2) Subject 53-00-00, ``Fuselage, General Description,'' of 
Chapter 53, ``Fuselage,'' of the BAE SYSTEMS BAe 146 Series/AVRO 
146-RJ Series Structural Repair Manual for Series 100-200, Revision 
66, dated October 15, 2011.
    (3) Subject 53-00-00, ``Fuselage, General Description,'' of 
Chapter 53, ``Fuselage,'' of the BAE SYSTEMS BAe 146 Series/AVRO 
146-RJ Series Structural Repair Manual for Series 300, Revision 44, 
dated October 15, 2011.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on March 28, 2012.
Kalene C. Yanamura,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2012-8128 Filed 4-4-12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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