Document ID: FAA-2022-0461-0003
Agency: faa
Document Type: Rule
Title: Airworthiness Directives: BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Airplanes
Posted Date: 2022-07-14T04:00Z

[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 134 (Thursday, July 14, 2022)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 42061-42063]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2022-14971]

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 Rules and Regulations
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  Federal Register / Vol. 87, No. 134 / Thursday, July 14, 2022 / Rules 
and Regulations  

[[Page 42061]]

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2022-0461; Project Identifier MCAI-2021-01156-T; 
Amendment 39-22113; AD 2022-14-08]
RIN 2120-AA64

Airworthiness Directives; BAE Systems (Operations) Limited 
Airplanes

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

ACTION: Final rule.

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

SUMMARY: The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2008-16-
06, which applied to all BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Model 4101 
airplanes. AD 2008-16-06 required the installation of additional 
bonding leads, inspection of existing bonding leads for defects, 
inspection of fuel system pipe runs in the wings to ensure appropriate 
clearances are maintained, and corrective actions. This AD continues to 
require the actions in AD 2008-16-06, and adds a requirement to install 
additional bonding leads around the crossfeed valve and accomplish a 
resistance check. This AD was prompted by a report that there is 
insufficient bonding of the crossfeed valve in the fuel tank area. The 
FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these 
products.

DATES: This AD is effective August 18, 2022.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of August 18, 
2022.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain other publication listed in this AD as of 
September 9, 2008 (73 FR 45346, August 5, 2008).

ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule, 
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 [email protected]; internet https://www.baesystems.com/Businesses/RegionalAircraft/index.htm. You may view 
this referenced service information 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 https://www.regulations.gov 
by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2022-0461.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket at https://www.regulations.gov by 
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2022-0461; 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.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Todd Thompson, Aerospace Engineer, 
Large Aircraft Section, International Validation Branch, FAA, 2200 
South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone and fax 206-231-3228; 
email [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

    The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), which is the aviation authority 
for the United Kingdom, has issued CAA AD G-2021-0013, dated October 
21, 2021 (also referred to as the MCAI), to correct an unsafe condition 
for all BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Model 4101 airplanes. You may 
examine the MCAI in the AD docket at https://www.regulations.gov by 
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2022-0461.
    The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 
CFR part 39 to supersede AD 2008-16-06, Amendment 39-15624 (73 FR 
45346, August 5, 2008) (AD 2008-16-06). AD 2008-16-06 applied to all 
BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Model 4101 airplanes. The NPRM 
published in the Federal Register on April 20, 2022 (87 FR 23474). The 
NPRM was prompted by a report that there is insufficient bonding of the 
crossfeed valve in the fuel tank area. The NPRM proposed to continue to 
require the actions in AD 2008-16-06, and add a requirement to install 
additional bonding leads around the crossfeed valve and accomplish a 
resistance check. The FAA is issuing this AD to address insufficient or 
defective bonding in the fuel tank area, which, if not corrected, could 
lead to ignition of fuel vapors and subsequent fuel tank explosion. See 
the MCAI for additional background information.

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

    The FAA reviewed the relevant data and determined that air safety 
requires adopting this AD as proposed. 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. Accordingly, 
the FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these 
products.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    BAE Systems (Operations) Limited has issued Service Bulletin J41-
28-013, Revision 2, dated July 8, 2019. This service information 
describes procedures for installation of additional bonding leads on 
components within the dry bay at Rib 1 on the airplane centerline and 
below the fuselage (around the crossfeed valve), a resistance check, an 
inspection of existing bonding leads for defects, an inspection for 
clearance of all fuel system pipe runs in the wings, and corrective 
actions, as necessary. Corrective actions include replacing any 
defective bonding leads and adjusting clearances of the fuel system 
pipe runs.
    This AD also requires BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Service 
Bulletin

[[Page 42062]]

J41-28-013, Revision 1, dated January 10, 2008, which the Director of 
the Federal Register approved for incorporation by reference as of 
September 9, 2008 (73 FR 45346, August 5, 2008).
    This service information is reasonably available because the 
interested parties have access to it through their normal course of 
business or by the means identified in the ADDRESSES section.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this AD affects 12 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.
                  Action                            Labor cost           Parts cost    product       operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Retained actions from AD 2008-16-06......  80 work-hours x $85 per           $1,700       $8,500        $102,000
                                            hour = $6,800.
New actions..............................  2 work-hours x $85 per hour        1,700        1,870          22,440
                                            = $170.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                 Estimated Costs of On-Condition Actions
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                             Cost per
              Labor cost                   Parts cost        product
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 work-hour x $85 per hour = $85......              $0              $85
------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

    The FAA 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) 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:
0
a. Removing Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2008-16-06, Amendment 39-15624 
(73 FR 45346, August 5, 2008); and
0
b. Adding the following new AD:

2022-14-08 BAE Systems (Operations) Limited: Amendment 39-22113; 
Docket No. FAA-2022-0461; Project Identifier MCAI-2021-01156-T.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective August 18, 2022.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD replaces AD 2008-16-06, Amendment 39-15624 (73 FR 45346, 
August 5, 2008) (AD 2008-16-06).

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Model 4101 
airplanes, certificated in any category, all serial numbers.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 28, Fuel.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by a report that there is insufficient 
bonding of the crossfeed valve in the fuel tank area. The FAA is 
issuing this AD to address insufficient or defective bonding in the 
fuel tank area, which, if not corrected, could lead to ignition of 
fuel vapors and subsequent fuel tank explosion.

(f) Compliance

    Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, 
unless already done.

(g) Retained Actions, With Revised Service Information

    This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (f) of AD 
2008-16-06, with revised service information. Within 24 months after 
September 9, 2008 (the effective date of AD 2008-16-06), unless 
already done, do the actions specified in paragraphs (g)(1) through 
(3) of this AD.
    (1) Inspect the bonding leads between ribs 1 and 9, and between 
ribs 16 and 19, in the left-hand (LH) and right-hand (RH) wings in 
accordance with paragraph 2.B.(2) of the Accomplishment Instructions 
of BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Service Bulletin J41-28-013, 
Revision 1, dated January 10, 2008; or BAE Systems (Operations) 
Limited Service Bulletin J41-28-013, Revision 2, dated July 8, 2019; 
and, before next flight, replace all defective bonding leads with 
airworthy parts in accordance with BAE Systems (Operations) Limited 
Service Bulletin J41-28-013, Revision 1, dated January 10, 2008; or 
BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Service Bulletin J41-28-013, 
Revision 2, dated July 8, 2019. As of the effective date of this AD, 
BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Service Bulletin J41-28-013, 
Revision 2, dated July 8, 2019, must be used for the actions 
required by this paragraph.
    (2) Inspect all fuel system pipe runs inside the LH and RH wings 
in accordance with paragraph 2.B.(3) of the Accomplishment 
Instructions of BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Service Bulletin 
J41-28-013,

[[Page 42063]]

Revision 1, dated January 10, 2008; or BAE Systems (Operations) 
Limited Service Bulletin J41-28-013, Revision 2, dated July 8, 2019; 
and, if incorrect clearances are found, before next flight, adjust 
clearances in accordance with BAE Systems (Operations) Limited 
Service Bulletin J41-28-013, Revision 1, dated January 10, 2008; or 
BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Service Bulletin J41-28-013, 
Revision 2, dated July 8, 2019. As of the effective date of this AD, 
BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Service Bulletin J41-28-013, 
Revision 2, dated July 8, 2019, must be used for the actions 
required by this paragraph.
    (3) Install additional electrical bonding of components within 
the LH and RH wings in accordance with paragraphs 2.B.(4) through 
2.B.(15) of the Accomplishment Instructions of BAE Systems 
(Operations) Limited Service Bulletin J41-28-013, Revision 1, dated 
January 10, 2008; or paragraphs 2.B.(4) and 2.B.(6) through 2.B.(16) 
inclusive of BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Service Bulletin J41-
28-013, Revision 2, dated July 8, 2019. As of the effective date of 
this AD, BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Service Bulletin J41-28-
013, Revision 2, dated July 8, 2019, must be used for the actions 
required by this paragraph.

(h) New Requirement of This AD: Replace Bolts and Washers Securing 
Crossfeed Valve

    Within 24 months after the effective date of this AD, install 
additional bonding leads on components within the dry bay at Rib 1 
on the airplane centerline and below the fuselage (around the 
crossfeed valve) and perform a resistance check in accordance with 
paragraph 2.B.(5) of BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Service 
Bulletin J41-28-013, Revision 2, dated July 8, 2019.

(i) Other FAA AD Provisions

    (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, 
Large Aircraft Section, 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 Large Aircraft Section, International Validation Branch, send it 
to the attention of the person identified in paragraph (j)(2) of 
this AD. Information may be emailed to: [email protected]. 
Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate 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, Large Aircraft 
Section, International Validation Branch, FAA; or the Civil Aviation 
Authority (CAA); or BAE Systems (Operations) Limited's CAA Design 
Organization Approval (DOA). If approved by the DOA, the approval 
must include the DOA-authorized signature.

(j) Related Information

    (1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information 
(MCAI) CAA AD G-2021-0013, dated October 21, 2021, for related 
information. This MCAI may be found in the AD docket at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-
2022-0461.
    (2) For more information about this AD, contact Todd Thompson, 
Aerospace Engineer, Large Aircraft Section, International Validation 
Branch, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone 
and fax 206-231-3228; email [email protected].
    (3) Service information identified in this AD that is not 
incorporated by reference is available at the addresses specified in 
paragraphs (k)(5) and (6) of this AD.

(k) Material Incorporated by Reference

    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference (IBR) of the service information listed 
in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
    (2) You must use this service information as applicable to do 
the actions required by this AD, unless this AD specifies otherwise.
    (3) The following service information was approved for IBR on 
August 18, 2022.
    (i) BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Service Bulletin J41-28-
013, Revision 2, dated July 8, 2019.
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (4) The following service information was approved for IBR on 
September 9, 2008 (73 FR 45346, August 5, 2008).
    (i) BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Service Bulletin J41-28-
013, Revision 1, dated January 10, 2008.
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (5) 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 
[email protected]; internet https://www.baesystems.com/Businesses/RegionalAircraft/index.htm.
    (6) You may view this service information 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.
    (7) You may view this service information that is incorporated 
by reference at the National Archives and Records Administration 
(NARA). For information on the availability of this material at 
NARA, email [email protected], or go to: https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued on June 27, 2022.
Christina Underwood,
Acting Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2022-14971 Filed 7-13-22; 8:45 am]
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