Airworthiness Directives; BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Airplanes, 79423-79425 [2024-22319]

Agencies

• Federal Aviation Administration
• DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 189 (Monday, September 30, 2024)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 79423-79425]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2024-22319]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2024-1478; Project Identifier MCAI-2023-01216-T; 
Amendment 39-22831; AD 2024-17-06]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; BAE Systems (Operations) Limited 
Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all 
BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Model BAe 146 and Avro 146-RJ series 
airplanes. This AD was prompted by a report of cracking on the radius 
of the rib 0 forward longeron at a certain frame. This AD requires a 
one-time inspection for defects of the radius, and repair if necessary. 
The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these 
products.

DATES: This AD is effective November 4, 2024.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of November 4, 
2024.

ADDRESSES: 
    AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at regulations.gov under 
Docket No. FAA-2024-1478; 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.
    Material Incorporated by Reference:
     For BAE Systems material identified in this 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 
[email protected]; website baesystems.com/en/our-company/our-businesses/regional-aircraft/about-us.
     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 at regulations.gov under 
Docket No. FAA-2024-1478.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Todd Thompson, Aviation Safety 
Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; 
telephone 206-231-3228; 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 all BAE Systems 
(Operations) Limited Model BAe 146 and Avro 146-RJ series airplanes. 
The NPRM published in the Federal Register on June 6, 2024 (89 FR 
48348). The NPRM was prompted by AD G-2023-0006, dated November 24, 
2023 (referred to after this as the MCAI), issued by the Civil Aviation 
Authority (CAA), which is the aviation authority for the United Kingdom 
(UK). The MCAI states that an operator reported that during routine 
maintenance, cracking was found on the radius of the rib 0 forward 
longeron at frame 26. The cracking initiated close to a local blend in 
the radius. Failure of the rib 0 forward longeron could lead to 
structural failure of adjacent structure, leading to failure of the 
fuselage skin, and could result in rapid decompression and possible 
loss of the airplane.
    In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to require a one-time inspection for 
defects of the radius, and repair if necessary. The FAA is issuing this 
AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
    You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at regulations.gov under 
Docket No. FAA-2024-1478.

Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive

Comments

    The FAA received no comments on the NPRM or on the determination of 
the cost to the public.

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 
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 this product. 
Except for minor editorial changes, this AD is adopted as proposed in 
the NPRM. None of the changes will increase the economic burden on any 
operator.

Material Incorporated by Reference Under 1 CFR Part 51

    The FAA reviewed BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Inspection 
Service Bulletin ISB.53-249, dated August 25, 2023. This material 
specifies procedures for performing a detailed inspection for any 
defects (rough edges, nicks, or visible cracking) and for any evidence 
of blending or undercutting of the radius and flanges of the rib 0 
forward longeron at frame 26, performing a high frequency eddy current 
(HFEC) inspection of the radius of the rib 0 forward longeron at frame 
26, and obtaining and following repair instructions. This material is 
reasonably available because the interested parties

[[Page 79424]]

have access to it through their normal course of business or by the 
means identified in the ADDRESSES section.

Interim Action

    The FAA considers that this AD is an interim action. If final 
action is later identified, the FAA might consider further rulemaking 
then.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this AD affects 20 airplanes of U.S. 
registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:

                                      Estimated Costs for Required Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                    Cost per       Cost on U.S.
                          Labor cost                              Parts cost        product         operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2 work-hours x $85 per hour = $170...........................              $0             $170           $3,400
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The FAA has received no definitive data on which to base the cost 
estimates for the on-condition repairs specified in this 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.
    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:

2024-17-06 BAE Systems (Operations) Limited: Amendment 39-22831; 
Docket No. FAA-2024-1478; Project Identifier MCAI-2023-01216-T.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective November 4, 2024.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to all BAE Systems (Operations) Limited 
airplanes identified in paragraphs (c)(1) and (2) of this AD, 
certificated in any category.
    (1) Model BAe 146-100A, -200A, and -300A airplanes.
    (2) Model Avro 146-RJ70A, -RJ85A, and -RJ100A airplanes.

(d) Subject

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

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by a report of cracking on the radius of 
the rib 0 forward longeron at frame 26. The FAA is issuing this AD 
to address cracking of the radius of the rib 0 forward longeron at 
frame 26. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in 
failure of the rib 0 forward longeron, which could lead to failure 
of an adjacent structure, leading to failure of the fuselage skin, 
and could result in rapid decompression and possible loss of the 
airplane.

(f) Compliance

    Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, 
unless already done.

(g) Inspection and Corrective Actions

    Within 4 months after the effective date of this AD, do a visual 
and a high frequency eddy current inspection for defects of the 
radius of the rib 0 forward longeron at frame 26, in accordance with 
the Accomplishment Instructions of BAE Systems (Operations) Limited 
Inspection Service Bulletin ISB.53-249, dated August 25, 2023. If 
any cracking or defects are found, repair before further flight, in 
accordance with a method approved by the Manager, International 
Validation Branch, FAA; or the United Kingdom Civil Aviation 
Authority (UK CAA); or BAE Systems (Operations) Limited's UK CAA's 
Design Organization Approval (DOA). If the method is approved by the 
DOA, the approval must include the DOA-authorized signature.

(h) Reporting Requirement

    Report positive inspection results at the applicable time 
specified in paragraph (h)(1) or (2) of this AD using the Inspection 
Report form in Appendix 1 of BAE Systems (Operations) Limited 
Inspection Service Bulletin ISB.53-249, dated August 25, 2023.
    (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) Additional AD Provisions

    The following provisions also apply to this AD:
    (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): 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 responsible Flight Standards Office, as 
appropriate. If sending information directly to the manager of the 
International Validation Branch, mail it to the address identified 
in paragraph (j) of this AD. Information may be emailed to: 
[email protected]. Before using any approved AMOC, notify your 
appropriate

[[Page 79425]]

principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager 
of the responsible Flight Standards Office.
    (2) Contacting the Manufacturer: For any requirement in this AD 
to obtain instructions from a manufacturer, the instructions must be 
accomplished using a method approved by the Manager, International 
Validation Branch, FAA; or the UK CAA; or BAE Systems (Operations) 
Limited's UK CAA's DOA. If approved by the DOA, the approval must 
include the DOA-authorized signature.

(j) Additional Information

    For more information about this AD, contact Todd Thompson, 
Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, 
Westbury, NY 11590; telephone 206-231-3228; email 
[email protected].

(k) Material Incorporated by Reference

    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference (IBR) of the material listed in this 
paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
    (2) You must use this material as applicable to do the actions 
required by this AD, unless this AD specifies otherwise.
    (i) BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Inspection Service Bulletin 
ISB.53-249, dated August 25, 2023.
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (3) For BAE Systems material identified in this 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 
[email protected]; website baesystems.com/en/our-company/our-businesses/regional-aircraft/about-us.
    (4) 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.
    (5) You may view this material at the National Archives and 
Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability 
of this material at NARA, visit www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations or email [email protected].

    Issued on August 22, 2024.
Victor Wicklund,
Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2024-22319 Filed 9-27-24; 8:45 am]
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