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[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 157 (Tuesday, August 14, 2012)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 48420-48423]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-19420]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2012-0332; Directorate Identifier 2011-NM-130-AD; 
Amendment 39-17155; AD 2012-16-08]
RIN 2120-AA64

Airworthiness Directives; BAE Systems (Operations) Limited 
Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of 
Transportation (DOT).

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain

[[Page 48421]]

BAE SYSTEMS (OPERATIONS) LIMITED Model BAe 146 and Avro 146-RJ series 
airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports of cracking and surface 
anomalies of the fuselage skin at the water trap/air dryer unit of the 
forward discharge valve due to corrosion. This AD requires repetitive 
detailed inspections for bulging, surface anomalies, and cracking of 
the fuselage skin adjacent to the discharge valves, repair if 
necessary, and application of additional sealant in the affected area 
if necessary. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct bulging, 
surface anomalies, and cracking that could propagate towards the 
forward discharge valve outlet, which could result in the failure of 
the fuselage skin, leading to a possible sudden loss of cabin pressure.

DATES: This AD becomes effective September 18, 2012.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of September 18, 
2012.

ADDRESSES: You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov or in person at the U.S. Department of 
Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, 
Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 98057-3356.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Todd Thompson, Aerospace Engineer, 
International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 
1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356; phone 425-227-
1175; fax 425-227-1149.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Discussion

    We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR 
part 39 to include an AD that would apply to the specified products. 
That NPRM was published in the Federal Register on April 5, 2012 (77 FR 
20572). That NPRM proposed to correct an unsafe condition for the 
specified products. The MCAI states:

    An operator has reported the cracking and surface anomalies 
(bulges and/or dents) of the fuselage skin at the water trap/air 
drier unit of the forward discharge valve located between Frames 22 
and 23 and between stringers 22 and 23.
    Further investigation established that these surface anomalies 
(bulges and/or dents) were due to corrosion beneath the water trap/
air drier unit that has resulted in cracking of the fuselage skin. A 
crack at the subject location could propagate towards the forward 
discharge valve outlet and result in the failure of the fuselage 
skin leading to a possible sudden loss of cabin pressure.
    For the reasons described above, this [EASA] AD mandates an 
initial and repetitive [detailed] inspections [for bulging, surface 
anomalies, and cracking] of the fuselage skin adjacent to the front 
and rear discharge valves, the accomplishment of the associated 
correctives actions [repair] if applicable and the application of an 
additional sealant in the affected area.

    You may obtain further information by examining the MCAI in the AD 
docket.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this AD. We received no comments on the NPRM (77 FR 20572, April 5, 
2012) or on the determination of the cost to the public.

Explanation of Change Made to This AD

    We have revised one of the part numbers contained in paragraph (h) 
of this AD from PR1764-2 to PR1764B-2 due to a typographic error; this 
change does not change the intent of that paragraph.

Conclusion

    We reviewed the available data and determined that air safety and 
the public interest require adopting the AD with the change described 
previously--and minor editorial changes. We have determined that these 
minor changes:
     Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the 
NPRM (77 FR 20572, April 5, 2012) for correcting the unsafe condition; 
and
     Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was 
already proposed in the NPRM (77 FR 20572, April 5, 2012).

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD will affect 1 product of U.S. registry. We 
also estimate that it will take about 8 work-hours per product to 
comply with the basic requirements of this AD. The average labor rate 
is $85 per work-hour. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of 
this AD to the U.S. operators to be $680 or $680 per product. We have 
no way of determining the number of products that may need these 
actions.

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.
    We are 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

    We determined that 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. Is not a ``significant rule'' under the DOT Regulatory Policies 
and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979);
    3. Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska; and
    4. 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.
    We prepared a regulatory evaluation of the estimated costs to 
comply with this AD and placed it in the AD docket.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov; or in person at the Docket Operations office 
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal 
holidays. The AD docket contains the NPRM (77 FR 20572, April 5, 2012), 
the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and other 
information. The street address for the Docket Operations office 
(telephone (800) 647-5527) is in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will 
be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by 
reference, Safety.

Adoption of the Amendment

    Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows:

[[Page 48422]]

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 AD:

2012-16-08 BAE Systems (Operations) Limited: Amendment 39-17155. 
Docket No. FAA-2012-0332; Directorate Identifier 2011-NM-130-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective September 
18, 2012.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to 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; all 
models, and all serial numbers except airplanes that have 
incorporated auto-pressurization modification HCM50259A during 
production.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 21: Air 
Conditioning.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by reports of cracking and surface 
anomalies of the fuselage skin at the water trap/air dryer unit of 
the forward discharge valve due to corrosion. We are issuing this AD 
to detect and correct bulging, surface anomalies, and cracking that 
could propagate towards the forward discharge valve outlet, which 
could result in the failure of the fuselage skin, leading to a 
possible sudden loss of cabin pressure.

(f) Compliance

    You are responsible for having the actions required by this AD 
performed within the compliance times specified, unless the actions 
have already been done.

(g) Detailed Inspection of External Fuselage Skin

    Within 12 months after the effective date of this AD, do a 
detailed inspection to check for bulging, surface anomalies, and 
cracking of the fuselage skin adjacent to the discharge valve 
outlets (one frame fore and aft, one stringer above and below), in 
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of BAE SYSTEMS 
(OPERATIONS) LIMITED Inspection Service Bulletin ISB.21-162, 
Revision 1, dated September 16, 2010. Repeat the inspection 
thereafter at intervals not to exceed 24 months.
    (1) If any bulging, surface anomalies, or cracking of the 
fuselage skin is found to be within the criteria defined in Subject 
53-00-00, ``Fuselage, General--Description,'' of Chapter 53, 
``Fuselage,'' of the BAE SYSTEMS BAe 146 Series/AVRO 146-RJ Series 
Structural Repair Manual for Series 100-200, Revision 66, dated 
October 15, 2011 (for Model 146-100A and -200A, and Avro 146-RJ70A 
and 146-RJ85A airplanes); or Subject 53-00-00, ``Fuselage, General--
Description,'' of Chapter 53, ``Fuselage,'' of the BAE SYSTEMS BAe 
146 Series/AVRO 146-RJ Series Structural Repair Manual for Series 
300, Revision 44, dated October 15, 2011 (for Model 146-300A and 
Avro 146-RJ100A airplanes): Before further flight, repair the 
damage, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of BAE 
SYSTEMS (OPERATIONS) LIMITED Inspection Service Bulletin ISB.21-162, 
Revision 1, dated September 16, 2010.
    (2) If any bulging, surface anomalies, or cracking of the 
fuselage skin is found exceeding the criteria defined in Subject 53-
00-00, ``Fuselage, General--Description,'' of Chapter 53, 
``Fuselage,'' of the BAE SYSTEMS BAe 146 Series/AVRO 146-RJ Series 
Structural Repair Manual for Series 100-200, Revision 66, dated 
October 15, 2011 (for Model 146-100A and -200A, and Avro 146-RJ70A 
and 146-RJ85A airplanes); or Subject 53-00-00, ``Fuselage, General--
Description,'' of Chapter 53, ``Fuselage,'' of the BAE SYSTEMS BAe 
146 Series/AVRO 146-RJ Series Structural Repair Manual for Series 
300, Revision 44, dated October 15, 2011 (for Model 146-300A and 
Avro 146-RJ100A airplanes): Before further flight, repair the damage 
according to a method approved by the Manager, International Branch, 
ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, or European Aviation 
Safety Agency (EASA) or its delegated agent.

(h) Application of Sealant

    Within 24 months after the effective date of this AD, unless a 
repair has already been accomplished in accordance with paragraph 
(g) of this AD: Apply additional PR1422A-2 or PR1764B-2 edge sealant 
between the water trap/air dryer and the fuselage skin, in 
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of BAE SYSTEMS 
(OPERATIONS) LIMITED Inspection Service Bulletin ISB.21-162, 
Revision 1, dated September 16, 2010. Application of additional 
sealant does not constitute terminating action for the repetitive 
detailed inspections required by paragraph (g) of this AD. 
Accomplishment of a repair as required by paragraph (g) of this AD 
terminates the repetitive inspection requirements of this AD.

(i) Credit for Previous Actions

    (1) This paragraph provides credit for inspections and sealant 
applications required by paragraphs (g) and (h) of this AD, if those 
actions were performed before the effective date of this AD using 
BAE SYSTEMS (OPERATIONS) LIMITED Inspection Service Bulletin ISB.21-
162, dated June 7, 2010.
    (2) This paragraph provides credit for using criteria defined in 
the following subject of the applicable structural repair manual, as 
required by paragraphs (g)(1) and (g)(2) of this AD, if that 
criteria was used before the effective date of this AD using Subject 
53-00-00, ``Fuselage, General--Description,'' of Chapter 53, 
``Fuselage,'' of the BAE SYSTEMS BAe 146 Series/AVRO 146-RJ Series 
Structural Repair Manual for Series 100-200, Revision 65, dated 
September 15, 2010 (for Model 146-100A and -200A, and Avro 146-RJ70A 
and 146-RJ85A airplanes); or Subject 53-00-00, ``Fuselage, General--
Description,'' of Chapter 53, ``Fuselage,'' of the BAE SYSTEMS BAe 
146 Series/AVRO 146-RJ Series Structural Repair Manual for Series 
300, Revision 43, dated September 15, 2010 (for Model 146-300A and 
Avro 146-RJ100A airplanes).

(j) Other FAA AD Provisions

    The following provisions also apply to this AD:
    (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, 
International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, 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 International Branch, send it to ATTN: Todd 
Thompson, Aerospace Engineer, International Branch, ANM-116, 
Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, 
Washington 98057-3356; phone 425-227-1175; fax 425-227-1149. 
Information may be emailed to: 9-ANM-116-AMOC-REQUESTS@faa.gov. 
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. The AMOC approval letter must specifically reference this 
AD.
    (2) Airworthy Product: For any requirement in this AD to obtain 
corrective actions from a manufacturer or other source, use these 
actions if they are FAA-approved. Corrective actions are considered 
FAA-approved if they are approved by the State of Design Authority 
(or their delegated agent). You are required to assure the product 
is airworthy before it is returned to service.

(k) Related Information

    Refer to MCAI EASA Airworthiness Directive 2011-0099, dated May 
26, 2011, and the service information identified in paragraphs 
(k)(1), (k)(2), and (k)(3) of this AD, for related information.
    (1) BAE SYSTEMS (OPERATIONS) LIMITED Inspection Service Bulletin 
ISB.21-162, Revision 1, dated September 16, 2010.
    (2) Subject 53-00-00, ``Fuselage, General--Description,'' of 
Chapter 53, ``Fuselage,'' of the BAE SYSTEMS BAe 146 Series/AVRO 
146-RJ Series Structural Repair Manual for Series 100-200, Revision 
66, dated October 15, 2011.
    (3) Subject 53-00-00, ``Fuselage, General--Description,'' of 
Chapter 53, ``Fuselage,'' of the BAE SYSTEMS BAe 146 Series/AVRO 
146-RJ Series Structural Repair Manual for Series 300, Revision 44, 
dated October 15, 2011.

(l) Material Incorporated by Reference

    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference

[[Page 48423]]

(IBR) of the following service information under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 
1 CFR part 51.
    (2) You must use the following service information to do the 
actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
    (i) BAE SYSTEMS (OPERATIONS) LIMITED Inspection Service Bulletin 
ISB.21-162, Revision 1, dated September 16, 2010.
    (ii) Subject 53-00-00, ``Fuselage, General--Description,'' of 
Chapter 53, ``Fuselage,'' of the BAE SYSTEMS BAe 146 Series/AVRO 
146-RJ Series Structural Repair Manual for Series 100-200, Revision 
66, dated October 15, 2011. The revision level of this document is 
specified only in the Letter of Transmittal.
    (iii) Subject 53-00-00, ``Fuselage, General--Description,'' of 
Chapter 53, ``Fuselage,'' of the BAE SYSTEMS BAe 146 Series/AVRO 
146-RJ Series Structural Repair Manual for Series 300, Revision 44, 
dated October 15, 2011. The revision level of this document is 
specified only in the Letter of Transmittal.
    (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 
RApublications@baesystems.com; Internet http://www.baesystems.com/Businesses/RegionalAircraft/index.htm.
    (4) You may review copies of the service information at the FAA, 
Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, 
Washington. For information on the availability of this material at 
the FAA, call 425-227-1221.
    (5) You may also review copies of the service information that 
is incorporated by reference at the National Archives and Records 
Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this 
material at an NARA facility, call 202-741-6030, or go to http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on July 31, 2012.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2012-19420 Filed 8-13-12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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