Proposed Rule2024-12195
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
June 6, 2024
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 and Avro 146-RJ series airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by a report of cracking on the radius of the rib 0 forward longeron at frame 26. This proposed AD would require a one-time inspection for defects of the radius, and repair 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 110 (Thursday, June 6, 2024)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 110 (Thursday, June 6, 2024)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 48348-48351]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2024-12195]
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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]
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
[[Page 48349]]
BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Model BAe 146 and Avro 146-RJ series
airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by a report of cracking on the
radius of the rib 0 forward longeron at frame 26. This proposed AD
would require a one-time inspection for defects of the radius, and
repair 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 July 22,
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-2024-1478; 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 NPRM, the mandatory 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 BAE System 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#356774454057595c5654415c5a5b4675575450464c46415058461b565a58"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="d78596a7a2b5bbbeb4b6a3beb8b9a497b5b6b2a4aea4a3b2baa4f9b4b8ba">[email protected]</span></a>; website <a href="http://baesystems.com/en/our-company/our-businesses/regional-aircraft/about-us">baesystems.com/en/our-company/our-businesses/regional-aircraft/about-us</a>.
<bullet> 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.
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#6e1a010a0a401a0601031e1d01002e080f0f40090118"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="d5a1bab1b1fba1bdbab8a5a6babb95b3b4b4fbb2baa3">[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-2024-1478; Project Identifier
MCAI-2023-01216-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="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, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite
410, Westbury, NY 11590; telephone 206-231-3228; email
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#a7d3c8c3c389d3cfc8cad7d4c8c9e7c1c6c689c0c8d1"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="dda9b2b9b9f3a9b5b2b0adaeb2b39dbbbcbcf3bab2ab">[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 (UK), has issued UK CAA AD G-2023-0006, dated
November 24, 2023 (UK CAA AD G-2023-0006) (also referred to after this
as the MCAI), to correct an unsafe condition on all BAE Systems
(Operations) Limited Model BAe 146 and Avro 146-RJ series airplanes.
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.
The FAA is proposing 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-2024-1478.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Inspection
Service Bulletin ISB.53-249, dated August 25, 2023. This service
information 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
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 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 service information already described.
Interim Action
The FAA considers that this proposed AD would be an interim action.
If final action is later identified, the FAA might consider further
rulemaking then.
[[Page 48350]]
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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2 work-hours x $85 per hour = $170........................... $0 $170 $3,400
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The FAA has received no definitive data on which to base the cost
estimates for the on-condition repairs 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-2024-1478; Project
Identifier MCAI-2023-01216-T.
(a) Comments Due Date
The FAA must receive comments on this airworthiness directive
(AD) by July 22, 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: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#e3dacea2b5b0cea2aab1ced4d0d3cea2aeaca0a3858282cd848c95"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="fac3d7bbaca9d7bbb3a8d7cdc9cad7bbb7b5b9ba9c9b9bd49d958c">[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, International
Validation Branch, FAA; or the UK CAA; or BAE Systems (Operations)
Limited's UK CAA's
[[Page 48351]]
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
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#d9adb6bdbdf7adb1b6b4a9aab6b799bfb8b8f7beb6af"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="1f6b707b7b316b7770726f6c70715f797e7e31787069">[email protected]</span></a>.
(k) 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 Inspection Service Bulletin
ISB.53-249, dated August 25, 2023.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For BAE Systems 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#2b796a5b5e494742484a5f424445586b494a4e5852585f4e465805484446"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="683a29181d0a04010b091c0107061b280a090d1b111b1c0d051b460b0705">[email protected]</span></a>; website <a href="http://baesystems.com/en/our-company/our-businesses/regional-aircraft/about-us">baesystems.com/en/our-company/our-businesses/regional-aircraft/about-us</a>.
(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 <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#5f392d7136312c2f3a3c2b3630311f313e2d3e71383029"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="bcdace92d5d2cfccd9dfc8d5d3d2fcd2ddcedd92dbd3ca">[email protected]</span></a>.
Issued on May 28, 2024.
Victor Wicklund,
Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2024-12195 Filed 6-5-24; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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