Proposed Rule2022-17985
Airworthiness Directives; BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Airplanes
Primary source
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Published
August 22, 2022
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Model BAe 146 series airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by a finding that when the autopilot is engaged, the architecture of the autopilot system does not automatically disconnect the autopilot in response to pilot application of a pitch input or when the electric pitch trim switch on either pilot control wheel is operated. This proposed AD would require modifying the autopilot engagement circuit. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Full Text
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<title>Federal Register, Volume 87 Issue 161 (Monday, August 22, 2022)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 161 (Monday, August 22, 2022)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 51271-51273]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2022-17985]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2022-1053; Project Identifier MCAI-2022-00200-T]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; BAE Systems (Operations) Limited
Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
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SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD)
for all BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Model BAe 146 series
airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by a finding that when the
autopilot is engaged, the architecture of the autopilot system does not
automatically disconnect the autopilot in response to pilot application
of a pitch input or when the electric pitch trim switch on either pilot
control wheel is operated. This proposed AD would require modifying the
autopilot engagement circuit. The FAA is proposing this AD to address
the unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: The FAA must receive comments on this proposed AD by October 6,
2022.
ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods:
<bullet> Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a>. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
<bullet> Fax: 202-493-2251.
<bullet> 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.
<bullet> Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail address above between 9
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
For service information identified in this NPRM, 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
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#792b38090c1b15101a180d1016170a391b181c0a000a0d1c140a571a1614"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="0e5c4f7e7b6c62676d6f7a6761607d4e6c6f6b7d777d7a6b637d206d6163">[email protected]</span></a>; internet <a href="https://www.baesystems.com/Businesses/RegionalAircraft/index.htm">https://www.baesystems.com/Businesses/RegionalAircraft/index.htm</a>. You may view this service
information 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.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket at <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a> by
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2022-1053; 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 NPRM, the
mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI), any comments
received, and other information. The street address for Docket
Operations is listed above.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Todd Thompson, Aerospace Engineer,
Large Aircraft Section, FAA, International Validation Branch, 2200
South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone 206-231-3228; email
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#e5918a8181cb918d8a8895968a8ba5838484cb828a93"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="a5d1cac1c18bd1cdcac8d5d6cacbe5c3c4c48bc2cad3">[email protected]</span></a>.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
The FAA invites you to send any written relevant data, views, or
arguments about this proposal. Send your comments to an address listed
under ADDRESSES. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2022-1053; Project Identifier
MCAI-2022-00200-T'' at the beginning of your comments. The most helpful
comments reference a specific portion of the proposal, explain the
reason for any recommended change, and include supporting data. The FAA
will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend
the proposal because of those comments.
Except for Confidential Business Information (CBI) as described in
the following paragraph, and other information as described in 14 CFR
11.35, the FAA will post all comments received, without change, to
<a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a>, including any personal information you
provide. The agency will also post a report summarizing each
substantive verbal contact received about this NPRM.
Confidential Business Information
CBI is commercial or financial information that is both customarily
and actually treated as private by its owner. Under the Freedom of
Information Act (FOIA) (5 U.S.C. 552), CBI is exempt from public
disclosure. If your comments responsive to this NPRM contain commercial
or financial information that is customarily treated as private, that
you actually treat as private, and that is relevant or responsive to
this NPRM, it is important that you clearly designate the submitted
comments as CBI. Please mark each page of your submission containing
CBI as ``PROPIN.'' The FAA will treat such marked submissions as
confidential under the FOIA, and they will not be placed in the public
docket of this NPRM. Submissions containing CBI should be sent to Todd
Thompson, Aerospace Engineer, Large Aircraft Section, FAA,
International Validation Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA
98198; telephone 206-231-3228; email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#a0d4cfc4c48ed4c8cfcdd0d3cfcee0c6c1c18ec7cfd6"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="0c7863686822786463617c7f63624c6a6d6d226b637a">[email protected]</span></a>. Any
commentary that the FAA receives which is not specifically designated
as CBI will be placed in the public docket for this rulemaking.
Background
United Kingdom Civil Aviation Authority (U.K. CAA), which is the
aviation authority for the United Kingdom, has issued U.K. CAA AD G-
2022-0002, dated February 11, 2022 (U.K. CAA AD G-2022-0002) (also
referred to after this as the MCAI), to correct an unsafe condition for
all BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Model BAe 146 series airplanes.
You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a> by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2022-
1053.
This proposed AD was prompted by a finding that when the autopilot
is engaged, the architecture of the autopilot system does not
automatically disconnect the autopilot in response to pilot application
of a pitch input or when the electric pitch trim switch on either pilot
control wheel is operated. This finding was a result of a safety
recommendation made by the United Kingdom's Air Accidents Investigation
Branch (AAIB), after an incident on a
[[Page 51272]]
Saab AB, Support and Services Model SAAB 2000 airplane, for the
European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) to review autopilot system
designs of aircraft certified under certain regulations, and if needed,
require modifications to ensure that the autopilot does not create a
potential unsafe condition when the flightcrew applies an override
force to the flight controls. The FAA is proposing this AD to address
continued autopilot engagement after flightcrew input to disengage of
the autopilot, which could lead to reduced controllability of the
airplane. See the MCAI for additional background information.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
BAE Systems (Operations) Limited has issued Modification Service
Bulletin SB.22-072-36262A, dated September 14, 2021. This service
information describes procedures for modifying the autopilot engagement
circuit, including the wiring, relay, and certain module blocks. 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 the ADDRESSES section.
FAA's Determination
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 the State of Design Authority,
the FAA has been notified of the unsafe condition described in the MCAI
and service information referenced above. The FAA is proposing this AD
because the FAA evaluated all the relevant information and determined
the unsafe condition described previously is likely to exist or develop
on other products of the same type design.
Proposed AD Requirements in This NPRM
This proposed AD would require accomplishing the actions specified
in the service information already described.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD, if adopted as proposed, would
affect 20 airplanes of U.S. registry. The FAA estimates the following
costs to comply with this proposed AD:
Estimated Costs for Required Actions
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Cost per Cost on U.S.
Labor cost Parts cost product operators
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130 work-hours x $85 per hour= $11,050....................... $2,124 $13,174 $263,480
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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
The FAA 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) Would not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
(3) Would 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 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
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:
BAE Systems (Operations) Limited: Docket No. FAA-2022-1053; Project
Identifier MCAI-2022-00200-T.
(a) Comments Due Date
The FAA must receive comments on this airworthiness directive
(AD) by October 6, 2022.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to all BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Model
BAe 146-100A, -200A, and -300A airplanes, certificated in any
category.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 22, Auto-Flight.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by a finding that when the autopilot is
engaged, the architecture of the autopilot system does not
automatically disconnect the autopilot in response to pilot
application of a pitch input or when the electric pitch trim switch
on either pilot control wheel is operated. The FAA is issuing this
AD to address continued autopilot engagement after flightcrew input
to disengage the autopilot, which could lead to reduced
controllability of the airplane.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Modification
Within 12 months after the effective date of this AD, modify the
autopilot engagement circuit in accordance with the Accomplishment
Instructions of BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Modification
Service Bulletin SB.22-072-36262A, dated September 14, 2021.
(h) No Reporting Requirement
Although BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Modification Service
Bulletin SB.22-
[[Page 51273]]
072-36262A, dated September 14, 2021, specifies to submit certain
information to the manufacturer, this AD does not include that
requirement.
(i) Other FAA AD Provisions
The following provisions also apply to this AD:
(1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager,
Large Aircraft Section, 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 Large Aircraft Section, International Validation Branch, send it
to the attention of the person identified in paragraph (j)(2) of
this AD. Information may be emailed to: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#10293d5146433d5159423d2723203d515d5f53507671713e777f66"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="bd8490fcebee90fcf4ef908a8e8d90fcf0f2fefddbdcdc93dad2cb">[email protected]</span></a>.
Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate 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, Large Aircraft
Section, International Validation Branch, FAA; or the United Kingdom
Civil Aviation Authority (U.K. CAA); or BAE Systems (Operations)
Limited's U.K. CAA Design Organization Approval (DOA). If approved
by the DOA, the approval must include the DOA-authorized signature.
(j) Related Information
(1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information
(MCAI) U.K. CAA AD G-2022-0002, dated February 11, 2022, for related
information. This MCAI may be found in the AD docket at <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a> by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-
2022-1053.
(2) For more information about this AD, contact Todd Thompson,
Aerospace Engineer, Large Aircraft Section, FAA, International
Validation Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198;
telephone 206-231-3228; email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#88fce7ececa6fce0e7e5f8fbe7e6c8eee9e9a6efe7fe"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="89fde6ededa7fde1e6e4f9fae6e7c9efe8e8a7eee6ff">[email protected]</span></a>.
(3) For service information 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
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#99cbd8e9ecfbf5f0faf8edf0f6f7ead9fbf8fceae0eaedfcf4eab7faf6f4"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="491b08393c2b25202a283d2026273a092b282c3a303a3d2c243a672a2624">[email protected]</span></a>; internet <a href="https://www.baesystems.com/Businesses/RegionalAircraft/index.htm">https://www.baesystems.com/Businesses/RegionalAircraft/index.htm</a>. You may view this service
information 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.
Issued on August 10, 2022.
Gaetano A. Sciortino,
Deputy Director for Strategic Initiatives, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2022-17985 Filed 8-19-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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