[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 52 (Tuesday, March 18, 1997)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 12740-12743]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 97-6717]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 96-NM-26-AD; Amendment 39-9969; AD 97-06-12]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; British Aerospace Model BAe 146 and 
Avro 146-RJ Series Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This amendment supersedes two existing airworthiness 
directives (AD), applicable to British Aerospace Model BAe 146 and Avro 
146-RJ series airplanes, that currently require inspections to detect 
cracking of the upper main fitting of the nose landing gear (NLG), and 
replacement or repair of cracked parts, if necessary. Those actions 
were prompted by reports of cracking in the main fittings of the NLG. 
This amendment requires that, for certain airplanes, the inspections be 
accomplished at reduced intervals. This amendment is prompted by the 
results of new analyses of the cracking that were conducted by the 
manufacturer of the NLG. The actions specified by this AD are intended 
to prevent failure of the main fitting, which could lead to collapse of 
the NLG during landing.

DATES: Effective April 21, 1997.

[[Page 12741]]

    The incorporation by reference of British Aerospace Service 
Bulletin S.B. 32-131, Revision 3, dated October 18, 1995, as listed in 
the regulations, is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of April 21, 1997.
    The incorporation by reference of British Aerospace Service 
Bulletin S.B. 32-131, Revision 2, dated July 10, 1993, as listed in the 
regulations, was approved previously by the Director of the Federal 
Register as of April 6, 1995 (60 FR 12413, March 7, 1995).
    The incorporation by reference of British Aerospace Service 
Bulletin S.B. 32-131, Revision 1, dated November 12, 1992, as listed in 
the regulations, was approved previously by the Director of the Federal 
Register as of October 7, 1993 (58 FR 47036, September 7, 1993).
    The incorporation by reference of British Aerospace Service 
Bulletin S.B. 32-131, dated December 6, 1991, as listed in the 
regulations, was approved previously by the Director of the Federal 
Register as of January 12, 1993 (57 FR 57883, December 8, 1992).

ADDRESSES: The service information referenced in this AD may be 
obtained from British Aerospace Holding, Inc., Avro International 
Aerospace Division, P.O. Box 16039, Dulles International Airport, 
Washington DC 20041-6039. This information may be examined at the 
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, 
Rules Docket, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or at the 
Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 
700, Washington, DC.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Tim Backman, Aerospace Engineer, 
Standardization Branch, ANM-113, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056; telephone (206) 
227-2797; fax (206) 227-1149.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: A proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal 
Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) by superseding AD 93-17-04, 
amendment 39-8674 (58 FR 47036, September 7, 1993), and AD 95-04-06, 
amendment 39-9158 (60 FR 12413, March 7, 1995), which are applicable to 
British Aerospace Model BAe 146 and Avro 146-RJ series airplanes, was 
published in the Federal Register on October 18, 1996 (61 FR 54366). 
The action proposed to supersede AD 93-17-04 and AD 95-04-06 to 
continue to require either eddy current or ultra high sensitivity 
penetrant inspections to detect cracking of the upper main fitting of 
the nose landing gear (NLG), and replacement or repair of cracked 
parts, if necessary. It also proposed to require that inspections of 
certain airplanes equipped with specific NLG's be conducted at reduced 
intervals.
    Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate 
in the making of this amendment. No comments were submitted in response 
to the proposal or the FAA's determination of the cost to the public.

Conclusion

    The FAA has determined that air safety and the public interest 
require the adoption of the rule as proposed.

Cost Impact

    There are approximately 52 Model BAe 146 and Model Avro 146-RJ 
series airplanes of U.S. registry that will be affected by this 
proposed AD.
    The inspections that are currently required by AD 93-17-04 and AD 
95-04-06, and retained in this proposal, take approximately 3 work 
hours per airplane to accomplish, at an average labor rate of $60 per 
work hour. Based on these figures, the cost impact of the previously 
required actions on U.S. operators is estimated to be $9,360, or $180 
per airplane, per inspection cycle.
    Although this amendment adds no new actions, the associated costs 
for some operators will increase somewhat since certain inspections 
will be required to be performed more frequently.
    The cost impact figures discussed above are based on assumptions 
that no operator has yet accomplished any of the requirements of this 
AD action, and that no operator would accomplish those actions in the 
future if this AD were not adopted.

Regulatory Impact

    The regulations adopted herein will not have substantial direct 
effects 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. Therefore, in 
accordance with Executive Order 12612, it is determined that this final 
rule does not have sufficient federalism implications to warrant the 
preparation of a Federalism Assessment.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this action (1) is 
not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order 12866; 
(2) is not a ``significant rule'' under DOT Regulatory Policies and 
Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); 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. A final evaluation has been prepared for this action 
and it is contained in the Rules Docket. A copy of it may be obtained 
from the Rules Docket at the location provided under the caption 
ADDRESSES.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

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

Adoption of the Amendment

    Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration amends part 39 of 
the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) as follows:

PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

    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]

    2. Section 39.13 is amended by removing amendment 39-8674 (58 FR 
47036, September 7, 1993) and amendment 39-9158 (60 FR 12413, March 7, 
1995), by adding a new airworthiness directive (AD), amendment 39-9969, 
to read as follows:

    97-06-12  British Aerospace Regional Aircraft Limited, Avro 
International: Amendment 39-9969. Docket 96-NM-26-AD. Supersedes AD 
93-17-04, amendment 39-8674; and AD 95-04-06, amendment 39-9158.

    Applicability: Model BAe 146 and Avro 146-RJ series airplanes, 
certificated in any category.

    Note 1: This AD applies to each airplane identified in the 
preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been 
modified, altered, or repaired in the area subject to the 
requirements of this AD. For airplanes that have been modified, 
altered, or repaired so that the performance of the requirements of 
this AD is affected, the owner/operator must request approval for an 
alternative method of compliance in accordance with paragraph (f) of 
this AD. The request should include an assessment of the effect of 
the modification, alteration, or repair on the unsafe condition 
addressed by this AD; and, if the unsafe condition has not been 
eliminated, the request should include specific proposed actions to 
address it.

    Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished 
previously.
    To prevent failure of the main fitting, which could lead to 
collapse of the nose landing gear (NLG) during landing, accomplish 
the following:

Restatement of Continuing Requirements

    (a) For Model BAe 146 series airplanes on which NLG part number 
200876002, 200876004, or 201138002 has been installed:
    (1) Prior to the accumulation of 16,000 total landings or within 
30 days after October

[[Page 12742]]

7, 1993 (the effective date of AD 93-17-04, Amendment 39-8674), 
whichever occurs later, conduct an eddy current or ultra sensitivity 
penetrant inspection of the NLG, in accordance with British 
Aerospace Service Bulletin S.B. 32-131, dated December 6, 1991; 
Revision 1, dated November 12, 1992; Revision 2, dated July 10, 
1993; or Revision 3, dated October 18, 1995. Repeat the inspection 
thereafter at intervals not to exceed 8,000 landings.
    (2) If cracking is detected during any inspection required by 
this paragraph, prior to further flight, replace the currently 
installed NLG with a new or serviceable unit, or repair the crack, 
in accordance with a method approved by the Manager, Standardization 
Branch, ANM-113, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate. After 
replacement or repair, repeat the inspection at intervals not to 
exceed 8,000 landings.
    (b) For Model Avro 146-RJ series airplanes on which NLG part 
number 200876002, 200876004, or 201138002 has been installed:
    (1) Prior to the accumulation of 16,000 total landings or within 
30 days after April 6, 1995 (the effective date of AD 95-04-06, 
Amendment 39-9158), whichever occurs later, conduct an eddy current 
or ultra sensitivity penetrant inspection of the NLG, in accordance 
with British Aerospace Service Bulletin S.B. 32-131, dated December 
6, 1991; Revision 1, dated November 12, 1992; Revision 2, dated July 
10, 1993; or Revision 3, dated October 18, 1995. Repeat the 
inspection thereafter at intervals not to exceed 8,000 landings.
    (2) If cracking is detected during any inspection required by 
this paragraph, prior to further flight, replace the currently 
installed NLG with a new or serviceable unit, or repair the crack, 
in accordance with a method approved by the Manager, Standardization 
Branch, ANM-113, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate. After 
replacement or repair, repeat the inspection at intervals not to 
exceed 8,000 landings.
    (c) For Model BAe 146 series airplanes on which NLG part number 
200876001 or 200876003 has been installed:
    (1) Prior to the accumulation of 4,000 total landings or within 
30 days after October 7, 1993 (the effective date of AD 93-17-04, 
Amendment 39-8674), whichever occurs later, conduct an eddy current 
or ultra high sensitivity penetrant inspection of the NLG, in 
accordance with British Aerospace Service Bulletin S.B. 32-131, 
dated December 6, 1991; Revision 1, dated November 12, 1992; 
Revision 2, dated July 10, 1993; or Revision 3, dated October 18, 
1995. Repeat the inspection thereafter at intervals not to exceed 
4,000 landings until the inspection required by paragraph (e) of 
this AD is accomplished.
    (2) If cracking is detected during any inspection required by 
this paragraph, prior to further flight, replace the currently 
installed NLG with a new or serviceable unit, or repair the crack, 
in accordance with a method approved by the Manager, Standardization 
Branch, ANM-113, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate. After 
replacement or repair, repeat the inspection at intervals not to 
exceed 4,000 landings until the inspection required by paragraph (e) 
of this AD is accomplished.
    (d) For Model Avro 146-RJ series airplanes on which NLG part 
number 200876001 or 200876003 has been installed:
    (1) Prior to the accumulation of 4,000 total landings or within 
30 days after April 6, 1995 (the effective date of AD 95-04-06, 
Amendment 39-9158), whichever occurs later, conduct an eddy current 
or ultra high sensitivity penetrant inspection of the NLG, in 
accordance with British Aerospace Service Bulletin S.B. 32-131, 
dated December 6, 1991; Revision 1, dated November 12, 1992; 
Revision 2, dated July 10, 1993; or Revision 3, dated October 18, 
1995. Repeat the inspection thereafter at intervals not to exceed 
4,000 landings until the inspection required by paragraph (e) of 
this AD is accomplished.

    (2) If cracking is detected during any inspection required by this 
paragraph, prior to further flight, replace the currently installed NLG 
with a new or serviceable unit, or repair the crack, in accordance with 
a method approved by the Manager, Standardization Branch, ANM-113, FAA, 
Transport Airplane Directorate. After replacement or repair, repeat the 
inspection at intervals not to exceed 4,000 landings until the 
inspection required by paragraph (e) of this AD is accomplished.

New Requirements

    (e) For Model BAe 146 and Avro 146-RJ series airplanes on which 
NLG part number 200876001 or 200876003 has been installed: Within 
2,000 landings from the immediately preceding inspection conducted 
in accordance with paragraph (c) or (d) of this AD, or within 3 
months after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later, 
accomplish the following:
    (1) Conduct an eddy current or ultra high sensitivity penetrant 
inspection of the NLG, in accordance with British Aerospace Service 
Bulletin S.B. 32-131, Revision 3, dated October 18, 1995. Repeat the 
inspection thereafter at intervals not to exceed 2,000 landings. 
Accomplishment of this inspection terminates the requirements of 
paragraph (c) and (d) of this AD.

    Note 2: The British Aerospace service bulletin references a 
Messier-Dowty Service Bulletin 145-32-109, Revision 2, dated August 
2, 1995, as an additional source of service information.

    (2) If cracking is detected during any inspection required by 
this paragraph, prior to further flight, replace the currently 
installed NLG with a new or serviceable unit, or repair the crack, 
in accordance with a method approved by the Manager, Standardization 
Branch, ANM-113. After replacement or repair, repeat the inspection 
at intervals not to exceed 2,000 landings.
    (f) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the 
compliance time that provides an acceptable level of safety may be 
used if approved by the Manager, Manager, Standardization Branch, 
ANM-113, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate. Operators shall submit 
their requests through an appropriate FAA Principal Maintenance 
Inspector, who may add comments and then send it to the Manager, 
Standardization Branch, ANM-113.

    Note 3: Information concerning the existence of approved 
alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be 
obtained from the Standardization Branch, ANM-113.

    (g) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with 
sections 21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 
CFR 21.197 and 21.199) to operate the airplane to a location where 
the requirements of this AD can be accomplished.
    (h) The inspections shall be done in accordance with the 
following British Aerospace service bulletins:

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      Service bulletin number            Revision level                              Date                       
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S.B. 32-131........................  (Original)............  December 6, 1991.                                  
S.B. 32-131........................  Revision 1............  November 12, 1992.                                 
S.B. 32-131........................  Revision 2............  July 10, 1993.                                     
S.B. 32-131........................  Revision 3............  October 18, 1995.                                  
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    The incorporation by reference (IBR) of certain of these service 
bulletins was approved previously by the Director of the Federal 
Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51, as 
follows:

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  Service bulletin number/revision      IBR approval date                 Federal Register citation             
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S.B. 32-131, (original)............  January 12, 1993......  (57 FR 57883, December 8, 1992).                   
S.B. 32-131, Revision 1............  October 7, 1993.......  (58 FR 47036, September 7, 1993).                  
S.B. 32-131, Revision 2............  April 6, 1995.........  (60 FR 12413, March 7, 1995).                      
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    The incorporation by reference of British Aerospace Service 
Bulletin S.B. 32-131, Revision 3, dated October 18, 1995, is 
approved by the Director of the Federal Register in accordance with 
5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. Copies of any of these service 
bulletins

[[Page 12743]]

may be obtained from British Aerospace Holding, Inc., Avro 
International Aerospace Division, P.O. Box 16039, Dulles 
International Airport, Washington DC 20041-6039. Copies may be 
inspected at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind 
Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or at the Office of the Federal 
Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., Suite 700, Washington, DC.
    (i) This amendment becomes effective on April 21, 1997.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on March 11, 1997.
Darrell M. Pederson,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 97-6717 Filed 3-17-97; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U