Airworthiness Directives; BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Model BAe 146 Series Airplanes

AGENCY:

Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION:

Final rule.

SUMMARY:

This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to all BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Model BAe 146 series airplanes, that requires repetitive general visual inspections of the inside of the condenser regenerative air ducts, air cycle machine turbine outlet, and the jet pump ducts on each air conditioning pack to detect oil and/or oil breakdown products leaking from the engine(s) or auxiliary power unit (APU). This AD also requires further inspections and replacement of any affected engine, APU, or component with a serviceable part, if necessary. This action is necessary to prevent impairment of the operational skills and abilities of the flightcrew caused by oil or oil breakdown products in the cabin air, which could result in reduced controllability of the airplane. This action is intended to address the identified unsafe condition.

DATES:

Effective April 14, 2004.

The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as of April 14, 2004.

ADDRESSES:

The service information referenced in this AD may be obtained from British Aerospace Regional Aircraft American Support, 13850 Mclearen Road, Herndon, Virginia 20171. This information may be examined at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, Rules Docket, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Todd Thompson, Aerospace Engineer, International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056; telephone (425) 227-1175; fax (425) 227-1149.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

A proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) to include an airworthiness directive (AD) that is applicable to all BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Model BAe 146 series airplanes was published in the Federal Register on December 24, 2003 (68 FR 74532). That action proposed to require repetitive general visual inspections of the inside of the condenser regenerative air ducts, air cycle machine turbine outlet, and the jet pump ducts on each air conditioning pack to detect oil and/or oil breakdown products leaking from the engine(s) or auxiliary power unit (APU). That action also proposed to require further inspections and replacement of any affected engine, APU, or component with a serviceable part, if necessary.

Comments

Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate in the making of this amendment. No comments have been submitted on the proposed AD or on the determination of the cost to the public.

Conclusion

The FAA has carefully reviewed the available data and determined that air safety and the public interest require the adoption of the rule as proposed.

Interim Action

We consider this AD to be interim action. If final action is later identified, we may consider further rulemaking then.

Cost Impact

The FAA estimates that 20 airplanes of U.S. registry will be affected by this AD, that it will take approximately 2 work hours per airplane to accomplish the required actions, and that the average labor rate is $65 per work hour. Based on these figures, the cost impact of the AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be $2,600, or $130 per airplane, per inspection cycle.

The cost impact figure discussed above is based on assumptions that no operator has yet accomplished any of the requirements of this AD action, and that no operator would accomplish those actions in the future if this AD were not adopted. The cost impact figures discussed in AD rulemaking actions represent only the time necessary to perform the specific actions actually required by the AD. These figures typically do not include incidental costs, such as the time required to gain access and close up, planning time, or time necessitated by other administrative actions.

Regulatory Impact

The regulations adopted herein 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. Therefore, it is determined that this final rule does not have federalism implications under Executive Order 13132.

For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this action (1) is not a “significant regulatory action” under Executive Order 12866; (2) is not a “significant rule” under DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); and (3) 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. A final evaluation has been prepared for this action and it is contained in the Rules Docket. A copy of it may be obtained from the Rules Docket at the location provided under the caption ADDRESSES.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

• Air transportation
• Aircraft
• Aviation safety
• Incorporation by reference
• Safety

Adoption of the Amendment

Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration amends part 39 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) as follows:

PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:

Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.

2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding the following new airworthiness directive:

2004-05-11 BAE Systems (Operations) Limited (Formerly British Aerospace Regional Aircraft): Amendment 39-13506. Docket 2001-NM-148-AD.

Applicability: All Model BAe 146 series airplanes, certificated in any category.

Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished previously.

To prevent impairment of the operational skills and abilities of the flightcrew caused by oil or oil breakdown products in the cabin air, which could result in reduced controllability of the airplane, accomplish the following:

Service Bulletin Reference

(a) The following information pertains to the service bulletin referenced in this AD:

(1) The term “service bulletin,” as used in this AD, means the Accomplishment Instructions of BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Inspection Service Bulletin ISB.21-150, Revision 2, dated October 24, 2002.

(2) Inspections and corrective actions accomplished before the effective date of this AD per BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Inspection Service Bulletin ISB.21-150, dated March 20, 2001; or BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Inspection Service Bulletin ISB.21-150, Revision 1, dated January 29, 2002; are acceptable for compliance with the corresponding actions required by this AD.

Initial Inspection

(b) Within 500 flight cycles after the effective date of this AD: Perform a general visual inspection of the inside of both the condenser regenerative air ducts, air cycle machine turbine outlet, and the jet pump ducts on each air conditioning pack for the presence of oil contamination, per the service bulletin.

Note 1:

For the purposes of this AD, a general visual inspection is defined as: “A visual examination of an interior or exterior area, installation, or assembly to detect obvious damage, failure, or irregularity. This level of inspection is made from within touching distance unless otherwise specified. A mirror may be necessary to enhance visual access to all exposed surfaces in the inspection area. This level of inspection is made under normally available lighting conditions such as daylight, hangar lighting, flashlight, or droplight and may require removal or opening of access panels or doors. Stands, ladders, or platforms may be required to gain proximity to the area being checked.”

Repetitive Inspections

(c) If no oil contamination is found during the inspection required by paragraph (b) of this AD: Repeat the inspection at intervals not to exceed 500 flight cycles in accordance with the service bulletin.

Detailed Inspection and Replacement

(d) If any oil contamination is found during the inspection required by paragraph (b) of this AD: Before further flight, perform a detailed inspection of any affected engine, APU, or component of the engine(s) or APU to determine the cause of the oil contamination per the service bulletin.

(1) If the cause of the oil contamination is found: Except as provided by paragraph (f) of this AD, before further flight, remove any affected engine, APU, or component and replace it with a serviceable part in accordance the service bulletin. Repeat the general visual inspection required by paragraph (b) of this AD at intervals not to exceed 500 flight cycles in accordance with the service bulletin.

(2) If the cause of the oil contamination is not found, repeat the inspection required by paragraph (b) of this AD at intervals not to exceed 50 flight cycles in accordance with the service bulletin.

Note 2:

For the purposes of this AD, a detailed inspection is defined as: “An intensive visual examination of a specific structural area, system, installation, or assembly to detect damage, failure, or irregularity. Available lighting is normally supplemented with a direct source of good lighting at intensity deemed appropriate by the inspector. Inspection aids such as mirror, magnifying lenses, etc., may be used. Surface cleaning and elaborate access procedures may be required.”

Inspection and Repair Following Air Quality Problems

(e) If any cabin air quality problem, whether intermittent or persistent, is reported that is suspected of being associated with oil contamination of the air supply from the environmental control system packs: Before further flight, perform the detailed inspection and any necessary corrective action required by paragraph (d) of this AD in accordance with the service bulletin.

Continued Operation Without Replacement

(f) Airplanes may be operated without accomplishing the replacement(s) required by paragraph (d)(1) of this AD under the conditions described in paragraphs 2.E.(1), 2.E.(2), and 2.E.(3) of the service bulletin, and in accordance with the provisions and limitations specified in the operator's Master Minimum Equipment List. Repeat the inspection required by paragraph (b) of this AD at intervals not to exceed 500 flight cycles in accordance with the service bulletin.

Parts Installation

(g) As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install on any airplane an engine, APU, or component that has been removed per paragraph (d)(1) of this AD, unless it has been cleaned in accordance with paragraph 2.H. of the service bulletin.

No Reporting Requirements

(h) Although the service bulletin referenced in this AD specifies to submit certain information to the manufacturer, this AD does not include such a requirement.

Alternative Methods of Compliance

(i) In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, is authorized to approve alternative methods of compliance for this AD.

Incorporation by Reference

(j) The actions shall be done in accordance with BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Inspection Service Bulletin ISB.21-150, Revision 2, dated October 24, 2002. This incorporation by reference was approved by the Director of the Federal Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. Copies may be obtained from British Aerospace Regional Aircraft American Support, 13850 Mclearen Road, Herndon, Virginia 20171. Copies may be inspected at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC.

Note 3:

The subject of this AD is addressed in British airworthiness directive 002-03-2001, dated March 21, 2001.

Effective Date

(k) This amendment becomes effective on April 14, 2004.