Airworthiness Directives; B-N Group Ltd. Airplanes, 50449-50451 [2021-19302]
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50449
Rules and Regulations
Federal Register
Vol. 86, No. 172
Thursday, September 9, 2021
This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER
contains regulatory documents having general
applicability and legal effect, most of which
are keyed to and codified in the Code of
Federal Regulations, which is published under
50 titles pursuant to 44 U.S.C. 1510.
The Code of Federal Regulations is sold by
the Superintendent of Documents.
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2021–0502; Project
Identifier 2018–CE–043–AD; Amendment
39–21702; AD 2021–18–01]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; B–N Group
Ltd. Airplanes
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
The FAA is adopting a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for B–N
Group Ltd. Models BN–2, BN–2A, BN–
2A–2, BN–2A–3, BN–2A–6, BN–2A–8,
BN–2A–9, BN–2A–20, BN–2A–21, BN–
2A–26, BN–2A–27, BN–2B–20, BN–2B–
21, BN–2B–26, BN–2B–27, BN–2T, and
BN–2T–4R airplanes. This AD was
prompted by mandatory continuing
airworthiness information (MCAI)
originated by an aviation authority of
another country to identify and correct
an unsafe condition on an aviation
product. The MCAI identifies the unsafe
condition as failure of the rudder final
drive rod because of cracks in the region
of the taper pins. This AD requires
repetitively inspecting the rudder final
drive rod assembly and replacing the
rudder final drive assembly, if
necessary. The FAA is issuing this AD
to address the unsafe condition on these
products.
DATES: This AD is effective October 14,
2021.
The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
of a certain publication listed in this AD
as of October 14, 2021.
ADDRESSES: For service information
identified in this final rule, contact
Britten-Norman Aircraft Limited,
Commodore House, Mountbatten
Business Centre, Millbrook Road East,
Southampton SO15 1HY, United
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SUMMARY:
VerDate Sep<11>2014
16:45 Sep 08, 2021
Jkt 253001
Kingdom; phone: + 44 20 3371 4000;
fax: + 44 20 3371 4001; email: info@
bnaircraft.com; website: https://brittennorman.com/approvals-technicalpublications/. You may view this
service information at the FAA,
Airworthiness Products Section,
Operational Safety Branch, 901 Locust,
Kansas City, MO 64106. For information
on the availability of this material at the
FAA, call (816) 329–4148. It is also
available at https://www.regulations.gov
by searching for and locating Docket No.
FAA–2021–0502.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket at
https://www.regulations.gov by
searching for and locating Docket No.
FAA–2021–0502; or in person at Docket
Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.,
Monday through Friday, except Federal
holidays. The AD docket contains this
final rule, the MCAI, any comments
received, and other information. The
address for Docket Operations is U.S.
Department of Transportation, Docket
Operations, M–30, West Building
Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200
New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC
20590.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Penelope Trease, Aviation Safety
Engineer, General Aviation & Rotorcraft
Section, International Validation
Branch, FAA, 26805 E 68th Avenue,
Denver, CO 80249; phone: (303) 342–
1094; email: penelope.trease@faa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
The FAA issued a notice of proposed
rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR
part 39 by adding an AD that would
apply to B–N Group Ltd. Models BN–2,
BN–2A, BN–2A–2, BN–2A–3, BN–2A–6,
BN–2A–8, BN–2A–9, BN–2A–20, BN–
2A–21, BN–2A–26, BN–2A–27, BN–2B–
20, BN–2B–21, BN–2B–26, BN–2B–27,
BN–2T, and BN–2T–4R airplanes. The
NPRM published in the Federal
Register on June 25, 2021 (86 FR 33576).
The NPRM was prompted by MCAI
originated by the European Aviation
Safety Agency (EASA), which is the
Technical Agent for the Member States
of the European Union. EASA has
issued EASA AD 2018–0153, dated July
19, 2018 (referred to after this as ‘‘the
MCAI’’), to address an unsafe condition
on certain B–N Group Ltd. (BrittenNorman Aircraft Ltd., or ‘‘BNA’’)
PO 00000
Frm 00001
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
Models BN–2, BN–2A, BN–2B, BN–2T,
BN–2T–2, BN–2T–2R, and BN–2T–4R
airplanes. The MCAI states:
Occurrences have been reported of failures
of the rudder final drive rod, [part number]
P/N NB–45–0991. Cracks were found in the
region of the taper pins. There is evidence
that replacing the taper pins could be a
significant factor contributing to the failure of
this rod.
This condition, if not detected and
corrected, could lead to failure of the affected
part, possibly resulting in reduced control of
the aeroplane.
To address this potential unsafe condition,
BNA issued the applicable SB [service
bulletin], providing inspection instructions.
Prompted by operator comments, BNA
revised the applicable SB (issue 3) to
introduce repetitive inspections.
For the reason described above, this
[EASA] AD requires repetitive inspections of
the affected part and, depending on findings,
replacement. This AD also prohibits
replacement of taper pins on an affected part.
BNA will amend the applicable Maintenance
Manuals accordingly.
You may examine the MCAI in the
AD docket at https://
www.regulations.gov by searching for
and locating Docket No. FAA–2021–
0502.
Discussion of Final Airworthiness
Directive
Comments
The FAA received no comments on
the NPRM or on the determination of
the costs. Paragraphs (g)(3) and (4) of the
NPRM have been combined into one
paragraph, (g)(3) of the final rule, to
make it clear that the action of
paragraph (g)(4) of the NPRM is a
follow-on action of paragraph (g)(3).
Conclusion
This product has been approved by
the aviation authority of another
country and is approved for operation in
the United States. Pursuant to the FAA’s
bilateral agreement with this State of
Design Authority, it has notified the
FAA of the unsafe condition described
in the MCAI and service information
referenced above. The FAA reviewed
the relevant data and determined that
air safety requires adopting this AD as
proposed. Accordingly, the FAA is
issuing this AD to address the unsafe
condition on these products. This AD is
adopted as proposed in the NPRM.
E:\FR\FM\09SER1.SGM
09SER1
50450
Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 172 / Thursday, September 9, 2021 / Rules and Regulations
Related Service Information Under 1
CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed Britten-Norman
Aircraft Limited Service Bulletin
Number SB 363, Issue 3, dated May 23,
2018, and Service Bulletin Number SB
364, Issue 3, dated May 23, 2018. For
the applicable airplane models
identified on each document, this
service information contains procedures
for repetitively inspecting the rudder
final drive rod assembly and replacing
the rudder final drive assembly, if
necessary. This service information is
reasonably available because the
interested parties have access to it
through their normal course of business
or by the means identified in
ADDRESSES.
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Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD
affects 76 airplanes of U.S. registry. The
FAA also estimates that inspecting the
rudder final drive assembly will take
about 1 work-hour. The average labor
rate is $85 per work-hour.
Based on these figures, the FAA
estimates the cost of this AD on U.S.
operators to be $6,460, or $85 per
airplane, each inspection cycle.
In addition, the FAA estimates that
any necessary follow-on actions to
replace the rudder final drive assembly
will take about 5 work-hours and
require parts costing $1,200, for a cost
of $1,625 per airplane. The FAA has no
way of determining the number of
airplanes 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.
The FAA is 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
This AD will not have federalism
implications under Executive Order
13132. This AD will not have a
VerDate Sep<11>2014
16:45 Sep 08, 2021
Jkt 253001
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) Will not affect intrastate aviation
in Alaska, 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.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation
safety, Incorporation by reference,
Safety.
The Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority
delegated to me by the Administrator,
the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as
follows:
PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS
DIRECTIVES
1. The authority citation for part 39
continues to read as follows:
■
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
§ 39.13
[Amended]
2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding
the following new airworthiness
directive:
■
2021–18–01 B–N Group Ltd.: Amendment
39–21702; Docket No. FAA–2021–0502;
Project Identifier 2018–CE–043–AD.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is
effective October 14, 2021.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to B–N Group Ltd. Models
BN–2, BN–2A, BN–2A–2, BN–2A–3, BN–2A–
6, BN–2A–8, BN–2A–9, BN–2A–20, BN–2A–
21, BN–2A–26, BN–2A–27, BN–2B–20, BN–
2B–21, BN–2B–26, BN–2B–27, BN–2T, and
BN–2T–4R airplanes, all serial numbers,
certificated in any category, with a rudder
final drive rod part number (P/N) NB–45–
0991 installed.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC)
Code 2720, Rudder Control System.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by mandatory
continuing airworthiness information (MCAI)
originated by an aviation authority of another
country to identify and correct an unsafe
condition on an aviation product. The MCAI
PO 00000
Frm 00002
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
describes the unsafe condition as failure of
the rudder final drive rod because of cracks
in the region of the taper pins. The FAA is
issuing this AD to detect and correct defects
on the rudder final drive rod assembly to
prevent failure of the assembly. The unsafe
condition, if not addressed, could result in
loss of rudder control and reduced airplane
control.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the
compliance times specified, unless already
done.
(g) Inspection and Corrective Action
(1) Inspect the rudder final drive rod
assembly for loose taper pins, loose end
connections, bending, and cracks within the
applicable compliance times for your
airplane specified in paragraph (g)(1)(i) or (ii)
of this AD.
(i) For Models BN–2, BN–2A, BN–2A–2,
BN–2A–3, BN–2A–6, BN–2A–8, BN–2A–9,
BN–2A–20, BN–2A–21, BN–2A–26, BN–2A–
27, BN–2B–20, BN–2B–21, BN–2B–26, and
BN–2B–27 airplanes, within 100 hours timein-service (TIS) after the effective date of this
AD and thereafter at intervals not to exceed
1,000 hours TIS.
(ii) For Models BN–2T and BN–2T–4R
airplanes, within 200 hours TIS after the
effective date of this AD and thereafter at
intervals not to exceed 1,000 hours TIS.
(2) If a loose taper pin, a loose end
connection, any bending, or a crack is found
during any inspection required by paragraph
(g)(1) of this AD, before further flight, replace
the rudder final drive rod assembly by
following section 7, Removal and Installation
Instructions for Unserviceable Units, of
Britten-Norman Service Bulletin Number SB
363, Issue 3, dated May 23, 2018 (SB 363,
Issue 3) or Britten-Norman Service Bulletin
Number SB 364, Issue 3, dated May 23, 2018
(SB 364, Issue 3), as applicable to your model
airplane.
(3) If no loose taper pins, no loose end
connections, no bending, and no cracks are
found during the initial inspection required
by paragraph (g)(1) of this AD, review the
airplane maintenance records to determine
whether any taper pins have been replaced
or reworked on the rudder final drive rod
assembly. If a taper pin has ever been
replaced or reworked, without exceeding the
initial compliance time in paragraph (g)(1)(i)
or (ii) of this AD, replace the rudder final
drive rod assembly by following section 7,
Removal and Installation Instructions for
Unserviceable Units, of SB 363, Issue 3 or SB
364, Issue 3, as applicable to your model
airplane.
(4) As of the effective date of this AD, do
not install a rudder final drive rod assembly
P/N NB–45–0991 on any airplane unless:
(i) The rudder final drive rod assembly is
unused (zero hours TIS); or
(ii) The taper pins in the rudder final drive
rod assembly have never been replaced.
(5) As of the effective date of this AD, do
not replace any taper pin on a rudder final
drive rod assembly P/N NB–45–0991
installed on any airplane.
E:\FR\FM\09SER1.SGM
09SER1
Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 172 / Thursday, September 9, 2021 / Rules and Regulations
(h) Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, International Validation
Branch, 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 manager of the certification office,
send it to the attention of the person
identified in Related Information or email: 9AVS-AIR-730-AMOC@faa.gov.
(2) 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.
(i) Related Information
(1) For more information about this AD,
contact Penelope Trease, Aviation Safety
Engineer, General Aviation & Rotorcraft
Section, International Validation Branch,
FAA, 26805 E 68th Avenue, Denver, CO
80249; phone: (303) 342–1094; email:
penelope.trease@faa.gov.
(2) Refer to European Aviation Safety
Agency (EASA) AD 2018–0153, dated July
19, 2018, for more information. You may
examine the EASA AD in the AD docket at
https://www.regulations.gov by searching for
and locating it in Docket No. FAA–2021–
0502.
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(j) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference of
the service information listed in this
paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR
part 51.
(2) You must use this service information
as applicable to do the actions required by
this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
(i) Britten-Norman Service Bulletin
Number SB 363, Issue 3, dated May 23, 2018.
(ii) Britten-Norman Service Bulletin
Number SB 364, Issue 3, dated May 23, 2018.
(3) For service information identified in
this AD, contact Britten-Norman Aircraft
Limited, Commodore House, Mountbatten
Business Centre, Millbrook Road East,
Southampton SO15 1HY, United Kingdom;
phone: + 44 20 3371 4000; fax: + 44 20 3371
4001; email: info@bnaircraft.com; website:
https://britten-norman.com/approvalstechnical-publications/.
(4) You may view this service information
at FAA, Airworthiness Products Section,
Operational Safety Branch, 901 Locust,
Kansas City, MO 64106. For information on
the availability of this material at the FAA,
call (816) 329–4148.
(5) You may view this service information
that is incorporated by reference at the
National Archives and Records
Administration (NARA). For information on
the availability of this material at NARA,
email: fr.inspection@nara.gov, or go to:
https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/
ibr-locations.html.
VerDate Sep<11>2014
16:45 Sep 08, 2021
Jkt 253001
Issued on August 17, 2021.
Gaetano A. Sciortino,
Deputy Director for Strategic Initiatives,
Compliance & Airworthiness Division,
Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2021–19302 Filed 9–8–21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2021–0459; Project
Identifier MCAI–2021–00129–T; Amendment
39–21697; AD 2021–17–14]
RIN 2120–AA64
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
The FAA is adopting a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for certain
Gulfstream Aerospace LP Model
Gulfstream G280 airplanes. This AD was
prompted by a report that during fullscale fatigue testing, a crack was found
in the area of the attachment of the wing
rib 0 to the front spar. This AD requires
non-destructive testing on the forward
(front) spar vertical stiffener and rib 0
for any cracking, installation of a
doubler to the forward (front) spar and
rib 0 attachment, and repair if
necessary, as specified in a Civil
Aviation Authority of Israel (CAAI) AD,
which is incorporated by reference. The
FAA is issuing this AD to address the
unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective October 14,
2021.
The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
of a certain publication listed in this AD
as of October 14, 2021.
ADDRESSES: For material incorporated
by reference (IBR) in this AD, contact
the CAAI, P.O. Box 1101, Golan Street,
Airport City, 70100, Israel; telephone
972–3–9774665; fax 972–3–9774592;
email aip@mot.gov.il. You may find this
IBR material on the CAAI website at
https://www.caa.gov.il. You may view
this material at the FAA, Airworthiness
Products Section, Operational Safety
Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des
Moines, WA. For information on the
availability of this material at the FAA,
call 206–231–3195. It is also available in
the AD docket at https://
www.regulations.gov by searching for
and locating Docket No. FAA–2021–
0459.
SUMMARY:
Frm 00003
Fmt 4700
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket at
https://www.regulations.gov by
searching for and locating Docket No.
FAA–2021–0459; or in person at Docket
Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.,
Monday through Friday, except Federal
holidays. The AD docket contains this
final rule, the mandatory continuing
airworthiness information (MCAI), any
comments received, and other
information. The address for Docket
Operations is U.S. Department of
Transportation, Docket Operations,
M–30, West Building Ground Floor,
Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey
Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590.
Tom
Rodriguez, Aerospace Engineer, Large
Aircraft Section, International
Validation Branch, FAA, 2200 South
216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198;
telephone and fax 206–231–3226; email
Tom.Rodriguez@faa.gov.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Airworthiness Directives; Gulfstream
Aerospace LP Airplanes
PO 00000
50451
Sfmt 4700
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
The CAAI, which is the aviation
authority for Israel, has issued CAAI AD
I–57–2020–06–01, dated January 27,
2021 (CAAI AD I–57–2020–06–01) (also
referred to as the MCAI), to correct an
unsafe condition for certain Gulfstream
Aerospace LP Model Gulfstream G280
airplanes.
The FAA issued a notice of proposed
rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR
part 39 by adding an AD that would
apply to certain Gulfstream Aerospace
LP Model Gulfstream G280 airplanes.
The NPRM published in the Federal
Register on June 10, 2021 (86 FR 30819).
The NPRM was prompted by a report
that during full-scale fatigue testing, a
crack was found in the area of the
attachment of the wing rib 0 to the front
spar. The NPRM proposed to require
non-destructive testing on the forward
(front) spar vertical stiffener and rib 0
for any cracking, installation of a
doubler to the forward (front) spar and
rib 0 attachment, and repair if
necessary, as specified in CAAI AD I–
57–2020–06–01.
The FAA is issuing this AD to address
any cracking at the area of the wing rib
0 to the front spar, which could affect
the structural integrity of the wing. See
the MCAI for additional background
information.
Discussion of Final Airworthiness
Directive Comments
The FAA received no comments on
the NPRM or on the determination of
the cost to the public.
E:\FR\FM\09SER1.SGM
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Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 172 (Thursday, September 9, 2021)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 50449-50451]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-19302]
========================================================================
Rules and Regulations
Federal Register
________________________________________________________________________
This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains regulatory documents
having general applicability and legal effect, most of which are keyed
to and codified in the Code of Federal Regulations, which is published
under 50 titles pursuant to 44 U.S.C. 1510.
The Code of Federal Regulations is sold by the Superintendent of Documents.
========================================================================
Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 172 / Thursday, September 9, 2021 /
Rules and Regulations
[[Page 50449]]
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2021-0502; Project Identifier 2018-CE-043-AD; Amendment
39-21702; AD 2021-18-01]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; B-N Group Ltd. Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for B-N
Group Ltd. Models BN-2, BN-2A, BN-2A-2, BN-2A-3, BN-2A-6, BN-2A-8, BN-
2A-9, BN-2A-20, BN-2A-21, BN-2A-26, BN-2A-27, BN-2B-20, BN-2B-21, BN-
2B-26, BN-2B-27, BN-2T, and BN-2T-4R airplanes. This AD was prompted by
mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) originated by an
aviation authority of another country to identify and correct an unsafe
condition on an aviation product. The MCAI identifies the unsafe
condition as failure of the rudder final drive rod because of cracks in
the region of the taper pins. This AD requires repetitively inspecting
the rudder final drive rod assembly and replacing the rudder final
drive assembly, if necessary. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the
unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective October 14, 2021.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of October 14,
2021.
ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule,
contact Britten-Norman Aircraft Limited, Commodore House, Mountbatten
Business Centre, Millbrook Road East, Southampton SO15 1HY, United
Kingdom; phone: + 44 20 3371 4000; fax: + 44 20 3371 4001; email:
[email protected]; website: https://britten-norman.com/approvals-technical-publications/. You may view this service information at the
FAA, Airworthiness Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 901
Locust, Kansas City, MO 64106. For information on the availability of
this material at the FAA, call (816) 329-4148. It is also available at
https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No.
FAA-2021-0502.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket at https://www.regulations.gov by
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2021-0502; or in person at
Docket Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday,
except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains this final rule, the
MCAI, any comments received, and other information. The address for
Docket Operations is U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New
Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Penelope Trease, Aviation Safety
Engineer, General Aviation & Rotorcraft Section, International
Validation Branch, FAA, 26805 E 68th Avenue, Denver, CO 80249; phone:
(303) 342-1094; email: [email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14
CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to B-N Group Ltd. Models
BN-2, BN-2A, BN-2A-2, BN-2A-3, BN-2A-6, BN-2A-8, BN-2A-9, BN-2A-20, BN-
2A-21, BN-2A-26, BN-2A-27, BN-2B-20, BN-2B-21, BN-2B-26, BN-2B-27, BN-
2T, and BN-2T-4R airplanes. The NPRM published in the Federal Register
on June 25, 2021 (86 FR 33576). The NPRM was prompted by MCAI
originated by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the
Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Union. EASA has
issued EASA AD 2018-0153, dated July 19, 2018 (referred to after this
as ``the MCAI''), to address an unsafe condition on certain B-N Group
Ltd. (Britten-Norman Aircraft Ltd., or ``BNA'') Models BN-2, BN-2A, BN-
2B, BN-2T, BN-2T-2, BN-2T-2R, and BN-2T-4R airplanes. The MCAI states:
Occurrences have been reported of failures of the rudder final
drive rod, [part number] P/N NB-45-0991. Cracks were found in the
region of the taper pins. There is evidence that replacing the taper
pins could be a significant factor contributing to the failure of
this rod.
This condition, if not detected and corrected, could lead to
failure of the affected part, possibly resulting in reduced control
of the aeroplane.
To address this potential unsafe condition, BNA issued the
applicable SB [service bulletin], providing inspection instructions.
Prompted by operator comments, BNA revised the applicable SB (issue
3) to introduce repetitive inspections.
For the reason described above, this [EASA] AD requires
repetitive inspections of the affected part and, depending on
findings, replacement. This AD also prohibits replacement of taper
pins on an affected part. BNA will amend the applicable Maintenance
Manuals accordingly.
You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2021-
0502.
Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive
Comments
The FAA received no comments on the NPRM or on the determination of
the costs. Paragraphs (g)(3) and (4) of the NPRM have been combined
into one paragraph, (g)(3) of the final rule, to make it clear that the
action of paragraph (g)(4) of the NPRM is a follow-on action of
paragraph (g)(3).
Conclusion
This product has been approved by the aviation authority of another
country and is approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant to
the FAA's bilateral agreement with this State of Design Authority, it
has notified the FAA of the unsafe condition described in the MCAI and
service information referenced above. The FAA reviewed the relevant
data and determined that air safety requires adopting this AD as
proposed. Accordingly, the FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe
condition on these products. This AD is adopted as proposed in the
NPRM.
[[Page 50450]]
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed Britten-Norman Aircraft Limited Service Bulletin
Number SB 363, Issue 3, dated May 23, 2018, and Service Bulletin Number
SB 364, Issue 3, dated May 23, 2018. For the applicable airplane models
identified on each document, this service information contains
procedures for repetitively inspecting the rudder final drive rod
assembly and replacing the rudder final drive assembly, if necessary.
This service information is reasonably available because the interested
parties have access to it through their normal course of business or by
the means identified in ADDRESSES.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD affects 76 airplanes of U.S.
registry. The FAA also estimates that inspecting the rudder final drive
assembly will take about 1 work-hour. The average labor rate is $85 per
work-hour.
Based on these figures, the FAA estimates the cost of this AD on
U.S. operators to be $6,460, or $85 per airplane, each inspection
cycle.
In addition, the FAA estimates that any necessary follow-on actions
to replace the rudder final drive assembly will take about 5 work-hours
and require parts costing $1,200, for a cost of $1,625 per airplane.
The FAA has no way of determining the number of airplanes 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.
The FAA is 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
This AD will not have federalism implications under Executive Order
13132. This AD will not have a substantial direct effect on the States,
on the relationship between the national government and the States, or
on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various
levels of government.
For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this AD:
(1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive
Order 12866,
(2) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, 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.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.
The Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows:
PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
0
1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
Sec. 39.13 [Amended]
0
2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness
directive:
2021-18-01 B-N Group Ltd.: Amendment 39-21702; Docket No. FAA-2021-
0502; Project Identifier 2018-CE-043-AD.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective October 14, 2021.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to B-N Group Ltd. Models BN-2, BN-2A, BN-2A-2,
BN-2A-3, BN-2A-6, BN-2A-8, BN-2A-9, BN-2A-20, BN-2A-21, BN-2A-26,
BN-2A-27, BN-2B-20, BN-2B-21, BN-2B-26, BN-2B-27, BN-2T, and BN-2T-
4R airplanes, all serial numbers, certificated in any category, with
a rudder final drive rod part number (P/N) NB-45-0991 installed.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 2720, Rudder Control
System.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by mandatory continuing airworthiness
information (MCAI) originated by an aviation authority of another
country to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an aviation
product. The MCAI describes the unsafe condition as failure of the
rudder final drive rod because of cracks in the region of the taper
pins. The FAA is issuing this AD to detect and correct defects on
the rudder final drive rod assembly to prevent failure of the
assembly. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in
loss of rudder control and reduced airplane control.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Inspection and Corrective Action
(1) Inspect the rudder final drive rod assembly for loose taper
pins, loose end connections, bending, and cracks within the
applicable compliance times for your airplane specified in paragraph
(g)(1)(i) or (ii) of this AD.
(i) For Models BN-2, BN-2A, BN-2A-2, BN-2A-3, BN-2A-6, BN-2A-8,
BN-2A-9, BN-2A-20, BN-2A-21, BN-2A-26, BN-2A-27, BN-2B-20, BN-2B-21,
BN-2B-26, and BN-2B-27 airplanes, within 100 hours time-in-service
(TIS) after the effective date of this AD and thereafter at
intervals not to exceed 1,000 hours TIS.
(ii) For Models BN-2T and BN-2T-4R airplanes, within 200 hours
TIS after the effective date of this AD and thereafter at intervals
not to exceed 1,000 hours TIS.
(2) If a loose taper pin, a loose end connection, any bending,
or a crack is found during any inspection required by paragraph
(g)(1) of this AD, before further flight, replace the rudder final
drive rod assembly by following section 7, Removal and Installation
Instructions for Unserviceable Units, of Britten-Norman Service
Bulletin Number SB 363, Issue 3, dated May 23, 2018 (SB 363, Issue
3) or Britten-Norman Service Bulletin Number SB 364, Issue 3, dated
May 23, 2018 (SB 364, Issue 3), as applicable to your model
airplane.
(3) If no loose taper pins, no loose end connections, no
bending, and no cracks are found during the initial inspection
required by paragraph (g)(1) of this AD, review the airplane
maintenance records to determine whether any taper pins have been
replaced or reworked on the rudder final drive rod assembly. If a
taper pin has ever been replaced or reworked, without exceeding the
initial compliance time in paragraph (g)(1)(i) or (ii) of this AD,
replace the rudder final drive rod assembly by following section 7,
Removal and Installation Instructions for Unserviceable Units, of SB
363, Issue 3 or SB 364, Issue 3, as applicable to your model
airplane.
(4) As of the effective date of this AD, do not install a rudder
final drive rod assembly P/N NB-45-0991 on any airplane unless:
(i) The rudder final drive rod assembly is unused (zero hours
TIS); or
(ii) The taper pins in the rudder final drive rod assembly have
never been replaced.
(5) As of the effective date of this AD, do not replace any
taper pin on a rudder final drive rod assembly P/N NB-45-0991
installed on any airplane.
[[Page 50451]]
(h) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, International Validation Branch, 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 manager of the certification office, send it to the
attention of the person identified in Related Information or email:
[email protected].
(2) 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.
(i) Related Information
(1) For more information about this AD, contact Penelope Trease,
Aviation Safety Engineer, General Aviation & Rotorcraft Section,
International Validation Branch, FAA, 26805 E 68th Avenue, Denver,
CO 80249; phone: (303) 342-1094; email: [email protected].
(2) Refer to European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2018-
0153, dated July 19, 2018, for more information. You may examine the
EASA AD in the AD docket at https://www.regulations.gov by searching
for and locating it in Docket No. FAA-2021-0502.
(j) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference of the service information listed in this
paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
(2) You must use this service information as applicable to do
the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
(i) Britten-Norman Service Bulletin Number SB 363, Issue 3,
dated May 23, 2018.
(ii) Britten-Norman Service Bulletin Number SB 364, Issue 3,
dated May 23, 2018.
(3) For service information identified in this AD, contact
Britten-Norman Aircraft Limited, Commodore House, Mountbatten
Business Centre, Millbrook Road East, Southampton SO15 1HY, United
Kingdom; phone: + 44 20 3371 4000; fax: + 44 20 3371 4001; email:
[email protected]; website: https://britten-norman.com/approvals-technical-publications/.
(4) You may view this service information at FAA, Airworthiness
Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 901 Locust, Kansas
City, MO 64106. For information on the availability of this material
at the FAA, call (816) 329-4148.
(5) You may view this service information that is incorporated
by reference at the National Archives and Records Administration
(NARA). For information on the availability of this material at
NARA, email: [email protected], or go to: https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.
Issued on August 17, 2021.
Gaetano A. Sciortino,
Deputy Director for Strategic Initiatives, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2021-19302 Filed 9-8-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P