Rule2024-08108
Airworthiness Directives; BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Airplanes
Primary source
Metadata and text below are from the Federal Register, a public-domain U.S. government work. Always verify the official published version before relying on it for any legal matter.
Published
April 17, 2024
Effective
May 22, 2024
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2022-25- 18, which applied to certain BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Model BAe 146 and Model Avro 146-RJ series airplanes. AD 2022-25-18 required repetitive inspections for cracking of the main landing gear (MLG) side stay outer link and replacement if necessary. This AD was prompted by additional investigations of the causes of the cracking being conducted. This AD requires a reduction of the repetitive visual inspection interval, provides optional repetitive special detailed inspections, and requires accomplishing a one-off dimensional tolerance check and performing a repetitive lubrication of the MLG side stay outer link pivot, as specified in United Kingdom (U.K.) Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) (U.K. CAA) AD, which is incorporated by reference. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Full Text
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<title>Federal Register, Volume 89 Issue 75 (Wednesday, April 17, 2024)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 75 (Wednesday, April 17, 2024)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 27383-27386]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2024-08108]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2023-2400; Project Identifier MCAI-2023-00782-T;
Amendment 39-22715; AD 2024-06-10]
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 superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2022-25-
18, which applied to certain BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Model BAe
146 and Model Avro 146-RJ series airplanes. AD 2022-25-18 required
repetitive inspections for cracking of the main landing gear (MLG) side
stay outer link and replacement if necessary. This AD was prompted by
additional investigations of the causes of the cracking being
conducted. This AD requires a reduction of the repetitive visual
inspection interval, provides optional repetitive special detailed
inspections, and requires accomplishing a one-off dimensional tolerance
check and performing a repetitive lubrication of the MLG side stay
outer link pivot, as specified in United Kingdom (U.K.) Civil Aviation
Authority (CAA) (U.K. CAA) 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 May 22, 2024.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of May 22, 2024.
ADDRESSES:
AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under
Docket No. FAA-2023-2400; 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:
<bullet> For U.K. CAA material incorporated by reference in this
AD, contact Civil Aviation Authority, Aviation House, Beehive Ring
Road, Crawley, West Sussex RH6 0YR, United Kingdom; telephone +44(0)
330 022 4401; email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#7c1f1312081512091918521d150e0b130e08141512190f0f3c401d5c140e191a41" http: caa.co.uk">caa.co.uk</a>">continued.airworthiness@<a href="http://caa.co.uk">caa.co.uk</a></a>; website
<a href="http://caa.co.uk">caa.co.uk</a>.
<bullet> For BAE Systems (Operations) Limited 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#792b38090c1b15101a180d1016170a391b181c0a000a0d1c140a571a1614"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="9bc9daebeef9f7f2f8faeff2f4f5e8dbf9fafee8e2e8effef6e8b5f8f4f6">[email protected]</span></a>; website
<a href="http://regional-services.com">regional-services.com</a>.
<bullet> You may view this material at the FAA, Airworthiness
Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 2200 South 216th Street,
Des Moines, WA. For information on the availability of this material at
the FAA, call 206-231-3195.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Todd Thompson, Aviation Safety
Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590;
telephone 206-231-3228; email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#65110a01014b110d0a0815160a0b250304044b020a13"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="45312a21216b312d2a2835362a2b052324246b222a33">[email protected]</span></a>.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14
CFR part 39 to supersede AD 2022-25-18, Amendment 39-22274 (87 FR
75915, December 12, 2022; corrected December 27, 2022 (87 FR 79236))
(AD 2022-25-18). AD 2022-25-18 applied to certain BAE Systems
(Operations) Limited Model BAe 146 and Model Avro 146-RJ series
airplanes. AD 2022-25-18 required repetitive inspections for cracking
of the MLG side stay outer link and replacement if necessary. The FAA
issued AD 2022-25-18 to address cracking on the shoulders of an MLG
side stay outer link. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could
lead to failure of the MLG side stay outer link and MLG collapse, which
could result in a runway departure and the engine or wing contacting
the ground. The engine or wing contacting the ground could result in
damage to the airplane, an increased risk of fire, the airplane
flipping, and injury to occupants.
The NPRM published in the Federal Register on December 27, 2023 (88
FR 89339). The NPRM was prompted by AD G-2023-0004R1, dated November
16, 2023 (U.K. CAA AD G-2023-004R1) (also referred to as the MCAI),
issued by U.K. CAA, which is the aviation authority for the United
Kingdom. The MCAI states that further investigation resulted in a
reduced repetitive detailed visual inspection interval and an option to
do repetitive special detailed inspections; a new requirement for a
one-time dimensional tolerance check; and a requirement to perform a
repetitive lubrication of the MLG side stay outer link pivot.
In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to require a reduction of the
repetitive visual inspection interval, provide optional repetitive
special detailed inspections, and require accomplishing a one-off
dimensional tolerance check and performing a repetitive lubrication of
the MLG side stay outer link pivot, as specified in U.K. CAA AD G-2023-
0004R1. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on
these products.
You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under
Docket No. FAA-2023-2400.
[[Page 27384]]
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.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
U.K. CAA AD G-2023-004R1 specifies procedures for doing repetitive
detailed visual inspections or special detailed inspections for
cracking of the MLG side stay outer link and replacement if necessary;
a one-time dimensional tolerance check of the MLG side stay outer link
and corrective actions including replacement if necessary: and
repetitive lubrication of the MLG side stay outer link pivot.
The FAA reviewed BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Alert Service
Bulletin ASB.32-A189, Revision 2, dated August 3, 2023. This service
information describes procedures for doing, among other actions,
detailed visual inspections and special detailed inspections
(fluorescent dye penetrant) for cracking of the MLG side stay outer
link, replacement of the side stay outer link; a one-time dimensional
tolerance check of the MLG side stay outer link; removing the side stay
outer link and contacting the manufacturer; re-applying protective
treatment/paint; and lubrication of the MLG side stay outer link pivot.
This material 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.
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
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Cost per Cost on U.S
Labor cost Parts cost product operators
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2 work-hours x $85 per hour = $170........................... $0 $170 $3,400
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Estimated Costs for On-Condition Actions
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Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product
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Up to 5 work-hours x $85 per Up to $3,000...... Up to $3,425.
hour = Up to $425.
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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
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:
0
a. Removing airworthiness directive 2022-25-18, Amendment 39-22274 (87
FR 75915, December 12, 2022; corrected December 27, 2022 (87 FR
79236)); and
0
b. Adding the following new airworthiness directive:
2024-06-10 BAE Systems (Operations) Limited: Amendment 39-22715;
Docket No. FAA-2023-2400; Project Identifier MCAI-2023-00782-T.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective May 22, 2024.
(b) Affected ADs
This AD replaces AD 2022-25-18, Amendment 39-22274 (87 FR 75915,
December 12, 2022; corrected December 27, 2022 (87 FR 79236)).
[[Page 27385]]
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to all BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Model
BAe 146-100A, -200A, and -300A airplanes and Model Avro 146-RJ70A,
146-RJ85A, and 146-RJ100A airplanes, certificated in any category.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 32, Landing
gear.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by reports of cracking on the shoulders of
a main landing gear (MLG) side stay outer link. The FAA is issuing
this AD to address cracking of the MLG side stay outer link. The
unsafe condition, if not addressed, could lead to failure of the MLG
side stay outer link and MLG collapse, which could result in a
runway departure and the engine or wing contacting the ground. The
engine or wing contacting the ground could result in damage to the
airplane, an increased risk of fire, the airplane flipping, and
injury to occupants.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Requirements
Except as specified in paragraphs (h) and (i) of this AD: Comply
with all required actions and compliance times specified in, and in
accordance with, United Kingdom (U.K.) Civil Aviation Authority
(CAA) (U.K. CAA) AD G-2023-0004R1, dated November 16, 2023 (U.K. CAA
AD G-2023-0004R1).
(h) Exceptions to U.K. CAA AD G-2023-0004R1
(1) Where U.K. CAA AD G-2023-0004R1 refers to July 7, 2023 (the
effective date of U.K. CAA AD G-2023-0004 at original issue), this
AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(2) This AD does not adopt the paragraph that begins with
``Required as indicated, unless accomplished previously in
accordance with ASB.32-A189 . . .'' and the Note that begins with
``Prior accomplishment of inspection requirements . . .'' specified
in ``Required Actions(s) and Compliance Time(s)'' of U.K. CAA AD G-
2023-0004R1.
(3) Where U.K. CAA AD G-2023-0004R1 refers to ``ASB,'' ``the
ASB,'' or ``ASB.32-A189 Revision 2,'' this AD requires using BAE
Systems (Operations) Limited Alert Service Bulletin ASB.32-A189,
Revision 2, dated August 3, 2023.
(4) Where U.K. CAA AD G-2023-0004R1 specifies a detailed visual
inspection ``every 500 flights or 6 months (whichever occurs
first),'' for this AD, replace that text with ``repeat at intervals
not to exceed 500 flight cycles or 6 months, whichever occurs
first.''
(5) Where U.K. CAA AD G-2023-0004R1 specifies a special detailed
inspection ``every 1200 flights or 12 months (whichever occurs
first),'' for this AD, replace that text with ``repeat at intervals
not to exceed 1,200 flight cycles or 12 months, whichever occurs
first.''
(6) Where U.K. CAA AD G-2023-0004R1 specifies ``in accordance
with the dimensional limits provided in Appendix 2 then Safran
Landing Systems must be contacted to provide further instructions,''
this AD requires ``before further flight, repair using a method
approved by the Manager, International Validation Branch, FAA; or
the 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.''
(7) Where U.K. CAA AD G-2023-0004R1 specifies the lubrication of
the MLG sidestay outer link pivots ``every 500 flights or 6 months
(whichever occurs first),'' for this AD, replace that text with ``at
intervals not to exceed 500 flight cycles or 6 months, whichever
occurs first.''
(8) Where paragraph (5) of U.K. CAA AD G-2023-0004R1 specifies
``as required by paragraphs (1) and (2) of this AD,'' for this AD,
replace that text with ``as required by paragraphs (1), (2), and (3)
of this AD.''
(9) Where the Note in paragraph (5) of U.K. CAA AD G-2023-0004R1
specifies ``the part must have been inspected in accordance with
paragraph (1) of this AD and a one-off dimensional check,
airworthiness assessment and reporting performed in accordance with
paragraph (2) of this AD,'' for this AD, replace that text with
``the part must have been inspected in accordance with paragraph (1)
or (2) of this AD and a one-off dimensional check and airworthiness
assessment performed in accordance with paragraph (3) of this AD.''
(10) This AD does not adopt the ``Remarks'' section of U.K. CAA
AD G-2023-0004R1.
(i) No Reporting Requirement
Although U.K. CAA AD G-2023-0004R1 and BAE Systems (Operations)
Limited Alert Service Bulletin ASB.32-A189, Revision 2, dated August
3, 2023, specify to submit certain information to the manufacturer,
this AD does not include that requirement.
(j) Credit for Previous Actions
(1) This paragraph provides credit for actions required by
paragraph (1) of U.K. CAA AD G-2023-0004R1, if those actions were
performed before the effective date of this AD using BAE Systems
(Operations) Limited Alert Service Bulletin ASB.32-A189, dated
September 16, 2022, which was incorporated by reference in AD 2022-
25-18, Amendment 39-22274 (87 FR 75915, December 12, 2022; corrected
December 27, 2022 (87 FR 79236)); or BAE Systems (Operations)
Limited Alert Service Bulletin ASB.32-A189, Revision 1, dated March
13, 2023, which is not incorporated by reference in this AD.
(2) This paragraph provides credit for actions required by
paragraph (3) of U.K. CAA AD G-2023-0004R1, if those actions were
performed before the effective date of this AD using BAE Systems
(Operations) Limited Alert Service Bulletin ASB.32-A189, Revision 1,
dated March 13, 2023, which is not incorporated by reference in this
AD.
(k) 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 (l)(1) of this AD or email to: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#e6dfcba7b0b5cba7afb4cbd1d5d6cba7aba9a5a6808787c8818990"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="ba8397fbece997fbf3e8978d898a97fbf7f5f9fadcdbdb94ddd5cc">[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 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 U.K. CAA; or BAE Systems (Operations)
Limited's U.K. CAA DOA. If approved by the DOA, the approval must
include the DOA-authorized signature.
(l) Additional Information
(1) 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
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#c0b4afa4a4eeb4a8afadb0b3afae80a6a1a1eea7afb6"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="2a5e454e4e045e4245475a5945446a4c4b4b044d455c">[email protected]</span></a>.
(2) Service information identified in this AD that is not
incorporated by reference is available at the address specified in
paragraph (m)(4) of this AD.
(m) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference (IBR) 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 this AD specifies otherwise.
(i) BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Alert Service Bulletin
ASB.32-A189, Revision 2, dated August 3, 2023.
(ii) United Kingdom Civil Aviation Authority (U.K. CAA) AD G-
2023-0004R1, dated November 16, 2023.
(3) For U.K. CAA AD G-2023-0004R1, contact Civil Aviation
Authority, Aviation House, Beehive Ring Road, Crawley, West Sussex
RH6 0YR, United Kingdom; telephone +44(0) 330 022 4401; email
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#7b1814150f12150e1e1f551a12090c14090f1312151e08083b471a5b13091e1d46" http: caa.co.uk">caa.co.uk</a>">continued.airworthiness@<a href="http://caa.co.uk">caa.co.uk</a></a>; website <a href="http://caa.co.uk">caa.co.uk</a>.
(4) For BAE Systems (Operations) Limited service information,
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#a7f5e6d7d2c5cbcec4c6d3cec8c9d4e7c5c6c2d4ded4d3c2cad489c4c8ca"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="e0b2a19095828c89838194898f8e93a082818593999394858d93ce838f8d">[email protected]</span></a>; website <a href="http://regional-services.com">regional-services.com</a>.
(5) You may view this material at the FAA, Airworthiness
Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 2200 South 216th
Street, Des Moines, WA. For information on the availability of this
material at the FAA, call 206-231-3195.
(6) You may view this material at the National Archives and
Records Administration (NARA). For information on
[[Page 27386]]
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#1f796d3176716c6f7a7c6b7670715f717e6d7e31787069"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="2e485c0047405d5e4b4d5a4741406e404f5c4f00494158">[email protected]</span></a>.
Issued on March 19, 2024.
Victor Wicklund,
Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2024-08108 Filed 4-16-24; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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