Proposed Rule2024-01985
Airworthiness Directives; Britten-Norman Aircraft, Ltd. Airplanes
Primary source
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Published
February 1, 2024
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Britten-Norman Aircraft, Ltd. Model 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-2B27, BN-2T, BN2T-4R, and BN2T-4S airplanes; and Model BN2A MK. III, BN2A MK. III-2, and BN2A MK. III-3 airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by reports of electrical cable (Koiled Kord) and flight control cables interference with the control column. This proposed AD would require inspecting for interference between the control column, rudder pedal adjuster cable, and any wiring (including the Koiled Kord) concurrently with performing a flight control full and free movement inspection, and taking 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 89 Issue 22 (Thursday, February 1, 2024)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 22 (Thursday, February 1, 2024)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 6452-6455]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2024-01985]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2024-0044; Project Identifier MCAI-2023-00629-A]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Britten-Norman Aircraft, Ltd. 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 Britten-Norman Aircraft, Ltd. Model 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-2B27, BN-2T, BN2T-4R, and BN2T-4S
airplanes; and Model BN2A MK. III, BN2A MK. III-2, and BN2A MK. III-3
airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by reports of electrical cable
(Koiled Kord) and flight control cables interference with the control
column. This proposed AD would require inspecting for interference
between the control column, rudder pedal adjuster cable, and any wiring
(including the Koiled Kord) concurrently with performing a flight
control full and free movement inspection, and taking 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 NPRM by March 18, 2024.
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.
AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under
Docket No. FAA-2024-0044; 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
[[Page 6453]]
continuing airworthiness information (MCAI), any comments received, and
other information. The street address for Docket Operations is listed
above.
Material Incorporated by Reference:
<bullet> For service information identified in this NPRM, contact
Britten-Norman Aircraft Ltd., Bembridge Airport, Bembridge, Isle of
Wight, PO35 5PR United Kingdom; phone: +44 20 3371 4000; email:
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#1675636562797b736438656366667964625674647f626273783b2a77367e6473702b" http: norman.com">norman.com</a>">customer.support@britten-<a href="http://norman.com">norman.com</a></a>; website: <a href="http://britten-norman.com/approvals-technical-publications">britten-norman.com/approvals-technical-publications</a>.
<bullet> 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 (817) 222-5110.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Penelope Trease, Aviation Safety
Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590;
phone: (303) 342-1094; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#fb8b9e959e97948b9ed58f899e9a889ebb9d9a9ad59c948d"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="5e2e3b303b32312e3b702a2c3b3f2d3b1e383f3f70393128">[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-2024-0044; Project Identifier
MCAI-2023-00629-A'' 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
this 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
Penelope Trease, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue,
Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590. 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 airworthiness
authority for the United Kingdom (UK), has issued CAA UK AD G-2022-
0017, dated September 20, 2022 (also referred to as the MCAI), to
correct an unsafe condition on all Britten-Norman Aircraft Ltd. Model
BN2 series Islander airplanes; and Model BN2A Mark III Trislander
airplanes. The MCAI states that there have been occurrences of flight
control restriction in pitch during the pilot's full and free flight
control checks prior to take-off. Investigations into these occurrences
revealed interference between the routing of the Koiled Kord, flight
control cables, and control column, which could restrict the full and
free movement of the flight controls. An incorrectly routed Koiled Kord
could snag the rudder pedal adjustment cable, draw it towards the
control column tube where it could snag the aileron control stop, and
restrict movement of the control column tube. This increased load on
the rudder pedal adjustment cable could unlock the adjustment
mechanism, permitting the rudder pedals to freely move forward and aft.
One of the investigations also revealed that a correctly routed Koiled
Kord was entangled with an incorrectly routed rudder pedal adjustment
cable, which resulted in snagging the aileron control stop. In order to
address this condition, the MCAI requires an inspection using Britten-
Norman Service Bulletin SB 398, Issue 2, dated May 30, 2022 (Britten-
Norman SB 398, Issue 2), to ensure the Koiled Kord is correctly routed
behind the instrument panel and that the rudder pedal adjustment cable
and Koiled Kord are not interfering with each other.
The FAA is proposing this AD to address this unsafe condition.
Interference between the Koiled Kord, flight control cables, and the
control column, if not addressed, could result in loss of control of
the airplane during flight.
You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under
Docket No. FAA-2024-0044.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed Britten-Norman SB 398, Issue 2, which specifies
procedures for inspecting the cable routing behind the instrument panel
to determine if the cables and wiring to the instrument panel, wiring
in the surrounding area, the rudder pedal adjuster cable, and the
Koiled Kord are routed securely and there is clearance to allow full
and free movement of the flight controls, and if interference is found,
securely tying the cables so they are clear of the control column for
its full range of motion. 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.
FAA's Determination
These products have been approved by the aviation authority of
another country and are 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 is issuing
this NPRM after determining that 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 MCAI except as discussed under ``Differences Between this
Proposed AD and the MCAI.''
Differences Between This Proposed AD the MCAI
The MCAI specifies that if any interference is found during the
inspection for interference between the control column, rudder pedal
adjuster cable, and any wiring (including the Koiled Kord) while
performing a flight control full and free movement check, complete the
operator feedback form in Appendix A of Britten-Norman SB 398, Issue 2,
and return it to Britten-Norman Aircraft, Ltd. That action would not be
required by this proposed AD.
[[Page 6454]]
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD, if adopted as proposed, would
affect 72 airplanes of U.S. registry.
The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this proposed
AD:
Estimated Costs
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Cost per Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost product operators
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Inspect for interference and full 1 work-hour x $85 per $0 $85 $6,120
and free movement. hour = $85.
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The FAA estimates the following costs to do any necessary actions
that would be required based on the results of the proposed inspection.
The agency has no way of determining the number of airplanes that might
need these actions:
On-Condition Costs
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Action Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product
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Correct Koiled Kord cable routing...... Up to 3 work-hours x $85 $0 Up to $255.
per hour = $255.
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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:
Britten-Norman Aircraft, Ltd.: Docket No. FAA-2024-0044; Project
Identifier MCAI-2023-00629-A.
(a) Comments Due Date
The FAA must receive comments on this airworthiness directive
(AD) by March 18, 2024.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Britten-Norman Aircraft Ltd airplanes, all
serial numbers, certificated in any category, identified in
paragraphs (c)(1) and (2) of this AD.
(1) Model 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, BN2T-4R, and BN2T-4S airplanes.
(2) Model BN2A MK. III, BN2A MK. III-2, and BN2A MK. III-3
airplanes.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 2797, Flight Control
System Wiring.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by reports of electrical cable (Koiled
Kord) and flight control cables interference with the control
column. The FAA is issuing this AD to address interference between
the Koiled Kord, flight control cables, and the control column,
which could restrict the full and free movement of the flight
controls. This unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in
loss of control of the airplane during flight.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Definition
For the purposes of this AD, a Koiled Kord is the coiled
electrical cable that carries the wires from switches on the control
yoke, through the control column tube, to the rear of the instrument
panel. It exits the control column tube behind the instrument panel
and continues to a terminal block.
(h) Required Actions
(1) Within 100 hours time-in-service (TIS) after the effective
date of this AD, inspect for interference between the control
column, rudder pedal adjuster cable, and any other wiring, including
the Koiled Kord, in accordance with Sections 6 and 7(1) of Britten-
Norman Service Bulletin SB 398, Issue 2, dated May 30, 2022
(Britten-Norman SB 398, Issue 2), while concurrently
[[Page 6455]]
performing a control column full and free movement inspection, in
accordance with Section 8 of Britten-Norman SB 398, Issue 2, to
inspect for free play, friction, binding, non-linear forces, and any
remaining interference.
(2) If interference between the control column, the rudder pedal
adjuster cable, and any other wiring, including the Koiled Kord, or
any free play, friction, binding, non-linear forces, or any
remaining interference was found during the inspections required by
paragraph (h)(1) of this AD, before further flight, securely tie any
interfering electrical cables clear of the control column for its
full range of motion and perform a final full and free movement
inspection in accordance with Section 8 of Britten-Norman SB 398,
Issue 2, to inspect for free play, friction, binding, non-linear
forces, and any remaining interference. If there is any free play,
friction, binding, non-linear forces, or any remaining interference,
before further flight resolve these issues in accordance with a
method approved by the Manager, International Validation Branch,
FAA; or the Civil Aviation Authority United Kingdom (CAA UK); or
Britten-Norman Aircraft Ltd.'s CAA UK Design Organization Approval
(DOA). If approved by the DOA, the approval must include the DOA-
authorized signature.
(i) 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 local Flight
Standards District Office, as appropriate. If sending information
directly to the manager of the International Validation Branch, mail
it to the address identified in paragraph (j)(2) of this AD or email
to: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#5a63771b0c09771b1308776d696a771b1715191a3c3b3b743d352c"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="3e07137f686d137f776c13090d0e137f73717d7e585f5f10595148">[email protected]</span></a>. If mailing information, also submit
information by email. 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.
(j) Additional Information
(1) Refer to CAA UK AD G-2022-0017, dated September 20, 2022,
for related information. This CAA UK AD may be found in the AD
docket at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under Docket No. FAA-2024-0044.
(2) For more information about this AD, contact Penelope Trease,
Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410,
Westbury, NY 11590; phone: (303) 342-1094; email:
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#1262777c777e7d62773c666077736177527473733c757d64"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="9aeafff4fff6f5eaffb4eee8fffbe9ffdafcfbfbb4fdf5ec">[email protected]</span></a>.
(k) 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 SB 398, Issue 2, dated May
30, 2022.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For service information identified in this AD, contact
Britten-Norman Aircraft Ltd., Bembridge Airport, Bembridge, Isle of
Wight, PO35 5PR United Kingdom; phone: +44 20 3371 4000; email:
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#30534543445f5d55421e434540405f4244705242594444555e1d0c5110584255560d" http: norman.com">norman.com</a>">customer.support@britten-<a href="http://norman.com">norman.com</a></a>; website: <a href="http://britten-norman.com/approvals-technical-publications">britten-norman.com/approvals-technical-publications</a>.
(4) 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 (817) 222-5110.
(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 <a href="http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations">www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations</a> or email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#0167732f686f7271646275686e6f416f6073602f666e77"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="0e687c2067607d7e6b6d7a6761604e606f7c6f20696178">[email protected]</span></a>.
Issued on January 26, 2024.
Michael Linegang,
Acting Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2024-01985 Filed 1-31-24; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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