Document ID: FAA-2022-1152-0001
Agency: faa
Document Type: Proposed Rule
Title: Airworthiness Directives: BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Airplanes
Posted Date: 2022-11-16T05:00Z

[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 220 (Wednesday, November 16, 2022)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 68644-68647]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2022-24840]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2022-1152; Project Identifier MCAI-2022-00260-T]
RIN 2120-AA64

Airworthiness Directives; BAE Systems (Operations) Limited 
Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) 
for certain BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Model Avro 146-RJ series 
airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by a report that certain 
inertial reference units (IRUs) have out-of-date magnetic variation 
(MagVar) tables. This proposed AD would require assessing the values 
between the MagVar tables of the affected IRUs and the most recently 
published MagVar data tables, and corrective actions if necessary. The 
FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these 
products.

DATES: The FAA must receive comments on this proposed AD by January 3, 
2023.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR 
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to 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: Deliver to Mail address above between 9 
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    For service information identified in this NPRM, 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 baesystems.com/Businesses/RegionalAircraft/index.htm. 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.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket at regulations.gov by searching for 
and locating Docket No. FAA-2022-1152; 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 NPRM, the mandatory 
continuing airworthiness information (MCAI), any comments received, and 
other information. The street address for Docket Operations is listed 
above.

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

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

    The FAA invites you to send any written relevant data, views, or 
arguments about this proposal. Send your comments to an address listed 
under ADDRESSES. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2022-1152; Project Identifier 
MCAI-2022-00260-T'' at the beginning of your comments. The most helpful 
comments reference a specific portion of the proposal, explain the 
reason for any recommended change, and include supporting data. The FAA 
will consider

[[Page 68645]]

all comments received by the closing date and may amend the proposal 
because of those comments.
    Except for Confidential Business Information (CBI) as described in 
the following paragraph, and other information as described in 14 CFR 
11.35, the FAA will post all comments received, without change, to 
regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. The 
agency will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal 
contact received about this NPRM.

Confidential Business Information

    CBI is commercial or financial information that is both customarily 
and actually treated as private by its owner. Under the Freedom of 
Information Act (FOIA) (5 U.S.C. 552), CBI is exempt from public 
disclosure. If your comments responsive to this NPRM contain commercial 
or financial information that is customarily treated as private, that 
you actually treat as private, and that is relevant or responsive to 
this NPRM, it is important that you clearly designate the submitted 
comments as CBI. Please mark each page of your submission containing 
CBI as ``PROPIN.'' The FAA will treat such marked submissions as 
confidential under the FOIA, and they will not be placed in the public 
docket of this NPRM. Submissions containing CBI should be sent to Todd 
Thompson, Aerospace Engineer, Large Aircraft Section, International 
Validation Branch, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; 
telephone: 206-231-3228; email [email protected]. Any commentary 
that the FAA receives which is not specifically designated as CBI will 
be placed in the public docket for this rulemaking.

Background

    The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), which is the aviation authority 
for the United Kingdom, has issued CAA AD G-2022-0005, dated February 
24, 2022 (CAA AD G 2022-0005) (also referred to after this as the 
MCAI), to correct an unsafe condition for Model AVRO 146-RJ airplanes 
equipped with Honeywell Inertial Reference Unit part number (P/N) 
HG2001BC02 or P/N HG2001BC04. You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket 
at regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2022-
1152.
    This proposed AD was prompted by a report that Honeywell IRUs, P/N 
HG2001BC02 and P/N HG2001BC04, have out-of-date MagVar tables. The 
navigation system for Model Avro 146-RJ series airplanes has an 
inertial reference system (IRS) that uses true north to calculate 
magnetic heading and track. The IRS includes IRUs with MagVar data 
tables that correct the heading/track for the effects of magnetic 
variation. Due to the change in the location of magnetic north over 
time, the level of IRS accuracy diminishes in certain geographical 
locations if an IRU's MagVar data table is not kept up to date with 
current WMM MagVar data tables. Consequently, certain airplanes may 
have IRUs with MagVar tables that are out of date, which can lead to 
inaccurate heading, course, and bearing calculations.
    The FAA is proposing this AD to address IRUs having outdated MagVar 
data tables, which could lead to inaccurate IRS calculations, possibly 
resulting in increased risk of controlled flight into terrain, or 
collision with another airplane and injury to occupants. See the MCAI 
for additional background information.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    BAE Systems has issued All Operator Message 21-011V-1, Issue 1, 
dated September 27, 2021. This service information describes, among 
other actions, procedures for assessing the accuracy of an affected 
IRU's MagVar data table when compared to the existing WMM MagVar data 
tables, and corrective actions if the MagVar is greater than 2 degrees. 
The corrective actions include either updating an affected IRU's MagVar 
data tables, or operating an airplane only if the terrain awareness 
warning system (TAWS) and traffic collision avoidance system (TCAS) are 
installed and operative and revising the operator's FAA-approved 
minimum equipment list (MEL) to prohibit dispatch unless both TAWS and 
TCAS are installed and operative. BAE Systems All Operator Message 21-
011V-1, Issue 1, dated September 27, 2021, also specifies that updating 
the data tables would terminate the MEL prohibition provided the 
airplane has operative TAWS and TCAS.
    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.

FAA's Determination

    This product has been approved by the aviation authority of another 
country, and is approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant 
to the FAA's bilateral agreement with the State of Design Authority, 
the FAA has been notified of the unsafe condition described in the MCAI 
and service information referenced above. The FAA is proposing this AD 
because the FAA evaluated all the relevant information and determined 
the unsafe condition described previously is likely to exist or develop 
on other products of the same type design.

Proposed AD Requirements in This NPRM

    This proposed AD would require accomplishing the actions specified 
in the service information already described, except as discussed under 
``Differences Between this Proposed AD and the MCAI.''

Differences Between This Proposed AD and the MCAI

    CAA AD G-2022-0005 requires operators to provide ``information for 
flight crew'' regarding procedures for operating in areas with known or 
suspected significant magnetic variation and a means for flight crews 
to report other suspected affected locations.'' However, this proposed 
AD would not specifically require those actions as they are already 
required by FAA 14 CFR part 91 regulations.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this AD, if adopted as proposed, would 
affect 10 airplanes of U.S. registry. The FAA estimates the following 
costs to comply with this proposed AD:

                                      Estimated Costs for Required Actions
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                                                                                     Cost per      Cost on U.S.
                           Labor cost                               Parts cost        product        operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 work-hour x $85 per hour = $85................................              $0             $85            $850
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[[Page 68646]]

    The FAA has received no definitive data on which to base the cost 
estimates for the on-condition actions specified in this proposed AD.

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 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) Would not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
    (3) Would 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 airworthiness 
directive:

BAE Systems (Operations) Limited: Docket No. FAA-2022-1152; Project 
Identifier MCAI-2022-00260-T.

(a) Comments Due Date

    The FAA must receive comments on this airworthiness directive 
(AD) by January 3, 2023.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Model Avro 
146-RJ70A, 146-RJ85A, and 146-RJ100A airplanes, certificated in any 
category, equipped with Honeywell inertial reference unit (IRU) part 
number (P/N) HG2001BC02 or P/N HG2001BC04.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 34, Navigation.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by a report that certain IRUs have out-of-
date magnetic variation (MagVar) tables. The FAA is issuing this AD 
to address IRUs having outdated MagVar lookup tables, which could 
lead to inaccurate inertial reference system calculations, possibly 
resulting in increased risk of controlled flight into terrain, or 
collision with another airplane and injury to occupants.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Definitions

    For the purpose of this AD, the following definitions apply:
    (1) Affected IRU: A Honeywell IRU having P/N HG2001BC02 using a 
MagVar lookup table from 1990, or P/N HG2001BC04 using a MagVar 
lookup table from 1995.
    (2) WMM: World Magnetic Model, which is the standard model for 
navigation, altitude, and heading referencing systems using the 
geomagnetic field. The WMM is produced at 5-year intervals. The 
existing WMM as of November 16, 2022 was released December 10, 2019.

(h) Magnetic Variation Assessment

    Within 3 months after the effective date of this AD, and 
thereafter at intervals not to exceed 5 years, assess the accuracy 
of an affected IRU's MagVar data table, in accordance with the 
Recommendations of BAE Systems All Operator Message 21-011V-1, Issue 
1, dated September 27, 2021.
    (1) If the difference between an affected IRU's MagVar data 
table and the existing WMM MagVar data tables is less than or equal 
to 2 degrees for the routes that the airplane may operate, no 
further action is required until the assessment is repeated, as 
required by the introductory text to paragraph (h) of this AD.
    (2) If the difference between an affected IRU's MagVar data 
table and the existing WMM MagVar data tables is greater than 2 
degrees for the routes that the airplane may operate: Do the actions 
required by paragraph (h)(2)(i) or (ii) of this AD.
    (i) Within three months after the effective date of this AD or 
before further flight after the assessment in the introductory text 
to paragraph (h) of this AD, whichever occurs later: Update the 
airplane's affected IRU MagVar data tables in accordance with the 
Recommendations of BAE Systems All Operator Message 21-011V-1, Issue 
1, dated September 27, 2021.
    (ii) Comply with the provisions specified in, and at the times 
specified in, paragraphs (h)(2)(ii)(A) and (B) of this AD.
    (A) Further flight is prohibited in areas where the difference 
between the installed and the existing WMM MagVar values exceeds the 
2 degree tolerance unless both terrain awareness warning system 
(TAWS) and traffic collision avoidance system (TCAS) are installed 
and operative.
    (B) Before further flight, revise the operator's existing FAA-
approved minimum equipment list (MEL) to prohibit dispatch unless 
both TAWS and TCAS are installed and operative.
    (3) If an affected IRU's MagVar data table cannot be determined, 
follow the procedures specified in the Recommendations of BAE 
Systems All Operator Message 21-011V-1, Issue 1, dated September 27, 
2021.
    (4) This AD does not require operators to provide flightcrews 
with certain operating procedures as those actions are already 
required by existing FAA operating regulations.

(i) Terminating Action for MEL Prohibition

    Updating both affected IRUs, as specified in paragraph (h)(2)(i) 
of this AD, terminates the MEL prohibition specified in paragraph 
(h)(2)(ii)(B) of this AD, provided both TAWS and TCAS are installed 
and operative.

(j) Other FAA AD Provisions

    The following provisions also apply to this AD:
    (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 (k)(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: As of the effective date of 
this AD, for any requirement in this AD to obtain instructions from 
a

[[Page 68647]]

manufacturer, the instructions must be accomplished using a method 
approved by the Manager, Large Aircraft Section, International 
Validation Branch, FAA; or the UK CAA; or BAE Systems (Operations) 
Limited's UK CAA DOA. If approved by the DOA, the approval must 
include the DOA-authorized signature.

(k) Related Information

    (1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information 
(MCAI) CAA AD G-2022-0005, dated February 24, 2022, for related 
information. This MCAI may be found in the AD docket on the internet 
at regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-
2022-1152.
    (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 
206-231-3228; email [email protected].
    (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 
[email protected]; internet baesystems.com/Businesses/RegionalAircraft/index.htm. 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.

    Issued on November 9, 2022.
Christina Underwood,
Acting Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2022-24840 Filed 11-15-22; 8:45 am]
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