Document ID: FAA-2013-0924-0001
Agency: faa
Document Type: Proposed Rule
Title: Airworthiness Directives: B-N Group Ltd. Airplanes
Posted Date: 2013-10-30T04:00Z

[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 210 (Wednesday, October 30, 2013)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 64894-64896]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-25703]

 ========================================================================
 Proposed Rules
                                                 Federal Register
 ________________________________________________________________________
 
 This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains notices to the public of 
 the proposed issuance of rules and regulations. The purpose of these 
 notices is to give interested persons an opportunity to participate in 
 the rule making prior to the adoption of the final rules.
 
 ========================================================================
 

  Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 210 / Wednesday, October 30, 2013 / 
Proposed Rules  

[[Page 64894]]

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2013-0924; Directorate Identifier 2013-CE-032-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64

Airworthiness Directives; B-N Group Ltd. Airplanes

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

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for B-N 
Group Ltd. Models BN-2, BN-2A, BN-2A-2, BN-2A-3, BN-2A-6, BN-2A-8, BN-
2A-9, BN-2A-20, BN-2A-21, BN-2A-26, BN-2A-27, BN-2B-20, BN-2B-21, BN-
2B-26, BN-2B-27, BN2A MK. III, BN2A MK. III-2, and BN2A MK. III-3 
airplanes. This proposed AD results from mandatory continuing 
airworthiness information (MCAI) originated by an aviation authority of 
another country to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an 
aviation product. The MCAI describes the unsafe condition as damage of 
the cable sliding end assembly and installation of the incorrect end 
fitting on engine control cable assemblies. We are issuing this 
proposed AD to require actions to address the unsafe condition on these 
products.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by December 16, 
2013.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments by any of the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
     Fax: (202) 493-2251.
    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.
     Hand Delivery: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., 
Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    For service information identified in this proposed AD, contact 
Britten-Norman Aircraft Limited, Commodore House, Mountbatten Business 
Centre, Millbrook Road East, Southampton SO15 1HY, United Kingdom; 
telephone: +44 20 3371 4000; fax: +44 20 3371 4001; email: 
info@bnaircraft.com; Internet: http://www.britten-norman.com/customer-support/. You may review this referenced service information at the 
FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Kansas City, Missouri 
64106. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, 
call (816) 329-4148.

Examining the AD Docket

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

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Taylor Martin, Aerospace Engineer, 
FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas City, 
Missouri 64106; telephone: (816) 329-4138; fax: (816) 329-4090; email: 
taylor.martin@faa.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Comments Invited

    We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or 
arguments about this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address 
listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2013-0924; 
Directorate Identifier 2013-CE-032-AD'' at the beginning of your 
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this proposed AD. We 
will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend 
this proposed AD because of those comments.
    We will post all comments we receive, without change, to http://regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. We 
will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact we 
receive about this proposed AD.

Discussion

    The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical 
Agent for the Member States of the European Community, has issued EASA 
AD No.: 2013-0215, dated September 16, 2013 (referred to after this as 
``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for the specified 
products. The MCAI states:

    Britten-Norman Aircraft Limited has been made aware of two 
occurrences where a failure of engine control cable assemblies has 
caused engine control difficulties. In both reported cases, the 
cable sliding end assemblies were in poor condition and in both 
cases, an incorrect end-fitting was installed which may have 
contributed to the failures.
    This condition, if not detected and corrected, could result in 
reduced engine control, possibly resulting in reduced control of the 
aeroplane.
    To address this potential unsafe condition, Britten-Norman 
Aircraft have issued Service Bulletin (SB) 334 to provide inspection 
instructions.
    For the reason described above, this AD requires a one-time 
inspection and functional test of the engine control cables and, 
depending on findings, replacement of the cables.

    You may examine the MCAI on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating it in Docket No. FAA-
2013-0924.

Relevant Service Information

    Britten-Norman Aircraft Limited has issued Service Bulletin No. SB 
334, Issue 1, dated August 30, 2013. The actions described in this 
service information are intended to correct the unsafe condition 
identified in the MCAI.

FAA's Determination and Requirements of the Proposed AD

    This product has been approved by the aviation authority of another 
country, and is approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant 
to our bilateral agreement with this State of Design Authority, they 
have notified us of the unsafe condition described in the

[[Page 64895]]

MCAI and service information referenced above. We are proposing this AD 
because we evaluated all information and determined the unsafe 
condition exists and is likely to exist or develop on other products of 
the same type design.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD will affect 101 products of U.S. 
registry. We also estimate that it would take about 1 work-hour per 
product to comply with the basic requirements of this proposed AD. The 
average labor rate is $85 per work-hour.
    Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of the proposed AD on 
U.S. operators to be $8,585, or $85 per product.
    In addition, we estimate that any necessary follow-on actions would 
take about 10 work-hours and require parts costing $4,800 (4 per 
airplane), for a cost of $5,650 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 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) 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.

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 AD:

B-N Group Ltd.: Docket No. FAA-2013-0924; Directorate Identifier 
2013-CE-032-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by December 16, 2013.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to B-N Group Ltd. Models BN-2, BN-2A, BN-2A-2, 
BN-2A-3, BN-2A-6, BN-2A-8, BN-2A-9, BN-2A-20, BN-2A-21, BN-2A-26, 
BN-2A-27, BN-2B-20, BN-2B-21, BN-2B-26, BN-2B-27, BN2A MK. III, BN2A 
MK. III-2, and BN2A MK. III-3 airplanes, all serial numbers, 
certificated in any category.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association of America (ATA) Code 76: Engine 
Controls.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by mandatory continuing airworthiness 
information (MCAI) originated by an aviation authority of another 
country to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an aviation 
product. The MCAI describes the unsafe condition as damage of the 
cable sliding end assembly and installation of the incorrect end 
fitting on engine control cable assemblies. We are issuing this AD 
to detect and correct damage of the cable sliding end assembly 
(cracking, distortion, corrosion) and incorrect end fittings on the 
engine control assemblies, which could lead to reduced engine 
control with consequent loss of control.

(f) Actions and Compliance

    Unless already done, do the following actions:
    (1) Within the next 6 months after the effective date of this 
AD, do a one-time inspection of the engine control cable assemblies, 
part number (P/N) 137835, P/N 172449-1, P/N 17250, and P/N 172451, 
and surrounding areas for damage (cracking, distortion, corrosion) 
and correct cable end-fitting and to assure the wire locking is 
intact following section 6 ACTION of Britten-Norman Aircraft Limited 
Service Bulletin No. SB 334, Issue 1, dated August 30, 2013.
    (2) If no discrepancies are found during the inspection required 
in paragraph (f)(1) of this AD, inspect the control linkages for 
proper adjustment and, before further flight, make any necessary 
changes following section 6 ACTION of Britten-Norman Aircraft 
Limited Service Bulletin No. SB 334, Issue 1, dated August 30, 2013.
    (3) If any discrepancies are found during the inspection 
required in paragraph (f)(1) of this AD and/or the control linkages 
cannot be properly adjusted as specified in paragraph (f)(2) of this 
AD, before further flight, replace the engine control cable assembly 
with a serviceable unit following section 6 ACTION of Britten-Norman 
Aircraft Limited Service Bulletin No. SB 334, Issue 1, dated August 
30, 2013.
    (4) After the effective date of this AD, do not install on any 
airplane engine control cable assemblies, part number (P/N) 137835, 
P/N 172449-1, P/N 17250, and P/N 172451, unless they are new or have 
been inspected as required in paragraphs (f)(1) and (f)(2) of this 
AD and found free of any discrepancies and have proper adjustment.

(g) Other FAA AD Provisions

    The following provisions also apply to this AD:
    (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, 
Standards Office, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this 
AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. Send 
information to ATTN: Taylor Martin, Aerospace Engineer, FAA, Small 
Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas City, Missouri 
64106; telephone: (816) 329-4138; fax: (816) 329-4090; email: 
taylor.martin@faa.gov. Before using any approved AMOC on any 
airplane to which the AMOC applies, notify your appropriate 
principal inspector (PI) in the FAA Flight Standards District Office 
(FSDO), or lacking a PI, your local FSDO.
    (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.

(h) Related Information

    Refer to MCAI European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD No.: 
2013-0215, dated September 16, 2013, for related information. You 
may examine the MCAI on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov 
by searching for and locating it in Docket No. FAA-2013-

[[Page 64896]]

0924. For service information related to this AD, contact Britten-
Norman Aircraft Limited, Commodore House, Mountbatten Business 
Centre, Millbrook Road East, Southampton SO15 1HY, United Kingdom; 
telephone: +44 20 3371 4000; fax: +44 20 3371 4001; email: 
info@bnaircraft.com; Internet: http://www.britten-norman.com/customer-support/. You may review this referenced service 
information at the FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, 
Kansas City, Missouri 64106. For information on the availability of 
this material at the FAA, call (816) 329-4148.

    Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on October 23, 2013.
Earl Lawrence,
Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2013-25703 Filed 10-29-13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P