Document ID: FAA-2013-0924-0003
Agency: faa
Document Type: Rule
Title: Airworthiness Directives: B-N Group Ltd. Airplanes
Posted Date: 2014-02-25T05:00Z

[Federal Register Volume 79, Number 37 (Tuesday, February 25, 2014)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 10340-10342]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2014-03242]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2013-0924; Directorate Identifier 2013-CE-032-AD; 
Amendment 39-17755; AD 2014-03-18]
RIN 2120-AA64

Airworthiness Directives; B-N Group Ltd. Airplanes

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

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: We are adopting 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 AD results from mandatory continuing airworthiness 
information (MCAI) issued 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: This AD is effective April 1, 2014.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in the AD as of April 1, 
2014.

ADDRESSES: You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2013-
0924; or in person at Document Management Facility, 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 service information identified in this AD, contact Britten-
Norman Aircraft Limited, Commodore House,

[[Page 10341]]

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 view 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.

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:

Discussion

    We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR 
part 39 by adding an AD that would apply 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. That NPRM was 
published in the Federal Register on October 30, 2013 (78 FR 64894). 
That NPRM proposed 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.

    The MCAI can be found in the AD docket on the Internet at: http://www.regulations.gov/#!documentDetail;D=FAA-2013-0924-0002.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this AD. We received no comments on the NPRM (78 FR 64894, October 30, 
2013) or on the determination of the cost to the public.

Conclusion

    We reviewed the relevant data and determined that air safety and 
the public interest require adopting the AD as proposed except for 
minor editorial changes. We have determined that these minor changes:
     Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the 
NPRM (78 FR 64894, October 30, 2013) for correcting the unsafe 
condition; and
     Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was 
already proposed in the NPRM (78 FR 64894, October 30, 2013).

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD will affect 101 products of U.S. registry. 
We also estimate that it will take about 1 work-hour per product to 
comply with the basic requirements of this AD. The average labor rate 
is $85 per work-hour.
    Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of the AD on U.S. 
operators to be $8,585, or $85 per product.
    In addition, we estimate that any necessary follow-on actions will 
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 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 this AD:
    (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.

Examining the AD Docket

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

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

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

Adoption of 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 adding the following new AD:

2014-03-18 B-N Group Ltd.: Amendment 39-17755; Docket No. FAA-2013-
0924; Directorate Identifier 2013-CE-032-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective April 1, 
2014.

(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-

[[Page 10342]]

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 in paragraphs 
(f)(1) through (f)(4) of this AD:
    (1) Within the next 6 months after April 1, 2014 (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 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 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 Britten-Norman Aircraft Limited 
Service Bulletin No. SB 334, Issue 1, dated August 30, 2013.
    (4) After April 1, 2014 (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 in the AD docket on the Internet at: http://www.regulations.gov/#!documentDetail;D=FAA-2013-0924-0002.

(i) 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 the AD specifies otherwise.
    (i) Britten-Norman Aircraft Limited Service Bulletin No. SB 334, 
Issue 1, dated August 30, 2013.
    (ii) Reserved.
    (3) For service information identified in 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/.
    (4) You may view 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.
    (5) 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, call 202-741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on February 6, 2014.
Earl Lawrence,
Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2014-03242 Filed 2-24-14; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P