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AGENCY:
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION:
Final rule.
SUMMARY:
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Model BAe 146 and Avro 146-RJ series airplanes. This AD was prompted by a report of cracking on the radius of the rib 0 forward longeron at a certain frame. This AD requires a one-time inspection for defects of the radius, and repair if necessary. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
DATES:
This AD is effective November 4, 2024.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of November 4, 2024.
ADDRESSES:
AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA-2024-1478; 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.
Material Incorporated by Reference:
- For BAE Systems material 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; emailRApublications@baesystems.com; website baesystems.com/en/our-company/our-businesses/regional-aircraft/about-us.
- You may view this material 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 atregulations.gov under Docket No. FAA-2024-1478.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Todd Thompson, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; telephone 206-231-3228; email todd.thompson@faa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
The FAA 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 and Avro 146-RJ series airplanes. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on June 6, 2024 (89 FR 48348). The NPRM was prompted by AD G-2023-0006, dated November 24, 2023 (referred to after this as the MCAI), issued by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), which is the aviation authority for the United Kingdom (UK). The MCAI states that an operator reported that during routine maintenance, cracking was found on the radius of the rib 0 forward longeron at frame 26. The cracking initiated close to a local blend in the radius. Failure of the rib 0 forward longeron could lead to structural failure of adjacent structure, leading to failure of the fuselage skin, and could result in rapid decompression and possible loss of the airplane.
In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to require a one-time inspection for defects of the radius, and repair if necessary. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA-2024-1478.
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
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 this State of Design Authority, it has notified the FAA of the unsafe condition described in the MCAI referenced above. The FAA reviewed the relevant data and determined that air safety requires adopting this AD as proposed. Accordingly, the FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on this product. 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.
Material Incorporated by Reference Under 1 CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Inspection Service Bulletin ISB.53-249, dated August 25, 2023. This material specifies procedures for performing a detailed inspection for any defects (rough edges, nicks, or visible cracking) and for any evidence of blending or undercutting of the radius and flanges of the rib 0 forward longeron at frame 26, performing a high frequency eddy current (HFEC) inspection of the radius of the rib 0 forward longeron at frame 26, and obtaining and following repair instructions. This material 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.
Interim Action
The FAA considers that this AD is an interim action. If final action is later identified, the FAA might consider further rulemaking then.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD affects 20 airplanes of U.S. registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:
Estimated Costs for Required Actions
| Labor cost | Parts cost | Cost per product | Cost on U.S. operators |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 work-hours × $85 per hour = $170 | $0 | $170 | $3,400 |