[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 106 (Wednesday, June 3, 1998)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 30119-30121]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-14219]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 98-NM-43-AD; Amendment 39-10553; AD 98-11-28]
RIN 2120-AA64


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

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), 
applicable to certain British Aerospace Model BAe Avro 146-RJ series 
airplanes, that requires a one-time inspection of certain electrical 
wires in the electrical equipment bay to determine if ERMA terminal 
lugs are installed; and replacement with new parts, if necessary. This 
amendment is prompted by issuance of mandatory continuing airworthiness 
information by a foreign civil airworthiness authority. The actions 
specified by this AD are intended to prevent failure of the electrical 
circuit terminal lugs, which could result in electrical system failure, 
and consequent reduced controllability of the airplane.

DATES: Effective July 8, 1998.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of July 8, 1998.

ADDRESSES: The service information referenced in this AD may be 
obtained from AI(R) American Support, Inc., 13850 Mclearen Road, 
Herndon, Virginia 20171. This information may be

[[Page 30120]]

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: Norman B. Martenson, Manager, 
International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056; telephone (425) 
227-2110; fax (425) 227-1149.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: A proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal 
Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) to include an airworthiness 
directive (AD) that is applicable to certain British Aerospace Model 
BAe Avro 146-RJ series airplanes was published in the Federal Register 
on April 2, 1998 (63 FR 16175). That action proposed to require a one-
time inspection of certain electrical wires in the electrical equipment 
bay to determine if ERMA terminal lugs are installed; and replacement 
with new parts, if necessary.

Comments

    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

    The FAA estimates that 1 airplane of U.S. registry will be affected 
by this AD, that it will take approximately 4 work hours per airplane 
to accomplish the required inspection, and that the average labor rate 
is $60 per work hour. Based on these figures, the cost impact of this 
AD on the single U.S. operator is estimated to be $240.
    The cost impact figure discussed above is 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 adding the following new 
airworthiness directive:

98-11-28 British Aerospace Regional Aircraft (Formerly British 
Aerospace Regional Aircraft Limited, Avro International Aerospace 
Division; British Aerospace, PLC; British Aerospace Commercial 
Aircraft Limited): Amendment 39-10553. Docket 98-NM-43-AD.

    Applicability: Model BAe Avro 146-RJ85A series airplanes, serial 
numbers E2296, E2297, E2299, E2300, E2302, E2303, E2304, E2305, 
E2306, and E2307; and Model Avro 146-RJ100A series airplanes, serial 
numbers E3298, E3301, and E3308; 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 (c) 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 electrical circuit terminal lugs, 
which could result in electrical system failure, and consequent 
reduced controllability of the airplane, accomplish the following:
    (a) Within 6 months after the effective date of this AD, perform 
a one-time visual inspection of the electrical wires, having part 
numbers (P/N) MD0011N and MD0012N, in the electrical equipment bay 
and hydraulic equipment bay, to determine if any ERMA terminal lug 
having P/N ERMA 12115/2 is installed, in accordance with British 
Aerospace Service Bulletin SB.24-120, dated September 18, 1997. If 
any ERMA terminal lug is found, prior to further flight, remove the 
lug and replace with an AMP terminal lug having P/N AMP 323064, in 
accordance with the service bulletin.
    (b) As of the effective date of this AD, no person shall install 
an ERMA terminal lug, P/N ERMA 12115/2, on any airplane.
    (c) 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, International Branch, ANM-116, 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, International 
Branch, ANM-116.

    Note 2: Information concerning the existence of approved 
alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be 
obtained from the International Branch, ANM-116.

    (d) 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.
    (e) The inspection and replacement shall be done in accordance 
with British Aerospace Service Bulletin SB.24-120, dated September 
18, 1997. This incorporation by reference was approved by the 
Director of the Federal Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) 
and 1 CFR part 51. Copies may be obtained from AI(R) American 
Support, Inc., 13850 Mclearen Road, Herndon, Virginia 20171. 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.

    Note 3: The subject of this AD is addressed in British 
airworthiness directive 007-09-97.

    (f) This amendment becomes effective on July 8, 1998.


[[Page 30121]]


    Issued in Renton, Washington, on May 22, 1998.
Darrell M. Pederson,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 98-14219 Filed 6-2-98; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U