Rule2024-22319
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
September 30, 2024
Effective
November 4, 2024
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Model BAe 146 and Avro 146-RJ series airplanes. This AD was prompted by a report of cracking on the radius of the rib 0 forward longeron at a certain frame. This AD requires a one-time inspection for defects of the radius, and repair if necessary. 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 189 (Monday, September 30, 2024)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 189 (Monday, September 30, 2024)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 79423-79425]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2024-22319]
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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;
Amendment 39-22831; AD 2024-17-06]
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 adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all
BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Model BAe 146 and Avro 146-RJ series
airplanes. This AD was prompted by a report of cracking on the radius
of the rib 0 forward longeron at a certain frame. This AD requires a
one-time inspection for defects of the radius, and repair if necessary.
The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these
products.
DATES: This AD is effective November 4, 2024.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of November 4,
2024.
ADDRESSES:
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 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 BAE Systems material 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#5200132227303e3b3133263b3d3c2112303337212b2126373f217c313d3f"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="a0f2e1d0d5c2ccc9c3c1d4c9cfced3e0c2c1c5d3d9d3d4c5cdd38ec3cfcd">[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 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. It is also available at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under
Docket No. FAA-2024-1478.
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#d6a2b9b2b2f8a2beb9bba6a5b9b896b0b7b7f8b1b9a0"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="5e2a313a3a702a3631332e2d31301e383f3f70393128">[email protected]</span></a>.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14
CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to all BAE Systems
(Operations) Limited Model BAe 146 and Avro 146-RJ series airplanes.
The NPRM published in the Federal Register on June 6, 2024 (89 FR
48348). The NPRM was prompted by AD G-2023-0006, dated November 24,
2023 (referred to after this as the MCAI), issued by the Civil Aviation
Authority (CAA), which is the aviation authority for the United Kingdom
(UK). 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.
In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to require a one-time inspection for
defects of the radius, and repair if necessary. 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-2024-1478.
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.
Material Incorporated by Reference Under 1 CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Inspection
Service Bulletin ISB.53-249, dated August 25, 2023. This material
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 material is
reasonably available because the interested parties
[[Page 79424]]
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
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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 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
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 adding the following new airworthiness
directive:
2024-17-06 BAE Systems (Operations) Limited: Amendment 39-22831;
Docket No. FAA-2024-1478; Project Identifier MCAI-2023-01216-T.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective November 4, 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#86c7cbc9c5c6e0e7e7a8e1e9f0"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="2465696b67644245450a434b52">[email protected]</span></a>. Before using any approved AMOC, notify your
appropriate
[[Page 79425]]
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 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#11657e75753f65797e7c61627e7f517770703f767e67"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="50243f34347e24383f3d20233f3e103631317e373f26">[email protected]</span></a>.
(k) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference (IBR) of the material listed in this
paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
(2) You must use this material 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 material 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#3260734247505e5b5153465b5d5c4172505357414b4146575f411c515d5f"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="f0a2b18085929c99939184999f9e83b092919583898384959d83de939f9d">[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#1f796d3176716c6f7a7c6b7670715f717e6d7e31787069"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="2442560a4d4a57544147504d4b4a644a4556450a434b52">[email protected]</span></a>.
Issued on August 22, 2024.
Victor Wicklund,
Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2024-22319 Filed 9-27-24; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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