81 FR 18469 - Airworthiness Directives; BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Airplanes

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration

Federal Register Volume 81, Issue 62 (March 31, 2016)

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Model BAe 146 series airplanes and Model Avro 146-RJ series airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports of cracking of the main fitting of the nose landing gear (NLG) and a determination that a new safe-life limitation for affected NLG main fittings has not been mandated. This AD requires replacing affected NLG main fittings that have exceeded the safe-life limitation with a new or serviceable fitting. We are issuing this AD to prevent collapse of the NLG, which if not corrected, could lead to degradation of direction control on the ground or an un-commanded turn to the left, and a consequent loss of control of the airplane on the ground, possibly resulting in damage to the airplane and injury to occupants.

[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 62 (Thursday, March 31, 2016)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 18469-18471]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2016-07020]



[[Page 18469]]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2015-4212; Directorate Identifier 2015-NM-010-AD; 
Amendment 39-18451; AD 2016-07-06]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; BAE Systems (Operations) Limited 
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 all BAE 
Systems (Operations) Limited Model BAe 146 series airplanes and Model 
Avro 146-RJ series airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports of 
cracking of the main fitting of the nose landing gear (NLG) and a 
determination that a new safe-life limitation for affected NLG main 
fittings has not been mandated. This AD requires replacing affected NLG 
main fittings that have exceeded the safe-life limitation with a new or 
serviceable fitting. We are issuing this AD to prevent collapse of the 
NLG, which if not corrected, could lead to degradation of direction 
control on the ground or an un-commanded turn to the left, and a 
consequent loss of control of the airplane on the ground, possibly 
resulting in damage to the airplane and injury to occupants.

DATES: This AD becomes effective May 5, 2016.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of May 5, 2016.

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 http://www.baesystems.com/Businesses/RegionalAircraft/index.htm. You may view 
this 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. It is also 
available on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching 
for and locating Docket No. FAA-2015-4212.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2015-
4212; 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 AD, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and 
other information. The street address for the Docket Operations office 
(telephone 800-647-5527) is Docket 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.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Todd Thompson, Aerospace Engineer, 
International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 
1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-3356; telephone 425-227-1175; 
fax 425-227-1149.

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 all BAE Systems 
(Operations) Limited Model BAe 146 series airplanes and Model Avro 146-
RJ series airplanes. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on 
November 12, 2015 (80 FR 69903) (``the NPRM'').
    The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical 
Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued EASA 
Airworthiness Directive 2012-0191R1, dated November 6, 2012 (referred 
to after this as the Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or 
``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for all BAE Systems 
(Operations) Limited Model BAe 146 series airplanes and Model Avro 146-
RJ series airplanes. The MCAI states:

    Several occurrences of the aeroplane`s Nose Landing Gear (NLG) 
Main Fitting cracking have been reported. Subsequently in different 
cases, NLG Main Fitting crack lead to collapsed NLG, locked NLG 
steering and an aeroplane`s un-commanded steering to the left.
    Cracks in the NLG Bell Housing are not detectable with the NLG 
fitted to the aeroplane and are difficult to detect during overhaul 
without substantial disassembly of the gear.
    This condition, if not corrected, could lead to degradation of 
directional control on the ground or an un-commanded turn to the 
left and a consequent loss of control of the aeroplane on the 
ground, possibly resulting in damage to the aeroplane and injury to 
occupants.
    Prompted by these findings, BAE Systems (Operations) Ltd issued 
Inspection Service Bulletin (ISB) 32-186 (hereafter referred to as 
the ISB) to introduce a new safe life of 16,000 flight cycles (FC) 
for certain NLG main fittings, having a Part Number (P/N) as 
identified in Paragraph 1A, tables 1, 2 and 3 of the ISB.
    To correct this unsafe condition, EASA issued [EASA] AD 2012-
0191 to require implementation of the new safe-life limitation for 
the affected NLG main fittings and replacement of fittings that have 
already exceeded the new limit.
* * * * *
    You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2015-
4212.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this AD. We received no comments on the NPRM or on the determination of 
the cost to the public.

Conclusion

    We reviewed the available data and determined that air safety and 
the public interest require adopting this 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 for correcting the unsafe condition; and
     Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was 
already proposed in the NPRM.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    BAE Systems (Operations) Limited has issued Inspection Service 
Bulletin ISB.32-186, dated April 12, 2012. This service information 
describes procedures for reviewing airplane records to determine the 
part number for the NLG main fittings, and determining the compliance 
times for replacing the NLG main fittings, and replacing the fitting 
with a new or serviceable fitting. 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

    We estimate that this AD affects 4 airplanes of U.S. registry.
    We also estimate that it takes about 36 work-hours per product to 
comply with the basic requirements of this AD. The average labor rate 
is $85 per work-hour. Required parts will cost $81,000 per product. 
Based on these figures, we

[[Page 18470]]

estimate the cost of this AD on U.S. operators to be $336,240, or 
$84,060 per product.

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 that 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.

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 airworthiness 
directive (AD):

2016-07-06 BAE Systems (Operations) Limited: Amendment 39-18451. 
Docket No. FAA-2015-4212; Directorate Identifier 2015-NM-010-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD becomes effective May 5, 2016.

(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 
models, all serial numbers.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 05, Time Limits/
Maintenance Checks.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by reports of cracking of the main fitting 
of the nose landing gear (NLG) and a determination that a new safe-
life limitation for affected NLG main fittings has not been 
mandated. We are issuing this AD to prevent collapse of the NLG, 
which if not corrected, could lead to degradation of direction 
control on the ground or an uncommanded turn to the left, and a 
consequent loss of control of the airplane on the ground, possibly 
resulting in damage to the airplane and injury to occupants.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Repetitive Replacement of NLG Main Fitting

    At the applicable compliance time specified in paragraphs (g)(1) 
through (g)(4) of this AD: Replace each affected NLG main fitting, 
having a part number (P/N) as identified in paragraph 1.A, tables 
1., 2., and 3. of BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Inspection 
Service Bulletin ISB.32-186, dated April 12, 2012, in accordance 
with the Accomplishment Instructions of that BAE Systems 
(Operations) Limited Inspection Service Bulletin ISB.32-186, dated 
April 12, 2012. Thereafter, before the accumulation of 16,000 flight 
cycles on any affected NLG main fitting having a part number as 
identified in paragraph 1.A, tables 1., 2., and 3. of BAE Systems 
(Operations) Limited Inspection Service Bulletin ISB.32-186, dated 
April 12, 2012, replace each affected NLG main fitting, in 
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of that BAE Systems 
(Operations) Limited Inspection Service Bulletin ISB.32-186, dated 
April 12, 2012.
    (1) For NLG main fittings that have accumulated 29,000 flight 
cycles or more since first installation on an airplane: Within 12 
months after the effective date of this AD.
    (2) For NLG main fittings that have accumulated 20,000 flight 
cycles or more but less than 29,000 flight cycles since first 
installation on an airplane: Within 24 months after the effective 
date of this AD.
    (3) For NLG main fittings that have accumulated 16,000 flight 
cycles or more but less than 20,000 flight cycles since first 
installation on an airplane: Within 36 months after the effective 
date of this AD.
    (4) For NLG main fittings that have accumulated less than 16,000 
flight cycles since first installation on an airplane: Before 
accumulating 16,000 flight cycles since first installation on an 
airplane, or within 36 months after the effective date of this AD, 
whichever occurs later.

(h) Parts Installation Limitation

    As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install an 
NLG main fitting having a part number identified in paragraph 1.A., 
tables 1., 2., and 3., of BAE Systems (Operations) Limited 
Inspection Service Bulletin ISB.32-186, dated April 12, 2012, unless 
that fitting is in compliance with the requirements of this AD.

(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; telephone 425-227-1175; fax 425-227-1149. 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 local flight 
standards district office/certificate holding district office. The 
AMOC approval letter must specifically reference this AD.
    (2) Contacting the Manufacturer: For any requirement in this AD 
to obtain corrective actions from a manufacturer, the action must be 
accomplished using a method approved by the Manager, International 
Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA; or the 
European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA); or BAE Systems (Operations) 
Limited's EASA Design Organization Approval (DOA). If approved by 
the DOA, the approval must include the DOA-authorized signature.

(j) Related Information

    Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information (MCAI) 
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2012-0191R1, dated November 6, 2012, 
for related information. This MCAI may be found in the AD docket on 
the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov

[[Page 18471]]

by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2015-4212.

(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.
    (i) BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Inspection Service Bulletin 
ISB.32-186, dated April 12, 2012.
    (ii) Reserved.
    (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 http://www.baesystems.com/Businesses/RegionalAircraft/index.htm.
    (4) You may view this 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.
    (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 Renton, Washington, on March 20, 2016.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2016-07020 Filed 3-30-16; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P