Proposed Rule2022-24840
Airworthiness Directives; BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Airplanes
Primary source
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Published
November 16, 2022
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Model Avro 146-RJ series airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by a report that certain inertial reference units (IRUs) have out-of-date magnetic variation (MagVar) tables. This proposed AD would require assessing the values between the MagVar tables of the affected IRUs and the most recently published MagVar data tables, and corrective actions if necessary. 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 220 (Wednesday, November 16, 2022)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 220 (Wednesday, November 16, 2022)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 68644-68647]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2022-24840]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2022-1152; Project Identifier MCAI-2022-00260-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 certain BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Model Avro 146-RJ series
airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by a report that certain
inertial reference units (IRUs) have out-of-date magnetic variation
(MagVar) tables. This proposed AD would require assessing the values
between the MagVar tables of the affected IRUs and the most recently
published MagVar data tables, and corrective actions if necessary. 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 January 3,
2023.
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="http://regulations.gov">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#f0a2b18085929c99939184999f9e83b092919583898384959d83de939f9d"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="89dbc8f9fcebe5e0eae8fde0e6e7fac9ebe8ecfaf0fafdece4faa7eae6e4">[email protected]</span></a>; internet <a href="http://baesystems.com/Businesses/RegionalAircraft/index.htm">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="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> by searching for
and locating Docket No. FAA-2022-1152; 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, International Validation Branch, FAA, 2200
South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone: 206-231-3228; email
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#adf9c2c9c983f9c5c2c0dddec2c3edcbcccc83cac2db"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="87d3e8e3e3a9d3efe8eaf7f4e8e9c7e1e6e6a9e0e8f1">[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-2022-1152; Project Identifier
MCAI-2022-00260-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
[[Page 68645]]
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="http://regulations.gov">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, International
Validation Branch, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198;
telephone: 206-231-3228; email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#11457e75753f45797e7c61627e7f517770703f767e67"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="3b6f545f5f156f5354564b4854557b5d5a5a155c544d">[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
The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), which is the aviation authority
for the United Kingdom, has issued CAA AD G-2022-0005, dated February
24, 2022 (CAA AD G 2022-0005) (also referred to after this as the
MCAI), to correct an unsafe condition for Model AVRO 146-RJ airplanes
equipped with Honeywell Inertial Reference Unit part number (P/N)
HG2001BC02 or P/N HG2001BC04. You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket
at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2022-
1152.
This proposed AD was prompted by a report that Honeywell IRUs, P/N
HG2001BC02 and P/N HG2001BC04, have out-of-date MagVar tables. The
navigation system for Model Avro 146-RJ series airplanes has an
inertial reference system (IRS) that uses true north to calculate
magnetic heading and track. The IRS includes IRUs with MagVar data
tables that correct the heading/track for the effects of magnetic
variation. Due to the change in the location of magnetic north over
time, the level of IRS accuracy diminishes in certain geographical
locations if an IRU's MagVar data table is not kept up to date with
current WMM MagVar data tables. Consequently, certain airplanes may
have IRUs with MagVar tables that are out of date, which can lead to
inaccurate heading, course, and bearing calculations.
The FAA is proposing this AD to address IRUs having outdated MagVar
data tables, which could lead to inaccurate IRS calculations, possibly
resulting in increased risk of controlled flight into terrain, or
collision with another airplane and injury to occupants. See the MCAI
for additional background information.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
BAE Systems has issued All Operator Message 21-011V-1, Issue 1,
dated September 27, 2021. This service information describes, among
other actions, procedures for assessing the accuracy of an affected
IRU's MagVar data table when compared to the existing WMM MagVar data
tables, and corrective actions if the MagVar is greater than 2 degrees.
The corrective actions include either updating an affected IRU's MagVar
data tables, or operating an airplane only if the terrain awareness
warning system (TAWS) and traffic collision avoidance system (TCAS) are
installed and operative and revising the operator's FAA-approved
minimum equipment list (MEL) to prohibit dispatch unless both TAWS and
TCAS are installed and operative. BAE Systems All Operator Message 21-
011V-1, Issue 1, dated September 27, 2021, also specifies that updating
the data tables would terminate the MEL prohibition provided the
airplane has operative TAWS and TCAS.
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, except as discussed under
``Differences Between this Proposed AD and the MCAI.''
Differences Between This Proposed AD and the MCAI
CAA AD G-2022-0005 requires operators to provide ``information for
flight crew'' regarding procedures for operating in areas with known or
suspected significant magnetic variation and a means for flight crews
to report other suspected affected locations.'' However, this proposed
AD would not specifically require those actions as they are already
required by FAA 14 CFR part 91 regulations.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD, if adopted as proposed, would
affect 10 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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1 work-hour x $85 per hour = $85................................ $0 $85 $850
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[[Page 68646]]
The FAA has received no definitive data on which to base the cost
estimates for the on-condition 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.
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-2022-1152; Project
Identifier MCAI-2022-00260-T.
(a) Comments Due Date
The FAA must receive comments on this airworthiness directive
(AD) by January 3, 2023.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Model Avro
146-RJ70A, 146-RJ85A, and 146-RJ100A airplanes, certificated in any
category, equipped with Honeywell inertial reference unit (IRU) part
number (P/N) HG2001BC02 or P/N HG2001BC04.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 34, Navigation.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by a report that certain IRUs have out-of-
date magnetic variation (MagVar) tables. The FAA is issuing this AD
to address IRUs having outdated MagVar lookup tables, which could
lead to inaccurate inertial reference system calculations, possibly
resulting in increased risk of controlled flight into terrain, or
collision with another airplane and injury to occupants.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Definitions
For the purpose of this AD, the following definitions apply:
(1) Affected IRU: A Honeywell IRU having P/N HG2001BC02 using a
MagVar lookup table from 1990, or P/N HG2001BC04 using a MagVar
lookup table from 1995.
(2) WMM: World Magnetic Model, which is the standard model for
navigation, altitude, and heading referencing systems using the
geomagnetic field. The WMM is produced at 5-year intervals. The
existing WMM as of November 16, 2022 was released December 10, 2019.
(h) Magnetic Variation Assessment
Within 3 months after the effective date of this AD, and
thereafter at intervals not to exceed 5 years, assess the accuracy
of an affected IRU's MagVar data table, in accordance with the
Recommendations of BAE Systems All Operator Message 21-011V-1, Issue
1, dated September 27, 2021.
(1) If the difference between an affected IRU's MagVar data
table and the existing WMM MagVar data tables is less than or equal
to 2 degrees for the routes that the airplane may operate, no
further action is required until the assessment is repeated, as
required by the introductory text to paragraph (h) of this AD.
(2) If the difference between an affected IRU's MagVar data
table and the existing WMM MagVar data tables is greater than 2
degrees for the routes that the airplane may operate: Do the actions
required by paragraph (h)(2)(i) or (ii) of this AD.
(i) Within three months after the effective date of this AD or
before further flight after the assessment in the introductory text
to paragraph (h) of this AD, whichever occurs later: Update the
airplane's affected IRU MagVar data tables in accordance with the
Recommendations of BAE Systems All Operator Message 21-011V-1, Issue
1, dated September 27, 2021.
(ii) Comply with the provisions specified in, and at the times
specified in, paragraphs (h)(2)(ii)(A) and (B) of this AD.
(A) Further flight is prohibited in areas where the difference
between the installed and the existing WMM MagVar values exceeds the
2 degree tolerance unless both terrain awareness warning system
(TAWS) and traffic collision avoidance system (TCAS) are installed
and operative.
(B) Before further flight, revise the operator's existing FAA-
approved minimum equipment list (MEL) to prohibit dispatch unless
both TAWS and TCAS are installed and operative.
(3) If an affected IRU's MagVar data table cannot be determined,
follow the procedures specified in the Recommendations of BAE
Systems All Operator Message 21-011V-1, Issue 1, dated September 27,
2021.
(4) This AD does not require operators to provide flightcrews
with certain operating procedures as those actions are already
required by existing FAA operating regulations.
(i) Terminating Action for MEL Prohibition
Updating both affected IRUs, as specified in paragraph (h)(2)(i)
of this AD, terminates the MEL prohibition specified in paragraph
(h)(2)(ii)(B) of this AD, provided both TAWS and TCAS are installed
and operative.
(j) 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 (k)(2) of
this AD. Information may be emailed to: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#a49d89e5f2f789e5edf68993979489e5e9ebe7e4c2c5c58ac3cbd2"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="162f3b5740453b575f443b2125263b575b59555670777738717960">[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: As of the effective date of
this AD, for any requirement in this AD to obtain instructions from
a
[[Page 68647]]
manufacturer, the instructions must be accomplished using a method
approved by the Manager, Large Aircraft Section, International
Validation Branch, FAA; or the UK CAA; or BAE Systems (Operations)
Limited's UK CAA DOA. If approved by the DOA, the approval must
include the DOA-authorized signature.
(k) Related Information
(1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information
(MCAI) CAA AD G-2022-0005, dated February 24, 2022, for related
information. This MCAI may be found in the AD docket on the internet
at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-
2022-1152.
(2) For more information about this AD, contact Todd Thompson,
Aerospace Engineer, Large Aircraft Section, International Validation
Branch, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone
206-231-3228; email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#86d2e9e2e2a8d2eee9ebf6f5e9e8c6e0e7e7a8e1e9f0"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="35615a51511b615d5a5845465a5b755354541b525a43">[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#a9fbe8d9dccbc5c0cac8ddc0c6c7dae9cbc8ccdad0daddccc4da87cac6c4"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="b2e0f3c2c7d0dedbd1d3c6dbdddcc1f2d0d3d7c1cbc1c6d7dfc19cd1dddf">[email protected]</span></a>; internet <a href="http://baesystems.com/Businesses/RegionalAircraft/index.htm">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 November 9, 2022.
Christina Underwood,
Acting Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2022-24840 Filed 11-15-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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