Document ID: FAA-2013-0631-0001
Agency: faa
Document Type: Proposed Rule
Title: Airworthiness Directives: BAE SYSTEMS (OPERATIONS) LIMITED Airplanes
Posted Date: 2013-07-31T04:00Z

[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 147 (Wednesday, July 31, 2013)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 46301-46303]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-18387]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2013-0631; Directorate Identifier 2012-NM-142-AD]
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: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all 
BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Model BAe 146 and Avro 146-RJ series 
airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by a report of a cracked pick-
up bracket of the forward outboard pylon of the number 1 engine due to 
stress corrosion. This proposed AD would require repetitive inspections 
and, depending on findings, repair of the pylon pick-up brackets. We 
are proposing this AD to detect and correct cracking of the pick-up 
bracket, which could result in the engine pylon separating from the 
wing, with consequent damage to the airplane and reduced 
controllability.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by September 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, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday 
through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    For service information identified in this proposed 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 
RApublications@baesystems.com; Internet http://www.baesystems.com/Businesses/RegionalAircraft/index.htm. You may review copies of the 
referenced service information at the FAA, Transport Airplane 
Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For information on the 
availability of this material at the FAA, call 425-227-1221.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov; or in person at the Docket Operations office 
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 Operations 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: Todd Thompson, Aerospace Engineer, 
International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 
1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-3356; phone: (425)-1175; fax: 
(425)-1149.

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-2013-0631; 
Directorate Identifier 2012-NM-142-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 based on those comments.
    We will post all comments we receive, without change, to http://www.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 
Airworthiness Directive 2012-0136, dated July 20, 2012 (referred to 
after this as the Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or 
``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for the specified 
products. The MCAI states:

    While carrying out a scheduled environmental inspection, an 
operator found

[[Page 46302]]

a cracked number 1 engine forward outboard pylon pick-up bracket. 
Cracks were present on the upper flange of the bracket running 
between all 3 attachment bolt holes. Subsequent investigation 
revealed that the cause of cracking was stress corrosion. Cracking 
of the pylon pick-up brackets at the top and bottom flanges could 
reduce the capability of the brackets to support the ultimate 
sideload, particularly if cracking is present on more than one 
flange.
    This condition, if not detected and corrected, could result in 
the engine pylon separation from the wing, likely resulting in 
damage to [and controllability of] the aeroplane and possible injury 
to persons on the ground.
* * * * *
    For reasons described above, this AD requires the inspection 
and, depending on findings, repair of the affected pylon pick-up 
brackets.

The inspection includes a special detailed inspection with a 
videoscope. Corrective actions can include replacing any affected pylon 
pick-up brackets, and doing any follow-on skin repairs. You may obtain 
further information by examining the MCAI in the AD docket.

Relevant Service Information

    BAE Systems (Operations) Limited has issued Inspection Service 
Bulletin ISB.57-073, Revision 1, dated January 27, 2012; and Revision 
2, dated March 8, 2012. The actions described in this service 
information are intended to correct the unsafe condition identified in 
the MCAI.

FAA's Determination and Requirements of This 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 the State of Design Authority, we have 
been notified of the unsafe condition described in the MCAI and service 
information referenced above. We are proposing this AD because we 
evaluated all pertinent information and determined an unsafe condition 
exists and is likely to exist or develop on other products of the same 
type design.

Costs of Compliance

    Based on the service information, we estimate that this proposed AD 
would affect about 1 product of U.S. registry. We also estimate that it 
would take about 2 work-hours 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 $170, or $170 per product.
    We have received no definitive data that would enable us to provide 
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.
    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.
    We prepared a regulatory evaluation of the estimated costs to 
comply with this proposed AD and placed it in the AD docket.

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:

BAE Systems (Operations) Limited: Docket No. FAA-2013-0631; 
Directorate Identifier 2012-NM-142-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by September 16, 2013.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Model BAe 
146-100A, -200A, and -300A airplanes; and Model Avro 146-RJ70A, 146-
RJ85A, and 146-RJ100A airplanes; certificated in any category, all 
serial numbers.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 57, Wings.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by a report of a cracked pick-up bracket of 
the forward outboard pylon of the number 1 engine due to stress 
corrosion. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct cracking of 
the pick-up bracket, which could result in the engine pylon 
separating from the wing, with consequent damage to the airplane and 
reduced controllability.

(f) Compliance

    You are responsible for having the actions required by this AD 
performed within the compliance times specified, unless the actions 
have already been done.

(g) Repetitive Inspections

    (1) Within the initial compliance time specified in paragraphs 
(g)(1)(i) and (g)(1)(ii) of this AD, as applicable, and thereafter 
at intervals not to exceed 24 months: Do a special detailed 
inspection with a videoscope of the flanges of the Rib 10 forward 
pylon pick-up bracket of each engine pylon for cracking, corrosion, 
and other defects, in accordance with the Accomplishment 
Instructions of BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Inspection Service 
Bulletin ISB.57-073, Revision 1, dated January 27, 2012; or Revision 
2, dated March 8, 2012.
    (i) Within 6 months after the effective date of this AD, except 
as provided by paragraph (g)(1)(ii) of this AD.
    (ii) For airplanes on which a maintenance records check 
positively determines that both forward pylon pick-up brackets have 
been replaced since first flight of the airplane: Within 20 months 
after the effective date of this AD.
    (2) If, during any inspection required by paragraph (g)(1) of 
this AD, any cracking,

[[Page 46303]]

corrosion or other defect of any Rib 10 forward pylon pick-up 
bracket is found: Before further flight, repair or replace the 
bracket as specified in paragraph (g)(2)(i) or (g)(2)(ii) of this 
AD.
    (i) Repair a bracket in accordance with the Accomplishment 
Instructions of BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Inspection Service 
Bulletin ISB.57-073, Revision 1, dated January 27, 2012; or Revision 
2, dated March 8, 2012.
    (ii) Replace a bracket using a method approved by either the 
Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane 
Directorate, FAA; or the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) (or 
its delegated agent).
    (3) Repairing or replacing a Rib 10 forward pylon pick-up 
bracket, as required by paragraph (g)(2) of this AD, does not 
terminate the repetitive inspections required by paragraph (g)(1) of 
this AD.

(h) Credit for Previous Actions

    This paragraph provides credit for actions required by paragraph 
(g) of this AD, if the actions were performed before the effective 
date of this AD using BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Inspection 
Service Bulletin ISB.57-073, dated September 6, 2010.

(i) Other FAA AD Provisions

    The following provisions also apply to this AD:
    (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, 
International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, 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 local Flight 
Standards District Office, as appropriate. If sending information 
directly to the International Branch, send it to ATTN: Todd 
Thompson, Aerospace Engineer, International Branch, ANM-116, 
Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, 
WA 98057-3356; phone: (425) 227-1175; fax: (425) 227-1149. 
Information may be emailed to: 9-ANM-116-AMOC-REQUESTS@faa.gov. 
Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate principal 
inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager of the 
local flight standards district office/certificate holding district 
office. The AMOC approval letter must specifically reference this 
AD.
    (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.

(j) Related Information

    (1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information 
European Aviation Safety Agency Airworthiness Directive 2012-0136, 
dated July 20, 2012, for related information.
    (2) 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 
RApublications@baesystems.com; Internet http://www.baesystems.com/Businesses/RegionalAircraft/index.htm. You may review copies of the 
referenced service information at the FAA, Transport Airplane 
Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For information on 
the availability of this material at the FAA, call 425-227-1221.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on July 21, 2013.
Stephen P. Boyd,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2013-18387 Filed 7-30-13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P