[Federal Register Volume 67, Number 180 (Tuesday, September 17, 2002)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 58544-58546]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 02-23514]
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Proposed Rules
Federal Register
________________________________________________________________________
This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains notices to the public of
the proposed issuance of rules and regulations. The purpose of these
notices is to give interested persons an opportunity to participate in
the rule making prior to the adoption of the final rules.
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Federal Register / Vol. 67, No. 180 / Tuesday, September 17, 2002 /
Proposed Rules
[[Page 58544]]
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 2002-CE-34-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Pilatus Britten-Norman Limited BN2T and
BN2T-4R Series Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
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SUMMARY: This document proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive
(AD) that would apply to all Pilatus Britten-Norman Limited (Pilatus
Britten-Norman) BN2T and BN2T-4R series airplanes. This proposed AD
would require you to repetitively inspect the left and right engine-
mounting frame for cracks and replace the frame if cracks are found.
This proposed AD is the result of mandatory continuing airworthiness
information (MCAI) issued by the airworthiness authority for the United
Kingdom. The actions specified by this proposed AD are intended to
detect and correct cracks in the left and right engine-mounting frame,
which could lead to engine mount failure. Such failure could result in
separation of the engine from the airplane.
DATES: The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) must receive any
comments on this proposed rule on or before October 21, 2002.
ADDRESSES: Submit comments to FAA, Central Region, Office of the
Regional Counsel, Attention: Rules Docket No. 2002-CE-34-AD, 901
Locust, Room 506, Kansas City, Missouri 64106. You may view any
comments at this location between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through
Friday, except Federal holidays. You may also send comments
electronically to the following address: [email protected].
Comments sent electronically must contain ``Docket No. 2002-CE-34-AD''
in the subject line. If you send comments electronically as attached
electronic files, the files must be formatted in Microsoft Word 97 for
Windows or ASCII text.
You may get service information that applies to this proposed AD
from Pilatus Britten-Norman Limited, Bembridge, Isle of Wight, United
Kingdom PO35 5PR; telephone: +44 (0) 1983 872511; facsimile: +44 (0)
1983 873246. You may also view this information at the Rules Docket at
the address above.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Doug Rudolph, Aerospace Engineer, FAA,
Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas City, Missouri
64106; telephone: (816) 329-4059; facsimile: (816) 329-4090.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
How Do I Comment on This Proposed AD?
The FAA invites comments on this proposed rule. You may submit
whatever written data, views, or arguments you choose. You need to
include the rule's docket number and submit your comments to the
address specified under the caption ADDRESSES. We will consider all
comments received on or before the closing date. We may amend this
proposed rule in light of comments received. Factual information that
supports your ideas and suggestions is extremely helpful in evaluating
the effectiveness of this proposed AD action and determining whether we
need to take additional rulemaking action.
Are There Any Specific Portions of This Proposed AD I Should Pay
Attention to?
The FAA specifically invites comments on the overall regulatory,
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this proposed rule that
might suggest a need to modify the rule. You may view all comments we
receive before and after the closing date of the rule in the Rules
Docket. We will file a report in the Rules Docket that summarizes each
contact we have with the public that concerns the substantive parts of
this proposed AD.
How Can I Be Sure FAA Receives My Comment?
If you want FAA to acknowledge the receipt of your mailed comments,
you must include a self-addressed, stamped postcard. On the postcard,
write ``Comments to Docket No. 2002-CE-34-AD.'' We will date stamp and
mail the postcard back to you.
Discussion
What Events Have Caused This Proposed AD?
The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), which is the airworthiness
authority for the United Kingdom, recently notified FAA that an unsafe
condition may exist on all Pilatus Britten-Norman BN2T and BN2T-4R
Series airplanes. The CAA reports that the manufacturer has reported
six occurrences of cracks in the left and right turbine engine-mounting
frame detected during routine inspections by operators of aircraft used
on parachute drop or pilot training operations.
What Are the Consequences if the Condition Is Not Corrected?
These cracks could lead to engine mount failure with consequent
separation of the engine from the airplane.
Is There Service Information That Applies to This Subject?
Britten-Norman has issued Service Bulletin No. SB 282, Issue 2,
dated June 1, 2002.
What Are The Provisions of This Service Information?
The service bulletin includes procedures for:
--Inspecting the left and right turbine engine-mount frame for cracks;
and
--Replacing the frame if cracks are found.
What Action Did the CAA Take?
The CAA classified this service bulletin as mandatory and issued
British AD Number 002-05-2002, not dated, in order to ensure the
continued airworthiness of these airplanes in the United Kingdom.
Was This In Accordance With the Bilateral Airworthiness Agreement?
These airplane models are manufactured in the United Kingdom and
are type certificated for operation in
[[Page 58545]]
the United States under the provisions of section 21.29 of the Federal
Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.29) and the applicable bilateral
airworthiness agreement.
Pursuant to this bilateral airworthiness agreement, the CAA has
kept FAA informed of the situation described above.
The FAA's Determination and an Explanation of the Provisions of This
Proposed AD
What Has FAA Decided?
The FAA has examined the findings of the CAA; reviewed all
available information, including the service information referenced
above; and determined that:
--The unsafe condition referenced in this document exists or could
develop on other Pilatus Britten-Norman BN2T and BN2T-4R series
airplanes of the same type design that are on the U.S. registry;
--The actions specified in the previously-referenced service
information should be accomplished on the affected airplanes; and
--AD action should be taken in order to correct this unsafe condition.
What Would This Proposed AD Require?
This proposed AD would require you to incorporate the actions in
the previously-referenced service bulletin.
Cost Impact
How Many Airplanes Would This Proposed AD Impact?
We estimate that this proposed AD affects 6 airplanes in the U.S.
registry.
What Would Be the Cost Impact of This Proposed AD on Owners/Operators
of the Affected Airplanes?
We estimate the following costs to accomplish each proposed
inspection:
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Total cost per
Labor cost Parts cost airplane Total cost on U.S. operators
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4 workhours x $60 per hour = No cost for parts................. $240 6 x $240 = $1,440
$240.
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We estimate the following costs to accomplish any necessary
replacements that would be required based on the results of the
proposed inspection. We have no way of determining the number of
airplanes that may need such replacement:
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Total cost per
Labor cost Parts cost airplane
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30 workhours x $60 per hour = $1,800 per $5,400 $7,200
frame..................................
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Regulatory Impact
Would This Proposed AD Impact Various Entities?
The regulations proposed herein 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. Therefore, it
is determined that this proposed rule would not have federalism
implications under Executive Order 13132.
Would This Proposed AD Involve a Significant Rule or Regulatory Action?
For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this proposed
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) if
promulgated, 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 copy of the draft regulatory
evaluation prepared for this action has been placed in the Rules
Docket. A copy of it may be obtained by contacting the Rules Docket at
the location provided under the caption ADDRESSES.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Safety.
The Proposed Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration proposes to amend
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.
Sec. 39.13 [Amended]
2. FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding a new airworthiness directive
(AD) to read as follows:
Pilatus Britten-Norman Limited: Docket No. 2002-CE-34-AD.
(a) What airplanes are affected by this AD? This AD affects
Models BN2T, and BN2T-4R airplanes, all serial numbers, that are
certificated in any category.
(b) Who must comply with this AD? Anyone who wishes to operate
any of the airplanes identified in paragraph (a) of this AD must
comply with this AD.
(c) What problem does this AD address? The actions specified by
this AD are intended to detect and correct cracks in the left and
right engine-mounting frame, which could lead to engine mount
failure. Such failure could result in separation of the engine from
the airplane.
(d) What actions must I accomplish to address this problem? To
address this problem, you must accomplish the following:
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Actions Compliance Procedures
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(1) Inspect the left and right Initially upon In accordance with
turbine engine-mounting frame, accumulating Britten-Norman
part number (P/N) NB-20-6853, 1,000 hours time- Service Bulletin
or FAA-approved equivalent part in-service (TIS) No. SB 282, Issue
number, for cracks. on the engine 2, dated June 1,
mounting frame or 2002.
within the next
50 hours TIS
after the
effective date of
this AD,
whichever occurs
later. If no
cracks are found
on the initial
inspection,
repetitively
inspect every 100
hours TIS.
[[Page 58546]]
(2) If cracks are found during Prior to further In accordance with
any inspection required in flight after the Britten-Norman
paragraph (d)(1) of this AD, inspection in Service Bulletin
replace the mounting frame with which any crack No. SB 282, Issue
a new frame, P/N NB-20-6853, or and/or damage is 2, dated June 1,
FAA-approved equivalent part found. After 2002.
number. installing the
new frame,
inspect as
required as
paragraph (d)(1)
of this AD.
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Note 1: When you replace the engine-mounting frame, this AD
requires you to inspect per paragraph (d)(1) of this AD upon
accumulating 1,000 hours TIS.
(e) Can I comply with this AD in any other way? You may use an
alternative method of compliance or adjust the compliance time if:
(1) Your alternative method of compliance provides an equivalent
level of safety; and
(2) The Standards Office Manager, Small Airplane Directorate,
approves your alternative. Submit your request through an FAA
Principal Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send
it to the Standards Office Manager.
Note 2: This AD applies to each airplane identified in paragraph
(a) of this AD, regardless of whether it has been modified, altered,
or repaired in the area subject to the requirements of this AD. For
airplanes that have been modified, altered, or repaired so that the
performance of the requirements of this AD is affected, the owner/
operator must request approval for an alternative method of
compliance in accordance with paragraph (e) of this AD. The request
should include an assessment of the effect of the modification,
alteration, or repair on the unsafe condition addressed by this AD;
and, if you have not eliminated the unsafe condition, specific
actions you propose to address it.
(f) Where can I get information about any already-approved
alternative methods of compliance? Contact Doug Rudolph, Aerospace
Engineer, FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Room 301,
Kansas City, Missouri 64106; telephone: (816) 329-4059; facsimile:
(816) 329-4090.
(g) What if I need to fly the airplane to another location to
comply with this AD? The FAA can issue a special flight permit under
sections 21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14
CFR 21.197 and 21.199) to operate your airplane to a location where
you can accomplish the requirements of this AD.
(h) How do I get copies of the documents referenced in this AD?
You may get copies of the documents referenced in this AD from
Pilatus Britten-Norman Limited, Bembridge, Isle of Wight, United
Kingdom PO35 5PR; telephone: +44 (0) 1983 872511; facsimile: +44 (0)
1983 873246. You may view these documents at FAA, Central Region,
Office of the Regional Counsel, 901 Locust, Room 506, Kansas City,
Missouri 64106.
Note 3: The subject of this AD is addressed in British AD 002-
05-2002, not dated.
Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on September 6, 2002.
Michael Gallagher,
Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 02-23514 Filed 9-16-02; 8:45 am]
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